No matter where you spend your summer, there’s always room for a good book! We have composed a list of must-read’s for everyone diagnosed with an incurable state of wanderlust. Enjoy!
Jack Kerouac - On The Road
This novel became an instant bestseller when it was published in 1957. It’s considered a defining work of the post-war beat generation, who tried to find themselves through drug use, jazz and traveling. The book is largely autobiographical and based on Mr. Kerouac’s own experiences. Many musicians, poets and writers have been influenced and inspired by the book, for example Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison. It’s a work of art and a voice of an entire generation.
Travels With Charley; In Search Of America - John Steinbeck
This travelogue is written by the famous author John Steinbeck in 1962 and depicts a road trip around the US made by Steinbeck himself and his poodle, Charley. The trip, which starts in Long Island, New York, takes Steinbeck through the Pacific Northwest, Salinas Valley in California, Texas and the south and back to New York. Thom Steinbeck, the oldest son of John Steinbeck, later said, that the real reason for the road trip was for the author to explore his beloved country one last time, since he knew he was dying at the time of departure. The book reached the bestseller lists a few months after it was published.
The Beach - Alex Garland
A famous backpacking/travel novel that got very popular after its film adaptation in 2000 starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the main character. Set in Thailand, the novel is a story of a young backpacker’s search for a legendary and remote beach untouched by tourists - in other words; paradise on Earth. The book was said to be the inspiration for the famous Lord of the Flies, and it tells the interesting story of a modern generation with an incurable wanderlust. Read it on the beach for the ultimate experience!
Wild; From Lost To Found On The Pacific Crest Trail - Sheryl Strayed
‘Wild’ is author Cheryl Strayed’s second book and it’s translated into more than 30 languages. In 2015 it was adapted for the screen starring Reese Witherspoon in the leading role. The story covers Strayed’s 1.100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail and the struggles she went through both before and during the hike. It’s a strong story of a woman trying to find herself and deal with the death of her beloved mother. When it was published in 2012 it was on ‘New York Times Best Seller List’ for 7 weeks in a row.
A Year In Provence - Peter Mayle
Calling all Francophiles! This book from 1989 is a bestselling autobiography by Peter Mayle covering his first year as a newcomer in Provence. Don’t we all have a dream of moving into a charming village in Southern France with our loved one? Mayle did, but soon after moving, he was faced with the difficulties of fierce weather, local events and French customs! The novel was adapted into a Television mini-series and remains popular to this day.
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