Curated book recommendations elevate your vacation experience. You’re escaping to the beach, exploring the mountains, or immersing in the city. Discover rural landscapes and gain a deeper understanding with our carefully selected reads.
Escaping to the beach
- “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed is a powerful and inspiring memoir. The book chronicles Strayed’s solo hike of over 1,100 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail. It is a journey to help her heal from the devastating loss of her mother and her personal life.
- “Me Talk Pretty One Day” is a collection of essays by American humorist David Sedaris, published in 2000. The book is divided into two parts. The first one focuses on Sedaris’ life before moving to Normandy, France. The second chronicles his experiences learning French and living in France.
Exploring the mountains
- “A Walk in the Woods” is a humorous and insightful memoir by acclaimed travel writer Bill Bryson, chronicling his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail with his old friend Stephen Katz. The book blends Bryson’s personal experiences on the trail with fascinating historical and ecological information about the Appalachian region.
- “Our Southern Highlanders” is a classic book written by Horace Kephart that provides a detailed and insightful look into the lives and culture of the people living in the Appalachian region of the southern United States.
- “Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business” by Dolly Parton recounts her humble beginnings growing up in poverty in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to keep out the drafts. Despite their meagre circumstances, the Parton family was resourceful. Dolly began honing her singing and songwriting talents from a young age.
Immersing yourself in the city
- “Among the Cities” by Jan Morris is a collection of travel essays that span the author’s illustrious career as one of the preeminent travel writers of the 20th century. The book features 37 pieces that take readers around the globe, from familiar cities like Berlin, Dublin, and Manhattan.
- “Corregidora” provides a powerful and unflinching portrayal of the cultural dynamics in Rio de Janeiro. Through Ursa’s narrative, readers gain insight into how the legacy of slavery continued to reverberate through the generations. Which is impacting the lives and psyches of those descended from the enslaved. like Rio de Janeiro.
- “The Baron in the Trees” is a novel by the acclaimed Italian author Italo Calvino, originally published in 1957. The story follows the character of Cosimo, a young nobleman in 18th-century Italy. Who is in a dispute with his parents, and decides to live the rest of his life in the trees..
Discovering rural landscapes
- “Gatlinburg and the Great Smokies” is a work of travel writing and journalism by renowned American author Ernie Pyle. Published in 1946, the book offers a unique, intimate portrait of the Appalachian region surrounding the Great Smoky Mountains, with a particular focus on the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
- “Blue Highways” by William Least Heat-Moon is more than just a travel narrative – it becomes a journey of self-discovery for the author, as he reflects on the meaning of home, community, and one’s place in the world. The book has had a lasting cultural impact, inspiring others to explore the backroads and small towns of America in search of authenticity and connection.
No matter your vacation destination, these curated book recommendations will elevate your experience and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the places you explore. Happy reading and travels!
