Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling into different worlds. From the awe-inspiring Pacific Crest Trail to the romantic streets of Rome, these list of books will take you to various destinations without breaking your wallet (at least not just yet!). Let these authors take you on a journey to different worlds with characters you’ll fall in love with. They may even inspire your next adventure.
Get to know another side of the Pacific Crest Trail. The 2,650 trek was made famous by Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, but Andrea Lankford revisits this path in search of three young men who mysteriously disappeared. Along with an eclectic team of amateurs, she launches an investigation to solve the cases by land and screen. Trial of the Lost explores hiker culture and its complicated relationship with the virtual realm. It paints a beautiful picture of the depths of determination and generosity while offering a deep awe of the natural world.
In the crystal blue skies of Lake in the Clouds, Colorado, Genevieve Prentice is slowly settling into her new life with her sister’s help. But her newfound steadiness is threatened when her daughter Willow arrives with a pile of emotional baggage. Willow Eldridge also needs a fresh start. Between caring for her two children and planning her brother’s wedding, Willow’s priorities don’t necessarily include a heart-to-heart conversation with her mother. Can Genevieve and Willow work through their past to create the future they so desperately crave?
It’s 1949 and it’s the era of mambo. The Castillo brothers are workers by day, but by night, their orchestras play sensuous, pulsing music in the dance halls. The Mambo Kings are having their moment of youth, love, and freedom as they make their way from Havana to New York City. In this era of music, we get an intimate portrait of the Castillo brothers and their families, all their triumphs and tragedies.
Former astronaut Terry Virts guides kids to the ultimate destination—space. He answers any questions about the wonders of space travel and provides practical elements on becoming an astronaut, from piloting a ship to working in space. This book will inspire the next gerneration of astronaut candidates.
Dr. Becca Weiland’s perfect life shatters after she learns of her husband’s affair. After signing the divorve papers, she agrees to an impromptu monthlong vacation at a beach house with Sadie, a woman who’s been a part of her life but someone she still doesn’t really know. Sadie is Becca’s opposite in every way: free-spirited and spontaneous. Their personalities clash at first, but soon, they’re bonding over a bikini wax gone awry and awkward meet-cutes with two of the hottest men in town. They’re getting to know each other and themselves. Together, they’ll find the courage to discover what it really means to live.
Sometimes the best self-care comes from going on a getaway. Readers can take some time out of their everyday lives to travel the safaris of Zambia or the cities of Italy, all within the comforts of their home. Filled with anecdotes, inspirational quotes, and lush images, Why We Travel will inspire future trips and rekindle a sense of curiosity for the world.
Emilia arrives in Rome heartbroken, trying to reckon with her past. What was supposed to be a romantic trip becomes a solitary one instead. Rome’s wide piazzas, art, music, and food keep Emilia busy, but her memories of the past keep her from fully enjoying all that Rome has to offer. She begins an intriguing connection after meeting John, an American expat. As their relationship progresses, Emilia starts seeing herself as a woman and artist for the first time. She finds herself on a journey of transformation, one never expected.
Emily Hoang is a writer and editor, who is obsessed with haunted houses, ghosts, and dreams. More info can be found on her website.
