Since we’re getting REALLY close to Christmas, I thought there might be a few of you out there still struggling with gift ideas for the travel junkies in your life.
I put together a list of my favorite “wanderlust reads” to share with you!
I’ve split it into three sections:
- Travel Memoirs
- Wanderlust Inspiring Novels
- My Own Wish List!
Alright, without further adieu…
Travel Memoirs
Love with a Chance of Drowning: A Memoir by Torre DeRoche
I just read this last month and I LOVED it. I’ve become a bit obsessed with the idea of sailing around the world now. I’m not usually one for travel-romance, but this was perfect.
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Just about anything by Bryson is going to be entertaining, but this one about Australia is my favorite. Maybe it’s because I’ve still never been ‘down under,’ but I found the book enthralling and very entertaining.
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
I love a good thriller, and this memoir is doubly terrifying because it’s a true story. After reading this I watched two documentaries about climbing Everest and K2… and then watched Vertical Limit because Chris O’Donnell. Remember him? He was so cute.
Wanderlust Inspiring Novels
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
I read this book years ago, but I still can’t think about India without recalling this incredible novel. If you don’t already have the hots for India, this book will get you there. I think it’s about time for me to re-read it.
The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran
I’ve always had a bit of an Egypt-obsession, evidenced by the poorly-researched hieroglyphic tattoos I got in college. Oh, drunk decisions. Anyway, this is historical fiction featuring Nefertari, queen of Ramesses II. It’s a really easy read and will keep you entertained.
The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
I think everyone else read this book 25 years ago when it came out, but I only discovered it recently and I really loved it. Part of this story also takes place in Egypt, so I was already sold on it before I picked up up. It’s a quick read, but the fable seems to represent something different to everyone who reads it.
The Daughters of Palatine Hill: A Novel by Phyllis T. Smith
This novel centers around Selene, the love-child of Cleopatra and Marc Antony, and her experience being raised in Rome after the suicides of her parents. I’m currently reading The Memoirs of Cleopatra and loving it, too. I watched the 1963 film Cleopatra last night and was blown away by the detail in the film.
In other news, I might need an Egypt intervention.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
This series, and the Starz show based on it, have been creating quite the swarm of interest in Scotland lately. I read the series a few years ago, and re-read it recently before the series aired. The first book takes place in Scotland, while other books in the series visit different places (<– I know this is vague, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers!). I can’t say enough good things about these books… they are definitely in my top 3 favorite series of all time!
The Martian by Andy Weir
Okay, this one is a bit of a joke, but anyone who has a spirit of adventure will love this book. I liked the movie, too, but the book was truly outstanding.
My Wish List!
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding: A Memoir by Kristin Newman
I can’t believe I haven’t read this yet. I totally identify with the topic of the book — I really need to pick this up!
The Beach: A Novel by Alex Garland
This is another one of those books that I think everyone but me has already read. Anyone have an opinion on it?
Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi
This got put on my list soon after my new-found obsession with the idea of sailing around the world. I think it all started when I watched a documentary about Laura Dekker. Definitely a complete fantasy seeing as I don’t know how to sail and I also get seasick, but a girl can dream, right?
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
I adore mystery/crime/suspense/thriller series, so I have no excuse for the fact that I’ve never read an Agatha Christie book. Also on my list is, of course, Death on the Nile.
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Alright, I think that’s enough to keep even the most wanderlusty book-lover busy for a while! Don’t forget to let me know what you think it the comments below 🙂
So glad I found your site via some of your recipes… but today I explored your site further and read one of your recommended books this afternoon… by Kristin Newman… what an interesting, funny, WILD life adventure… it was perfect for this lonesome Saturday afternoon on the sofa with my cat.