Books are magic. They can transport you instantly from one place to another, introduce you to new people, new cultures, new ideas, and all without the headache (or cost) of a nine-hour flight.
Books are awesome.
After a while, it’s even easy to start seeing them almost as friends. Books have personality, character. They’re full of intrigue, romance, and complex thoughts. Sometimes, they’re simply a good time in a tight package. (Don’t think too long or hard about that analogy.)
My friend, Missy, recently invited me to write a joint blog post with her on the subject of books that travel well, or that make you want to travel. Great subject, non?
Naturally, I got a little weird with it.
So, without further adieu…
Here are 11 books to see the world with! (AKA, “11 books that travel better than your kids”:
On Stranger Tides by Tim Powers (Caribbean, Golden Age of Piracy)
On Strangers Tides has the same name as one of your exes who got drunk that one time and embarrassed himself in front of your friends, but be not fooled! OST is nothing like that guy. He’s the type you get to talking with while stranded on a layover in Chicago, and the next thing you know, hours have passed and you’re suddenly interested in changing your flight to Jamaica. Also, pirates! This guy is like a historically accurate Disneyland attraction—all the crazy fun of a ride, none of the kiddie hangover.
Royal Street by Suzanne Johnson (New Orleans, Pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina)
Royal Street is that friend you had in college who you lost touch with for a while, until she randomly invites you down to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. R.S. knows all the sights and sounds of the city, and boy, does she have some severe weather stories! Hanging with her reminds you of the good ole days, but there’s no mistaking she’s grown up and developed her own personality outside of university. Also, she’s got two sexy guy friends—one who does a wicked impression of Jean Lafitte, and we know how many times you saw Pirates of the Caribbean—so maybe she can hook you up there?
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (Paris, France, present)
Anna and the French Kiss is your bestie, randomly surprising you with a trip to Europe, and bringing an extra carry-on stuffed with romance novels for the flight. You talk about all the places you’ll see together, the people you’ll try and the food you’ll meet (or maybe it’s the other way around?). Traveling with Anna is sweet and easy, and she never makes you do anything you’re uncomfortable with.
The Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy (Guernsey, Channel Islands, WWII)
The Soldier’s Wife joins you on the bus tour of some little town in France. She’s quiet, but with an edge of resilience to her. It isn’t until you ask about her kids that she really starts to open up, smile, and laugh. Of course she won’t bring it up, but you can tell she’s been through a lot. This trip is Mrs. Wife’s small way of getting out and seeing the world. Everything about her feels real and authentic, unlike many people you’ve met. By the end of the tour, you feel like you’re wiser for having met her.
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (Mostly on a plane, present)
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is the perfect seat-mate on a long, Atlantic flight. He’s a downright sweetheart—constantly trying to get you to smile, putting you at ease, and making you forget you’re 33,000 feet above sea level. Plus, he’s cute! While he cracks a lot of jokes about the in-flight movie, T.S. is never cynical, which is refreshing in this day and age. If you needed a reminder that there are still good people in the world—especially sweet, funny boys with British accents—T.S. provides the perfect one.
For the rest of this list, hop on over to Missy’s blog here!
BONUS: And check out INCONCEIVABLE by Missy Shelton Belote, released November 16th!
Inconceivable is the first guy you’re not absolutely terrified to bring home to your parents. In fact, he’s such a dreamboat (not to mention European royalty), a lot of people think it won’t last. Screw those doubters. When things get tough, Ceiv doesn’t give up, he digs in, reminding you what true love and commitment looks like. While the happily ever after may not be what you initially imagined, with Ceiv by your side, you’ll discover joy in the most unlikely of places.
