My big vacation of 2012 took place two months ago, but I’ve got summer travel plans that span at least two continents. The itinerary includes hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, visiting the Outer Banks, and spending time in Venice. When the heat in Houston is at its worst, I’ll hunker down in the British countryside, somewhere near the border between Devon and Somerset.
No, I’m not a trust fund baby, and, yes, I have responsibilities. That’s why I’ll be traveling vicariously via books. No one would mistake a library card for a Eurailpass, true, but both deliver adventure. What’s more, armchair travelers don’t have to contend with altitude sickness, strikes, blisters, or currency fluctuations.
Here’s a VERY partial line-up:
WILD, From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed A friend who’s hiked the Appalachian Trail twice did part of the Pacific Crest and found it tough going. Hiking and summer go together, especially when I don’t actually have to sweat.
KEEPER OF THE LIGHT by Diane Chamberlain This 1992 story unfolds in the Outer Banks. What’s summer without a book set on the beach?
FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES by Donna Leon I’m halfway through Leon’s DOCTORED EVIDENCE, another Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery set in Venice. C’mon, who doesn’t want to escape to Italy? My method eliminates the crowds.
THE SUMMERHOUSE by Marcia Willett When Houston’s daytime temperatures reach the high nineties and stay there for weeks, I crave descriptions of people pulling on sweaters and rain boots in August—and then letting those damp sweaters dry near the Aga.
I’ve got more terrific books in the Kindle plus that library card, so I’m set for summer but always want recommendations of books set in places I’d like to visit—and I’d like to visit almost anywhere.
No, I’m not a trust fund baby, and, yes, I have responsibilities. That’s why I’ll be traveling vicariously via books. No one would mistake a library card for a Eurailpass, true, but both deliver adventure. What’s more, armchair travelers don’t have to contend with altitude sickness, strikes, blisters, or currency fluctuations.
Here’s a VERY partial line-up:
WILD, From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed A friend who’s hiked the Appalachian Trail twice did part of the Pacific Crest and found it tough going. Hiking and summer go together, especially when I don’t actually have to sweat.
KEEPER OF THE LIGHT by Diane Chamberlain This 1992 story unfolds in the Outer Banks. What’s summer without a book set on the beach?
FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES by Donna Leon I’m halfway through Leon’s DOCTORED EVIDENCE, another Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery set in Venice. C’mon, who doesn’t want to escape to Italy? My method eliminates the crowds.
THE SUMMERHOUSE by Marcia Willett When Houston’s daytime temperatures reach the high nineties and stay there for weeks, I crave descriptions of people pulling on sweaters and rain boots in August—and then letting those damp sweaters dry near the Aga.
I’ve got more terrific books in the Kindle plus that library card, so I’m set for summer but always want recommendations of books set in places I’d like to visit—and I’d like to visit almost anywhere.
So, where will you be traveling via books?
