It’s A Book Tunnel!

When someone asks me “what I’m reading”, I always remember the terrific book tunnel that provides me inspiration to read all I can!

My blogging friend Deb asked what everyone was reading, so here’s what I am enjoying now, and what I’ve recently finished!

First, here’s the island Of Madagascar. It’s located just to the right of the continent of Africa, and is the 4th largest island in the world….oh, and it’s gorgeous!

One of my favorite Travel Authors released a travel memoir about the island and it’s terrific!

Have You Seen A “BAOBAB Tree?”

Yes, they grow on Madagascar, and adorn the cover of Author John Gimlette’s book called “The Garden Of Mars.”

FYI, the baobab tree (Adansonia) is a prehistoric genus of long-lived, deciduous trees famed for their massive, water-storing trunks, striking bottle-shaped silhouettes, and vital ecological role in arid landscapes. Famously nicknamed the “Tree of Life” and the “Upside-Down Tree,” these ancient giants survive in hostile climates by functioning as self-contained reservoirs.

While a few other countries also have these, Madagascar is unique for what they have that no one else does!

Due to splitting from Africa 160 million years ago, evolution occurred in extreme isolation. Over 90% of its native mammals, reptiles, and plants are found nowhere else on earth!

As well as visiting every corner of the island, Gimlette journeys deep into Madagascar’s past. Along the way, he meets politicians, sorcerers, gem prospectors, militiamen, rioters, lepers and the descendants of seventeenth-century pirates.

During the 1700s, maps labeled it the “island of pirates”. Up to 1,000 pirates used the island as a stronghold, and a historic pirate cemetery still exists there today.

I love Gimlette’s travel books: this is the 5th one I’ve read – he is insightful and wryly humorous, and he mixed his travel adventures with bits of history throughout.

Oh, and it is a slice of paradise as well:

The book captures his encounters with the people, landscapes, politics and history of one of the most remarkable places on Earth.

I’ve read his books about Paraquay, Newfoundland and this one as well:

This is a great read!

See more of his work here!

I also just finished this memoir, about a Writer who moves his wife and two small twins to Lyon France – to cook!

This is a great memoir, with lots of delicious recipes and hilarious stories of trying to cook in a French kitchen – with very aggressive Chefs!

See more here:

And here is a memoir that I just loved:

Actress Fiona Lewis combines terrific stories as an Actress in the 70’s with her renovation of an abandoned French Chateau! One of my favorite memoirs ever – see more about it here!

I love sharing books, and I love going to bookstores, especially when they have this:

Yep, during the pandemic my wife did a birthday “staycation” for me, and we visited LA’s “Last Book Store!”

Take a look inside here!

My blogging friend Deb shared a link for everyone to share what they are reading this month – so I shared mine and you can share yours, or just see some great books that others are sharing! Just click here!

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Thanks so much for reading! If you like any of these books, please feel free to share on social media!

Categories: 70's Cinema, Africa, Art, Books / Media, Hollywood, Memoirs, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities, TV Show

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