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Hold onto your hats, Monty Python fans, for Michael Palin's likeable, unassuming personality shines through in this romp through the world of Ernest Hemingway! Exactly one hundred years after the birth of this distinguished writer, Palin visits the foreign locales favored by Hemingway - to the sun drenched beaches of Key West and the once loved cafe haunts of Paris, to the infectious hilarity of the "carnivales" of Venice and witnessing the ferocity of bull fighting in Spain, and onward to the exotic beauty of the Kenyan savannah. Throughout, Palin's self deprecating humor offers a decidedly different twist to this very novel travel log. With gorgeous photographs and vibrant design, Michael's heartfelt tribute brings to life the vision and scope of an American giant of literature.

Reviewed by Rosanne L., Matthews Branch

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With ancient Tuscany as a backdrop, the author takes us through a sensual panorama, and for the armchair traveler, it is pure delight. Frances and husband Ed buy a run-down house and transform it into a place of beauty. The book brings to life the Italians' gusto for daily living. There are luscious descriptions of olive groves, plum orchards, and sunflowers. You can smell the aroma of hand-picked tomatoes and fresh peas, softening raspberries, and freshly baked "pane" (bread) - let's all run to the nearest agent for a one way trip! Mayes' sweat of brow and strength of vision offers a glimpse of "La Dolce Vita," the sweet life. (recipes included)

Reviewed by Rosanne L., Matthews Branch

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"The statistics are against you: more than 50 percent of all travelers run into problems . . . always be ready for the worst,” advises this unique travel handbook. Included are instructions for such travel disasters as “How to Survive When Lost in the Jungle” or “How to Control a Runaway Camel.” Even more useful might be “How to Survive an Airplane Crash” or “How to Survive a Hostage Situation.” Also included for the more practical traveler, are strategies for packing and flying, foreign emergency phrases, and gestures to avoid. Whether informative or entertaining, this book should be on every armchair traveler’s reading list. And, as the author reminds us, pages in this passport for survival can always be used for toilet paper if needed.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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Warning! Do NOT read this book while hungry; or else be prepared to reserve a seat on the next flight to France! With his customary wit, the author of A Year in Provence here relates his pursuit of a gastronomic education, by participating in various festivals dedicated to one or more elements of French cuisine. From the truffle mass in Richerenches, and the cheese fair in Livarot, to the "greatest wine auction in the world" in the heart of Burgundy, Mayle proves time and again that food reigns supreme in French culture. No need to simply take his word for it. He has kindly provided addresses and telephone numbers of festival organizers and restaurants he frequented along the way. Bon voyage and bon appetit!

Reviewed by Neily T., Mint Hill Branch

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This delightful guide, written in an easy-to-read journalistic style, is the perfect book for summer excursions in the Carolinas. It is organized into seven geographical sections utilizing North Carolina's major mountain ranges. Additional chapters cover an introduction to the natural history of the mountains and a description of long trails of North Carolina. Each section is chock full of useful information, including state parks, gardens, folk art centers, recreation areas and hiking trails. Creative orginal etchings of plants and animals invoke a personal touch. Inserts provide offbeat information related to the geographical area being described, such as a discussion of Wedgwood Pottery or songbird migration. Colorful maps complement the narrative being described. Useful appendixes provide lists of special events, selected attractions, addresses and phone numbers of outfitters. A good addition to the travel literature for North Carolina mountain areas.

Reviewed by Mady K., Morrison Regional

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Feeling old? Need some excitement or a new experience? What about dodging polar bears and icebergs in the Arctic, bird-watching in the Galapagos Islands, touring the Egyptian pyramids by camel, or floating down the Amazon -- just a few possibilities from this collection of travel stories by 28 courageous older women. Each contributor, who is over the age of fifty, has a thirst for adventure as well as a voice for vivid and eloquent prose. Edited by Jean Gould, who spent her fiftieth birthday hiking in the Everest foothills, these remarkable tales will inspire and captivate travelers of any age.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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An ancient current in Hinduism is the sacredness of rivers and mountains. Pilgrimages to the source of the Ganges in the Himalayas remain as popular today as they were in the epic times, when heroes journeyed to the abode of the gods to seek absolution for their negative karma. With extensive scientific knowledge of the Indian subcontinent, as well as insight into its mythology and legend, Stephen Atler takes the reader along with him on a sacred trek in the Indian Himalayas. He demystifies issues such as the environmental impact of road construction, pollution, and deforestation on indigenous communities. Against a dramatic backdrop of breath-taking mountains and glaciers, encounters with both man and the elements transport the reader back to mythological times and places.

Reviewed by Lydia L., Main Library

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Baskas' handbook is a unique and useful guide providing tips for modern day travelers stranded at the airport with too much time on their hands. Fifty-four airports are discussed and for each airport there is a section on food, where to relax and refresh, business centers, shopping, sightseeing, play areas for children and how to go into town. This is the place to look if you want to know which airports offer massages and health clubs, barbershops, gambling facilities, museums, observation decks and art and photography exhibits. Written in easy-to-read prose, Baskas has filled a gap and provided a wonderful public service for all future travelers.

Reviewed by Mady K., Morrison Regional

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This book chronicles Chatwin's travels throughout Australia and his exploration and study of the Aboriginal culture in very intimate and revealing terms. His observations of how the Aboriginal tribes perceive themselves as part of the land gives the reader an insight into how the infiltration of Europeans into Australia has been, and still is, psychologically and physically damaging to the Aboriginal tribes and to the existence of their "dreamings" or "songlines." Songlines are invisible pathways throughout the land on which the tribes believed their ancestors traveled, singing the name of everything that crossed their path and thus creating their world. In his explanation of the Aboriginal way of life and of their beliefs, Chatwin also compares their culture to other cultures throughout the world. This makes for a very entertaining, interesting, and thought-provoking read.

Reviewed by Julia S., University City Regional

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When New York Chef Anthony Bourdain reluctantly signs on with the Food Network in search for the perfect meal adventures abound. Like no other culinary travel series this one really heads way off the beaten path of fancy cuisine. Russia serves up vodka & dried sausages from a backwoods cabin followed by a hot sauna and massage, then a quick dip in the frigid waters of an ice covered lake. In Tokyo, the poisonous puffer fish is very carefully prepared by licensed cooks. Bourdain also dines on "chanko" the sumo-wrestler's meal consisting mainly of chicken, fish, vegetables and tofu soup. From the farm in Portugal where the New York chef is witness to the slaughter of the "fattened pig", and then feast on an array of pork delights to his trip to Saigon for a dish of cobra heart claiming to make you strong. For what would send most running in the opposite direction-this chef/writer is quite brave, funny & adventurous. Beware vegetarians!

Reviewed by Alice A., Independence Regional

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Travel writer/adventurer Bill Bryson takes the reader on a humorous hike along the Appalachian Trail in his book, A Walk in the Woods. Setting out in North Georgia and hiking through North Carolina and Virginia, Bryson’s account is full of laugh-out-loud observations on hiking, the Trail, and the people he encounters along the way. Written from the perspective of a casual, weekend hiker, A Walk in the Woods will educate and amuse anyone from the armchair adventurer to the rugged outdoorsy-type. In fact, after reading the book, don’t be too surprised to find yourself driving west, in search of your own adventures on the AT.

Reviewed by David S., University City Regional

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The Tiger Lady is not only a euphemism for the Hindu mother Goddess Durga, patron deity of many Indian devotees, but for the unquenchable fire that resides in the women of Kashmir. Like a fine pashmina shawl fit for a bride’s trousseau, Sudha Koul lyrically weaves together the lives of her ancestors across four generations, against Srinagar’s sublime Himalayan beauty in The Tiger Ladies: A Memoir of Kashmir. Follow grandmothers, mothers, and daughters through their rich and textured lives in the coveted valley they passionately love in the foothills of northern India. Despite the fact that Kashmir is now a disputed state, Koul’s tale illustrates the fact that Hindus and Muslims have traditionally co-existed there for generations, leading happy, normal lives.

Reviewed by Lydia L., Main Library

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This is an off-beat, irreverent travel guide that tells you everything you need to know about vagabonding, "taking an extended time-out from your normal life to travel the world on your own terms." Potts includes tips on getting started, learning, keeping it simple, creativity, meeting your neighbors, growing spiritually and handling problems along the way. Each chapter contains annotated booklists, useful websites, quotes, anecdotes and a brief profile of individuals who have epitomized the vagabonding life, such as John Muir and Annie Dillard. A wonderful and much-needed addition to the world of travel guides.

Reviewed by Mady K., Morrison Regional

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Here is another one of Bryson's highly amusing, sometimes rude, but always thought-provoking non-traditional travel books. This book explores his random travels throughout Europe, and, once again, he manages to expose the quirks of other countries with a rye sense of humor while at the same time making fun of his own crude American gaffes in each city he visits. If you've ever been to Europe you will enjoy Bryson's good-natured expose of a wide variety of European stereotypes: the pervasive overall rudeness of the French and the Swiss; the orderly stinginess of the Germans; the reckless noisiness of the Italians, etc. Bryson also explores numerous Scandinavian cities, and countries that are lesser known to the average American. I would recommend this book to anyone who has the urge to venture forth into the great expanse of Europe as long as they keep an open mind and a full (and well hidden) wallet.

Reviewed by Julia S., University City Regional

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You’ve already read Mayes’ phenomenal bestseller, Under the Tuscan Sun, and you crave more of sunny, serene Tuscany in the ancient hills of Etruscan Italy. Flipping through the sepia and vividly colored photographs, we experience La Piazza, the center of Italian village life, where the locals sell wares-- prosciutto, croissants, and cheese--while casually passing by the signore sipping their early morning coffees with freshly baked pane. “Buon giorno!” they shout. Onward to La Festa, where a medieval carnivale is deftly performed, then to La Cucina where Mayes thrills the senses with an eye-catching array of scrumptious foods, with recipes! Gorgeously photographed, historically accurate, and a traveler’s dream book– are you ready to book your next flight to partake in La Dolce Vita?

Reviewed by Rosanne L., Matthews Branch

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From the time she was very young, Lori Tharps sensed that her destiny would involve the country of Spain, its culture and its people. This love affair with all things Spanish begins in third grade, continues through her stint at Smith College and continues into her adult life. Her story concentrates on her years living in Spain where she perfects the language, meets her Spanish husband and falls in love, learns about racial identity, and ultimately develops her sense of self. Part coming of age story, part love story and part travelogue, this well-paced, insightful and humorous memoir is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a light, yet thoughtful and personable read.

Reviewed by Staci F., South County Regional

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