Choosing the Perfect Travel Read

A friend of mine recently asked me to help her select books to take with her on her on an upcoming trip she is taking to Bali for a month. I am flattered that she wants me to help her choose the perfect books to bring with her. As a traveller, she won't be able to pack too  many (books are heavy!) so the selections have to be on point. Immediately, her trip reminded me of the wildly popular Eat, Pray, Love which is all about finding oneself through travel. Our Twitter friend Trip Fiction @tripfiction replied to our Twitter query saying "we love to read books set in the location we are visiting :)" which makes me wonder if she should bring along Eat, Pray, Love. Personally, I found “love”(the Bali section) to be the weakest part of the book. Much like Elizabeth Gilbert (but much more emotionally stable), I am envious of my friend’s ability to leave her life behind and commit to self-discovery and travel for an extended period of time. As a literature lover, I truly believe that the books she brings with her will greatly enhance her experience and feel responsible for selecting a great roster for her!

What makes a great travel read?

When I travelled to Cuba over Christmas, I brought a light read and a classic. The “light” read I selected was actually quite lengthy and wasn’t as easy to get through as I originally expected. (You may remember my review of To Whisper Her Name.) There is a reason that beach reads are so popular; they're amazingly accessible to a wide audience of readers and it’s surprisingly satisfying to fly through a page turner! Especially for people who don’t read on a regular basis. Another close friend of mine only reads these types of books  - she coined the genre Grandma Lit - because she likes the predictable and reassuring nature of the love stories and happy endings. As an English major I am bored by them easily but still appreciate their importance and value. After finishing my “light read” I was happy to dive in to my special edition of Pride and Prejudice that I had received for Christmas. This combination worked really well for me and thus I am going to recommend bringing a combination of genres along particularly for a longer trip. My friend has indicated that she’s been reading a lot of classics and historical non-fiction lately and doesn’t want either for her trip. Therefore, classic literature is cut from the list for her however I will include it my recommendation for others who are looking for a well-balanced travel reading list. 

A Classic

If you’re a literature lover, a trip is the perfect time to delve into an old favourite or discover a text you haven’t read yet. As an Austen lover, I recommend Mansfield Park for those who have read a lot of classics and want to expand their repertoire. If you don’t read a lot of classics I would recommend Jane Eyre for your trip because it’s not as dense as some other choices but still gives you a taste of that wonderful female Gothic Victorian literature. 

Source: Google Images

 An Autobiography

For my friend’s trip I have recommended Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. My friend and I are both die-hard fans of The Office. I gained a deep respect and appreciation for Kaling’s writing talent and creativity when I read Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me. I really enjoy reading recently published and relevant autobios. This book is great for any female twenty somethings out there especially those who have the burning desire to write. 

Source: Shelf Life

A Beach Read
I’m sure many bibliophiles are scoffing and if you find yourself doing so please move on to the next paragraph. However, if you’re a book lover and a beach go-er, I highly recommend throwing a Nicholas Sparks or Jodi Picault into your bag. It’s fun and refreshing to finish a book in a day and interesting to see how these books unfold. Sure, you might get sick of the metaphors and character’s exclamations but you flew threw it in a couple hours so who cares? I like having a light read in between heavier ones. If you simply can't stand these books try reading The Rosie Project which I consider both literary and easy to read (read my review of The Rosie Project here).

Source: Favim

A Freshly Published Novel

There’s nothing better than being on the up-and-up when it comes to newly published literature. Read something on the New and Hot shelf at your local book shop. Or, indulge yourself in a book that may not be brand new you keep hearing about but haven't had the chance to read .. until now. For example, for me that choice would include The Body Book by Cameron Diaz, The Fault in our Stars by John Green or The Orenda by Joesph Boyden.

An Anthology of Short Stories

Short stories are an under appreciated art form. I recently re-discovered the joy of reading short stories and think that they make the perfect literary companion during a busy time in your travels. You can read the entire story in one sitting (or two) and don't have to worry about keeping track of a longer more complex novel but still gain that literary merit of a good book. My personal recommendation is anything by Alice Munro, I cannot wait to get my hands on Dear Life.

Source: NPR

A Book Set in your Destination

Thanks to Trip Fiction (@tripfiction) for this awesome idea! As I've already said, for my friend there is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I haven't read anything else set in Bali however widely recommend on the internet was Inspector Singh Investigates a Bali Conspiracy Most Foul by Shamini Flint and Love and Death in Bali by Vicki Baum. Check out Trip Fiction on Twitter for more ideas!

No matter what she brings, I know she will have a fabulous  time in Bali! What a perfect end to the relentlessly dreary winter we've had!

Source:Excellent Bali Tour

Source: The Perfect Girls Trip

Source: Bali Bike Trips

How do you select your travel reads? What would you recommend? Tweet us @jemcolborne with your thoughts and ideas! We love to hear from you.

The February Novel

In late January, there was a rare gathering of friends from all across Ontario and Quebec. We managed to squeeze in almost a full 48 hours together before the grown-ups had to return to their jobs and the "adult children at home" had to get back to their fruitless job hunting. It was a magical weekend; we often see one another one-on-one, but for almost the whole gang to be in the same room again was intensely special.
We weren't what I'd call a "dorky" crew during our undergrad days; sure, we did well at school, but we also drank like fish and smoked and passed out in weird places and dated hot heart-breakers. Normal BA stuff.
But as we sat around in my bud's living room, getting progressively drunker on cheap beer and even cheaper wine, the conversation - which had started with normal catching up- quickly took on a literary tone.
It was probably one of the most genuine, enthusiastic talks I've ever had with this group and that's saying something, because this crew consists of some of my very best friends. Everybody- guys and girls- just wanted to talk about what they were reading now, what they'd read back then, which books were going to make great movies, and what they'd write if they had the chance. Keep in mind, only one of us there (me) is a self-identified "writer". We were a motley crew of history majors, education majors, sociology & poli-sci double majors and one long English major. Who woulda thunk we'd come together over books?
Anyway, the drinks kept flowing and some revelations were revealed. Apparently, a lot of us used to write when we were younger. I didn't share with the gang that I had just recently tossed all my high school notebooks, including the 350 hand-written page notebook.
But at some point between the fourth and fifth glasses of Red, one of my adorable teacher friends piped up: "Hey! We should all write novels in February!"
And so a pact was made: we would each shoot for 1,000 words a day, from February 1-28th, resulting in a short novel approximately 28,000 words long. At the end of the month, we'll share our novels with each other. So I should have four novels to read by month's end.
We're now seven days into February and most of us admittedly are rather behind. Personally, I only have about 1,300 words so far. BUT I'm loving actually writing again. My brain is constantly churning, searching for inspiration, filing away ideas for later... it's like a winter miracle. In fact, I'm rushing this post a little so that I can procrastinate on job hunting and get writing again! I might even enter the draft in a contest or something, if it holds up after editing. If not, at least I got my writer's mojo back.
If you want to write a February Novel: it's not too late!
1. Don't waste time comparing ideas, paralyzed by the thought of "choosing the wrong one". Just pick something and go with it.  I was afraid to write a cop novel because I thought I was limiting myself with the genre. I was also worried about writing something that the guys wouldn't want to read. That was just an excuse to not get started earlier.
2. Just write; don't edit. Some people are getting bogged down thinking their words are crap-- that's not the point of the exercise. In this case, we really are going for quantity not quality. Because as a writer, you're your own worst enemy.
3. Set a reasonable goal, like say 500 words a day. Don't beat yourself up if you miss a day-- and don't stop if you're on a roll!
4. Do it with someone! A lover, a friend, your book club. You'll need someone to hold you accountable, and I am literally SO STOKED to read my friends' novels. This is definitely a project that's meant to be shared.
5. Tweet, instagram, pin and let us know how your own #FebruaryNovel is coming along.

Gotta book it
xox
JEM

Book Review: To Whisper Her Name - Tamera Alexander

Source: Goodreads

To Whisper Her Name is a historical romance set in the South after the Civil War on a Thoroughbred breeding facility and plantation in Nashville, Tennessee. My cousin visited Belle Meade this summer while on vacation in Nashville and purchased the book as a Christmas gift for me. Her photos of the house and surrounding buildings are absolutely breathtaking and a total horse-lovers dream so I was curious to what a writer would do with a story about the place.

Before reading To Whisper Her Name I had a somewhat patchy understanding of the American Civil War. While I have studied Canadian-American history I have never had the opportunity to take any American history classes during my Academic career. The text is an excellent source for understanding the tension and the politics of the time and Alexander provides an insight into history that is reflective and thought provoking. She does an excellent job of representing the thoughts and opinions of all characters through description and dialogue. Topics including race, religion, gender roles, class status and history are all tackled effortlessly by the text.

The protagonist, Olivia Aberdeen, is the widow of a cruel and vastly disliked man who was brutally murdered by his his fellow townspeople after the war. With nothing left to her name Olivia is shunned from society and moves to Belle Meade where her Aunt and Uncle provide her with a safe place to stay. In exchange, Olivia is required to be the companion to her beloved Aunt who, as she learns upon her arrival, is dying.  Ridley Cooper, Olivia’s ruggedly handsome love interest, finds his way to Belle Meade in search of a former slave he met during the war. Cooper fought on the “wrong" side of the war (Union) and has to keep his identity a secret from the plantation owner and passionate Southerner Mr. Harding. Robert Green, the former slave, is perhaps the most intriguing character in the text. In the Afterword Alexander admits to falling slightly in love with Green while writing the text and I have to say so did I. Also known as Uncle Bob, the head-horse trainer and real-life horse-whisperer is still renowned for his amazing gift with horses today. As an equestrian, some of  my favourite passages were those that depicted Mr. Green’s philosophies and training techniques as he tries to teach impatient Cooper to work with horses.

Robert "Uncle Bob" Green
Source: Wikipedia

Despite a few cringe-worthy metaphors and never-ending descriptions, the book managed to capture my attention and I have to admit it was a nice change of pace from what I’ve been reading lately. Alexander’s characters are endearing and she manages to weave several captivating sub-plots and minor characters into what could have been a bland read as we wait for the romance between Olivia and Ridley to blossom. Despite their slow-starting, sometimes irritating romance, both hero and heroine have other (more interesting) adventures during their respective stays at Belle Meade. Olivia obtains a paid position at the plantation, teaches at a freedman school, fosters strong relationships with her Aunt, Uncle and cousins and learns about alternative medicine. Ridley desires to learn everything he can from Bob Green before moving West and devotes himself to working with horses. Ridley is well-liked by Mr. Harding for his strong spirit and is soon promoted to Foreman for his hard work and dedication.

Interestingly, Olivia is the only character in To Whisper Her Name that is hard to like; she has several character flaws which I thought would be overcome and resolved but they never are. These include a fear of horses which is mediated upon to a tiresome degree, an overly formal method of speaking and acting and a refusal to let the past go. Perhaps, hopefully, this character will experience some personal growth in the second book in the series.

At just over 430 pages, To Whisper Her Name is a long read and sometimes feels as though it simply won’t end. Luckily, I was on the beach in Cuba and so I was able to get through it quite quickly and with little distraction. I may not have enjoyed it as much otherwise but with the sun and ocean before me I was quite content with the storyline and grew fond of the characters and rich history. If historical romance is your favourite genre I highly recommend the text and if it’s not I would say it’s still a contender for a vacation read as it provides interesting insight into a very specific period of American history.

Alexander’s website has several videos that offer further insight into Belle Meade and the historical characters including the romantic hero and heroine, head hostler and the role Belle Meade had in the development of Thoroughbred history. There is also a .pdf excerpt from the book for you to browse through if you’re not sure whether or not To Whisper Her Name is for you.. I have to admit I'm looking forward to book two which is due to come out in early 2014!

Belle Meade
Source: Architecture

Tamera Alexander's website: http://www.tameraalexander.com/bellemeadeplantationnovels.html

Belle Meade Plantation website: http://bellemeadeplantation.com/

A Book Buying Guide for the Bookworms (and maybe even some Non-Bookish Folk) on your List this Holiday Season

Further to our gift card discussion, I thought I'd post a book buying guide for the fast-approaching holiday season. I personally love receiving books as gifts but for some reason I rarely get them in return! You'd think as an English major and bookish nerd people would automatically get me books but perhaps because I've read a lot of books they shy away from choosing one for me? In my opinion, there is nothing more personal than choosing a book for a loved one. If you don't know where to start - start here! Remember, there's this magical thing called a GIFT RECEIPT that you can stick in the cover of the book to ensure that if they have read it they can return the gift and choose something they haven't. I usually wait and confirm that the receiver hasn't read the book before writing a personal inscription in the cover.  The most recent book I received as a gift was Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). I loved this present as I would never have bought it myself but thoroughly enjoyed it and gained a newfound appreciation for Mindy Kaling (I was a clueless Office lover who didn't know she was a major writing force). The book isn't on my list but does come highly recommended, especially for a young woman or aspiring writer of any kind. Kaling is a talented, funny and, despite the title, confident woman to learn from and look up to!

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

Here at WTD we like to support local bookshops and booksellers but in the guide I have posted images and links to Chapters/Indigo for your reference and discretion.

1.) For a Friend in a Rut – The  Glass Castle – Jeanette Walls

The Glass Castle

If you haven’t read the blog article I wrote after hearing author Jeanette Walls speak at a literary event, read it here. I am a huge fan of her work and my appreciation for The Glass Castle doubled, no, quadrupled after having the chance to meet her in person.  The Glass Castle  is the perfect book for a friend who is in a rut, as many of us twenty-somethings are, because it puts life into perspective while simultaneously providing an unapologetic sense of hope for the future.  Hope is important for many of us right now and this book is also funny, touching and thought provoking.

2.) For your Mother-in-Law – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – Mary Ann Shaffer

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Have you read it? It’s great! I stole it off my mom’s shelf expecting something completely different based solely on my impression of the title but it’s a rich and rewarding read written in the epistolary form that has an upbeat sensibility that I appreciate in literature. Goodreads: “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all. Juliet [the protagonist] begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever”. Some reader reviewers on Good Reads find it a little hokey but I truly enjoyed the wholesome, good-feeling vibes Shaffer puts into her writing. In my opinion, it’s a perfect read for your MIL.

3.) For your Literary Friend – Half-Blood Blues - Esi Edugyan

Half Blood Blues

I realize that because this selection is for your literary friend they may have read this book, but if they’re a literary friend they’ve probably read a lot of books. It’s going to be kind of  a shot in the dark to choose something for them no matter what. When in doubt, scan their bookshelves next time you’re over and looking for missing titles. Interestingly, despite its widespread acclaim I’d say that Half-Blood Blues is a novel many of my literary friends haven’t read – and should! This book changed the way I read. It immediately became one of my all times favourites. Edugyan surprised me in many ways and Half-Blood Blues turned into a story I wasn’t expecting and, interestingly, needed to read at the time. Half-Blood Blues reveals a side of war I hadn’t experienced in history or literature and it entranced and enveloped me. Good Reads puts it beautifully: “the best-selling, award-winning Half-Blood Blues is an entrancing, electric story about jazz, race, love and loyalty, and the sacrifices we ask of ourselves, and demand of others, in the name of art”.

4.) For your Eccentrically Eclectic Friend - The Door – Margaret Atwood

The Door

Unfortunately, you can’t give poetry to just anyone in this day and age, but hopefully, like me, you have a friend that truly appreciates the poetic side of life. If they have an appreciation of poetry or Atwood The Door will be an excellent choice. Atwood turned me on to poetry in grade twelve with her poem You Fit into Me (if you haven’t read it – go read it right now) and I’ve loved her poetry (and poetry in general) ever since. I studied The Door in a seminar class with Dionne Brand (get jealous and stay that way – it was a life changing semester) and I highly recommend the collection. As Good Reads explains, The Door: “investigate[s] the mysterious writing of poetry itself, as well as the passage of time and our shared sense of mortality”. As I said, choose the receiver of this gift wisely and it could be the perfect present.

5.) For your Dad – In the Skin of a Lion – Michael Ondaatje 
 

In The Skin of a Lion

My dad’s a reader, but I challenge you to try this book out on yours even if he isn’t. Ondaatje is a true wordsmith and In the Skin of a Lion is enchanting because of the effortless use of storytelling and language.  In the Skin of a Lion is a captivating read because of Ondaatje's use of poetic language and the way the text compels the reader to “figure it out” from the very beginning. In The Skin of a Lion explains Toronto's unspoken past and combines history, mystery and adventure to explore the sinister underside involved in building Canada’s biggest city in the 1920s.  

6.) For Your Aunt or Uncle that you simply can’t Shop For – The Shipping News – Annie Proulx

The Shipping News begins with the slowly imploding life of Quoyle a newspaper press room worker from New York State who relocates to his ancestral home on the coast of Newfoundland with his two daughters after being deserted by his ex-wife Petal. The family’s relocation is the beginning of a mid-life turnaround that allows Quoyle to find his place in the world and what Goodreads calls his “struggle to reclaim his life”. I absolutely love books set on the coast and The Shipping News is possibly the best. A guaranteed crowd pleasing read for any family member you simply can’t shop for.

7.) For your Mom – Latitudes of Melt – Joan Clark

Latitudes of Melt

Okay, now I’m on a Newfoundland kick. Latitudes of Melt is one of my mom’s favourite "finds" aka she found in in my bookshelf. I studied this book in a Can lit course during my Undergrad. Written by the author of An Audience of Chairs, Latitudes of Melt is a mom-pleasing, character driven story about a baby, later re-named Aurora, who is found floating off the coast of Newfoundland after the Titanic sinks. She is adopted and raised by a family in Newfoundland and later raises her own family there. The book explores her entire life until old age when she is finally convinced that she should explore her origins and find out where she came from.

8.) For your Brother or Brother in Law – Homage to Catalonia – George Orwell

Homage to Catalonia

The only book my brother has ever read is 1984. Okay, that’s probably not true but it is the only book he has ever liked, and he only read it because his high school curriculum made him. My parents had two children and our strengths are literally split down the middle; I am an English major who loves reading, writing, art, yoga, animals and nature and my brother in an Engineer who excels in science and math and plays sports… for fun (if you can believe that). I have chosen Homage to Catalonia because of my brother’s lack luster reading resume (his only weak resume, I might add, the kid is a genius). He liked Orwell, I think, because Orwell catches readers off guard and captures their interest before they have a chance to put the book down. Even most non-readers have gotten through Animal Farm and have had to stop and think about it. That’s a pretty amazing feat considering Animal Farm is often read around grade ten when boys are possibly at their most boy-ish. Homage to Catalonia is a lesser known Orwell which depicts his experience in the Spanish Civil War where he served on the Aragon front for a hundred and fifteen days and was at one point shot through the throat in battle. In typical Orwell fashion he replies to the people who said he was the “lucky man to have survived being shot in the throat” that it would be “luckier not to have been shot at all”. This book is rich in history, and although it doesn’t showcase typical wartime action, the politics and strife are evident on every page and I promise the reader will learn a lot (I did!).  

9.) For your Friend who has Read All the Classics – Wide Sargasso Sea – Jean Rhys 

Wide Sargasso Sea

Give this book to someone who has read the classics, loves the Brontës and Austen, but also appreciates good contemporary fiction (like us!). Don’t give this book to a classics-snob (I’ve met several of them – it’s not attractive – why are they your friend, anyway?) because they will be an asshole about it. I re-read Jane Eyre before embarking on Wide Sargasso Sea and I loved the entire experience! It gave me a chance to re-fresh on one of my top-five favourite Classics of all time and gave me a breath of fresh air and a new perspective on the story. Rhys explores Antoinette Bertha Cosway, Mr. Rochester’s mysterious captive and “madwoman” in Jane Eyre and crafts a unique and compelling tale set in 1830s Jamaica.

10.) For Anyone - Longbourn - Jo Baker 

Longbourn

I admit, I haven't read Longbourn (yet) but I have already given it to one my best friends. It sounds wonderful, someone described it to be Downton Abbey-esque, so of course I know I'm going to like it. Like Wide Sargasso Sea Longbourn plays with the beloved, tried and true story of Pride and Prejudice. I recommend reading Pride and Prejudice first to refresh, just like I did with Wide Sargasso Sea. In fact, why not give P&P and Longbourn as a gift set? I'm going to go put Longbourn on my wish list now!

In closing, I urge you to give at least one book this holiday season! Use this book buying guide or think up your own (and if you do, make sure to share it with me!). Either way, I know that any book lover and maybe even the oddly non-bookish folk  in your life will appreciate the gesture and maybe even learn something new this holiday season!

Gotta book it,

JEM