TOP — 15 Travel Books
Are you guys going somewhere or just going? We didn't understand the question, and it was a damn good question. (c) Jack Kerouac, "On the Road"
It doesn't matter where you read these books: at home on the couch, in a subway car, on a plane on your way to vacation, or already on the beach – one way or another, these works will inspire you to travel. We tried to gather everything in one place. Here you'll find ordinary world travels, and journeys in search of self and harmony. One way or another, all these books are kind, inspiring, action-provoking – and therefore useful.
1. Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts
One of the most deservedly beloved books by readers at the beginning of our millennium, a true bestseller. Prison escape and roofless Bombay, life in the slums, scams and adventures, mafia and drugs, mujahideen and gurus… And mad love, of course. And philosophical reflections along the way. The main thing is that the story is autobiographical, and all the places described in the work really exist in Mumbai and have already become a kind of Mecca for "Shantaram" fan-pilgrims. If you have somehow avoided this "brick" until now, fearing its size – cast aside your fears, the book reads in one breath. Lovers of the East will be delighted by the detailed description of Indian slums and luxurious palaces, crazy overcrowded trains, remote villages, and bustling megacities. From the first to the last page, the book is imbued with the author's sincere love for India, which can infect even those who had never been interested in this country before reading «Shantaram».
2. Around the World in 80 Days, Jules Verne
An imperturbable and eccentric Englishman travels around the world on a bet with his temperamental French servant. The situation is complicated by many dangers, and a zealous detective relentlessly pursues the amusing pair. Every day something happens to them: sometimes they save someone, sometimes they barely escape themselves at the last second. Rereading Jules Verne even for the third time is like returning to childhood with ice cream and board games.
3. Kon-Tiki, Thor Heyerdahl
A book about one of the most daring and audacious scientific expeditions in history – a three-month raft voyage from Peru to Polynesia as a way to prove that it was settled by South Americans. Written by the organizer, inspirer, and captain of the raft – and written infectiously: it makes you want to set sail immediately.
4. Istanbul: Memories and the City, Orhan Pamuk
Seemingly memoirs, but in reality a novel whose main character is one of the most important cities on earth, with its stories and people, mosques, decaying but beautiful streets, Ottoman villas, and the sea in the middle. Pamuk's Istanbul turned out black and white, like an old photograph, like a delicate pen drawing. A person who has lived in a city for half a century becomes one with it. He knows everything about it, knows everyone in it – and can lead you through the most non-touristy streets so that you can only gape and listen eagerly.
5. Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson
This is a story about how an ordinary person, possessing nothing but determination, can single-handedly change the world. Greg worked as a nurse and kept his belongings in a storage locker. In memory of his deceased sister, he decided to conquer the challenging K2 mountain. This attempt almost cost him his life, if not for the help of local residents. A few days spent in a Pakistani village so deeply affected Greg that he decided to raise money and return to Pakistan to build a school for the village children.
6. The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway's declaration of love for Cuba, where he lived for 11 years, and for the people who inhabit it: a story about the strength of character and patience of an old fisherman who, after three months of fruitless efforts, hooks a huge marlin and fights with it for several days, trying to bring his catch to shore. The sharks win, but the man does not give up.
7. The Road to Annapurna, Marina Moskvina
Moskvina has more than one great book about her own (with her artist husband) wanderings. In “A Headboard of Grass” and “Celestial Slowpokes,” she recounted how they traveled through Japan and the foothills of the Himalayas in India. Now they've been carried to the kingdom of Nepal, and from there, all the way to the great Mount Annapurna. “Well, you're completely crazy,” – as their son Seryozha said. It reads in one breath, for it is written lightly, humorously, and inspiringly.
8. On the Road, Jack Kerouac
Two antisocial friends roam across America, leading an unhealthy but very inspired lifestyle. One knows how to live, the other knows how to write. “Truly, this is the story of two Catholic buddies roaming the country in search of God. And we did manage to find him.” A cult classic, not just for the antisocial descendants of the beatniks - definitely a must-read. Prepare a notebook - the book is successfully quoted extensively.
9. The Year of the Hare, Arto Paasilinna
The main character unexpectedly abandons his settled life and begins to wander through Finland. Not alone, but in the company of… a hare. A very literal and natural one. Where haven't they been carried! An extraordinarily touching book that evokes a whole bouquet of feelings. From sympathy for the hero (“How I understand him!”) to bewildered laughter (“What are they doing, it's unbelievable!”).
10. One-Story America, Ilf and Petrov
America is not just skyscrapers. Ilf and Petrov understood this back in the thirties when they embarked on a road trip across the States. With them, you will arrive in Chicago, Las Vegas, Washington, and many other cities, stop at the Grand Canyon and an Indian village, meet Hemingway and Ford – that is, you'll take a ride in a time machine. And you'll learn many things that are surprising even today.
11. Into the Wild, Jon Krakauer
Like “On the Road,” this work is based on real events. And it's also about hitchhiking. And also across America. Only in Alaska. Only not towards unhealthy entertainment, but towards wild nature and strange people. Both the film adaptation and the original source are deeply impressive – and they don't let go quickly. The real story of Chris McCandless became known worldwide thanks to the skill of the famous writer Jon Krakauer and Sean Penn's brilliant film adaptation. The abandoned bus in the middle of Alaska became a true Mecca for travelers, and Chris himself became an idol for young opponents of mundane office life and material values.
12. My Travels, Fyodor Konyukhov
On his journeys, Fyodor Konyukhov always takes a notebook, a pen for diary entries, and a pencil for drawing pictures. His detailed notes contain the history of his travels and thoughts. They often resemble a captivating novel. The legendary Russian traveler knows everything about the world.
13. Wild, Cheryl Strayed
A real story that became a bestseller. When life turns black and white, with no purpose, no future, no desire to live, people sometimes resort to desperate acts. After losing her mother, destroying her marriage, and getting involved with a drug addict, Cheryl reached the brink of an abyss. She needed a compelling reason to start a new life, stop self-destruction, and try to save herself. And so, she embarked alone on a 1770 km hiking journey. Cheryl's trek was not only difficult but also dangerous.
14. On All Four Sides, Adrian Anthony Gill
Ordinary travel notes through the eyes of an extraordinary person – that's what A.A. Gill's collection of stories is, a British journalist and critic. His sharp mind and keen eyes manage to notice things in any country that have long escaped the attention of tired or overly enthusiastic travelers. You will see a completely new Japan and Africa, America and Cuba, India and Scotland. And, perhaps, you'll want to go there to personally verify that everything is exactly as the sometimes sarcastic, sometimes very friendly Gill describes it.
15. Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert
The story of a woman who decided on global life changes and embarked on a journey around the world captivated thousands of readers. Three countries starting with “I” – Italy, India, and Indonesia – help the heroine find inner harmony, and the vivid descriptions make readers passionately wish to instantly transport themselves to one of them. If you've seen the movie, that's no reason to skip reading – the book describes everything that happens much more interestingly and deeply.
