Another Eight books that will make you want to travel (part 30)

I finished reading another eight books, mentally taking me all over the globe. Here are eight books that will make you want to travel, part 30 in my series.

North American Odyssey - 12,000 Miles Across the Continent by Kayak, Canoe, and Dogsled - Amy and Dave Freeman

When National Geographic Adventurers of the Year Amy and Dave Freeman marry, they set out on an unusual honeymoon: a three-year, 12,000-mile journey across North America. From Alaska’s Inside Passage to Florida’s Key West, they traverse the continent by kayak, canoe, dogsled, and skis, encountering wildlife, sublime landscapes, and harrowing challenges.

Along the way, the Freemans also bear witness to environmental degradation and climate change—from plastic-covered beaches to forest fires to retreating glaciers. And as they engage with Native and rural communities most impacted by the changes resulting from modern industrial society and meet individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting the natural world, their adventure deepens in ways they never imagined.

From the white-knuckle rush of paddling white water to the wonderment of dogsledding across a frosted landscape where caribou and wolves roam, North American Odyssey is a celebration of our interconnectedness to the natural world and to each other. Beautifully written, engagingly told, and inspiring throughout, Amy and Dave Freeman’s story is a clarion call for change in the way we live.

Adventure Coordinators opinion: an engaging read but a little shallow - the entire stretch from Sault Ste Marie to Montreal, historically perhaps the most interesting, is described in half a page! Still, entertaining enough. 6.5 out of 10

An African history of Africa - Zeinab Badawi

For too long, Africa's history has been dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism, or simply ignored. Now, Zeinab Badawi sets the record straight.

In this fascinating book, Badawi guides us through Africa's spectacular history – from the very origins of our species, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires with remarkable queens and kings, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence. Visiting more than thirty African countries to interview countless historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and local storytellers, she unearths buried histories from across the continent and gives Africa its rightful place in our global story.

The result is a gripping new account of Africa: an epic, sweeping history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves.

Adventure Coordinators opinion: An interesting read and an eye opener. Much is to be learned about Africa's history prior to colonialism and this book probably only scratches the surface. Recommended reading for anyone travelling to Africa. 7.5 out of 10

Mark Twain - The innocents abroad

The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress is a travel book by American author Mark Twain published in 1869 which humorously chronicles what Twain called his "Great Pleasure Excursion" on board the chartered vessel Quaker City (formerly USS Quaker City) through Europe and the Holy Land with a group of American travelers in 1867. It was the best-selling of Twain's works during his lifetime, as well as one of the best-selling travel books of all time.

Adventure Coordinators opinion: From the man who in this book wrote his famous quote “Travel is fatal to prejudice bigotry and narrow mindedness“, comes a book that’s full of exactly that: prejudice bigotry and narrow mindedness. Dripping with sarcasm, caustic at times, the book swings between elation over beautiful buildings to complete dissing of Renaissance art and foreign cultures. Still, the book has its moments. 7 out of 10

The tomb in Seville - Norman Lewis

In 1934, Norman Lewis and his brother-in-law Eugene Corvaja travelled across the breadth of Spain on what turned out to be the eve of the murderous civil war. Commissioned by his Sicilian father-in-law to locate the tomb of the last Spanish Corvaja in the cathedral of Seville, when public transport came to a standstill, the two walked more than a hundred miles to Madrid, and were then forced via Portugal to Seville. Lewis makes light of being caught in the crossfire of a fractious country, sometimes literally, and glories in the beauty of nature and the common humanity of the Spaniards he meets on the way

Adventure Coordinators opinion: I first travelled in Spain 11 years after the fall of the Franco dictatorship. I remember vividly an encounter at a deserted railway station in the middle of nowhere. I had an eight hour connection between trains. As it was night and the station was deserted, I decided to stretch out on some of the seats in the waiting room. It didn’t take long for the Guardia Civil to enter the waiting room, poke me in the ribs, order me to sit up, shine a light in my eyes and brusquely interrogate me. It was a harrowing experience, but nothing compared to what Norman Lewis experiences in his travels during the run up to the Civil War in Spain. Enduring cross-country hikes, street battles, strikes, long detours and all kinds of other adventures he finally makes it to Seville, only to find… I won’t spoil the ending. This is a good adventure Novel. 8 out of 10

Life on Svalbard: Finding Home on a Remote Island Near the North Pole - Cecilia Blomdahl

Located in the Arctic Ocean near the North Pole, Svalbard is a unique archipelago that boasts stunning wintry landscapes, endangered Arctic animals, and awe-inspiring natural phenomena. Since 2015, Cecilia has called this beautiful and remote location home. Along with her partner, Christoffer, and her dog, Grim, she has adjusted to life at the top of the world—where polar bears roam free and northern lights shine bright.

With evocative text and spectacular photography, Cecilia shares the joys and challenges of adapting to an inhospitable climate. Her story begins in the darkness of polar night, and the allure of her remote location is revealed gradually as sunlight returns months later. Through personal stories and firsthand advice, Cecilia offers insight for anyone seeking to thrive in unusual living conditions.

Whatever your location, Life on Svalbard will give you a deeper understanding of why people choose to live in extreme environments and perhaps help you find the hidden magic of where you live too.

Adventure Coordinators opinion: some hyperbole in the sales pitch above. I can't help but think this Ms Blomdahl is an Instagrammer whose stories went viral, then decided to publish a book. Still, some nice photography and stories. 7 out of 10

Lonely Planet's You only live once

Live your best life with this guide to 250+ travel experiences and start planning a lifetime of adventures. Whether you have an hour, day, week, month or year, discover how you can make the most of every precious moment. From seeing the sunrise at summer solstice, to camping off-grid or climbing a volcano, this is your guide to a life well-lived.

Explore five time-themed chapters and find inspiring ideas on how to add a dash of joie de vivre to your everyday. Let your inhibitions go when you skinny dip in Australia's Alexandra Bay; care for rescued sloths at a Pacific Coast sanctuary in Costa Rica; or bikepack through America's East Coast Greenway. You'll even find exhilarating tips to help you face your fears; reignite long-forgotten desires; and spark new and unexpected ambitions.

Adventure Coordinators opinion: A nice resource book for those looking for inspiration. I had a laugh when Lonely Planet implies portaging is an activity Canadians seek out rather than a necessary part of a backcountry canoe trip. 7 out of 10

The snow leopard - Peter Matthiessen

In 1973, Peter Matthiessen and field biologist George Schaller traveled high into the remote mountains of Nepal to study the Himalayan blue sheep and possibly glimpse the rare and beautiful snow leopard. Matthiessen, a student of Zen Buddhism, was also on a spiritual quest to find the Lama of Shey at the ancient shrine on Crystal Mountain. As the climb proceeds, Matthiessen charts his inner path as well as his outer one, with a deepening Buddhist understanding of reality, suffering, impermanence, and beauty.

Adventure Coordinators opinion: a personable account of a trek into a remote part of the world.  An honest account of personal struggles with spiritual growth and grief, as well as a beautifully written story about nature in all its glory. 8 Out of 10

Without Ever Reaching the Summit: A Journey - Paolo Cognetti

In this exquisitely written journal-turned-journey of self-discovery, international bestselling author Paolo Cognetti examines our universal desire for connection through a voyage in the Himalayas.

In 2017, Paolo Cognetti returned to Nepal, not to conquer the mountains but to journey through the high valleys of the Dolpo with a copy of Peter Matthiessen's The Snow Leopard in hand. Drawing on memories of his childhood in the Alps, Cognetti explored the roots of life in the mountains, truly getting to know the communities and the nature that forged this resilient, almost mythical region.

Accompanying him was Remigio, a childhood friend who had never left the mountains of Italy, and Nicola, a painter he had recently met. Joined by a stalwart team of local sherpas, the trio started out in the remote Dolpo region of Nepal. From there, a journey of self-discovery shaped by illness, human connection, and empathy was born.

Adventure Coordinators opinion: As the author references Peter Matthiessen's trek, and follows in his footsteps, one should read the Snow Leopard first, followed by this book. It's an easy read. 7 out of 10