Books that take you on a journey
It’s a strange paradox that escaping from our current homebound situation sounds very appealing, but we live in a world where that very escape could lead to illness and death. So, at home we stay, dreaming of the day we can put this all behind us.
Luckily, there is a way to get away from everything while staying safe — books!
Books allow us to get away from our day-to-day and experience worlds and lives we otherwise would never know. Below is a list of some favorites that can take you on a journey through time and through the lives of some fascinating characters. Plus, bonus tips on how to plan trips to the settings in the books once the world reopens.
All the Light We Cannot See
Anthony Doerr
All the Light We Cannot See is a beautiful story that brings you into the world of young blind Marie-Laure who is struggling to survive the Nazi invasion of Saint-Malo with her family. You find yourself living in her family home as she learns to navigate a world at war without sight. Like our character, you’ll also find yourself befriending a mysterious person who answers your radio calls. This story is too good to give away any secrets. You have to read and experience it for yourself.
Travel by book: This is the book to read if you find the idea of living in an ancient walled city on the coast in France sounds romantic. Or, if you are a World War II buff who wants to experience what it was like to be alive during that time.
Get there for real: You can plan a trip to the dreamy stage of Marie-Laure’s world in Saint-Malo by taking a train from Paris where you can view the French countryside, flying in from London, or taking a ferry from one of the neighboring islands. No matter which way you choose, take me with you! I would love nothing more than to explore this mystical town.
The Secrets We Kept
Lara Prescott
The Secrets We Kept lets you experience the Cold War through the eyes of beautiful women living in secrecy in Washington D.C. and Russia. It covers a 12-year span of time where she finds herself living as different women. Immerse yourself in Russia as the lover of an infamous writer including spending a stint of time in a Russian prison. Back in the United States, live in DC and work for the CIA as a secretary by day — and a secret spy by night. Only the most selective people know the real you. Readers fall so deep into the secrecy that it seeps into every part of her life.
Travel by book: This is the book to read if you want to escape to life as a spy during the Cold War uncovering secrets while holding tightly to your own. Plus this story comes with the bonus that all of its tales are told through the perspective of strong and amazing women.
Get there for real: You can plan a trip through The Secrets We Kept by exploring Washington D.C. You get extra points for historical accuracy every time you treat yourself to a martini. Next on your list will be a trip to Russia; however, I do recommend that you stay away from any Soviet-era gulags. If you’re really feeling adventurous, toss Italy into the mix of places to visit. Any true fan of Russian literature will know why.
Forever
Pete Hamill
Forever takes you on the ultimate journey through time. Readers start off on a mystic path in 18th Century Ireland where you get to live the life of a peasant who is being mistreated by the wealthy British. You escape from Ireland to end up in New York City — where your adventure through time truly begins. You get lost in the evolution of the city from the foundation of the country up until the collapse of the World Trade Center. Along the way, you interact with a unique cast of characters that are truly products of their own eras.
Travel by book: This is the book to read if you’ve ever had the desire to time travel through American history. Especially if you want to experience New York City from the time of its inception through today.
Get there for real: You can plan a trip to Cormac O’Connor’s world by visiting the Financial District of New York City. You will definitely want to walk through the South Street Seaport along the East River and Stone Street where you can stop at the many bars and eateries there, especially Fraunces Tavern, which has been around since Cormac walked the streets. From there, wander north through the city by way of the Lower East Side until you find yourself on the outermost limits of Manhattan in the parks of Inwood, which is key to Cormac’s life.
The Paris Wife
Paula McLain
The Paris Wife puts you in the shoes of Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Hemingway. Start the story at the beginning of their marriage and follow it through the destruction that causes its end. You find yourself walking the streets of Paris alongside her, sharing drinks, and understanding what it’s like to be the wife of Hemingway while he was broke and struggling to become a writer. You will get lost in the glamour of Paris from a bygone age and will quickly find yourself wishing you were living in 1920 instead of 2020.
Travel by book: This is the book to read if you are a Jazz Age literature fangirl who dreams of seeing and experiencing the ex-pat years of Ernest Hemingway and his literary comrades through someone very close to him. Extra credit: Watch the film Midnight in Paris for a little taste of the era.
Get there for real: You can plan a trip to Hadley’s Parisian world by booking a flight to Paris and heading straight to the rue Cardinale Lemoine in the 5th arrondissement. Take a walk through the streets and stop in the cafes and shops that Hadley and Ernest frequented, specifically La Closerie des Lilas, Harry’s Bar, and of course Shakespeare & Co. Don’t forget to plan to hop over to Pamplona to take in a bullfight too.
Big Summer
Jennifer Weiner
Big Summer takes you out of your own life and puts you in the adventure of diving into what friendship really means. You will rediscover and reconcile old friendships and make new friends while learning your own worth. And oh yeah, there’s murder! Reading this story is the perfect way to get out of your own head for a while and have fun in someone else’s drama.
Travel by book: This is the book to read if you have survived the horrors of middle school, understand the complexity of relationships, and love a good mystery.
Get there for real: This book is the embodiment of “beach read” in the best way. Since you most likely won’t be heading to Cape Cod this summer, and next summer is way too far away to wait to read Big Summer¸ I suggest putting on your beachwear, blasting your heat, lighting a beach-scented candle, spread out on the floor, and bring the beach to you.
Personally, I’m making a return to the classics of Agatha Christie this summer. And I’m making a point of purchasing them (online) from local booksellers too. I want to do what I can to support these great establishments during this time, and I really missed holding actual books!
Stay safe, and enjoy your literary getaway.
