“A book is a magical thing that lets you travel to far-away places without ever leaving your chair.” – Katrina Mayer
Yosemite’s Half Dome, which Nevada Barr wrote about in “High Country.” — Photo by Pat Bean
When a Travel Book is Not about Travel
As a person with wanderlust in her soul, I find that on any list – and there are many – of the best travel books, I’ve read almost every one. And if I haven’t, give me a year and I usually will have.
Sara Peretsky’s Chicago. — Photo by Pat Bean
But this avid traveler has also discovered that a travel book isn’t always found on the travel book shelves. Two of my favorite authors, Nevada Barr and Sara Peretsky, write mysteries, which I love to read as much as I do travel books.
Barr’s character, Anna Pigeon, is a park ranger; and each of this author’s books increases my knowledge of one national park or another. Since I visit national parks as often as I can, reading Barr’s books has let me look at such parks as Yosemite, Guadalupe Mountains, Big Bend and Isle Royal through more knowledgeable eyes.
Peretsky’s character, V. I. Warshawski, meanwhile, gives me an insider’s look at Chicago. What Sara has written about Chicago makes other travel books about the Windy City seem dull in comparison. Thankfully I get to visit Chicago more often than not because I have a son who lives there.
Isn’t it great when you can find two passions, like mine of reading mystery books and traveling, that fit together so perfectly?
Blog pick of the day.
Bean Pat: Canoe Communications http://tinyurl.com/n9wvdx6 I loved this blog quote because it reminded me how connected we are to every living thing on this planet.
Pat Bean's blog 