Next week I'll be Spain and Morocco. Not a moment too soon. I feel like a marathon runner on her last lap.
I'm so frazzled I can't even focus on which book I'll take with me for travel reading. So, I thought I'd ask you, my industrious blog readers, for suggestions.
The thing is, the book must be light to carry. (Not light to read necessarily!) I will be packing as little as possible, as I will be taking at least 4 flights during my visit, plus a train ride or car drive.
I ordered Beau Geste, in hopes of it being delivered before I leave. Don't you think that would be an interesting book to read?
Any other ideas? Many thanks! I look forward to posting pix and info about my trip.
15 comments:
You probably can't get hold of a copy in time, but I would suggest The Secret Lives of People in Love, by Simon Van Booy. Short stories are great for traveling, and it takes place all over the world so you'd get a nice international flavor.
Pagan Spain by Richard Wright
When I was in Spain and Morocco a few years ago, the tour guide kept mentioning Paul Bowles. Since then, I've read high praises for Bowles, but I have yet to read any of his work. I did pick up a book of his short stories a few weeks ago: Their Heads Are Green and Their Hands Are Blue: Scenes from the Non-Christian World. Might be interesting to read while there.
For Spain I'd suggest anything by Javier Marias, who seems to be making a name for himself. As for Morocco, well, I'd go for Tahar Ben Jalloun (Alerian but close enough). Have a wonderful, wonderful trip!
"On Bullfighting" by A.L. Kennedy?
"Ghosts of Spain" by Giles Tremlett
"Driving Over Lemons" by Chris Stewart
Some of the books by Jason Webster, "Guerra", "Duende" - can't remember the third book.
"Homage to Catalonia" by Orwell
I would suggest taking a few slim volumes. So between flights/trains you can check-in the other books, and just carry 1~2 books with you. It gives you the option of switching between different books. Just in case.
Safe travels to you - I hope this trip is just as restful as you deserve. I can't wait to hear about it.
Have a wonderful trip! No suggestion is coming to mind, but I'll think about it ...
Have a nice trip in Spain! I would recommend Javier Cercas. He wrote Soldiers of Salamine and The speed of light. I wrote a review of the latter in my blog a while ago. Have fun!
I can't remember if you have read Shadow of the Wind. If not it's a good one.
Poems maybe? I never heard of Beaiu Geste.
What a wonderful trip - can't wait to read your posts about it when you get back!
I guess no Don Quixote huh? :)
I'm terribly jealous - I love Spain. I don't have titles to recommend for Morocco but for Spain I would say "A Heart so White" by Javier Marias or "The Flanders Panel" by Arturo Perez-Reverte. I hope you have a wonderful time.
Andi, sounds intriguing. If not for this trip, then for TBR. Thank you!
Amcorrea, ditto. Sounds really great. (I know I've read Richard Wright at some point...)
Cam, now, how did I miss Bowles??? I did read his short stories recently for a class -- and I'd love to read Sheltering Sky. I imagine I'll find it all the more fascinating once I've visited the place.
Litlove, thank you! So good to hear from you! These are two for the TBR...my pile is growing!
Dark Orpheus, great ideas. I do have Ghosts of Spain, but in hardcover (too heavy for moi). And I haven't found Orwell yet...may have to order from Amazon. Thanks so much!!!
Courtney, thank you. I don't know if it'll be restful exactly, but a nice respite. Maybe a chance to regain perspective after such a hectic year and a half!
Dorothy, thanks for your wishes. I think Don Quixote covers your recommendation, :)! By the way, I have slated book 2 of said novel for Jan/Feb...
Smithereens, Will check out your review. Couldn't find this author in the college bookstore, so this may have to wait til I'm home.
Stefanie, someone else recommended this one, too, and I did manage to find a copy in my nearby bookstore. So bingo! It sounds fabulous, too....
Bhadd, good idea. Beau Geste is about the French foreign legion. I think the book is out of print, but there's a few films out there that keep BG in the mainstream, more or less.
Kirsten, thank you so much. I hope I get my creative juices flowing again -- at any rate, I'll be sure to share the highlights.
Iliana, can I take the "too heavy" amendment (sort of like the 5th)? Ha. I am definitely going to find those books, too. Wow, again, so much I haven't read!
Thanks to everyone for your fantastic recommendations...
I'd highly recommend Karen Connelly's "One Room in a Castle: letters from Spain, France and Greece".
Melanie, that sounds great, too!
I think I'll just have to go to Spain again...
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