My eyes were glued to the book, my fingers turned each page willingly – I was addicted. Each page was as enthralling as the next. It was as if I was transported to the city of Italy, racing through the town in the mystery/thriller novel, entitled ” Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown. Before I knew it my flight was over, I was disappointed at how time flew! The bookmark was put in place, so I could continue my adventure. Picked up the bag and deplaned but I couldn’t get the book out of my head. Pondering about the fate of the protagonists, Robert Langdon and his associate Victoria Vetra. Rushing through the airport, through the hallways, even though I was in Boston. I wished I was in Rome, Italy; where the novel took place. It is books like these that provoke the inspiration to travel, dreaming of the next destination thus adding to the long list of must-hit destinations to explore. I have created a list of books I have personally read, and a list recommended by others.
My Picks:
A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle– A beautiful novel about a man and his wife new life in Provence. I am falling in love with France all over again with each page I read, Provence is on my must visit destination list.
Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare- My absolute favorite Shakespeare play, it is set in Messina, Sicily. It has everything, Love, Betrayal, Family, War, and it is a Comedy. What more do you want in a play?
The Long Way Around and the Long Way Down: The journey of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman traveling around the world on their motorcycle. The Long way around records their journey from England to New York by passing through Italy, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan etc. The Long Way Down records the journey from Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa. Perfect read for motorcycle fanatics, fans of Ewan and Charley, and of course Traveling. This book made me open my eyes to the other countries, and the stories are unbelievable.
Great Expectation by Charles Dickens: Classic, no explanation is needed here!
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown- Robert Langdon and Victoria race through Rome, Italy in order to find the anti-matter by using clues around Rome. Explosive, intense, it makes the readers heart pound with each page and my personal favorite book.
The Da Vinci Code- Robert Langdon returns in this critically acclaimed novel, about the Holy Grail. He and Sophie Neveu try to find clues left by her grandfather as they roam through Paris, and England.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck- Another classic worth reading. Touching, and heartfelt. Bring a tissue.
Harry Potter- Delve into the magical world of wizardry. Set in England, and 9 3/4 platform is actually a tourist attraction at the King Cross Station in London, England. Be sure to check out the Harry Potter tour!
Next on my reading list:
Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson
Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer.
(will update my reviews after I’ve read them, so stay tuned)
Flicksappeal Picks:
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo: ” Loved it but a lot of tragedy”
Between the Bridge and River by Craig Ferguson: “B&R is a very funny book about two childhood friends separate journeys and how they mystically connect together, it takes place in America, Scotland, London, and France. “
Other Critically acclaimed novels about travel:
Gulliver Travels by Jonathan Swift
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Around the world in Eighty days by Jules Verne
Homer’s Odyssey by Homer
Beowulf
Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer( a must read for one of my beloved cities, Canterbury is so beautiful, I adore it so)
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo(be sure to stop by the Shakespeare & Co bookstore by the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Perhaps, get a copy of the novel there, it would be a fantastic souvenir and a great read for the flight back home.
More books to be added soon, stay tuned for best travel guides!