I figure it’s time to talk travel. But book travel, because real travel makes me nervous. And travel books, too, of course! Can we throw in time travel? Maybe we can. But one thing at a time seems best.
First of all, travel habits. A critical thing to consider for all bookworms is “how many books should I bring with me this time?” The problem, of course, is that most of us think we should bring our entirely library even though there’s literally no possible way to get through it all.
Those of you capable of restraint, of bringing only what you think you’ll be able to read during your travels, are heroes among us. Keep it up. Teach me your ways, because I am always adding far too many books to my travel plans and then I regret it because THEY’RE HEAVY AND I AM WEAK.
Moving, though: travel books! And their travely tropes. There’s a couple that come to mind that I’ve read recently that have some travel in them, whether it’s a core element or not. Maybe you’ve read some of these?
1. Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
Okay, this is the best of both worlds because it’s travel travel and time travel, so you’re really getting the double feature with this one. I loved it so much because of that time travel element and the fact that travel travel is required to reach places that are acceptable spots to time travel from! The sequel,Β Wayfarer, also qualifies because it keeps up the globe-trotting, time-hopping theme.
2. Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
To be fair, there’s some WEIRD travel in this. It’s all contained on one estate for the most part, but the travel involved is both spoilery and bizarre in a way I actually really enjoyed despite the weird. It’s really a book about the power of potential with some interesting travel thrown in. And it has a really shiny cover that I’m just a little in love with tbh.
3. Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire
I just recently read this on a recommendation from a friend and OH MY GOD. It’s got ghosts and road trips and ghosts that require road trips to stay ghosts and REVENGE. It isn’t YA, if that’s what you’re after, but it’s still worth a read because McGuire does something absolutely brilliant with the non-linear structure and the way travel affects the narrative. Plus, the sequel is slated for this July, so you could read it in time to be COMPLETELY INVESTED. JOIN ME.
So what are your favorite travel narratives? Have some favorite travel tropes? What don’t you like about books with travel? Journey with me, friends. Let’s go down this road together.
Yes, you can be mad at me for my terrible travel jokes all the way if that makes you feel better. I can’t promise they’ll stop.