Traveling has been a great opportunity to start reading again. I always think of myself as someone who loves reading but I find I rarely read for pleasure anymore. I’ve been trying to do more of that this past year, and all the plane, train, and bus rides over the past two months have really helped me out. Here’s what I’ve read so far on this trip, and I would love to hear your recommendations of what I should pick up next.
My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme
This was the perfect book to read while starting our vacation and anticipating all the food I was going to eat in France. I gained a lot of appreciation for Julia and for the challenges of writing a fool-proof recipe (which hers always are). I’m excited to dive back into Mastering the Art of French Cooking when we return home.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Another right place, right time book. I really enjoyed reading this book while in Paris, where much of the story is set, as I could really put the story and places into context. This was a really memorable novel; it won the Pulitzer for a reason.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver
A classic I had never read. This is a beloved book by many but I don’t feel like I took a lot away from it, other than appreciation that my relationship in now way resembles the relationships Carver depicted.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
I love Murakami, and this is the book that made him an icon in Japan. I really enjoyed it and, like all his books, it made me want to go back to Japan. I love how much space and quietness there is in his writing.
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Ian recommended this book to me as it was one of his favorite science fiction books when he was younger. I’m totally hooked on the story and want to read the remaining works in the trilogy. I’m very surprised no one has made a movie of this story.
Maus by Art Spiegelman
The most surprising of all the books I’ve read on this trip, this is a graphic novel that Ian suggested I read right after we visited Auschwitz. I’ve never been into graphic novels or comics, but this is an amazing true story of the artist’s grandfather’s life during World War II and at Auschwitz. It is beautifully told and drawn and it will definitely stick with me.
