Stories of Russian writers about travel. Jon Krakauer "Into the Wild"

One of the sources of inspiration for me to discover new countries are travel books.

Sometimes I read them (electronically), but most often I listen to them in audio format, especially regularly during my morning jog.

I listen to completely different books - from books on business and self-development to fiction and, of course, books about travel occupy a significant part of them.

And so, for the last couple of weeks, I’ve had a terrible desire to go to Europe, on a motorcycle or auto trip - it doesn’t matter, the main thing is to Italy, namely Sicily!

Why is that? I was inspired by another book! She inspired me and I thought that I had already listened to and read more than a dozen books that might be interesting to many, so I decided to make a list of my favorite books, one way or another, related to travel topics. So, I present to your attention the TOP 20 books about travel that can inspire, make you get up and hit the road.

1. Matthew Fort "Sicily: Sweet honey, bitter lemons"

Just recently I finished listening to the travel book “Sicily: Sweet Honey, Bitter Lemons.” The author talks about his adventures so appetizingly that it’s incredibly difficult not to be eager to get on a Vespa scooter and rush around the island or to the foot of a volcano, visiting small villages everywhere.

Although, perhaps this book hooked me because once I was already planning our trip to Sicily, drawing up a route, but at the very last moment we changed plans and went to Spain, to the Canary Islands. And Sicily remained like an unfulfilled dream that slipped right out of our hands.

The entire book, from cover to cover, is imbued with the Sicilian spirit, but special attention is paid to Sicilian cuisine, its features and differences from Italian. True, the author approached the cooking section so responsibly that sometimes it seemed to me that I was not reading a book of fiction, but a manual on how to become a chef of Sicilian cuisine.

For example, in one of the chapters, the author talks in detail about how to properly prepare ricotta cheese, with all the details - for example, from which regions and in what month is it best to buy goat milk, how long the milk is kept on fire, etc. When I was impressed, I told Lesha about this (this topic is close to him not only because he also loves cheese very much, but also because he sometimes cooks it, as well as various varieties). Lesha laughs - how interesting it is for me to listen to a cookbook while jogging :))

The only thing is that this book, in my opinion, is still better to read rather than listen to. Sometimes recipes can be skipped or glanced at in passing, otherwise there are too many of them. Well, I also don’t recommend listening to it on an empty stomach, although she more than once encouraged me to rush to my favorite Italian cafe, and every time the book mentions a trattoria, I remember with a smile

And while listening to the second part, a surprise happened: we met the living Shantaram! Not with the same person, of course, about whom this book was written, but with a man who also spent time in a Mumbai prison.

We listened to his story about the 6 terrible long months that he spent among several hundred other prisoners (mostly Indian criminals), awaiting trial, with open mouths, and he told it quite calmly.

However, in fairness, it is worth noting that after closer communication, it turned out that this is a multifaceted and diversified person with an interesting fate, and the episode with the prison is far from the only thing he can talk about. But nevertheless, for the rest of the book, the main character of the book in my imagination had the features of a very real person.

I’ll say right away that the book is not simple and quite voluminous, 800 pages. But it is incredibly strong and deep.

5. Heinrich Harrer "Seven Years in Tibet"

This is an autobiographical book by a climber and traveler with sparkling eyes and a strong desire to fulfill the mission of the expedition, overcoming all obstacles on the way to the cherished peak.

The book tells the story of Henry's acquaintance with the young Dalai Lama. I immediately fell in love with the Tibetans; their culture, traditions and all those parting words of the Dalai Lama, which he teaches to this day, are described here, but which, alas, are incomprehensible to many militant countries/people.

The film of the same name is also very good - the Himalayas, Tibetan Lhasa immerse you even more in the atmosphere of those times, introducing you to the simple life of the Tibetan inhabitants.

6. Adrian Anthony Gill "On all four sides"

These are travel notes of a British journalist-critic. I’ve been reading it for almost a year now)) Not because it’s very big, not at all, it’s just that it’s paper, and I’m completely unaccustomed to this format.

The last time we were in St. Petersburg, a friend gave it to me before leaving, so now I take it with me around Asia, from time to time, reading a couple of chapters before going to bed.

The author is very extraordinary; he describes countries from an unusual perspective, which is hidden from many tourists and even from some experienced travelers. The story is told in a very interesting way, mainly about African countries, Japan, Cuba, America.

7. Ilf and Petrov "One-story America"

Before traveling to the States, I read the book “One-Storey America” by Ilf and Petrov. Then we had slightly different plans - and a honeymoon

But the idea of ​​going the same way is still alive, so I have no doubt that we will soon travel along their route, especially since we already have valid visas in our passports.

By the way, it started in October and literally the other day it ends (we have been participating in it for the 3rd year). If you are also interested in the idea of ​​winning a residence permit in the USA, read what Lyosha wrote.

The book is very bright and lively, at the same time it is very easy to read, it is not overloaded with information, it is written with humor, the authors very accurately note the characteristics of Americans and their way of life.

What was especially surprising to me was the living conditions of Americans, the development of infrastructure and services in the USA compared to what was happening at the same time in Russia - this book about traveling around America was written in 1935!

I’ll add here a few more books about travel – I haven’t read them yet, but some of them were recommended to me by like-minded friends, and about some I’ve simply heard rave reviews. So they are on my “to read” list.

11. Jack Kerouac "On the Road"

This is a cult book of the hippie era about such phenomena of American culture as cars and jazz. The author talks about the journey, about its hidden corners - the camp of migrant farmers and the backyards

The book is based on real events and tells the story of Christopher McCandles, who gave up money, abandoned successful career prospects and went traveling, climbing into the wilds, away from civilization.

After the book and film, Alaska (where the climax of the novel takes place) is gaining momentum - more and more fans of the novel are eager to see it with their own eyes.

13. Bill Bryson "Made in America"

I can’t help it, and I’m always interested in reading about her. Moreover, the author is American and tells everything about his country as it really is - from the origins of its development to our times.

14. Bill Bryson "Travel in Europe"

According to reviews, this is also a rather interesting travel book, telling about non-tourist places in countries and cities popular with tourists. The book also talks about all sorts of tricks that help reduce the costs of travel, sightseeing and simply living abroad.

15. Peter Mayle "A Year in Provence"

A book about the life of expats in France, in one of the most picturesque corners - Provence. About what difficulties they had to face when moving and how they overcome them day after day.

In principle, everything is quite simple - the life of expats, only with the amendment that this is France =) We have plans to live there for some time, perhaps this book will give some answers to questions that have not yet appeared, maybe it will increase desire and lead to action , or maybe, on the contrary, it will weaken, we’ll see :)

16. Karin Müller "Taste of Coca Leaves"

This book was of interest primarily to the countries about which the story is told - Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia. They are very attractive, tempting and each is interesting in its own way.

This is a book about the culture, traditions and other difficulties in North Africa that a respectable Englishman had to face when he moved to Morocco with his family from London.

Even after buying a house in Casablanca and learning Arabic, it is very difficult to become part of this culture.

19. Greg Mortenson "Three Cups of Tea"

The book is about the hero’s courageous determination to single-handedly change the world, to help the Pakistani people who did not leave him in trouble when conquering the most difficult mountain.

20. Vladimir Yakovlev "Age of Happiness"

I wrote a separate review about this book, you can read it. The book, or rather a colorful album, I read with great enthusiasm, some of the stories of the characters struck me to the core, I retold them with pleasure to friends and parents.

This book is not about travel; its characters are bright, living examples of people for whom everything is possible, despite their age.

The idea to include the book “The Age of Happiness” in this list came spontaneously. Just the other day, while traveling around Vietnam, we met cheerful old New Zealanders who came not just to “warm their bones” on the beaches of Vietnam, but to travel the entire country from south to north on their own.

We met them in the middle of the journey - in Hoain :)

Is age a barrier to travel?

In addition to books, I am also inspired by films and blogs/stories from friends about certain cities and countries. What source of inspiration for travel do you have? What lights you up? Share your ideas in the comments?

P.S. Or maybe you have your own list of travel books in your collection? Add in the comments!

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pursig

“ Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” is a unique book, a modern philosophical travel novel. Authorshares his impressions of a motorcycle trip with his son, from Minneapolis to San Francisco. During this trip, he will plunge into the exciting world of various teachings, religions, directions of philosophical thought, he will look for answersto the main questions. “The only motorcycle worth fixing is you,” says Robert Persig.

Cussler, Du: Silent Waters

After a NASA satellite launches unsuccessfully, its debris falls somewhere in the jungles of Argentina. Juan Cabrillo, a former CIA officer and now a fearless secret service agent, and his Oregon team are hired to search for them. This is how it begins, which could cost everyone their lives...

Vermael, Ruben: A flower for Her Majesty

End of the 18th century. Captain Cook's ship sets off on a long voyage... On board is gardener Francis Masson. His goal is to find a previously unknown beautiful flower worthy of a queen... Lions and hyenas prowl on the wild shores of Africa, but this is not the onlythe danger that awaits him! There is a real hunt for the rare flower, and insidious rivals will stop at nothing to get it. But an unexpected helper saves Francis when his life hangs in the balance.

Jules Verne: Journey to the Center of the Earth

Having deciphered an ancient note, Professor Lidenbrock and his nephew Axel become the owners of a secret that can shake humanity. It turns out that our planet- hollow from the inside, and in the center of the Earth there is a mysterious world about which people know nothing. Who knows what awaits the researchers who dare to go down there through the crater of an extinct volcano? The professor decides to organize an expedition - and find out as soon as possible!

Jules Verne: Zhangada. Michael Strogoff

This edition includes two fascinating novels by Jules Verne - classics of the fantasy and adventure genre. The heroes of the novel “Jangada” go on an exciting journey through the Amazonon a raft - jangade. The hero of the novel “Mikhail Strogoff” is a royal courier, a loyal soldier, a man fanatically devoted to his duty, sent with a message to the Governor-General of Irkutsk. Strogoff's path lies through the east of Russia, which is engulfed in a massive uprising of Turkestan tribes...

Bruce Chatwin: Paths of Songs

Previously famous for his essayistic travelogue “In Patagonia,” in “Paths of Songs,” Bruce Chatwintakes a journey into another mystery, but on the other side of the earth - in the inland Australia of the aborigines.

Mortenson, Relin: Three Cups of Tea

This is the story of how an ordinary person, with nothing but determination, can single-handedly change the world. Greg worked part-time as a nurse, and kept his property in a storage room. In memory of his deceased sister, he decided to conquer the difficult mountain K2. This attempt almost cost him his life if not for the help of local residents. Several days spent in a Pakistani village shocked Greg so much that he decided to raise money and return to Pakistan to build a school for the village children..

Bolushevsky, Andrushkevich: Travel calendar: best vacation spots for each month

The book is divided into twelve chapters, according to the number of months in the year. In each chapter you can find a special recommendation for visiting a particular place, as well as find out what exactly you can see and how much time to allocate for it. Each month has its own ideal destinations, each direction an ideal route. But is it worth checking from your own experience where and when is the best time to relax?

Sergei Bolushevsky: 100 wonders of the world. Great masterpieces of the planet

The illustrated book-album will introduce you to the most famous and interesting architectural monuments and natural wonders from around the world. For the first time in one publication, only illustrations and descriptions of attractions are presented, but also options for traveling to them are considered, right down to calculating the travel budget. The book will offer you both a trip around the world “on the couch” and a real adventure.

Fedor Konyukhov: My travels

On his travels, Fyodor Konyukhov always takes a notebook, a pen for diary entries and a pencil to draw pictures. Detailed notes contain the history of his travels and thoughts. They often resemble a gripping novel.

Hermann Hesse: Siddhartha. Journey to the land of the East

Siddhartha - a pearl of proseHermann Hesse, whose pages reflect the writer’s travels in India, as well as his interest in Eastern religions. The setting is India during the time of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of one of the most profound and wise religions of mankind - Buddhism. In this bookHesse managed to explain its essence to the Europeans, create a certain set of rules - how to live, how to correct your mistakes, how to find your true self.

Cheryl Strayed: Wild. Dangerous journey

When life becomes black and white, when there is nothing to lose, no goal, no future, no desire to live, people sometimes decide to do desperate things. Having lost her mother, destroyed her marriage and gotten involved with a drug addict, Cheryl reached the point beyond which the abyss yawned. She needed a good reason to start a new life, stop being self-destructive and try to save herself. And she set off alone on a 1,770 km journey on foot. Cheryl's hike was not only difficult, but also dangerous.

Carlos Castaneda: Journey to Ixtlan

Anyone who has set foot on the Path of the Warrior, the path with a heart, will never become a simple man in the street. Don Juan reveals to Carlos aspects of this Path - the art of being unattainable, erasing personal history, the concept of “death as an advisor,” taking responsibility for one’s actions. In Journey to Ixtlan we first meet allies - terrifying inorganic creatures that a magician with enough personal power can turn into indispensable helpers.

Kespert, Arakelov: Pioneers. The most dangerous journeys of all time

Do you dream of extraordinary travels and unprecedented countries, do you see huge seas and raging oceans, mountain peaks and endless deserts in your dreams? Then this bookexactly for you! Together with the heroes of the encyclopedia “Pioneers. The most dangerous journeys of all time “, you will travel around the world, immerse yourself in the past, learn about the present, and possibly the future...

Jon Krakauer: Into the Wild

The real story of Chris McCandless became famous throughout the world thanks to the skill of the famous writer Jon Krakauer and the brilliant film adaptation by Sean Penn. An abandoned bus in the middle of Alaska has become a real mecca for travelers, and Chris himself has become an idol among young opponents of drab office life.and material assets.

Gregory Roberts: Shantaram

The hero of the novel hid from the law for many years. Deprived of parental rights after his divorce from his wife, he became addicted to drugs, committed a number of robberies and was sentenced by the court to nineteen years in prison. Having escaped from a maximum security prison for the second year, he reached Bombay, where he was a counterfeiter and smuggler, sold weapons and participated in showdowns of the Indian mafia, and also found his true love, only to lose her again, only to find her again...

Buffet, Meyer: 8 poles of Fredrik Paulsen. Journey into the world of cold

It would seem a strange hobby to travel to the poles of the planet. However, for Swedish entrepreneur Frederik Paulsen, it became a passion. It took him thirteen years to visit all eight of the Earth's poles, becoming the first—and so far only—person in history to do so. Why are there eight poles? The fact is that in each hemisphere, in addition to the geographic and magnetic poles, there is also a geomagnetic pole, as well as a pole of relative inaccessibility.

Mikhail Lazarev: Three trips around the world

Famous travelerand naval commander Mikhail Lazarev completed three circumnavigations in his life. During these voyages, the sixth continent of the Earth - Antarctica, hundreds of islands, bays and other objects were discovered and mapped. Presented in this bookdocuments, testimonies of Lazarev himself and expedition participants, give the reader the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past, during the times of great geographical discoveries.

The most interesting trips. When and where

This book offers almost endless possibilities for planning an unforgettable vacation. The book “The Most Interesting Travels” will tell not only about popular holiday destinations at different times of the year, but will also introduce readers to the culture and history of many countries, the peculiarities of national cuisine, unique nature, and unforgettable holidays.

The most interesting travels around Russia. Where and when

This booka unique, beautifully illustrated guide to the entire vast territory of Russia - from the Baltics to the Far East. It represents the most famous and most visited places in our country, famous cultural and historical monuments, architectural masterpieces, natural beauty and other attractions.

Vladimir Pozner: Their Italy. Journey-reflection “by boot”

To understand the people, culture, traditions and cuisine of one of the most attractive countries in the world V. Posnertalked to 15 famous Italians, asked everyone 2 questions: “Imagine that I can only go to one place in Italy - where should I go?” and “If I could only eat one dish, what would it be and where is it best prepared?” These answers will allow you to learn more about Italy than all the guidebookstaken together!

India is about six times larger than France. And the population here is twenty times larger. At twenty! You can believe me, if a billion French people lived in such crowded conditions, rivers of blood would flow. Waterfalls would fall! Meanwhile, the French, as everyone knows, are the most civilized nation in Europe. And even all over the world. So, rest assured, without love, India would cease to exist.

Shantaram, Gregory Roberts

When you read “Shantaram”, you cannot believe that the story is autobiographical and many events took place in reality. The main character, having escaped from an Australian prison, comes to Bombay under the false name Lindsay and starts a new life. I won’t reveal my cards and retell the plot. Even though the book is lengthy, read it, it's worth it.

Why was the book on this list? Because of the other main character - India. It's hard to believe that India is just another country. It seems that this is a completely different world, with different values, culture, and inhabitants. And you involuntarily catch yourself thinking that you want not just to go there for a week and briefly see the sights, but to plunge into this other life for several months, to understand why India attracts and inspires travelers from different countries.

"Charlie's Journeys in Search of America" ​​by John Steinbeck

When I was still very young and I was haunted by the urge to go somewhere where we were not, mature people assured me that in maturity they would be cured of this itch. When my age approached this standard, old age was promised to me as a healing remedy. In my older years, I heard assurances that over time my fever would go away, but now, when I turned fifty-eight, I can apparently hope for a very old age. Nothing has helped so far. Four hoarse steamship whistles make the hair on the back of my neck stand on end, and my feet begin to stomp on their own. I’ll hear the roar of a jet plane, the warming up of the engine, even the clatter of hooves on the pavement, and immediately - the eternal trembling throughout the body, dry mouth, wandering eyes, heat in the palms and the stomach rolls somewhere right under the ribs. In other words, there is no recovery; Simply put, the grave will correct the tramp.

"Charlie's Journeys in Search of America" ​​by John Steinbeck

This book is not for those who occasionally think about traveling, but for those who cannot imagine their life without the road. Steinbeck wrote that steamship whistles made his hair stand on end, and the sounds of the engine warming up made his whole body tremble, and this book is most likely for people who are familiar with this feeling. Over the course of several months, Steinbeck traveled all over America in a truck with his poodle Charlie and described his observations in this novel.

As usual, he did an excellent job of conveying the everyday life and moods of people. It is interesting to read how people behaved, how they spoke and how they were disposed in the 60s of the 20th century, when the dialect and way of life of people living in one country varied greatly from state to state. The annotation to the book states absolutely precisely: “One of the eternal themes of his work - the road - becomes fundamental here.”

"Manuscript Found in a Suitcase" by Mark Helprin

At times I succeeded socially and professionally, and at times I failed miserably. But in the world of plowed landscapes, edged as if by lace, forest belts and unruly streams, in the world of wide fields and brightly lit deserted bays, I invariably found solace and strength.

"Manuscript Found in a Suitcase" by Mark Helprin

This book is about a lifelong journey. No, not about a planned trip from point A to point B, but about the vicissitudes of fate, which is favorable to you today, but not tomorrow. But even failures are not a reason to give up, but an opportunity to enjoy the unpredictability of life.

The main character's life is truly incredible. He, eighty years old, sits in the Brazilian jungle and puts the scribbled pages of his manuscript into a termite-proof suitcase. He writes for his son about what was truly important in his life and how it turned out that a little boy from America, having gone through a difficult path and having visited everywhere, ended up in Brazil.

This novel is capable of awakening the spirit of adventurism in the most skeptical reader. I highly recommend it.

"Literary Ghost" by David Mitchell

"Literary Ghost" by David Mitchell

I think many of you have seen the film adaptation of Mitchell's novel Cloud Atlas. These novels have something in common: several stories are intricately intertwined into a single narrative. And in “The Literary Ghost”, geographical boundaries are also completely erased. Okinawa, Hong Kong, St. Petersburg, London, Mongolia... Cities and countries in the hands of the author become puzzle pieces that fit into a holistic picture of the world. A world that I want to know better. Mitchell so vividly and accurately describes the places where the novel takes place that you really want to see them with your own eyes.

"Three in a Boat, Not Counting the Dog" by Jerome Klapka Jerome

You set sail on Monday, cherishing the dream of relaxation and entertainment. You cheerfully wave to your friends on shore, light your most impressive pipe and begin to walk around the deck looking like you are Captain Cook, Sir Francis Drake and Christopher Columbus all rolled into one. On Tuesday you begin to regret that you set sail. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday you begin to regret that you were born into the world. On Saturday you find the strength to swallow a cup of broth and, sitting on the deck, answer the questions of compassionate passengers with a meek, martyr-like smile about how you are feeling. On Sunday you are already able to move independently and eat solid food. And on Monday morning, when you stand at the gangway with a suitcase in hand and an umbrella under your arm, waiting to disembark, you already definitely enjoy a walk on the sea.

"Three in a Boat, Not Counting the Dog" by Jerome Klapka Jerome

Let's not forget that traveling is fun. And Jerome's book is proof of this.

Three carefree friends decide to go on a boat trip on the Thames. The plot is simple, but the author's humor, funny situations and charming characters still amaze readers with their originality. This is a funny and cheerful story that is read in one sitting. Thanks to this book, you understand that even a short hike can become a real adventure, especially in good company.

"On the Road" Jack Kerouac

What is your road, old man?.. The road of a saint, the road of a madman, the road of a rainbow, the road of idle talk - yes, any one. She leads anyone, anywhere, in any way.

"On the Road" Jack Kerouac

The novel “On the Road” is a hymn to the “broken” generation of the 60s. And his heroes are bright representatives of this generation, independent and free. They travel around the world by car, do not know what the new day has in store for them, and that is why they are happy. For them, the most important thing is a road full of new acquaintances and fresh impressions.

Someone will accuse Kerouac's heroes of frivolity and selfishness, and perhaps this is so. But they are so greedy for life, they believe so much in the possibility of being free without any conventions that it is impossible not to believe them. It’s not surprising if after reading the novel you want to drop everything and hit the road.

What books influenced you? Has it ever happened that after reading you wanted to throw things into a backpack and hit the road?

No words about travel can replace the pleasure of the journey itself. Just push him towards him. That's why we've collected 12 inspiring quotes that we hope will inspire you to achieve long-awaited accomplishments.

These are words from people who loved traveling as much as their profession.

“Three things make a person happy: love, interesting work and the opportunity to travel” (I. Bunin)

“My opinion about traveling is brief: when traveling, don’t go too far, otherwise you will see something that will be impossible to forget later” (Daniil Kharms)

“Look at the world without glasses and curtains, with greedy eyes grasp everything that is good in our land and what is good in the West” (V.V. Mayakovsky)

“It is not guided tours that come to God, but lonely travelers” (Vladimir Nabokov)

“They say that travel is the best way to educate yourself in everything: it’s true, it’s definitely true! You will learn so much here" (Nikolai Chernyshevsky)

“Even in the summer, when going on a voyage, take something warm with you, because how can you know what will happen in the atmosphere?” (Kozma Prutkov)

“What could be dearer to the heart of a traveler than the first minutes and hours spent in a country where you have never been before and about which you still know nothing?” (I. Ilf, E. Petrov)

“Wandering is the best thing in the world. When you wander, you grow, you grow rapidly, and everything you see is reflected even in your appearance. I recognize people who have traveled a lot right away from thousands. Wanderings purify, intertwine meetings, centuries, books and love. They make us related to the sky. If we have received the as yet unproven happiness of being born, then we must at least see the earth.” (K. G. Paustovsky)

“Going with your wife to Paris is the same as going to Tula with your samovar” (A.P. Chekhov)

“There is nothing more useful for the nerves than to visit where you have never been” (A. Akhmatova)

“In order to truly understand what this or that country or this or that place exists, you need to go there in winter, of course. Because in winter life is more real, more dictated by necessity. In winter, the contours of someone else's life are more distinct. For a traveler this is a bonus” (Joseph Brodsky)

“Everyone believes that life in Rus' is boring with its monotony, and they go abroad from here to have fun, while I affirm and will have the honor to prove to you that life nowhere is so replete with the most sudden diversity as in Russia. At least I am leaving here abroad precisely to calm down from the kaleidoscopic diversity of Russian life and I think that I am not the only specimen of my kind” (N. S. Leskov)

I would love to read only humorous literature in order to laugh and live to the fullest with the characters, but there are few such masterpieces in the general mass. And the thirst for knowledge is strong, so I regularly read everything that in one way or another relates to travel, adventure and life in other countries. It would be great if someone finds my list of books about travel useful.

* One star denotes fun, light books that lift your spirits.

** Two stars for travel books that I really liked.

*** Three stars for works that changed my life.

I read everything else, I don’t regret the time spent, but I won’t re-read it.

Most books are freely available on VKontakte and torrents; I usually buy them in mobi format on .

Books about Africa

1. ** A year in Casablanca, Tahir Shah - about moving to Morocco and renovation of the mansion. The mentality of Moroccans and the peculiarities of emigration to a completely different country and culture are vividly described. Very! Afterwards I immediately bought tickets. True, not in Morocco, but in, but also closer to camels and deserts.

2. Thirteen o'clock, Deon Meyer is a fascinating mystery, read it in a day. Location: Cape Town South Africa.

3. Tuareg**, Alberto Vazquez-Figueroa, set in the desert Sahara, it’s impossible to tear yourself away.

4. In search of King Solomon's mines, Tahir Shah - about traveling around Ethiopia

5. A year in Botswana, Randall Will is not about the fact that Australians and English people drink a lot, although the first part seems to be about that. Here's a little about South Africa, mainly about working as a teacher in Botswana

6. Women's detective agency No. 1, Alexander McCall-Smith - about Botswana

7. South Africa. Walking at the End of the World, Morton Henry - an extremely educational read about South Africa, people and their traditions

8. White Masai, Corinne Hofmann - an autobiographical book about a girl from Switzerland who fell in love with a Maasai warrior and moved to a village in Kenya

9. Nowhere in Africa, Stephanie Zweig - a family of German Jews flees to Kenya from Nazi persecution, and then everyone tries to get used to the peculiarities of life on a farm in the Kenyan wilderness

10. Rain Queen, Catherine Scholes - about Tanzania. There is a lot of drama, you need to read in a special mood

11. Half a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - a slightly dark novel about the lives of several foreigners in Nigeria during the war. It’s also a drama, so, like the previous one, this book needs to be read in a special state of mind. Informative.

12. Notes of a primate: The extraordinary life of a scientist among baboons, Robert Sapolsky - about the life of a primatologist in Kenya, travel and behavioral psychology of baboons. And also a book about love. To Africa. Just the way she is.

13.** Book of Birds of East Africa, Drayson Nicholas - a good, light book, a rest for the soul. About people who have both money and time for hobbies and quirks. Scene - Kenya.

Books about Latin America

1. ** The old man who read romance novels, Luis Sepulveda - I love this book about life in the jungle Ecuador

2. ** Opened veins of Latin America, Eduardo Galeano - about the plunder of Latin American countries. By the way, travelers complain that Bolivians are greedy and sad, and in general there are not enough smiles in LA. Read a book. It will immediately become clear why they are like this. Sobering and reminds where the wealth of the currently developed European countries and the USA came from

3. **Adventures of a bad girl, Mario Vargas Llosa - a story of painful passion against the backdrop of scenery Peru, Cuba, Europe and the whole world

4. With Bob and Jerry on the Inca Trail, Petr Romanov - about a trip to Peru

5. Taste of coca leaves, Karin Müller - travel diary Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador interspersed with interesting historical facts.

6. ** Aku-Aku, Thor Heyerdahl - expedition to the island Easter

7. * Caribbean. Restaurant under the palm trees, Melinda and Robert Blanchard - husband and wife moved to the island of Anguilla in the Caribbean and opened their own restaurant there. In an easy way about life and business on Caribbean

8. ** Queen of the South, Arturo Perez-Reverte - Mexico, drugs, adventure, danger, cartels, smuggling, at the center of it all is the cocaine queen of the Mediterranean. About strong women - this is right up my alley, but the book is not for everyone.

9. Jubiaba, Jorge Amado - about life in the slums of Brazil. Not the most cheerful book, like the author’s other works, but quite atmospheric, romantic, about Brazil. You can also read "Dead Sea" about brave Brazilian sailors and their women; "Dona Flor and her two husbands".

10.** Montezuma's daughter, Henry Rider Haggard - a historical novel about a vibrant life that one can only dream of. Indians, Spaniards, bloody rituals. And all this against the backdrop of beautiful Mexico.

11. Don't sleep - there are snakes all around! Life and language of the Indians of the Amazon jungle, Daniel L. Everett. A 25-year-old gringo (missionary) takes his wife and three children and goes to Brazil to live among the Piraha Indian tribe to make Christians out of them. The Indians still believed in spirits, but the American became an atheist. Wildly informative about the Indians. They have one-year-old children playing with knives, there is no private property, and you can only talk about what you saw yourself (not on Instagram, but with your own eyes).

12.** Coca leaves, Suikovsky Boguslav - historical adventure novel. It’s interesting about the structure of the Inca civilization (centralized economy, lack of money, poverty and private property, distribution of benefits, unquestioning obedience to orders from above). And then about why the Spanish drunks managed to break such a clearly structured system. Addictive!

13. Daughter of Fortune, Isabel Allende - in the first part the action takes place in Chile (Valparaiso), then in California during the Gold Rush.

Books about India and Asian countries

1. ** White Tiger, Aravind Adiga is an enterprising guy from Indian villages cuts his way into a bright life. Peculiar, but memorable for a long time

2. ** Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts - I liked Shantaram at one time, although now it is considered more of a pop song

3. Shadow of the Mountain, Gregory David Roberts - I read the book Shantaram out of respect and fond memory, but was disappointed.

4. In thin air, Jon Krakauer - about the tragedy on Everest in 1996 Read in English. If it is still in Russian, then it is better to choose a translation from the Helikon Plus publishing house (there is also a translation from the Sofia publishing house, it spoils the whole impression).

5. Three cups of tea, Greg Mortenson - pro Pakistan. The reliability of the facts is questioned. It seems that they conducted an independent investigation and found out that all the author’s merits are just sore for the ears of romantics, but walks on the glacier and life in the Himalayan villages are shown quite vividly here. When I climbed a glacier in Norway a week after reading it, I felt what the author was talking about when describing the glaciers. It truly is a completely different world.

6. Blood of Flowers, Anita Amirezvani - about love and Iran

7. ** A Thousand Splendid Suns— about war and the fate of women Afghanistan. Heavy book.

Books for holidays

Below is a list of books I read during the holidays to relax and recharge. The previous vacation with beaches was in , so the books are appropriate.

1. * Kati in Italy, Astrid Lindgren - light, sparkling humor. A book you can take to the beach to relieve your brain. I read in and was mentally transported to Venice, Rome, Naples - the places where the events unfolded

2. * Italian wedding, Nicky Pellegrino - maybe if you read this novel at home, you won’t particularly like it, but on the balcony overlooking the sea of ​​beautiful Calabria it’s an A plus

3. * Flowers for Mrs. Harris, Gallico Paul - about the power of dreams and the journey of a cheerful Englishwoman to Paris. Lovely inspirational book

4. * Yellow metal key, Max Fry - I usually don’t read such literature with signs of mysticism, but I devoured this book last week in a few hours. There the GG travels to Vilnius, Prague, Krakow, Germany, but that is not the essence of the story.

5. Wind shadow, Carlos Ruiz Zafon - a great detective, the scene is Barcelona

My favorite books

1. *** Shaman's Laughter— dialogues with the shaman. This unusual book is not about travel at all, but it is interesting.

2. *** A seagull named Jonathan Livingston, Richard Bach - about freedom and achieving goals. I read it when I left work and was literally building my life from scratch; in those days this parable gave me strength and confidence

3. *** Alchemist, Paulo Coelho - no matter how they scold Coelho, it was this book of his, read at the immature age of 18 and re-read 15 times, that planted in my soul the idea that suddenly, oh suddenly, my dreams of traveling could one day become a reality. The inexplicable love for deserts also comes from here

4. *** Zaire, Paulo Coelho - about relationships and a little bit about (after her I passionately wanted to go there). The book is not for everyone.

5. *** Legal marriage, Elizabeth Gilbert - One of my favorite books about relationships. There is also travel in it. Reading is not for everyone. Those who have dreamed of getting married since childhood are unlikely to understand. But those who, like me, are lukewarm about the idea of ​​marriage, should like it.

6. ** Countess Rudolstadt, George Sand - continuation of the novel “Consuelo” (it’s about love, music and Venice). In the second part, I like the beginning, when GG, having abandoned the measured life in a castle with a loving man, went on foot to Vienna. When I was afraid to go on a journey alone, I re-read pages 30 to 40 of the novel.

7. ***Two Lives, Concordia Evgenievna Antarova - the heroes of this three-volume book constantly travel around the world, but that’s not what the book is about. She changes consciousness.

Misha (my martyr) lives by the principles that guide the main characters (learn and constantly learn, give love and joy, be grateful, help people, see your happiness and meaning in this). I have rarely encountered such a position in life, so I did not immediately understand and accept it.

I, in turn, have always been close to the views of the heroes of Atlas Shrugged. Maybe that’s why I read “Atlanta” in two days, and “Two Lives” took me two years to read.

But this book makes you kinder, every time I return to it and on a physical level I feel how my body is filled with love for people and for life. In difficult moments, “Two Lives” is a compass, a beacon and a life preserver.

The post will be updated and supplemented. By the way, feel free to recommend worthy books in the comments (especially about Africa and Latin America)

Books that are fascinating to us. And travel!

Your Mila Demenkova

36 books about travel that amuse, inspire or teach