“There are moments when what exists on the edges of our lives, and which, it seems, will be in the background forever–an empire, a political party, a faith, a monument, but also simply the people who are part of our daily existence–collapses in an utterly unexpected way, and right when countless other things are pressing upon us.” — Elena Ferrante
Books, for me, have the same effect as travel: opening my eyes, expanding my mind, challenging my perspectives, pushing me out of my comfort zone, and encouraging me to experience things in a new and different way. And let me tell you, traveling for half a year can do wonders for your reading list. Seriously, though, my Kindle got more use while we were traveling than my smartphone, and I’m so happy for that. I’m so grateful for all of the time far away from a solid wi-fi signal in mountain huts or remote Airbnbs or on beautiful beaches — like the one in the picture above in Kuta, Lombok, with the most perfect bean bag lounge chairs for reading in — and for the time we spent on planes. I can report, however, that I still cannot read in moving cars or buses, no matter how many motion sickness pills I take.
During our travels between June and December, I read 24 books.
I love reading what my friends, colleagues, and influencers have read to get recommendations from them (the ultimate being Barack, of course, who just posted his year-end favorites lists today), and since books are a favorite topic of discussion for me, I figured I’d join in the year-end lists by sharing my 8 favorite books I read over the past seven months. Many of them were books that have been on my to-read list for years, so some of these are a bit dated.
I think the best books make you think differently, challenge your beliefs or pre-conceived notions, and stay with you long after you’ve finished them. A book can shift how I experience a place and completely transform my memories of a place. And I often think back to where I was when I read a really good book. In that spirit, I’m sharing some pictures of where I read, started, or finished these 8 books; some locations are more beautiful than others, but the beauty of good books is that they can transport you anywhere, right?
1. The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante
I finished the famed Neapolitan Novels and can honestly say the collective series is one of the greatest literary works I’ve ever read and probably ever will. Real talk, it took me forever to get through the first book and halfway through I almost gave up on it altogether, but after reading the rest of the books, I’m so glad I stuck the first one out. It is completely worth it. The four books are a lyrical, deep study of complex female characters; an exploration of a lifelong friendship often fraught and challenged, shrouded in a constantly-changing environment. I felt entirely engrossed in Lena’s world reading these and I’m still sad it is over. (And I’m thinking about watching the HBO adaptation sometime soon after I’ve finished mourning the end of the books; should I?)
Location: started this on the last day of our trek in Torres del Paine, with views of the mighty Torres.
2. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
This book had been on my to-read list for forever and it surpassed every very-high expectation I had. I think reading it while concurrently skimming news about our current President made it all the more clear just how rare and remarkable of a man and leader and politician Abraham Lincoln was. It always strikes me in non-fiction when I know how something is going to end yet it still hits me powerfully and emotionally. Goodwin is possibly one of the best non-fiction writers and historians I’ve ever read; she makes this accessible for every type of reader, in my opinion.
Location: started in Singapore at this great plant-filled coffee shop in CHIJMES called Glasshouse (photobomb courtesy of Shezaad), but mostly read in lovely Sengiggi beach on Lombok, Indonesia.
3. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
“America, too, is a delusion, the grandest one of all. The white race believes—believes with all its heart—that it is their right to take the land. To kill Indians. Make war. Enslave their brothers. This nation shouldn’t exist, if there is any justice in the world, for its foundations are murder, theft, and cruelty. Yet here we are.”
What a remarkable, painful, beautifully-written book with a resilient, courageous, complicated female protagonist. It won the Pulitzer and the National Book Award for a reason: it should be required reading for everyone. Another that is particularly important given our current political climate.
Location: devoured most of this on our trek in El Bolson, Argentina. Took this pic upon finishing at our final refugio there.
4. Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
“We spend so much time being afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. But regret is the thing we should fear most. Failure is an answer. Rejection is an answer. Regret is an eternal question you will never have the answer to.”
This book had me weeping at various moments. And I learned so much more than I was expecting to. It is just so damn good.
Location: home in Boston during a few weeks back in October, which luckily meant I could weep in private.
5. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
“Innocence and guilt. These are cosmic issues. We’re all innocent on one level and guilty on another.”
One of the most original books I’ve ever read in terms of style, prose, characters, storyline. I absolutely loved it. Another Pulitzer Prize winner for a reason. Made all the more poignant for me reading it while traveling through Vietnam, experiencing and witnessing first-hand the strength and resilience and spirit and sincerity and kindness and complexity of the Vietnamese people, land, and culture.
Location: somewhere between Hue and Hoi An when we stopped our motorbike journey for a rest and swim at a massive waterfall that enterprising locals dam up to create little swimming pools with canopies. Devoured most of it on An Bang Beach in Hoi An.
6. Educated by Tara Westover
“We are all more complicated than the roles we are assigned in stories.”
This book had gotten so much hype this year that I finally picked it up about a week ago and it captivated me almost immediately. I think it lives up to the hype, and is not only a remarkable and, at times, unbelievable story, it is extremely well-written.
Location: started on my last day in Chile, with these amazing desert views in San Pedro de Atacama. Just finished in freezing Chicago.
7. Just Kids by Patti Smith
As is a theme throughout this list, this book had been recommended to me a million times since it was published eight years ago but I just hadn’t read it. I’m so glad I finally did. Patti Smith’s writing style is so very unique and powerful. A lyrical and fascinating and emotional read.
Location: another one I read while back in the states in October.
8. The To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy by Jenny Han
Not even the slightest bit embarrassed to add this YA trilogy to my list! I loved reading these books. They’re delightful and fun, very quick reads with amazing and complex characters. Read all three, then watch the adorable Netflix movie adaptation of the first book.
Location: cheated and snapped this posed pic of the first book in one of my favorite places I’ve read in the world, on Gili Gede in Lombok. But I actually read it in a 4-hour sitting on planes and in an airport layover. So the below pic of the third book that I read on a plane with some Dunkin’ is more accurate.
And an honorable mention — Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou. I couldn’t put this down and read it over just a couple of days (I was so engrossed that I risked motion sickness and finished it on a moving double-decker bus that took us from Malaysia to Singapore!). It is the fascinating and infuriating story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos.
I hope this inspires some reading! And I’d love to chat if you’ve read any of these and want to discuss.
While we’re on the subject of books, I’m currently looking for recommendations on what I should kick-off 2019 with! I’m thinking Pachinko by Min Jin Lee or Circe by Madeline Miller. Thoughts?
[Footnote: I linked through to Amazon books for ease of reference in this post, but I highly recommend supporting independent booksellers always. And/or get a library card! It has completely changed the e-book game for me, especially for traveling.]
Anna Logs It 