Travel Book Descriptions

TRAVEL FAVORITES - Click on Book link to purchase
Title	Author	Description
4000 Days	Warren Fellows	This is an often gruesome true story of life and survival in Bangkok's infamous Bang Kwang prison by a "Farang" (foreigner) who was jailed due to his involvement with drugs. Those condemned to the prison because of drug offenses often turned to drugs to help the pain of living in this hell-hole. The physical torment was particular bad, but the wearing down of the prisoner's mental capacities by the guards was what caused a number of prisoners to "lose it". Disease, worms, rats, this book contains it all.
Alive	Piers Paul Read	This is the amazing story of survival high in the Andes after a charter plane crashes in the snow. The plane carries 45 people at the time of the crash - 16 living survivors are eventually rescued. Ultimately two of the survivors have to climb over a steep pass and hike miles to gain access to below the snow line. This is after living in what's left of the plane after 10 weeks This story has also been made into a full length motion picture, but in our opinion, the book is superior to the movie. This story is human endurance to the extreme.
Between a Rock & a Hard Place	Aron Ralston	Aron has always loved the outdoors and climbing mountains. This is the incredible story of one man being in the wrong place at the wrong time and his ensuing entrapment in a remote canyon in Utah. He eventually arrives at the final decision he has to make in order to "free" himself. This is a gripping story that develops as the trapped man comes to terms with his situation and his ultimate choice. A full on adrenaline pumping read.
Governor’s Travels: How I Left Politics, Learned to Back Up a Bus, and Found America	Angus King	Angus King had just ended 2 terms as Governor of the State of Maine and watched a state trooper drive away - leaving him alone for the first time in 8 years. Within 12 hours of that moment he and his family were on the road. They purchased a large RV and spent the next 5.5 months exploring and discovering America. From small towns to big cities, Mr. King offers insights and reflections about history, a plethora of travel photographs, as well as basic facts and helpful hints about driving and owning an RV. But mostly this is a family story about their experiences and adventures. The freedom of the open road and their unique experiences is enough to inspire one to set out on their own road trip!
Grayton Beach Affair	James Harvey	A World War II story. A fleeting romance. A secret mission. Thrown together by the circumstances of war, main character Christian Wolfe finds himself sent to America from Germany on a mission to rescue a German POW. For the two day "affair" he is on American soil in Grayton Beach Florida and finds himself caught up with a beautiful girl. Harvey weaves a tale of suspense and unfinished romance set against the backdrop and uncertainty of war. Christian escapes back to Germany and he and Maggies' life take different turns. Will the twists and turns of the last few years of the war lead him back to Maggie? Will he live through the war? The story turns quickly throughout, always leaving the reader on the edge. This is thoroughly an enjoyable read.
Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure	Matthew Algeo	This is a delightful fast paced read about a 19-day road trip Harry Truman and his wife Bess took from their house in Missouri to Washington DC and back again in 1953 soon after leaving the presidency. Times were simpler back then for ex Presidents as they were able to make this trip as private citizens (President Truman drove) without the accompaniment of secret service. They were actually able to mingle with locals for much of this trip. This is definitely not a trip one of the current ex Presidents would be able to make today! Author Matt Algeo does a great job with the research of this book providing specific details based on first hand accounts from witnesses. In addition, Algeo actually retraced the Truman's trip by sleeping, eating and visiting (where available) the same places as the Truman's. Select trip photos are included. Read about Harry Truman the man, not the politician. He loved fruit, changed his own oil, was a good tipper and drove fast. As Harry says, "The fact is, I like roads. I like to move."
Postcards from Europe	Rick Steves	Rather than being a formal guidebook listing where to eat, what to do, where to stay etc, this is a refreshing at times entertaining collection of experiential stories and people that Rick has met during his travels in Europe. From the "coffee shops" in Amsterdam to the Mediterranean beauty of the Cinque Terre along the Italian Riviera, Steves brings Europe to life. Over 35 years of traveling to Europe helps form the basis for this book. Postcards from Europe covers a number of Western European locations including parts of Germany, Rome, Venice, Paris and the beautiful Gimmelwald in the heart of Switzerland's alps. A number of color photos hand picked by Rick, date back to his early travels in Europe and are also included.
Practical Nomad	Edward Hasbrouk	Your round the world travel agent. Edward is an internationally recognized expert on round-the-world travel. This is an excellent guide written by someone who has traveled round the world several times. Stories, money saving tips, itineraries & more. It focuses on independent travel adventure and as the title says, incorporates practical information such as airport security, planning routes, finding travel companions, and how to find the best deals.
Sightseeing	Rattawut Lapcharoensap	This is a collection of short seven stories set in contemporary Thailand. Family relationships and dynamics are integral to each story. Although the stories take place in Thailand they incorporate themes that are International in nature. The stories take place in Bangkok and also in rural Thailand.
Skin Tight	Carl Hiaasen	This is another high paced thrilling adventure by Hiaasen. Bad guys, good guys, plastic surgery, corruption, swamps and boats - takes place in Florida of course! This is an easy fast paced read. Join Florida Investigator Mick Stranahan on his adventures. This is a great "escape" book to have while spending hours in a plane, bus or other transportation - the perfect antidote to those long hours you invariably spend on the road when travelling.
States of Confusion	Paul Jury	More often than not one doesn't know what he wants to do with his life after school. Some of us work a variety of jobs until we somehow figure it out, or not. Others procrastinate for a while until they get a "real" job. Others take 19,000 mile road trips and then write about it; such is the case of Paul Jury. He set out on a mission to visit 48 states in 48 days with a budget that was next to nothing and a heavy college debt hanging over his head. As a result he sleeps on the road, crashes at friends houses and discovers where to pull free electricity for labtop so he can make update his blog daily. This book is a well crafted often humorous look at his trip, who he meets and the conclusions he makes about which direction both his personal and career paths will take. During an intense part of the trip where vehicular failure occurs and some other bad things, luck comes as well as financial help from an surprise source. Some books don't "grab" you right away - this book certainly does and remains wholly engaging throughout. A recommended read!
The Bear Went Over the Mountain	Carll Tucker	Part history, part reflection, part introspective - this book is an entertaining read about one man's travels throughout the United States in a motor home named Migrant. The core of his journey is to visit all grave sites and memorials for every US President and Vice President (color photos included). Witty & sometimes humorous commentary combined with historical introspection makes this a unique read.
The Hungry Cyclist	Tom Kevill-Davies	We first heard about the Hungry Cyclist when he stopped over in the Napa valley several years back. Imagine our delight to one day hear that Tom had written a book about his epic journeys on the bike in the America's. Tom quit his job, left his girlfriend and the comfortable life in England to hop on the back of a British touring bicycle and peddle all the way from New York City to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil - (the long way), i.e. he first biked across Canada and the USA before he headed south and then biked across the wide point of South America before heading south. This wasn't just a long bike trip, rather Tom was always on the lookout for culinary delights and gastronomic adventures. You will see some of his favorite recipes scattered throughout the book. This ride took two years to complete and makes for an intriguing travel memoir.
The Ride of our Lives	Mike Leonard	A contemporary true story about one man who drives his RV across the USA and convinces his aging parents and his grown children to come along (quitting their jobs). Needing a unique vacation in his middle age he also used this trip to provide one last adventure for his parents. Often humorous, this story is a good read especially for the family interactions that take place in the RV. This book has also been made into a 12-part public television series.
Travel Therapy	Karen Schaler	We had just arrived home after yet another long International trip and were suffering from the throes of jet lag when we spied this book sitting on top of our pile of books to review. The cover looked nice, an empty beach, clear water and an empty beach chair just waiting for us. Sure, this is what the Dr. ordered, more travel as a kind of therapy to recover from travel! This is the latest book from Emmy award winning author Karen Schaler. She traveled to more than 30 countries in the spirit of research to find the most inspiring sights, activities and attractions. This book is divided into 11 different travel therapy sections including in part where to go after a breakup (as Sarah indicates, couples only or romantic destinations are probably out), Doctor ordered trips, celebration trips, volunteer trips and more. Look for the "do not enter" graphic under each section; it tells you what to stay away from based on the type of trip. Individual quizzes are tailored to each type of trip with recommendations based on your answers. Hip, edgy writing incorporating well-placed personal stories makes this a fun, educational and enjoyable read. Visit Karen on the web at: www.traveltherapytrips.com
Volunteer Vacations	Bill McMillon Doug Cutchins Anne Geissinger	This book is the definitive guide about specific volunteer organizations. It was originally published over 20 years ago and today covers in detail 150 charitable organizations. Looking to help strawberry farmers in Azerbaijan, rehabilitate wounded elephants in India, build homes in Honduras or a variety of other volunteer opportunities - look no further than Volunteer Vacations. An introduction chapter highlights the rewards, opportunities and answers typical questions about volunteer travel. In addition real life volunteers highlight their experiences with select organizations throughout the book. This particular edition contains additional sections that highlight family-friendly, senior, and disabled volunteer trip opportunities. The organizations listed cover a variety of budgets and skill levels as well as information about volunteering at long term aid organizations.

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