Discover the Joy of Reading, with Some of My Favorite Books
As you travel, you won’t always have internet access, so you may have to do things the old-fashioned way—like reading a book. These are a few of my favorites, some of which have inspired my Wandering Woman Travel Series guidebooks.
A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn by James Donovan is a gripping and expansive history of the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn. It explores the perspectives of both Native Americans and U.S. Army personnel, making it an essential read for military history enthusiasts. This book provides new insights into one of the most pivotal and tragic battles in American history.
Travels by Michael Crichton is an autobiographical gem that recounts the author’s experiences, including his disillusionment with medical school and eventual rise as a best-selling writer. It’s my personal inspiration, teaching me that it’s never too late to pivot, no matter how far you've gone down one career path. It encourages readers to seek their true passions, even if that means leaving something behind.
The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin is a fascinating historical account that reads like a novel. It centers on the deadly 1888 blizzard that struck the plains of the American Midwest, tragically hitting during school hours. Laskin masterfully narrates the events and people involved, making it a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire by Peter Stark delves into the ambitious 1810 Astor Expedition to establish a trading empire in what is now Astoria, Oregon. This captivating account sheds light on a little-known chapter in American history and highlights the daring exploration that laid the foundations of the Pacific Northwest.
Finally, The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann is an enthralling tale of British explorer Percy Fawcett’s doomed search for a lost civilization in the Amazon. Grann intertwines Fawcett’s mysterious disappearance with his own quest, creating a thrilling narrative of obsession, adventure, and history.