My (current) Favorite Travel Books and Movies

It is no surprise that I love binging books and netflix! There is nothing better than cuddling up with a good book or vegging out all day watching movies, especially after a vacation when you just want to relax. My choice in both books and movies change as much as my mood. While I often read more than one book at a time, I usually have at least one travel book I am trying to read. It is not my favorite category to read but I am often inspired by my travels and my book choice depends on where I am going or have just been. Here is a list of my favorite travel books and movies, well for now at least! Synopsis are taken from Goodread (books) and Google (movies). These are listed in no particular order!

Travel Books

A River in Darkness: One Man’s Escape from North Korea – Masaji Ishikawa

Genre: Non-Fiction, Autobiography/Memoir

The harrowing true story of one man’s life in—and subsequent escape from—North Korea, one of the world’s most brutal totalitarian regimes.

Half-Korean, half-Japanese, Masaji Ishikawa has spent his whole life feeling like a man without a country. This feeling only deepened when his family moved from Japan to North Korea when Ishikawa was just thirteen years old, and unwittingly became members of the lowest social caste. His father, himself a Korean national, was lured to the new Communist country by promises of abundant work, education for his children, and a higher station in society. But the reality of their new life was far from utopian.

In this memoir translated from the original Japanese, Ishikawa candidly recounts his tumultuous upbringing and the brutal thirty-six years he spent living under a crushing totalitarian regime, as well as the challenges he faced repatriating to Japan after barely escaping North Korea with his life. A River in Darkness is not only a shocking portrait of life inside the country but a testament to the dignity—and indomitable nature—of the human spirit.\

This book is truly a powerful and gripping memoir.  I was not aware of everything that happened in North Korea at this time (and it takes place over a forty year span) and this books helps educate everyone on what did. It is quite hard to read at times to see everything this man and his family went through but I highly recommend it.

 

This way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen – Tadeusz Borowski

Genre: Non-Fiction, History, WWII/Holocaust, War

Tadeusz Borowski’s concentration camp stories were based on his own experiences surviving Auschwitz and Dachau. In spare, brutal prose he describes a world where the will to survive overrides compassion and prisoners eat, work and sleep a few yards from where others are murdered; where the difference between human beings is reduced to a second bowl of soup, an extra blanket or the luxury of a pair of shoes with thick soles, and where the line between normality and abnormality completely vanishes.

Published in Poland after the Second World War, these stories constitute a masterwork of world literature.

This is another one of those books that is quite hard to read but it needs to be read. This book gives an account of the prisoner dynamics in the camp. We often think of prisoner versus guard, but here you see the different hierarchy in the camps and how not all groups of prisoners were treated the same. The book is also written with a lack of emotion at times and it is quite disturbing. This was written shortly after he leaves the concentration camp and you can see he is still processing what happened to him. For instance, he talks about playing a game of football when he notices a group of jews get off the train. Buy the time he looks back after another game of soccer, all the jews are gone. He said that in that short period he is distracted, around 3,000 jews were gassed. He mentions this as someone mentions the weather. He writes as if he is still there trying to survive which is why I think it is so powerful because it is so raw and real.

 

French Illusions: My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley – Linda Kovic-Skow

Genre: Non-Fiction, Autobiography/Memoir, Travel

A futile lie.

She doesn’t speak French.

She knew she would be caught.

It’s 1979 and twenty-one-year-old Linda needs to learn a language fast in order to fulfill her lofty dreams. Broke yet determined, she pushes aside feelings of guilt, pretends to speak French on her application and secures a nanny position for a wealthy family in France.

Will Linda be able to redeem herself once she arrives at the Château de Montclair? How will she communicate with the Dubois family, especially the children?

When she meets Adam, a handsome young student, her life becomes more complicated – much more complicated.

You’ll find this unusual story, based on Linda’s diary, even more appealing because it reads like a novel.

This is a cute and easy read. I myself have thought about being an au pair, until I remember that I hated children! I had friends in France teaching and all I kept thinking was this is something that they could relate to! Even though this is a diary, it reads like a story. It is quick and it does not get boring. This story is definitely great for anyone thinking of being an au pair as she talks about the struggles of it. One thing I love about this is how vividly the author writes about France as now I want to visit that region. There is a second book to this but I have not read it yet.

 

The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho

Genre: Fiction, Philosophy, Classic

Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

I am going to start off by saying I thought I was going to HATE this book. I knew there was an element of religion to it  and I usually stay quite far away from that. However, I ended up loving it and glad my sister told me to read it.The book is less than 200 pages and it is a very quick read and I highly recommend it. It is in a way almost a self help book, but not the shit that is normally on the market as this has a storyline to it versus “do this, get that”type of book.

 

Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography, Travel/Adventure

In April, 1992, a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. Four months later, a party of moose hunters found his decomposed body. How McCandless came to die is the unforgettable story of Into the Wild.

Immediately after graduating from college in 1991, McCandless had roamed through the West and Southwest on a vision quest like those made by his heroes Jack London and John Muir. In the Mojave Desert he abandoned his car, stripped it of its license plates, and burned all of his cash. He would give himself a new name, Alexander Supertramp, and, unencumbered by money and belongings, he would be free to wallow in the raw, unfiltered experiences that nature presented. Craving a blank spot on the map, McCandless simply threw away the maps. Leaving behind his desperate parents and sister, he vanished into the wild.

I think the author did a great job with this story. It is a quick read (about 200 pages) for anyday and his story really draws you in from the start. I found this book at my local goodwill for one dollar and it is still one I love to read. Be prepared to get frustrated with the choices the character makes, as it is reckless at times and you just want to scream don’t do it! It has also been adapted into a movie, which is also good.

 

Wild-Cheryl Strayed

Genre: Non-Fiction, Autobiography/Memoir, Travel

At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State — and she would do it alone.

Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

I do enjoy this book. At times I did not enjoy it and other times I quite enjoyed! It again has to do with the choices the character makes, same with Into the Wild. This book has been adapted into a movie as well, which stars Reese Witherspoon. I have to admit I watched the movie before I decided to read the book since Reese is one of my favorite actresses! I think I liked this least of all but many suggest this is a top book so I figured its worth a mention.

Currently Reading

In a Sunburned Country

Next: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Want to Read

How Not to Travel the World

The Song of a Dodo

Finding Gobi

Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World

The Paris Wife

The Thing About Prague

Under the Tuscan Sun

AWOL on the Appalachian Trail

Last Train to Istanbul

Night

Restless: Memoir of an Incurable Traveller

 

Travel Movies

Wild and Into the Wild

As these were mentioned above, I will skip the synopsis and just say watch these!

 

Under the Tuscan Sun

Genre: Drama, Romance

When Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) learns her husband is cheating on her from a writer whom she gave a bad review, her life is turned upside down. In an attempt to bring her out of a deep depression, her best friend, Patti (Sandra Oh), encourages Frances to take a tour of Italy. During the trip, the new divorcée impulsively decides to purchase a rural Tuscan villa and struggles to start her life anew amid colorful local characters, including the handsome Marcello (Raoul Bova).

I do want to read this book and I started it before I went to Tuscany but never finished it. I do however love the movie! I think all of us wish we were her. After studying in Italy and visiting many times, I can say she literally is living the life I want. I want to retire in Tuscany so this is one of those feel good movies I love watching!

 

Eat, Pray, Love

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) thought she had everything she wanted in life: a home, a husband and a successful career. Now newly divorced and facing a turning point, she finds that she is confused about what is important to her. Daring to step out of her comfort zone, Liz embarks on a quest of self-discovery that takes her to Italy, India and Bali.

I am on the fence with this. I have not nor will I read the book. I think it has a cheesy storyline and it is not something I like to read. HOWEVER, I do love Julia Roberts and I think this is what saves it for me. Also this (and Wild) are often quoted as must see/read travel movies/books so I feel slightly obligated to put both in here. I do like the movie when I need a pick me up but it is not one I would pick first, you know what I mean?!

 

Notting Hill

Genre: Drama, Romance

William Thacker (Hugh Grant) is a London bookstore owner whose humdrum existence is thrown into romantic turmoil when famous American actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) appears in his shop. A chance encounter over spilled orange juice leads to a kiss that blossoms into a full-blown affair. As the average bloke and glamorous movie star draw closer and closer together, they struggle to reconcile their radically different lifestyles in the name of love.

I love this movie. I think it is adorable and one I could watch over and over again. Again it stars Julia Roberts but also Hugh Grant so I am a double fan. It is another one of the cute feel good movies so you can’t go wrong with it. I loved the movie so much I made a point to check out Notting Hill when I went to London a few weeks ago. I went to the bookshop and the area is super cute and worth a visit. I am not sure this is as much a travel movie but I love it so I am adding it.

 

Letters to Juliet 

Genre: Drama, Romance

While visiting Verona, Italy, with her busy fiance, a young woman named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) visits a wall where the heartbroken leave notes to Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, Juliet Capulet. Finding one such letter from 1957, Sophie decides to write to its now elderly author, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave). Inspired by Sophie’s actions, Claire sets out to find her long-lost lover, accompanied by her disapproving grandson (Christopher Egan) and Sophie.

I don’t think anyone can hate this movie. It is another feel good movie for anytime or any occasion. This movie is one I love, mostly because I love Amanda Seyfried. I know I have listed a lot of movies because I love the actors or actress but this is just good. Plus it shows off some beautiful sites in Italy which will make you want to travel to Verona, it did for me. I ended up going to Verona and it was just as beautiful in the movie, all of Tuscany is.

 

Blood Diamond

Genre: Drama/Thriller

As civil war rages through 1990s Sierra Leone, two men, a white South African mercenary (Leonardo DiCaprio) and a black Mende fisherman (Djimon Hounsou), become joined in a common quest to recover a rare gem that has the power to transform their lives. With the help of an American journalist (Jennifer Connelly), the men embark on a hazardous trek through rebel territory to achieve their goal.

This is not the type of movie you watch for pleasure. It really makes you rethink purchasing material goods when you see what people in other countries have to go through. The actors did a great job in it and it makes a statement.

 

Hotel Rwanda

Genre: Drama, Historical

Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), a Hutu, manages the Hôtel des Mille Collines and lives a happy life with his Tutsi wife (Sophie Okonedo) and their three children. But when Hutu military forces initiate a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Tutsi minority, Paul is compelled to allow refugees to take shelter in his hotel. As the U.N. pulls out, Paul must struggle alone to protect the Tutsi refugees in the face of the escalating violence later known as the Rwandan genocide.

Again this is not a movie you watch for pleasure. It is a gripping and shocking true life story of the genocide that happened. I think I have cried every time I watch it. It takes place in 1994 and again something everyone should watch at least once.

 

Brooklyn

Genre: Drama, Romance

Young Irish immigrant Eilis Lace (Saoirse Ronan) navigates her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her past disrupts her new vivacity, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.

I watched this right before I left Northern Ireland. For me, I related to this story, in an opposite sort of way. While the story is the opposite of mine, an Irish girl moves to America, I still love it. I did read the book after I watched the movie and I have to say I liked the movie more. I personally love Saoirse Ronan and this is a cute, easy movie to watch whenever.

 

The Bucket List

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and car mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are complete strangers, until fate lands them in the same hospital room. The men find they have two things in common: a need to come to terms with who they are and what they have done with their lives, and a desire to complete a list of things they want to see and do before they die. Against their doctor’s advice, the men leave the hospital and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.

This is a cute but also sad movie. It shows how two completely different people can connect and that you should live your life to the fullest. You can definitely feel jealous of all the things these two men do but also you know there backstory so you also don’t feel jealous. It a sad feel good movie.

 

Up in the Air

Genre: Drama, Comedy

An idea from a young, new co-worker (Anna Kendrick) would put an end to the constant travel of corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), so he takes her on a tour to demonstrate the importance of face-to-face meetings with those they must fire. While mentoring his colleague, he arranges hookups with another frequent-flier (Vera Farmiga), and his developing feelings for the woman prompt him to see others in a new light.

This movie will make you realize how not together you are at an airport but also it makes you want to have his elite status while flying. It has both Anna Kendrick and George Clooney so you know you can’t go wrong. He spends his life flying and part of me is insanely jealous about it. However I know I could not do his job nor do I think I could fly that much, but then again he is in first class so maybe I could! I think it is a good movie and worth a watch.

Honorable Mentions:

Last Holiday

Not as much a travel movie but still good! It is another feel good movie plus it stars Queen Latifah so you know you can’t go wrong with it!

Crazy Rich Asian

It is great so I am adding it. It is not so much a travel movie but again it shows Singapore so why not!

Out of Africa

It is a bit of an older movie but still good. As someone who is planning a trip to Kenya, this movie was a must see.

 

These are a few of my favorite travel books and movies right now. Hopefully you guys like it and let me know what you think! Let me know if you’ve read or seen any of these and what you think of them, or if you have any suggestions for me to read or watch! Tschüss!

Photo of my very cool Harry Potter tattoo from the books.