100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book)

Wow - what a beautiful book! 100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter is a must-read for railfans. Chock full of gorgeous photographs depicting the beauty of riding the rails, this is THE perfect book to flip through for inspiration when planning a train trip. Especially, as it's filled with ALL the travel info you'll need/want about the 100 ultimate rides. Journeys to South Africa, India, Italy, and The Grand Canyon - reading about these exciting and amazing adventures will spark the wanderlust gene in us all. You'll fall in love with so many far-flung places that you'll fill up a notebook trying to figure out where you want to go and when. Potter provides the inside scoop on the trains themselves, along with intel about which ones have the most comfortable seats and delicious meals. His writing is informative and exciting - you can't help but get lost in his vivid and detailed descriptions of the train stations, the towns you'll stop at, and the adventures you'll have along the way. It's truly an inspiring book. Talk about top notch armchair travel. 

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read, or looking for a wonderful holiday gift - 100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime is a terrific travel guide and gorgeous coffee table book. Make sure to check it out! You'll have fun just flipping through all of the awesome rail trips Potter writes about in his book - they are unforgettable! I know I loved spending time with this book and dreaming about all the places I want to go. In fact, I'm pretty sure I heard the book shouting, "All Aboard!" at me, as I turned its pages :)

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Perpetual West: A Novel by Mesha Maren

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

​“Stunning . . . A forceful addition to the literature of the U.S.-Mexican border and its ongoing history of tragedy and joy.”
—Jennifer Clement, The New York Times Book Review 

“Suspenseful, seductive . . . A thrill ride from cover to cover.”
—Oprah Daily, “The 50 Most Anticipated Books of 2022” 

The riveting new novel by the acclaimed author of Sugar Run, Perpetual West is a brilliant and evocative story of borders—between countries, between lovers, and between facets of the self.

When Alex and Elana move from smalltown Virginia to El Paso, they are just a young married couple, intent on a new beginning. Mexican by birth but adopted by white American Pentecostal parents, Alex is hungry to learn about the place where he was born. He spends every free moment across the border in Juárez—perfecting his Spanish, hanging with a collective of young activists, and studying lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) for his graduate work in sociology. Meanwhile Elana, busy fighting her own demons, feels disillusioned by academia and has stopped going to class. And though they are best friends, Elana has no idea that Alex has fallen in love with Mateo, a lucha libre fighter.

When Alex goes missing and Elana can’t determine whether he left of his own accord or was kidnapped, it’s clear that neither of them has been honest about who they are. Spanning their journey from Virginia to Texas to Mexico, Mesha Maren’s thrilling follow-up to Sugar Run takes us from missionaries to wrestling matches to a luxurious cartel compound, and deep into the psychic choices that shape our identities. A sweeping novel that tells us as much about our perceptions of the United States and Mexico as it does about our own natures and desires, Perpetual West is a fiercely intelligent and engaging look at the false divide between high and low culture, and a suspenseful story of how harrowing events can bring our true selves to the surface.

my thoughts:

Wow. What a terrific book! I LOVED Perpetual West by Mesha Maren. A gripping story about borders - physical and emotional, this is a read that will grab you by the heart and shake you awake. Eye-opening and thought-provoking, this is one unputdownable book. A definite must-read. 

Elana and Alex are a young married couple who decide to relocate to El Paso where Alex is attending grad school. Elana is an undergrad who waits tables. The two are best friends, but seem to be disconnected. Alex is obsessed with discovering his roots in Mexico where he was born - he was adopted by a family in Virginia as a baby. So, he immerses himself in the world of lucha libre (Mexican wrestlers) in Juarez, which is just across the border. He meets Mateo, a Mexican wrestler. The two fall in love. Meanwhile, Elana is trying to figure out her life when she gets called away for a family matter. She has no idea what is transpiring between her husband and Mateo. In fact, when she returns home to El Paso she finds Alex gone. Convinced that something bad happened to her husband she goes to the police for help, but they dismiss her worries. And so, Elana sets out to figure out where her husband is and what happened to him. Along the way, she discovers the secrets he's been keeping from her. And, that is all I will write about this awesome story - you need to read it for yourself to find out what happens to both Elana and Alex. 

Maren has written a compelling story about identity, politics, family, and love. She's created characters that are unlikeable and unreliable - the perfect kind to love/hate. Her story unfolds in a tense and slow-burn manner that is addictive. I couldn't stop reading! And, her writing is top notch. All in all, she has created an unforgettable story. 

I would definitely recommend Perpetual West to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

100 Cities, 5000 Ideas: Where To Go, When To Go, What To See, What To Do by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Grab your passport and get ready to explore 100 cities around the world. This informative travel guide--the next in National Geographic’s blockbuster 5,000 Ideas series--takes you from skyscraper-filled concrete jungles to coastal urban oases. You’ll find hot tips for the best sights, bites, museums, and more for each location, as well as practical planning advice for when to go and what to expect when you arrive. And there’s something in these pages for every traveler: history buff, art lover, foodie, beach bum, or anyone in between. Take a dim sum tour through San Francisco’s Chinatown; hop a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto to capture two of Japan’s best cities in one vacation; discover the hidden historical gems in bustling Mumbai; bathe in the sun on Sydney’s beaches; temple hop your way through Bangkok and shop its floating markets; stand on the edge of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city; take a walk through art history in Florence; or go on an urban safari in Nairobi. Filled with expert tips, bonus side trip suggestions, and tons of innovative activities, this is an inspirational and practical keepsake for any kind of globetrotter.

my thoughts:

I am dreaming of traveling. My notebook is filled with a vacation wish list of all the places I want to visit. I can taste the open road. And, then reality sets in and I'm back to armchair traveling. My vacation wish list will have to wait...for now.  So, that is why I read about faraway places - to get my travel bug fix. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on National Geographic's latest travel book, 100 Cities, 5000 Ideas: Where To Go, When To Go, What To See, What To Do. Talk about the perfect travel guide!

Chock full of gorgeous photographs from all over the world, showcasing the beauty surrounding us all - this book will have you fantasizing about all the places you MUST visit ASAP. From Japan to Italy to India - your vacation wish list will become never-ending. OMG! And, the information the guide provides - tidbits and facts about what to do and when to go are exactly what you need when planning out your trips. I just LOVED this book so much! It is the perfect travel guide!

I would happily recommend 100 Cities, 5000 Ideas to anyone and everyone looking for their next read - you will LOVE getting lost in this book! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Food Journeys Of A Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe by National Geographic Society

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Few experiences are as satisfying as a chance to explore the world through food. Compiled from the expert travel writers at National Geographic, Food Journeys of a Lifetime scours the globe for the world’s best dishes, markets, and restaurants that are worth traveling far and wide to savor.
In this fully revised and updated edition, find the best of the best, including:

Tokyo’s famed fish market and its 226 Michelin-starred restaurants--the most of any city in the world
The ultimate Philly cheesesteak from the city of brotherly love
The perfect cup of tea in China
The spice markets of Marrakech
The juiciest cuts of beef in Argentina
The freshest pasta in Italy
And the ultimate Swiss wine route
Featuring more than 60 new bites and destinations, this book is the key to building a foodie traveler’s ultimate bucket list. Within the flavors and tastes of every cuisine, you’ll find unique stories about the places, cultures, climates, and chefs that produce these extraordinary dishes. A wide selection of recipes invite you to try new cooking techniques and obtain flavors from abroad at home; top 10 lists offer side trips from chocolate factories to champagne bars.

Filled with a dazzling array of diverse recommendations, each page of this inspiring book will make your mouth water--and spur your next gourmet vacation.

my thoughts:

National Geographic does food - how could I not read this one, right? I'm serious. Yummy, delicious food from all over the world - my mouth waters just thinking about it. And luckily, National Geographic always delivers the BEST photographs, so I know I'm going to be looking at vibrant and vivid images of glorious food. So, yeah, the title of this book, Food Journeys Of A Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe,  already makes me love it. Of course, once I open it up and start flipping pages and reading the different sections about coffee, restaurants, spices, and street foods, well, I am in LOVE. 

The photographs are awesome - they make you want to jump on a plane and fly everywhere to try all the foods. YUM! And the top ten lists were so much fun to read through. I loved reading about the best maple syrup, the best beer, and which food festivals should be added to your bucket list. Plus, I loved that we get to read about food from all over the world, including our beautifully diverse country. What a delectable treat this book was to peruse through. I had such a blast making my own list of places to visit and foods to try. Talk about foodie paradise!

Food Journeys Of A Lifetime makes for a terrific holiday gift - who doesn't love a beautiful coffee table book, right? And, who doesn't enjoy armchair traveling now and then? Plus, you can use this book to help you plan out your next vacation or three and check out all of the extraordinary places there are to eat in this wonderful world. All I know is that this book is a must-read. Make sure to check it out ASAP - you are going to eat it up!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

A Man Of The World: My Life At National Geographic by Gilbert M. Grosvenor

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a  copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

The captivating inside story of the man who helmed National Geographic for six decades is a front-row seat to audacious feats of exploration, from the successful hunt for the Titanic to Jane Goodall's field studies. Offering a rare portrait of one of the world's most iconic media empires, this revealing autobiography makes an impassioned argument to know—and care for—our planet.

Though his career path had been paved by four generations of his family before him, Gilbert M. Grosvenor left his own mark on the National Geographic Society, founded in 1888 and recognized the world over by its ubiquitous yellow border. In an unflinchingly honest memoir as big as the world and all that is in it, Grosvenor shows us what it was like to "grow up Geographic" in a family home where explorers like Robert Peary, Louis Leakey, and Jane Goodall regularly crossed the threshold. As staff photographer, editor in chief and then president of the organization, Grosvenor oversaw the diversification into television, film, books, as well as its flagship magazine, which under his tenure reached a peak circulation of nearly 11 million. He also narrates the shift from a nonprofit, family-focused enterprise to the more corporate, bottom-line focused world of publishing today. 

For Grosvenor, running National Geographic wasn’t just a job. It was a legacy, motivated by a passion not just to leave the world a better place, but to motivate others to do so, too. Filled with world travel, charismatic explorers, and the complexities of running a publishing empire, A MAN OF THE WORLD is the story of one man, a singular family business, and the changing face of American media.

my thoughts:

Wow! Love, love, love! I really enjoyed reading all about Gilbert M. Grosvenor and his legacy...National Geographic. What a cool, adventurous environmentalist to read about! Talk about world traveler!

Growing up within the National Geographic family formed Grosvenor's destiny of traveling the world and running National Geographic - which he did! And, so well, too. Yep, Grosvenor met iconic explorers at his family's home and soon found himself diving in Antarctica. Exploring the world was in his bones and he most definitely threw himself into that role, along with growing his family's business. He shares about it all and along the way also discusses the importance of conserving culture and the environment. It's thought-provoking, eye-opening, and fascinating to read about this popular organization that showcases our world and the man behind the scenes of it all. What a fantastic memoir! What a life!

I would happily recommend A Man Of The World to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you are going to enjoy this one so much! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In this inspiring travelogue, celebrated traveler and photographer Jessica Nabongo—the first Black woman on record to visit all 195 countries in the world—shares her journey around the globe with fascinating stories of adventure, culture, travel musts, and human connections. 

It was a daunting task, but Jessica Nabongo, the beloved voice behind the popular website The Catch Me if You Can, made it happen, completing her journey to all 195 UN-recognized countries in the world in October 2019. Now, in this one-of-a-kind memoir, she reveals her top 100 destinations from her global adventure. 

Beautifully illustrated with many of Nabongo's own photographs, the book documents her remarkable experiences in each country, including: 

A harrowing scooter accident in Nauru, the world’s least visited country,
Seeing the life and community swarming around the Hazrat Ali Mazar mosque in Afghanistan,
Horseback riding and learning to lasso with Black cowboys in Oklahoma,
Playing dominoes with men on the streets of Havana,
Learning to make traditional takoyaki (octopus balls) from locals in Japan,
Dog sledding in Norway and swimming with humpback whales in Tonga,
A late night adventure with strangers to cross a border in Guinea Bissau,
And sunbathing on the sandy shores of Los Roques in Venezuela.

Along with beloved destinations like Peru and South Africa, you'll also find tales from far-flung corners and seldom visited destinations, including Tuvalu, North Korea, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Nabongo's stories are love letters to diversity, beauty, and culture—and most of all, to the people she meets along the way. Throughout, she offers bucket-list experiences for other travel-lovers looking to follow in her footsteps. 

For armchair travelers or readers planning a trip around the globe, this arresting collection will awe and inspire!

my thoughts:

Wow! What an awesome book! The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to  Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo is absolutely a MUST-READ!! Chock full of personal photographs, travel experiences, a bucket list, and so much more - this book is the PERFECT way to see the world from the comfort from your own home. It is an AMAZING read that you won't be able to stop reading. I LOVED it to bits!!

Jessica is the first Black woman to travel the world and visit all 195 UN-recognized countries in the world. Her journey ended in 2019. This book documents 100 countries that she visited and it is fantastic. You get to know Jessica and her penchant for traveling and how she made this dream to see the world come true. And then, you get to go along with her as she visits all the places you've heard about or dreamt about seeing. It is such a delight to read and peruse her photographs. This book is just such a feast for travelers - not only will you be inspired to add more cities to your own private bucket list, but you won't be able to help smile at the excitement and experiences that Jessica shares about. Such a wonderful read!

I would happily recommend The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World to anyone and everyone looking for their next great summer read - you will fall in deep with this one. Check it out!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

100 Great American Parks by Stephanie Pearson

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Discover diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes in this beautifully illustrated collection of America’s 63 national parks, as well as 37 state, recreational, and city parks and green spaces.

Nowhere in the world is there a park system like America’s. The National Park System was the first in the world and is a collection of the country’s best national treasures. For Americans, these places are part of our cultural DNA. Filled with beautiful National Geographic photography, wisdom from experts, need-to-know travel information including the best scenic overlooks and hiking trails, and practical wildlife-spotting tips, this inspirational collection takes readers to all 63 national parks, as well as 37 state, recreational, and city parks and green spaces. 
With a park in every state, this beautiful collection highlights the top experiences in stunning destinations from Yosemite and Sequoia to Biscayne and Mammoth Cave. You'll discover the beauty, diversity, surprises, and wonder of each park, including

The mountain peaks of the Tetons
Hawaii’s constantly erupting volcanoes
The crystal-clad underworld of Carlsbad Caverns
The steamy swamps and mangrove forests of the deep South
Hidden gems tucked in bustling cities like New York’s Central Park
And so much more!

Each entry in this magnificent volume explores the breathtaking landscapes, remarkable histories, extraordinary wildlife, and the need to conserve and explore each destination. With a foreword from legendary recording artist Garth Brooks, “the voice of America,” this innovative guide will lead you to experience the greatest park experiences the world has to offer and an understanding of these natural open spaces.

my thoughts:

What a beautiful book! I LOVED National Geographic's latest by Stephanie Pearson, 100 Great American Parks.  Chock full of stunning photographs and amazing essays all about our nation's parks - what more could I want from a travel book? We get to see the gorgeous vistas surrounding us, along with tons of tips, advice, and information about where to go and when to go. This book has it all!

I just loved flipping through the pages and getting lost in the photographs and imagining all of the vacations that I now need to take. This book is just such a treat to read. I enjoyed every minute I spent with it. 100 Great American Parks is the go-to book for anyone and everyone planning out their next excursion - you are going to LOVE this book to bits! Check it out ASAP - especially since summer is right around the corner. 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

100 Countries, 5000 Ideas: Where To Go, When To Go, What To See, What To Do by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In this fully revised and updated edition of the best-selling 100 Countries, 5,000 Ideas, find where to go, what to do, when to visit, and more for the top destinations around the world. Filled with new content, 11 new countries, and brand-new photography from National Geographic, you’ll find everything you need to plan your next globetrotting adventure. Travel to Vietnam where you can paddle Ha Long Bay and temple hop on a tuk tuk city tour. In France, visit well-known Parisian spots, then make your way to the off-the-beaten Dinan (France’s only walled city) and the Loire Valley. In South Africa, find yourself in an urban oasis in Cape Town before heading on a safari adventure. Go to the ends of the Earth in Chile before hopping a boat to cruise a glacier-filled bay. And history buffs will be fascinated by a three-country WWII tour. Whatever your pleasure, this rich guidebook has the trip--and country--for you. Complete with essential tips like when to go and what to bring, you’ll be packing your bags and crossing off bucket list destinations in no time.

my thoughts:

I am dreaming of traveling. My notebook is filled with a vacation wish list of all the places I want to visit. I can taste the open road. And, then reality sets in and I'm back to armchair traveling. My vacation wish list will have to wait...for now.  So, that is why I read about faraway places - to get my travel bug fix. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on National Geographic's latest edition of 100 Countries, 5,000 Ideas. Talk about the perfect travel guide!

Chock full of gorgeous photographs from all over the world, showcasing the beauty surrounding us all - this book will have you fantasizing about all the places you MUST visit ASAP. From Vietnam to South Africa to France - your vacation wish list will become never-ending. OMG! And, the information the guide provides - tidbits and facts about what to do and when to go are exactly what you need when planning out your trips. I just LOVED this book so much! It is the perfect travel guide!

I would happily recommend 100 Countries, 5,000 Ideas to anyone and everyone looking for their next read - you will LOVE getting lost in this book! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where To Go, When To Go, What To See, What To Do by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Plan your next getaway to the great outdoors with this one-of-a-kind resource for campgrounds across North America. In this comprehensive sequel to the best-selling 50 States, 5,000 Ideas, you'll discover the top tent and cabin campsites, as well as RV resorts and glamping destinations around the United States and Canada. Along with destination information—location, contact info, open seasons, and amenities—along with expert recommendations for activities including hiking, biking, and water sports; the best restaurants for days you need a break from the camp stove; and nearby attractions—from sights within nearby national and state parks to local museums. Choose from 10 sites in each state, Western and Eastern Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, including a cabin at Yogi Bear's Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park Camp Resort; a tent near the stunning waterfall at the Grand Canyon's Havasupai Campground; or a cozy yurt in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Whatever your camping bucket list includes, 50 States, 500 Campgrounds has the site for you.

my thoughts:

Travel books are my jam. I just love them to bits. The adventures they inspire, the delicious photographs, and the numerous tips of where to go and what to do - what more could I want? Especially when National Geographic is responsible for publishing and creating the travel book. I mean, seriously? National Geographic?! You know what that means - the very best photographs, information, and recommendations. So, of course, I jumped at the chance to review their latest travel guide: 50 States, 500 Campgrounds. Talk about the perfect read to motivate me to start planning out my summer and fall trips this year. 

Camping sounds like the perfect way to unwind. The outdoors, night skies, hiking trails, and s'mores - all of it sounds rather blissful at the moment. Considering how cooped up we've all been these past two years, I'm thinking the outdoors is the way to go. Plus, I love the idea of a 'glamping' trip. How fun does that sound?! 

In 50 States, 500 Campgrounds we get the intel on all of the 'hotspots' in the States. The book is chock full of the best places to visit, the yummiest restaurants to dine at, and the funnest activities to partake in. You can't help but grab a notebook and pen to start jotting down ideas for all of the places you want to visit ASAP. This book will inspire and motivate you to see the USA in all its glory. I am so stoked to start figuring out which destination to visit first. What an awesome book! I would happily recommend 50 States, 500 Campgrounds to anyone and everyone - you will LOVE this travel book! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

1000 Perfect Weekends: Great Escapes Around the Globe by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Packed with innovative ideas and inspiring photographs, this gift-worthy treasury features 1,000 dream escapes from sunny beach retreats to lush mountain idylls, exotic city sojourns, and wild adventures around the world.

Whether you’re looking for a way to unplug from the busy work week, take the family on a quick getaway, or add to a vacation itinerary, this practical and inspiring book provides the perfect way to plan your next escape. Spend two days sailing off the coast of the Bahamas. Indulge in a foodie tour of Mexico City’s markets. Camp with wild horses on Assateague Island. Take a drive through Italy’s “Chocolate Valley.” Skate the world’s largest ice rink at Ottawa’s winter festival. Whatever your pleasure, 1,000 Perfect Weekends has a unique itinerary built to excite you and your travel companions, illustrated with dramatic National Geographic photographs. Divided by theme and interest–including nature parks, city escapes, country weekends, mountain retreats, and more–this fun-packed guide offers an adventure you can experience in 36 to 72 hours. Highlighting the best short escapes from hubs across the globe, these trips cover more than 40 countries around the world. You’ll also find 50 snackable top-10 lists–from the best places to go antiquing to the most relaxing spas to the top museums in the world–to add to your bucket list, along with first-person accounts from travelers who have scouted out each location.

my thoughts:

Fun, fun, fun! 1000 Perfect Weekends: Great Escapes Around the Globe by National Geographic is such a fantastic read! Chock full of vacation destination ideas, gorgeous photographs, tips, advice, and top ten lists - this book will have you planning out your next vacation ASAP. You won't be able to stop jotting down ideas for future trips for the next several years. There are just so many beautiful places to visit around this incredible world and their are recommendations for all kinds of travelers - foodies, hikers, snorkelers, and people who just want to chill out and drink some wine. It is truly amazing that there are so many places to visit and experience - makes you appreciate the beauty of people, culture, and nature. I was in awe flipping the pages of this hefty tome. I had my cuppa next to me, along with a notebook and pen. I found myself transported around the world just flipping through the brilliant photographs littering the pages. I loved it. What a terrific travel book! I would wholeheartedly recommend 1000 Perfect Weekends to everyone looking for some form of travel escape - you will relish your time spent with this book. I know I can't wait to buy a copy or ten for my family and friends this holiday season - they can start planning out their 2022 vacations with it. Definitely check it out!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: 1000 Perfect Weekends

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Letter To A Stranger: Essays To The Ones Who Haunt Us edited by Colleen Kinder

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

“A celebration of the adventure that is other people.” —Ariel Levy, author of The Rules Do Not Apply

Lauren Groff, Elizabeth Kolbert, Pam Houston, Pico Iyer, T Kira Madden, Gregory Pardlo, Maggie Shipstead, and Peter Orner are among the 65 writers who grapple with this mystery: How can an ephemeral encounter leave an eternal mark?
 
When Colleen Kinder put out a call for authors to “write a letter to a stranger who haunts you,” she opened the floodgates. The responses—intimate and addictive, all in the form of letters, all written in the second person—began pouring in. These short, insightful essays by today’s best literary minds are organized around such themes as Grati­tude, Wonder, and Farewell, and guide us both across the globe and through the mysteries of human connection.

Bestselling author Leslie Jamison, who provides the foreword, reveals she has been haunted for years by a traveling magician she met in Nicaragua. Journalist Ted Conover writes his missive to a stranger he met on a New Yorker assignment in Rwanda. From the story of Vanessa Hua’s shoe shopper in China to the tale of Michelle Tea’s encounter in a Texas tattoo parlor, these pieces are replete with observations about how to live and what to seek, and how a stranger’s loaded glance, shared smile, or question posed can alter the course of our lives. Moving and unforgettable, Letter to a Stranger is an irresistible read for any literary traveler and the perfect gift for anyone who is haunted by a person they met once but will remember forever.

my thoughts:

What a wonderful book! I loved Letter To A Stranger: Essays To The Ones Who Haunt Us, edited by Colleen Kinder. This is they type of book you can dip in and out of, depending on your mood. Or, the kind of book you can gobble up in one sitting, because you can't bring yourself to put it down. Either way, its a book you will want to read and relish. I just loved the concept - writing a letter to a stranger that we've encountered in some way and how that encounter affected us. I couldn't help but smile at the notion, because we all have these moments. These incidents with someone we don't know that somehow become HUGE moments in our lives, or memories that make us smile. I found myself immediately recalling memories from my past that warrant this idea - writing these folks a letter to let them know how much that moment with them meant to me. It sounds crazy, but it also sounds like something that should be done. Even if its a letter that you write in your journal as a keepsake to remember the moment and that person. What do you think? Do you have someone that fits that bill - a stranger who haunts you?

Letter To A Stranger is chock full of letters by a variety of authors who have penned their thoughts and memories to the ones who have haunted them ever since that chance encounter. Talk about fascinating. I just loved reading these letters and thinking about jotting down a few of my own. What a treat to read! This is one book I will definitely be gifting to friends and family. And, its one book I won't soon forget. I just loved it!

I would happily recommend Letter To A Stranger to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will fall in deep with this one! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Drives Of A Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Road Trips Second Edition by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

This lavishly illustrated travel planner features 500 of the world’s most memorable driving experiences, from legendary Highway 1 in California to Japan’s famous Irohazaka Winding Road.

Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic’s legendary travel writers, Drives of a Lifetime spans the globe to reveal the best celebrated and lesser-known road trips on the planet. Inside this fully updated and revised edition–featuring more than 20 new drives–you’ll find routes through spectacular landscapes, ideas for quick getaways, leisurely journeys of discovery, and revelations of secret worlds beyond Google Maps. Some are legendary long-distance odysseys; others are easy day trips close to home, taking you down charming local byways. All will inspire you to pack up the car and hit the road. The possibilities are endless: Take Colorado’s San Juan Skyway for a 10,000-foot climb over towering mountain passes. Or travel the ancient Silk Road on an expedition across Central Asia and through time. Or why not drive the perimeter of Puerto Rico, a tropical paradise with many beaches along the way? Whatever your taste and budget, you’ll find plenty of routes tailored to your interests. Alongside detailed descriptions, full-color maps guide the way and planning tips help you make the most of your journey; top 10 lists offer quick, easy side trip ideas. Beautiful, informative, and inspiring, this luxurious volume is a lifelong resource that readers will treasure.

my thoughts:

National Geographic has done it again. They have created another MUST-HAVE book. This time round they are all about road tripping. Yep, Drives Of A Lifetime is THE book to grab if you want to map out trips by car that will take you cross country or traveling the roads in Central Asia. This book has it all. You can flip through sections devoted to ocean views, hills galore, and historical hot spots. There are gorgeous photographs to get lost in, plenty of tips, maps, and basic information to help you figure out when to go and where to go. Talk about the BEST travel book ever!

I just loved flipping through Drives and immersing myself in all the photos and maps. I had so much fun planning out trips I can't wait to take in the coming years. There are so many beautiful places to visit in the world - you can't help but create a long list of all the places you want to see. I absolutely LOVED spending time with this book. I have it out on my coffee table as a reminder of what's to come for the new year. This is one book that I know I'll be going back to again and again. 

I definitely recommend Drives Of A Lifetime to fans of National Geographic and to anyone looking for their next travel read - you will LOVE this book to bits!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Drives Of A Lifetime 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Frances Mayes Always Italy with Ondine Cohane

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

The world’s favorite expert on la dolce vita (Under the Tuscan Sun author) guides readers through Italy’s iconic regions, replete with lavish National Geographic images.

This lush guide, featuring more than 350 glorious photographs from National Geographic, showcases the best Italy has to offer from the perspective of two women who have spent their lives reveling in its unique joys. In these illuminating pages, Frances Mayes, the author of Under the Tuscan Sun and many other bestsellers, and New York Times travel writer Ondine Cohane reveal an Italy that only the locals know, filled with top destinations and unforgettable travel experiences in every region. From the colorful coastline of Cinque Terre and the quiet ports of the Aeolian Islands to the Renaissance architecture of Florence and the best pizza in Rome, every section features insider secrets and off-the-beaten-path recommendations (for example, a little restaurant in Piedmont known for its tajarin, a pasta that is the perfect bed for the region’s celebrated truffles). Here are the best places to stay, eat, and tour, paired with the rich history of each city, hillside town, and unique terrain. Along the way, you’ll make stops at the country’s hidden gems–art galleries, local restaurants, little-known hiking trails, spas, and premier spots for R&R. Inspiring and utterly unique, this vivid treasury is a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the best of Italy.

my thoughts:

Talk about the perfect book to armchair travel to Italy with - Always Italy by Frances Mayes.  It is spectacular! Gorgeous photographs that will have you imagining yourself wandering the streets of Italy, living 'la dolce vita'.  History about the cities and towns that make up such a beautiful country.  Tons of tidbits and recommendations about where to stop, eat, and sleep. It is treasure trove of information that you must-read for yourself. Especially, if you dream of visiting Italy one day.  I was lucky and was able to visit Italy during grad school. The trip was one I will never forget. The cities were amazing and unforgettable - Firenze was my absolute favorite! I truly hope to visit again one day. 

Mayes and travel writer, Ondine Cohane capture the beauty, the culture, and the history with such vividness, such love, and such joy.  Their words make you feel as if you are breathing in Italy and all it has to offer. This book is such a treat to read. Not only will you get lost in the photographs and words, but you will daydream about the trips you will take to a beautiful country that will leave you with memories galore. With the world thrust into the uknown at the moment, books like Always Italy are just perfect to get caught up in, because they share the beauty of the world with you and remind you that life wasn't always this scary. And, one day, you will be able to witness the beauty of the world once more.

I would happily recommend Always Italy to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book!!


Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Always Italy

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

100 Drives, 5000 Ideas by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Buckle up for the road trip of a lifetime: 100 epic journeys through all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces offering thousands of sites and roadside attractions along the way. A sequel to the best-selling 50 States, 5,000 Ideas.

From a vineyard route through Northwest wine country to a winter wonderland on Alberta’s Icefields Parkway, this informative travel guide offers epic sights, good bites, and pure fun. Pack your car and hit the road to experience 100 drives–both classic and off the beaten track–across the United States and Canada. You’ll find innovative itineraries outlining your route, along with when to go and what to see and do along the way. And there’s something here to satisfy every passenger. Take in the magnificent turns along Alaska’s Route One through Anchorage to Kenai. Or wind your way through retro spots from Chicago to Los Angeles on Route 66. On nearly 600 miles of New Mexico’s Trail of the Ancients, stop off to encounter sites dating back to A.D. 850. Or discover fossils along Dinosaur Drive, a route that winds its way from Calgary to Denver. Beach lovers will delight in Hawaii’s Oahu Circle Island Drive, while history lovers can follow Canada’s War of 1812 trail: a cruise between Montreal and Windsor with stops at major battlefields along the way.

Filled with expert tips, tons of activities, and plenty to see and do as you drive–the ultimate road trip playlist anyone?–here is an inspirational and practical keepsake for any road warrior.

my thoughts:

National Geographic's latest book, 100 Drives, 5000 Ideas is chock full of awesome photographs that have you daydreaming about taking road trips all over North America.  This book has so much information packed in - the distance to and fro, when you should visit, activities available, and expert travel tips. It truly is the perfect road trip book to dive into. And, if you are partial to armchair travel, 100 Drives, 5000 Ideas makes for a great coffee table book.  Either way, this book is such a fun treat to read, flip through, and get lost in.

I would happily recommend 100 Drives, 5000 Ideas to anyone and everyone looking for their next great travel book. You will LOVE this one to bits!! And, I'm pretty sure you'll be inspired to start planning out a road trip or three of your own.


Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: 100 Drives, 5000 Ideas

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Complete National Parks Of Europe by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Discover European wilderness–from Croatia’s coastline to Scotland’s highlands–in this comprehensive guide to pristine parks and wild spaces, full of photos, maps, and tips.

In these rich and informative pages, the travel pros at National Geographic bring you the premier guide to 460 national parks of Europe. Find your way to Snowdonia in Wales, offering more than 1,490 miles of walking trails through thick forests, coastal beaches, deep lakes, and jagged mountains. Catch a glimpse of more than 10,000 species inhabiting Germany’s Bavarian Forest. Explore the flora and fauna while camping amid the twin peaks of France’s Pyrénées. Or visit “the home of the giants,” Norway’s Jotunheimen park, containing the country’s 29 highest peaks and plenty of backcountry hiking. This breathtaking tour spans the entire continent and will inspire your next grand adventure with more than 400 photos, 55 maps, rich histories, exciting itineraries, and need-to-know tips from what to do and how to get there. Each entry includes favorite spots for viewing scenery and wildlife, the best trails to walk or hike, and insights into what makes each of these parks worth visiting. Inspiring and informative, this illuminating guide will help you to experience Europe in a whole new way.

my thoughts:

National Geographic's latest tome titled, Complete National Parks Of Europe, is AWESOME!! Think about it, a book chock full of gorgeous photographs of beautiful parks, beaches, forests, and mountains - how could you not fall in love with it?! I did. I absolutely enjoyed every minute I spent flipping through this lovely book.  I found myself imagining all of the trips I would LOVE to take to these unbelievable places.  I think that was half the fun - just picturing myself taking all of these exciting adventures to visit "the home of the giants" or Germany's Bavarian Forest.  There are maps, tips, and itineraries included in this terrific book - all of which provide such useful and interesting information.

This is the perfect book to help you plot out your next vacation, or it makes the best coffee table book that you can use to armchair travel with. Either way, you will LOVE Complete National Parks Of Europe - so, check it out!


Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Complete National Parks Of Europe

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Epic Journeys: 245 Life-Changing Adventures by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

From rafting the Zambezi River’s 23 stomach-flipping rapids to hiking the Inca trail and sailing from island to island in Greece, the travel experts at National Geographic reveal the world’s best adventures in this stunning–and practical–treasury.

From navigating the class-five rapids of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon to sandboarding the slopes of a volcano in Nicaragua to dogsledding in the Arctic, this beautiful and comprehensive book offers trips of a lifetime for explorers and adrenaline junkies alike. Filled with more than 300 vivid photographs, this inspirational guide reveals over 225 of the planet’s best destinations for hikers, skiers, divers, rafters, and more. You’ll also find everything you need to know for the ultimate epic journey: what to see, when to go, and what to do. Combining adventure with cultural experiences–for example, a safari through Madagascar or visiting the ruins of Buddhist temples after sea kayaking the warm waters of Vietnam–this one-of-a-kind collection, complemented by top ten lists and adventurer essays covering everything from the best hiking trails to the top wildlife parks, will lead you to new heights of exploration.

my thoughts:

If you have a bucket list chock full of travel destinations to visit, then this book is for you. National Geographic's latest tome is all about Epic Journeys.  Yep, 245 Life-Changing Adventures to be exact.  How awesome does that sound?  Plus, you know when it comes to National Geographic they are going to provide it all - photos, itineraries, and top ten lists.  And, did I mention the photos. Oh my, they are beyond amazing! Just flipping through this fantastic travel book, you can't help but get lost in the photos and imagine the adventures you would go on when visiting these places.  I'm taking about photos of hiking in Bolivia, water rafting in Thailand, and biking around the Transylvanian Alps - how exciting and thrilling does that sound? Along with all the brilliant photos are fascinating essays about the places by some of National Geographic's legendary explorers - so, you just know you are going to be in for quite a treat reading what they have to say about these beautiful destinations. 

Epic Journeys is the perfect book to inspire you to pack your bags and head off on an epic adventure.  You can't help but jot down new additions to your ever-growing bucket list.  Plus, the book itself makes for a fun a way to wile away the afternoon. I'm serious, just looking through the photos and reading the essays and lists, you can't help but get caught up in the extraordinary beauty that makes up this world we live in.  It is just brilliant.  And, did I mention that this book will settle nicely on your coffee table - ready to be picked up and thumbed through whenever your eye happens to rest upon it. I'm thinking it would make the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one who's been bitten by the travel bug - they would just LOVE this book to bits.  How could they not? 

I'm happy to recommend Epic Journeys to fans of National Geographic's awesome travel books and to anyone looking for their next great adventure read - you are going to truly LOVE this book!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Backyard Guide To The Night Sky by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Explore the star-studded cosmos with this fully updated, user-friendly skywatcher’s guide, filled with charts, graphics, photographs, and expert tips for viewing — and understanding — the wonders of space.

Stargazing’s too much fun to leave to astronomers. In these inviting pages, “Night Sky Guy” Andrew Fazekas takes an expert but easygoing approach that will delight would-be astronomers of all levels. Essential information, organized logically, brings the solar system, stars, and planets to life in your own backyard. Start with the easiest constellations and then “star-hop” across the night sky to find others nearby. Learn about the dark side of the moon, how to pick Mars out of a planetary lineup, and which kinds of stars twinkle in your favorite constellations. Hands-on tips and techniques for observing with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope help make the most out of sightings and astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and meteor showers. Photographs and graphics present key facts in an easy-to-understand format, explaining heavenly phenomena such as black holes, solar flares, and supernovas. Revised to make skywatching even easier for the whole family, this indispensable guide shines light on the night sky–truly one of the greatest shows on Earth!

my thoughts:

Looking up at the stars and wondering about the cosmos - talk about a fascinating way to spend your night. I absolutely love the memories I have of looking up at the night sky and imagining what the stars looked like up close and the planets filled with the unknown. It was exciting, scary, and so much fun.  The vastness that is the sky mixed with the darkness that creates night - the planet rotating and moving at its own speed as we sleep and dream.  Talk about fascinating food for thought.  And so, when I was given the opportunity to read National Geographic's latest edition of Backyard Guide To The Night Sky, I immediately said "yes."   I was so excited when I got my copy and grabbed a cuppa so I could settle in and learn about the night sky that has kept my imagination running wild for years.

Chock full of photographs, graphics, tips, and information - this book is THE book to read if you want to learn about watching the night sky and what's in it. You can find out about what telescope to use and the various star patterns that make up the constellations. Its so interesting, you can't help but get lost in the pages of this book - learning so much about the beautiful night sky that mesmerizes us.  I found myself completely engaged in this book - it was so much fun to read. I loved it!

I would happily recommend Backyard Guide To The Night Sky to fans of National Geographic and to budding astronomers/fans of stargazing - you will LOVE this book to bits!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Backyard Guide To The Night Sky

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!