Travel & Travel Writing

I don’t normally read nonfiction, but I devoured this insightful book on the diverse countries that make up the continent of Africa, along the way looking at why most Americans don’t know that Africa is not a country, let alone tell the countries apart from one other, how we got to this moment, and what the future might hold. Faloyin is warm, wry, and masterfully engaging. If you or someone you know might possibly be interested in the history and context of this amazing continent, pick this up!

—JAX

Let Patricia Schultz rekindle your wanderlust and remind you that this big, beautiful world is just waiting for exploration. Filled with amazing photographs, inspiring anecdotes, and travel tips, Why We Travel may provide just the push you need to get out of your pandemic funk, whether you jump on a plane or just let your imagination run wild. Easily digestible in one sitting, this quick read is a great way to expand your horizons.

—GLENN

In her beautiful and inspiring book, traveler and photographer Jessica Nabongo shares her adventures as the first Black woman on record to visit all 195 countries in the world. Popular destinations are featured, but so are hidden gems and places that “are not the darlings of the travel industry.” Her stories of culture, connection, and experiences—from dog sledding in Norway to swimming with whales in Tonga—showcase the beauty and joy that exist in every corner of the world.  —S.B.

Have astronauts biked in space? What do bikes have to do with feminist rebels breaching barricades? Whose curiosity sparked traveling on two-wheeled machines? An uncommon blend of memoir, history, spiritual practice, and trivia, Two Wheels Good is a must-read for avid cyclists and readers of quirky nonfiction.  —Charlotte

Peter Wohlleben, bestselling author of The Hidden Life of Trees, does not disappoint in this new book, a practical guide designed to help us open our eyes to the wonders of the forest. I was amazed at how even a walk to the park had me noticing new things about the trees I passed every day. There’s a lovely section on how to get children excited about a walk in the woods, fostering good stewards of the Earth from an early age. A perfect companion for wherever adventure takes you this summer.  —Jax

There is no shortage of tales of polar expeditions gone awry. The voyage of the Belgica isn’t famous but it is remarkable. Led by a Belgian aristocrat and populated with an international cast of sailors, scientists, and adventurers, the Belgica’s journey to Antarctica was doomed from the start. A combination of lack of funding, shoddy leadership, and naïvete all but ensured disaster. Trapped in the ice for over a year, the crew were the first people to winter in Antarctica. Drawing from the journals of the men aboard the ship, Sancton does a remarkable job transporting the reader to the dark, freezing, rat-infested ship. On par with works from the likes of Erik Larson and David Grann, this is narrative nonfiction at its finest.  —Jade

Home Waters is more than a graceful ode to fly fishing; it is the sweeping story of one Montana family and its deep ties to the land over four generations. In John’s sure prose, the Macleans become a road map for how one finds home, from his grandfather who built their Seeley Lake cabin, through his writer father (of The River Runs Through It renown), and now in his own evocative memoir. And always at heart is the water, its fish, and the gorgeous surroundings.  —Melinda

Rickey Henderson is one of the most talented and interesting athletes to ever set foot on the baseball diamond. His all-time stolen base record is as unlikely to be broken as Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak. Long-time baseball writer Howard Bryant deftly explores Henderson’s cultural impact and unique personality as well as his baseball exploits. Bryant follows Henderson’s meteoric rise from fast young outfielder to baseball superstar, a rise that also helped create salary parity for athletes of color. Henderson was an icon and iconoclast who played the game his way, with no apologies. Terrific for baseball fans.  —Ed

This is a unique book that highlights the voices of women in the male-dominated sport of climbing. Valley of Giants is also a memoir of Yosemite climbing culture and details the adventures of great female Yosemite climbers, from living in the renowned Camp 4 to scaling the famous El Capitan on multiday climbs. A great read for climbers and nonclimbers but especially for women and girls looking for inspiration to start their next outdoor adventure.  —Cyreine

The Surfer and the Sage is the next book for anyone in your life curious about surfing. There's so much this book has to offer, as it goes beyond the simple joys of surfing and talks about what surfing has to say about life. Author Tomson is a legend of the sport whose perspective is always worth hearing, and poet-philosopher benShea contributes spiritual commentary to this special collaboration.  —Ian