For The Woman Traveler
General Travel Reading for The Women Traveler as suggested by our members ; please feel free to email us with suggestions or omissions. Many of the women writers are friends of The Women's Travel Club.
- C'est la Vie: by Suzy Gershman An American Conquers the City of Light, Begins a New Life, and Becomes, Zut Alors!
STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT BORN TO SHOP TRIP WITH SUZY.
- How To Travel Practically Anywhere, Susan Stellin--full of good advice from Page 1 onwards,
- Travelers' Tales A Woman's World; edited by Marybeth Bond
Touching travel tidbits from the hearts of all the contemporary women writers; we loved the story Excess Baggage from Mary Morris. Side bars have short reminiscences you will want to share with your friends.
- Maiden Voyages; edited by Mary Morris in collaboration with Larry O'Connor.
Travel diaries from women in the 1700's to the present. A good taste of both out of print books and classics such as Out of Africa and Turkish Reflections.
- More Women Travel and Women Travel; edited by Natania Jansz and Miranda Davies.
This is a Rough Guide just for women. Its letters from women traveling in some 60 countries gives both practical information like women's groups and political considerations and suggested reading. We like the between the lines info on safety and general treatment of women traveling alone.
- Travelers Tales, Gutsy Women by Marybeth Bond.
Short practical book for solo travelers who also like to laugh. Marybeth and her collaborators have clearly done what they are writing about.
- Travelers Tales,Gutsy Mamas also by Marybeth Bond
Another short creative book for women traveling with children. Pointers are sometimes obvious but the book gives you confidence to do it!!
- Travelers Tales, Women in the Wild edited by Lucy McCauley
Intrepid women doing what we dream about but are too timid for...interesting book for women who are beginning to take soft adventure trips and need a teeny push by women who will do anything.
- Unsuitable for Ladies selected by Jane Robinson
A fabulous anthology of historic writings covering lots and lots of areas. Have this one on your travel book shelf for repeated reads before each trip you take.
- Put Your Best Foot Forward by Mary Murray Bosrock . This series promises a fearless guide to all the different countries written about. easy to read with many great tips.
- EVEolution, The Eight Truths of Marketing to Women by Faith Popcorn. Read about the Club in the 'Alice In Womanland' section of Popcorn's first truth of EVEolution chapter.
- Tanzania on Tuesday,The House on Via Gombito and An Inn Near Kyoto edited by Kathleen Coskran and CW Truesdale
An anthology of writings by American women living abroad. If you want to give a gift; buy the trilogy and you are a new best friend to someone.
- Traveling Solo by Eleanor Berman.
A primer and listing of companies for solo travelers; make sure you get the latest edition as some information goes out of date quickly. Thanks, Eleanor, for mentioning our group.
- Women and Travel in the British Literary Tradition edited by Karen Lawrence
Precisely what this says, again good exerpts from many of the earlier women travel writers who saw it all before we got there.
- With Women's Eye: Visits to the New World compiled by Marion Tinling
Historical insights and reactions to the Western Hemisphere by women of the past.
- Femme d'Adventure by Jessica Maxwell.
Travel Tales from Inner Montana to Outer Mongolia; mostly focussed on the outdoors and a Sierra Club approach.
- Travel Alone and Love it by Sharon Wingler and Foxy Old Womans Guide to Traveling Alone by Jay Ben-Lesser.
- Fly Fit: How To Travel and Stay Agile, by Magie Melanson. Nevadomski Berdan-- about working abroad and how it can help your career.
Both yet to be read by our members: anyone out there know these two books??
A nice little book so you come home looking the same as when you left.
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Australia and Asia
- Tracks and Desert Places by Robyn Davidson
A finding yourself yet fun book by a woman who camel'ed herself across the outback in Australia. She is remarkably normal! Desert Places focusses on NW India and Rajastan. We've done less adventurous trips to Australia and India for the Club!
- Full tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy
On a Shoestring to Coorg and others by the same author; this one about the Indian Subcontinent. If you start this one, you will be hooked on all the Dervla Murphy books whatever their destination. What a shame they only recently became available in the US.
- Hong Kong by Jan Morris
Insights into the area prior to the Chinese takeover. Excellent classic travel writing; we could all learn from this style. Jan Morris is one of the great contemporary travel writers.
- May You Be the Mother of a Hundred Sons by Elisabeth Bumiller
You will never see India the same way again. This is a gripping book about women in India written by a New York Times' staff member; you will be fascinated even if India is not on your checklist of life.
- Heat and Dust by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
Terrific short novel about uncovering family secrets laid to rest in India. The movie of the same title was a lousy version. Jhabvala is the screen writer behind many Merchant/Ivory movies; this book evokes that style, even better.
- Remember this House and others by Santha Rama Rau
She is a leading woman writer from India; her books are a must if you plan to travel there.
- Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
A book about the independence of this complicated country. Not really a travel book but so famous we had to mention it.
- The Raj Quartet and Letting Go by Paul Scott
About life during and after the Raj; the former was an addictive BBC series some years ago. Plan to stay home or take a lot of flights as you will not put these down.
- China: Wall to Wall: A Woman's Travels from Beijing to Berlin by Mary Morris
How can you not read any book by this great writer?? She is a highly personal writer whose travel experiences can are so emotional that they creep into your heart.
- The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston
A wonderful book which ties together the author's family in China and the States; any woman with an immigrant family will relate to this book.
- The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen
Climbing in the Himalayas and getting over grief; Matthiessen is an honorary woman when it comes to emotions.
- Annapurna: A Woman's Place by Arlene Blum
Phyllis stayed up all night to read this one; the story of the first all women's ascent of a major mountain in Nepal. You will exhalt and cry with them. Any climber who needs "crampons and tampons" is an instant friend to women travelers. One of the climbers died from breast cancer shortly after this triumph. PS hope you know that The Club donates generously to breast cancer research and other women's charities.
- The Golden Calm, The Far Pavilions etc. and others set mainly in India by MM Kaye
Novels about growing up in India; the latter was made into a famous movie series. A tad schmultsy but we all like a good airplane book now and then.
- Black Narcissus, Breakfast with Nikolides, The Dark Horse, Kingfishers Catch Fire, The River etc. by Rumer Godden.
Growing up in India; these books are a ideal gift for any girl or woman who wants to catch the travel bug. Suitable for young girls.
- Slowly Down the Ganges by Eric Newby
Again a name to look for with guranteed good writing; this one in India.
- The Crippled Tree and others by Han Suyin
A trilogy about her family and the history of China.
- The Good Earth, Sons and A House Divided by Pearl Buck
Pulitizer Prize winning novels about life in China.
- Spring Moon by Betty Bao Lord
A novel about life in China 1892-1972; good reading by the wife of Winston Lord, first recent US ambassador to China.
- The Edge of Everest by Sue Cobb
Sue is a friend of The Club who attempted Mt. Everest for her 50th birthday. Sue's book has no agenda; she wanted others to know her experience and how she felt about it.
- A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush by Eric Newby
One of the classics of travel writing by a British author who left the fashion world and trekked in Afghanistan.
- Chasing the Monsoon by Alexander Frater
Delightful short book about what it says with insights into India. Love India, you will love this book.
- Journey with Elsa Cloud by Leila Hadley
Reconsiling with a daughter and a trip with her through India; looks intriguing.
Guidebooks for upcoming Asian trips-keep posted for new destinations: we always like Moon and Lonely Planet series for this part of the world. Also try Eurasia Travel Guides and sometimes Fodors. Usually non-American guide books give a better picture. There are many one off books about specific countries as well.
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Africa and the Middle-East
- Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen/Karen Blixen
The classic book about a woman living in Kenya. A must for all visiting the area, from children up. The famous movie was adapted from this first hand account. Perfect for a youngster lucky enough to go on our annual safari to East Africa.
- West with the Night by Beryl Markham
A short book by the woman who "stole" Karen Blixen's boyfriend, played by Robert Redford in Out of Africa. This is the story of her numerous flights over Africa in a one engine plane before virtually any high tech guidance. Great reading to go with Out of Africa-both set in Kenya.
- The many books by Freya Stark
Covering the area from Greece to the Middle East are classics also; a bit difficult reading but not so if you are going to the area. Alexander's Path is a requirement for literate types going to Turkey. Others include: The Lycian Shore, Ionia, The Southern Gates of Arabia, Baghdad Sketches, The Valley of the Assasins, mostly written from the 1930's-1950's.
- Passionate Nomad, the life of Freya Stark by Jane Geniesse.
Once you have read the above, try this one for a look into one of the women who paved the way.
- The Weather in Africa and other books by Martha Gelhorn
Stories about the European-African relationships in post independence Kenya by one of the Hemingway girls.
- The Ukimwi Road by Dervla Murphy
A tale written from her bicycle trip throughout East Africa including places our group will visit.
- Inside Africa by John Gunther
Excellent journlistic overview of the mysterious continent.
- The Blue Nile and The White Nile by Alan Moorehead
The history of the river told in two parts; something of an epic with stories and history combined.
- Golden Shadows and Flying Hooves by George Schaller
A personal account of animal watching by the professional zoologist who lured Peter Matthiessen to find the snow leopard ( See The Snow Leopard).
- A Guest of Honor, July's People, Burger's Daughter etc. by Nadine Gordimer
The first is a novel of African politics. The others about living in apartheid Africa. Any book by this author will be excellent.
- African Stories by Doris Lessing
Again, you might get hooked on her books; all novels set in South Africa and environs. About growing up in South Africa and then being a grown up...
- Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway
Need we say more, hunting in East Africa in the 1930's.
- Flame Trees of Thika and other titles by Elsbeth Huxley
An endearing story of a girl growing up in Kenya-might not be available in the US.
- A Bend in the River by VS Naipaul
Prize winning novel about African revolutions by a great modern author.
- Motoring with Mohammed by Eric Hansen
Reads like a mystery, ends like an O'Henry story and grabs you in the middle so you want to visit this remote country: Yemen. You won't put it down.
- The Arabs by Philip Hitti
Comprehensive history of the Arabs; we had to read it in grad school, so you read it too. Excellent background reading.
- Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
A must if you are going on a Nile Cruise...fun movie also.
- The Alexandria Quarter by Lawrence Durrell
Addictive quartet about life in Alexandria and the Eastern Med.
- In Morocco by Edith Wharton
Recently re-printed travel writings done in 1917; a bit dated but fascinating and expertly written. Make sure you come with us in April 2001 on our fourth trip to this wonderful country.
- Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Woman by Geraldine Brooks
This book gives insight into the lives of the Islamic Woman.
Guidebooks for Kenya and Tanzania:
Or next safari is August 2001, expect it to be repeated each August. We like literary books on this part of the world ( see above) as most people are going to see the animals and the scenery.
Guidebooks:
- Knopf Guides to Egypt are too beautiful not to buy and small enough to carry.
- Blue Guide to Egypt centers on art, archaeology etc. A bit tiny to read but full of information.
- Buy either the Rough or Cadogan Guide to Egypt for quirkier information and a European viewpoint. Should be used along with another book. Handbook to Egypt is an excellent source of all sort of info as are all Lonely Planet books. The Handbook is alas, a small hardback.
- Jerusalem Revealed; a walking tour book
- Let's Go Israel, budget information from Harvard University juniors and seniors. Some good deals
- Lonely Planet, the edition which includes the section on arts and crafts.
- Knopf for its marvelous detail and photos.
- Blue Guide to Morocco for art and architecture etc.
- Cadogan or Rough Guide to Morocco, buy one for extra reading.
- Handbook to Morocco, again a reference book for the shelf.
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Europe
- The Royals by Kitty Kelly
just kidding, checking that you are awake.
- Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
If you haven't read it, sign off now and do so! Growing up in Ireland and surviving it.
- Hotel Pastis, A Year in Provence, Toujours Provence, Chasing Cezanne etc. and all others by Peter Mayl
Delightfully set in the best parts of Provence with cheery stories to go along. We go each March to areas covered by these books.
- Wheels within Wheels and A Place Apart by Dervla Murphy
More excellent writing on her home country: Ireland from one of the best women travel writers around, if you can get these in the USA.
- Desiring Italy edited by Susan Cahill
Women writers on Italy; take it with you and read along the way, preferably with a glass of Chianti in an outdoor cafe.
- Italian Days by Barbara Grizzuit Harrison
All her books go with trips to this country. Her descriptions will make you jealous.
- 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Get your tissues ready; much better than the movie set in London.
- The Kingdom of the Sea by Paul Theroux
Quirks about the English and a great travel tale.
- My Love Affair with England and others by Susan Allen Toth
Observations from 20 years of living in England-from someone else who did, she got it right.
- Stones of Florence and Venice Observed by Mary McCarthy
In depth history and reporting on these two cities.
- The Italians by Luigi Barzini
Academic book on who they are; a respected book on this nation.
- The Garden of the Finzi Continis by Giorgio Bassani
Novel set in the Jewish quarter of Ferrara during the Fascist regime; later made into a lovely sad movie with Marisa Berenson.
- Italian Hours by Henry James
22 essays that read like a Merchant/Ivory movie, set in the 1870s.
- Under the Tuscan Sun-At home in Italy by Frances Mayes
Renovating a farmhouse, foraging in local food markets and then including recipes as part of the story. Phyllis bought this one on sight.
- On the Shores of the Mediterranean by Eric Newby
Travel writings on most of the areas described as well as parts of north Africa ( Morocco, - on our agenda for 2001).
- The Pillars of Hercules by Paul Theroux
Again covers much of the Mediterranean but also north Africa and Sicily.
- Travellers Tales Guides to Italy edited by Anne Calcagno, introduction by Jan Morris.
Described as follows: " the experience of other travelers is our best approach to a strange land".
- Midnight in Sicily by Paul Robb
The story of the mafia, read it before you go. We have been twice and loved it!
- Dinner with Peresephone by Patricia Storace
A book about an American poetess' year in Greece.
- Turkish Reflections by Mary Lee Settle
Again a must read if you are visiting this area.
- A Fez of the Heart, travels around Turkey in search of a hat by Jeremy Seal
Fun reading with lots of information about Turkish customs etc.
- Gods Graves and Scholars by CW Ceram
The story of the discovery of Troy in Turkey; good adventure as well as history.
Guidebooks for our trip to Rome, Hilltop Towns and Florence, April 2001:
we recommend two books for a trip of this type. The choice depends on your particular interests. Below are some of our favorite books for this area, Rome south and Sicily.
- Knopf Guide to Italy-buy it just for the pictures!
- Eyewitness Guide to Italy and another to Rome only, same fantastic photos and detail, both are a good carry size. You will be torn between looking at the book and looking at the scenery!
- Rough Guides to Italy, not really rough-literary insights, use them for content not for details.
- Lonely Planet, Italy if you plan lots more trips as this is packed with practical information and small enough to carry.
- Michelin's Italy, only for sightseeing, great background and again light. Make sure you get the green one. There is also a Michelin to Sicily, worth getting for this trip covers much of that island.
- Frommer's Italy is a good general guidebook, make sure you get the most up to date version.
- Blue Guide to Southern Italy,Rome south, excellent arts oriented book spot on for our itinerary.
- The Heritage Guide to Sicily, also focussed on the island, much on art and archaeology.
The last two are a good combination with a general guide book. They give more detail on the art scene.
If you are leaving early and spending more time in Rome: buy Time Out Rome or Access Rome. The latter for walking through neighborhoods includes shops, and food, the earlier for budgets and deals.
Michelin Rome for the serious sightseeing, you won't need anything else. Frommer, Italy also does a Rome version.
Guidebooks on Europe (upcoming trips to Paris, Bruges, Provence, UK, etc. ):
we recommend:
The Rough Guides, Michelin, Cadogan, Lonely Planet if available, Time Out if available, Let's Go (budget and practical), Access for walking, Born to Shop for spending, Baedeker and or Blue Guides for learning, Cheap Sleeps and Eats suggested with hesitation about neighborhoods mentioned. Also notable: Frommers series, Insight for when you return ( too heavy but pretty pix)... For others, email us and we will give you our opinion......that is if we know it.
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United States and Mexico
- Nothing to Declare by Mary Morris
We wish we could all find ourselves, write so well and have adventures all at the same time as does Morris. Read this whether or not you are visiting Mexico.
- The Readers' Companion to Mexico edited by Alan Ryan
Good compilation of writings about Mexico by famous authors. Hits on many places the club visits.
- Another Mexico by Graham Greene
Classic british author from the past.
Some guide books for our trips to Mexico (Ixtapan, San Miguel D'Allende and more):
- Lonely Planet to Mexico lots of information well packaged
- Blue Guide to Mexico ( more art and archaeology)
- Rough Guide to Mexico or to the Mayan World literary approaches with some unusual information
- Michelin to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, Mayan in focus. only sites etc no hotel or restaurant information but you will not need those as our trip is inclusive.
- Mexico and Central America Handbook good book to have on the shelf.
- Frommer's Mexico, more traditional Mexican guidebook.
- Born to Shop, Mexico covers all the places we are going in the next few months
- Route to the Mayas by Knopf with gorgeous photos and Archaeological
- Mexico by Moon Guides are for those who are on a learning binge.
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South America
- Eight Feet in the Andes by Dervla Murphy
More of the same adventure reading. We love everyone of her books.
- Patagonia Express by Paul Theroux
If you don't mind trains, this is a good intro to the area.
- In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
This author has written widely about many areas;if you see his name on a book, buy it.
- Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham
The true story of the discovery of Macchu Pichu and the excitement of the find.
- Travels in a Thin Country by Sara Wheeler
A good read about Chile with just enough history etc.
Some guidebooks for trips to Argentina and Chili:
- Handbook to South America, great resource
- Lonely Planet Guides to South America, Argentina, Buenos Aires and separately to Chile. All recommended for their depth of information and detail.
- Insight Guide to Buenos Aires buy it when you return, too heavy to carry.
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General
- The Selected Travels of Paul Theroux by Paul Theroux
Short pieces from many stories; good reading if you don't want to wade through interminable train trips.
- Secrets every smart traveller should know by Wendy Perrin
The best how to get what you want book on the market. Also a Broadway review.
- Falling off the Map by Pico Iye
Includes some lonely places of the world including Iceland, Argentina, Bhutan etc.
- There's no toilet paper in the ..Road Less Traveled edited by Doug Lansky
Contains humorous stories which have happened to all of us.
- The Norton Book of Travel edited by Paul Fussell
Perfect gift book for travel friends. Exerpts from many famous books in a hard back form.
- A Journey of One's Own by Thalia Zapatos
A good guide to women's travel tips etc.
- Europe for Women on Business
- Asia for Women on Business
- Barbarians at the Plate: Taming and Feeding the Modern American Family by Marialisa Calta
Please note we encourage suggestions about other books; we give preference to women-related books but will always include others if we think our members will enjoy them! E-mail: WomanTrip@aol.com
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