With many of us “sheltering at home” for the next few weeks, I wanted to share some terrific books to take your mind off the troubles we are facing…this Wednesday Bookmobile offers books on travel, food, history, pulp fiction and more!
Let’s get started with a bit of “wanderlust” – a journey to the “roof of the world!”
Traveling To Lhasa, Tibet By Train!
Paul Theroux’s classic travel book “Riding The Iron Rooster” takes you on a fascinating journey from London to China – a journey that took him a year to complete!
He’s one of our great Travel Writers, and here are several of his greatest works. Read more about this fascinating trip to the “roof of the world” by clicking on my story here:
Want some “Pulp Fiction?”
Raymond Chandler wrote some of the great pulp crime thrillers ever: from “The Big Sleep” to “Farewell My Lovely” and more!
Chandler had an immense stylistic influence on American popular literature. He is considered to be a founder of the hard-boiled school of detective fiction, along with Dashiell Hammett and James M. Cain.
Let’s take a look at his work, and some of his most memorable lines, beginning with his debut novel…
“Dead men are heavier than broken hearts”
– The Big Sleep
Dig in to these terrific novels by clicking here:
A friend of mine, Robbie Cheadle, has written several terrific books, but this one had a very personal meaning for her:
Imagine living during wartime – in this case World War II, in a town outside London – an experience that has been vividly brought to life by a terrific Blogger, Robbie Cheadle and her Mother, Elsie Hancy Eaton – who lived through it!
This is a great memoir about a world where everyday people had to deal with a once-in-a-lifetime crisis…read about it here:
Robbie’s memoir includes recipes from that era, and I vow to try them…and speaking of food throughout history:
“Food In History”, by Reay Tannahill
Here is what a reader said about this terrific, comprehensive look at food:
“‘Food in History’ is an excellent introduction to a piece of human history that is probably so obviously important it’s not widely researched: the crucial part that food played and plays in human society.”
And crucial it is, but every time you wonder who exactly came up with the idea of cracking open an Oyster and eating it raw, then this is the book for you!
Click here to see more:
Finally, if you just want a terrific escape, here is a terrific new novel from another blogging friend of mine:
“Marriage Unarranged!”
I’ve met many great blogging friends online, and am always excited for their success.
Ritu has just published a terrific novel that takes you on a journey of self-discovery. It’s a great book and will take your mind off the problems in the world right now – click here to see more!
Remember, these are available on iBooks, kindle, etc so no need to have something shipped to you – the key is, take this downtime to let a great Authors open your mind to new adventures!
More options coming next week!
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Categories: Art, Books / Media, cookbooks, Exotic Travel, Food, food blog, Memoirs, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir, Wacky Food
Paul Theroux’s classic travel book “Riding The Iron Rooster” has been on my list. I’d love to go to Tibet by train. One day! Anyway, thanks for the suggestions.
Cindy, it’s a terrific look at that country, as well as the unique method of traveling there by train – the “roof of the world!” Thanks for commenting!
Great post John 🙂
Thank you for reading, sharing and commenting – I really appreciate it!
Also, I had some wordpress issues a few months ago, but I just saw that I’m NOT following you any longer? I have fixed that, but sorry it fell off my list…it happened to several others as well, all during that time I couldn’t “like” or comment on many posts….strange!
You never know what will happen technically, but quite happy you noticed, and refollowed!
Nice feature, John. And great to feature our fellow bloggers too.
Best wishes, Pete.
Pete, next Wednesday I am going to include your blog and the story you are telling…I will link to your blog and to the first chapter!
Thanks very much for that, John. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks for these great recommendations John!
“Riding The Iron Rooster”, sounds like an interesting one, quite a distinctive book title, too. Some great picks here, great to see Ritu’s book included! x
I love Paul Theroux’s travel books and they are a fun and fascinating escape!
Thank you John 💜💜💜
A great list. Yup, stay home and read! I am about to start The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron. I have been waiting until I had some good solid time and I think that is now!
Yes, some books take more concentration so I am into an intense detective book by Jo Nesbo – the latest Harry Hole novel called “Knife!”
Stay home, stay safe. Thank you for the tips
Hi John, you are certainly a fan of Paul Theroux. I have one of his books on my audio book TBR based on a previous recommendation of yours. Thank you for including this lovely shout out for While the Bombs Fell. It is always appreciated. It’s great to see Ritu here with her new book too. I have it on my TBR.
I am going to share more books next week as well from some of our other Blogging friends, but now is the time for people to check out new stuff like yours and Ritu’s – and yes, Theroux is a fantastic Writer and its smart escapism!
Great recommendations John! Time to read a book!
Yes, they re all great!
i love to read, and these are great suggestions, john
Beth, these are all great books and now is the time to discover great Authors, since we are stuck at home for the most part! Thanks for commenting!