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BOOK ABOUT JOURNEY IS OUT NOW

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Out now is the new book "Livin' Just to Find Emotion: Journey and the Story of American Rock ," written by historian David Hamilton Golland and timed to the band's 50th anniversary celebration. The 363-page book offers a meticulously researched history of the band, with album-by-album analysis covering every Journey song and a document-sourced look at Journey 's corporate structure and legal machinations, particularly of the past few years when band members Ross Valory and Steve Smith were fired and the recent feuding between founding guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain , that has since been resolved.

Golland, a professor at Monmouth University in New Jersey whose specialty is African American History, became a Journey fan when he was young, after hearing "Don't Stop Believe in'" on the radio. He tells us that researching and writing the book as a pandemic project enhanced his view of the group:

"I definitely came to appreciate the music more because I went in-depth into every single song. This was a really fun project, frankly, a lot less time in archives and a lot more time with headphones on, but also thinking about it from a critical standpoint rather than simply, 'Oh, I love this' or 'Oh, I only like this' or 'OK, I can skip this .'" SOUNDCUE :26 

Golland has previously written books about affirmative action and civil rights and is editor of the Arthur Fletcher Papers at Washburn University.

Journey is currently on tour continuing its 50th anniversary, with Toto opening. The group begins a summer stadium tour with Def Leppard on July 6 in St. Louis. The Steve Miller Band, Heart and Cheap Trick will alternate opening spots on that.

Journey's latest album "Freedom," came out during 2022.

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Journey: A Novel Paperback – June 9, 2015

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• Print length 208 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Dial Press Trade Paperback
• Publication date June 9, 2015
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.56 x 8.18 inches
• ISBN-10 081298675X
• ISBN-13 978-0812986754
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dial Press Trade Paperback; Reprint edition (June 9, 2015)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 081298675X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0812986754
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.6 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.56 x 8.18 inches
• #2,480 in Family Saga Fiction
• #2,761 in Mystery Action & Adventure
• #4,473 in Thriller & Suspense Action Fiction

About the author

James a. michener.

James Albert Michener (/ˈmɪtʃnər/; February 3, 1907 - October 16, 1997) was an American author of more than 40 books, the majority of which were fictional, lengthy family sagas covering the lives of many generations in particular geographic locales and incorporating solid history. Michener was known for the popularity of his works; he had numerous bestsellers and works selected for Book of the Month Club. He was also known for his meticulous research behind the books.

Michener's novels include Tales of the South Pacific for which he won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1948, Hawaii, The Drifters, Centennial, The Source, The Fires of Spring, Chesapeake, Caribbean, Caravans, Alaska, Texas and Poland. His non-fiction works include Iberia, about his travels in Spain and Portugal; his memoir titled The World Is My Home, and Sports in America. Return to Paradise combines fictional short stories with Michener's factual descriptions of the Pacific areas where they take place.

His first book was adapted as the popular Broadway musical South Pacific by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, and later as a film by the same name, adding to his financial success.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo byRobert Wilson [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

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The Best Books of 2022

This Year's Must-Reads

The Ten Best Books About Travel of 2022

After two years of limited travel opportunities, we’re ready to explore the world once more

Jennifer Nalewicki

Travel Correspondent

Traveling is about much more than your destination—it’s about the people who live there, and for many travelers it’s the experiences they have alongside locals that are the most memorable. Take, for instance, the story of a journalist who lived with an Iñupiaq family of whale hunters in Alaska before setting off with her toddler to follow the gray whale migration, or a young woman who traveled solo 6,800 miles by bike from Europe to the Middle East, often turning to local farmers and villagers to help her navigate unfamiliar territory. Both women adapted their experiences into books where they relive the laughter (and the pain) they shared with members of the local communities that go far beyond anything found in a guidebook.

Here are ten travel book releases from 2022 that are inspiring us to dust off our passports and experience new locales alongside the people who make them unforgettable.

The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo

Visiting all 195 countries in the world is no small feat and a goal that most people can only dream of. Luckily, armchair travelers can live vicariously through author Jessica Nabongo’s epic worldwide adventure in her book The Catch Me If You Can . From retelling the blow-by-blow of a scooter accident in Nauru (an island nation in Micronesia that also happens to be the world’s least visited country) and dog-sledding in Norway to swimming with humpback whales in Tonga and learning the art of making traditional takoyaki (octopus balls) in Japan, the 38-year-old, who’s also the first Black woman to travel to every nation in the world, introduces readers not only to bucket-list-worthy places but also to the people who live there.

The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World

In this inspiring travelogue, celebrated traveler and photographer Jessica Nabongo―the first Black woman on record to visit all 195 countries in the world―shares her journey around the globe with fascinating stories of adventure, culture, travel musts, and human connections.

Soundings: Journeys in the Company of Whales by Doreen Cunningham

In an everchanging world threatened by climate change, whales have learned to adapt. Irish British author Doreen Cunningham takes that notion to heart in Soundings , which blends science and nature writing with memoir as she shares her own experiences as a struggling single mother and journalist. Together with her toddler, she follows the migration route of gray whales as they make the long journey between Mexico and Alaska (where years earlier she spent time with Iñupiaq whalers), experiencing from a distance the familial bonds, not unlike her own close relationship with her son, of the marine mammals. “What at first seems a reckless, near-mystical pursuit of an imagined being leads her to find a human pod of her own,” writes the Guardian ’s Edward Posnett.

Soundings: Journeys in the Company of Whales: A Memoir

A story of courage and resilience, Soundings is about the migrating whales and all we can learn from them as they mother, adapt, and endure, their lives interrupted and threatened by global warming.

Bridges of the World by Giancarlo Ascari

Italian cartoonist and journalist Giancarlo Ascari has a degree in architecture, so it’s no wonder why he’s fascinated with bridges. Packed with illustrations by Pia Valentinis , Ascari’s book Bridges of the World highlights recognizable spans like the brightly painted Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Victorian Gothic-style Tower Bridge in London, while also highlighting less obvious examples, including the stretch of wire French high-wire artist Philippe Petit strung between the Twin Towers in New York City and dangerously crossed in 1974. In total, Bridges of the World features 50 human-made and natural wonders accented by interesting facts and anecdotes.

Bridges of the World

Fifty bridges from all over the world to be crossed on foot or with one's imagination.

Black Lion: Teachings from the Wilderness by Sicelo Mbatha

When Sicelo Mbatha was a child, he watched in horror as a crocodile viciously attacked his cousin. Rather than shy away from the cruel realities of nature, the Zulu author, who goes by the nickname Black Lion, confronted them head on to become a wilderness guide. Over the years, he’s volunteered at Imfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, a province located along the coast of South Africa. Because of his childhood encounter, he has learned to approach the savanna and the lions, elephants and other animals that inhabit it from a spiritual perspective. He has since fostered a deeper connection with the local fauna and hopes to pass that mindset on to visitors on his guided excursions as well as readers of Black Lion , his debut book.

Black Lion: Alive in the Wilderness

Wilderness guide Sicelo Mbatha shares lessons learnt from a lifetime’s intimate association with Africa’s wildest nature.

The Writer’s Journey: In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats by Travis Elborough

Ask any writer, and they’ll likely confirm that a story’s setting plays as critical a role as its plot. Case in point: Would Bram Stoker’s Gothic novel Dracula be as compelling if it wasn’t set in macabre Transylvania? Like Stoker, many literary greats were inspired by places they traveled to before sitting down to write. In The Writer’s Journey , British author and cultural commentator Travis Elborough explores 35 experiences around the globe that influenced authors and helped shape their writings, including Herman Melville’s perilous 1841 whaling voyage on the Atlantic and Jack Kerouac’s cross-country escapades in the late 1940s over “all that raw land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast.”

The Writer's Journey: In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats

Follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s most famous authors on the journeys which inspired their greatest works in this beautiful illustrated atlas.

South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry

What comes to mind when you think of the American South? The Civil War? College football? Gone with the Wind ? Imani Perry , an award-winning author and African American studies professor at Princeton University, tackles all of these topics in her New York Times best seller South to America . Combining history with culture, Perry brings readers on an eye-opening journey south of the Mason-Dixon line, from her native Alabama to Appalachia, focusing not only on past civil atrocities that have scarred the region and the country as a whole, but also on the immigrant communities, artists and innovators leading the way to a brighter future.

South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation

An essential, surprising journey through the history, rituals, and landscapes of the American South—and a revelatory argument for why you must understand the South in order to understand America

The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride Through Europe and the Middle East by Rebecca Lowe

While the Syrian War rattled the Middle East in 2015, journalist Rebecca Lowe embarked on a yearlong 6,800-mile grand tour via a bicycle she affectionately named “Maud” from her home base of London to Tehran. During her epic ride, she cycled through Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan and the Gulf, often relying on the knowledge and assistance of farmers, villagers and other locals she met along the way. For her travel memoir The Slow Road to Tehran , she weaves her own experiences as a woman traveling alone through the mountains and deserts of the Middle East with tales about the people and cultures she encountered. Tom Chesshyre of the Critic calls it “modern travel writing at its very best, full of vim and vigor, painstakingly researched, laced with wry humor, political (without being too political), adventurous and rich with anecdote.”

The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride through Europe and the Middle East

One woman, one bike and one richly entertaining, perception-altering journey of discovery.

Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects by Jean de Pomereu and Daniella McCahey

On January 17, 1773, Captain James Cook made the first crossing into the Antarctic Circle aboard the Royal Navy sloop Resolution . Now, on the 250th anniversary of this monumental journey, historical geographer Jean de Pomereu and historian Daniella McCahey have come together to highlight 100 objects (culled from the National Maritime Museum in London, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and many other collections) that define the world’s least-visited continent. Items that made the cut and are featured in their co-written book Antarctica include the tiny, 22-foot lifeboat used by Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship struck ice and sunk in 1915; a sealing club fashioned out of the penis bone of an elephant seal; and skis that Norwegian explorer Olav Bjaaland used in the early 1900s.

Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects

This stunning and powerfully relevant book tells the history of Antarctica through 100 varied and fascinating objects drawn from collections around the world.

This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments by McKenzie Long

Despite their federal designation as protected land, national monuments in the United States come under threat. Just look at Bears Ears National Monument, a 2,125-square-mile expanse of red sandstone, cliff dwellings and petroglyphs in the Utah desert held sacred by many Native Americans. The Trump administration decreased the monument in size by 85 percent to allow for oil drilling (only for the Biden administration to later restore its protections). In her debut book, This Contested Land , author and graphic artist McKenzie Long sets out by ski, foot and fin to explore 13 sites across the country, including Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Hawaii’s Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, in a series of compelling essays that convey the importance of protecting these natural resources from the threats of development and climate change.

This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments

One woman’s enlightening trek through the natural histories, cultural stories, and present perils of 13 national monuments, from Maine to Hawaii

Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia by Shafik Meghji

The world’s highest metropolis is La Paz, Bolivia, home to two million inhabitants living at 13,600 feet above sea level (higher than Mount Fuji). However, not many people know this fact, nor much about the South American country, for that matter. In Crossed Off the Map , author, travel expert and Amnesty International editorial consultant Shafik Meghji introduces readers to the landmarks, history and current issues of Bolivia. Fellow travel author Tim Hannigan says in the book blurb, “Shafik Meghji is a natural travel writer with a ready mastery of history, anecdote and atmosphere, and [this] is the best sort of travel book—an informed and informative portrait of Bolivia that doubles as a vicarious journey for readers on an epic scale, through high mountains, across the altiplano [high plains] and into deep tropical forests.”

Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia

Blending travel writing, history and reportage, Crossed off the Map: Travels in Bolivia journeys from the Andes to the Amazon to explore Bolivia’s turbulent past and contemporary challenges.

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A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.

Jennifer Nalewicki | | READ MORE

Jennifer Nalewicki is a Brooklyn-based journalist. Her articles have been published in The New York Times , Scientific American , Popular Mechanics , United Hemispheres and more. You can find more of her work at her website .

31 Best Hero’s Journey Books to Add to Your Reading List

Interested in learning more about the hero’s journey stories? Discover the best hero’s journey books to begin your reading adventure!

Writers and readers love hero’s journey stories . From the origin stories of cultures to the twelfth-century poems that make up The Mabinogion (themselves derived from earlier oral traditions) to today’s blockbuster SF-laden movies, the monomyth is a part of our collective, subconscious experience.

These stories feature certain archetypes and follow a set pattern. The hero sets off on a quest from his/her ordinary world (The Departure), subsequently learns a lesson or obtains new knowledge, and uses this to triumph over something, someone, or a set of circumstances (The Initiation).

The hero then returns to his/her own world, transformed or with the tools needed to enact positive change (The Return). Below, we take a look at the 31 best books to add to your reading list if you’re a fan of the genre. This list pairs nicely with our roundup of movies that follow the hero’s journey .

Here Are The Best Hero’s Journey Books

1. the hobbit by jrr tolkien, 2. the odyssey by homer, 3. harry potter and the sorcerer’s stone by jk rowling, 4. the alchemist by paulo coelho, 5. the inferno by dante alighieri, 6. the goose girl by shannon hale, 7. the wizard of oz by l frank baum, 8. the hunger games by suzanne collins, 9. to kill a mockingbird by harper lee, 10. where the mountain meets the moon by grace lin, 11. don quixote by miguel de cervantes, 12. the 5th wave by rick yancey, 13. beowulf, 14. siddhartha: an indian novel by hermann hesse, 15. a separate reality by carlos castaneda, 16. across the universe by beth revis, 17. american gods by neil gaiman, 18. little briar rose (sleeping beauty) by the brothers grimm, 19. jane eyre by charlotte bronte, 20. the pilgrim’s progress by john bunyan, 21. the hound of the baskervilles by arthur conan doyle, 22. treasure island by robert louis stevenson, 23. argonautica by apollonius, 24. the fault in our stars by john green, 25. holes by louis sachar, 26. interstellar by greg keyes, 27. divergent by veronica roth, 28. the buried giant by kazuo ishiguro, 29. alice in wonderland by lewis carroll, 30. the lion, the witch and the wardrobe by c.s. lewis, 31. fight club by chuck palahniuk.

This classic book by J.R.R. Tolkien has featured regularly on best-seller lists since its first publication in 1937 and is widely cited as one of the twentieth century’s most beloved and influential novels. It’s a classic hero’s journey genre tale, too – featuring an unlikely hero in the form of Bilbo Baggins.

This unassuming hobbit is swept off on an adventure when Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves appear on his doorstep. He finds himself part of a mission to reclaim a fabulous horde of treasure from under the very nose of the fearsome dragon Smaug the Magnificent. For more, check out our guide to the best fantasy authors. You can also check out our guide on hero’s journey archetypes .

“This is a story of how a Baggins had an adventure, and found himself doing and saying things altogether unexpected.” JRR Tolkien

• Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 320 Pages - 08/15/2002 (Publication Date) - Clarion Books (Publisher)

Homer’s story of Odysseus is one of the oldest surviving works of literature that’s still being read by audiences today. This epic story tells the tale of the wandering king, trying to get home to his wife Penelope following the end of the Trojan War . The tale features all the tropes of a hero’s journey story, from its opening.

Odysseus is portrayed in his ordinary life, through to the Crossing the Threshold section, where the Gods become enraged with the hero and his company, summoning a storm to throw their boat off course, to The Return, whereby after completing a final challenge, Odysseus is returned to his royal life with Penelope.

“A man who has been through bitter experiences and traveled far enjoys even his sufferings after a time.” Homer

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JK Rowling’s worldwide best-seller Harry Potter is a prime example of the hero’s journey tale. The book starts with Harry in the ordinary world before moving through all of the typical hero’s journey stages, as detailed by Joseph Campbell in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Harry receives the invitation letter to Hogwarts (The Call to Adventure), struggles to accept this sudden turn of events (Refusal of the Call), and Meets the Mentor – in the first book, this is Hagrid.

The Crossing the Threshold stage is his literal passing through the wall to access Platform 9 3/4 at the station. The Ordeal is represented by the various challenges the young wizard encounters at his new school, culminating in his temporary triumph over Voldemort. At the end of the book, he returns to the world of the muggles for the summer vacation, happy that he’ll be returning to Hogwarts soon (The Return).

“A breeze ruffled the neat hedges of Privet Drive, which lay silent and tidy under an inky sky, the very last place you would expect astonishing things to happen.” JK Rowling

The hero’s journey takes many different forms: it’s not always about defeating villains or finding lost treasure. The genre can also be powerfully deployed in the service of a spiritual quest tale, as in this novel. While the young protagonist, who is a perfect example of the Innocent/Orphan hero archetype, might start his journey looking for real-world riches, what unfolds is a beautiful story of self-discovery. Ultimately, the book is about the importance of heeding our hearts and the transformative power of dreams.

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” Paulo Coelho

• Note: Item has rough Cut edges(Edges are cut improperly intentionally by the manufacturer)
• A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho.
• Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery,
• Coelho, Paulo (Author)

The first volume of The Divine Comedy is considered a literary masterpiece, following the hero’s journey on a quest through the various Circles of Hell. After meeting Virgil (the Mentor), our narrator progresses, facing numerous trials and tests, always seeking his beloved Beatrice. Although he sometimes has ‘weapons’ with which to face his adversaries, his most potent weapon is his faith in his journey, which is a blend of both a spiritual and a physical mission.

“Soon you will be where your own eyes will see the source and cause and give you their own answer to the mystery.” Dante Alighieri

• Alighieri, Dante (Author)
• 108 Pages - 05/30/2013 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)

New York Times bestselling author Shannon Hale has written a book that, although aimed at middle-schoolers, has become much loved by kids and adults alike. Drawing on the tradition of folktales, it’s a heroine’s journey story, recounting the tale of Ani, who’s uncomfortable around people but able to communicate easily with animals. She leaves her world behind. However, when she’s sent away to marry. Despite disaster striking, she finds herself in a job where she can use her unique talents and give voice to her inner self.

If we don’t tell strange stories, when something strange happens we won’t believe it.” Shannon Hale

• Hardcover Book
• Shannon Hale (Author)
• 400 Pages - 03/24/2024 (Publication Date) - Bloomsbury Childrens Books (Publisher)

A key element of the heroine’s journey is, while it maintains recognizable archetype qualities, there is an overcoming or subversion of society’s expectations regarding women. Rather than staying at home in Kanas, Dorothy has the adventure she longs for.

While the hero’s journey stories tend to move from the inner world to the outer (from the darkness to the light), the heroine’s journey is usually the inverse of this, with characters moving from the outer world to a deeper communion with their inner selves and desires.

“The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.’“ L Frank Baum

• Baum, L. Frank (Author)
• 160 Pages - 12/01/2016 (Publication Date) - Sweet Cherry Publishing (Publisher)

Envisioning a dystopian new world in which each District is compelled to send two children between the ages of twelve and sixteen to compete in the annual Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins’ novels are widely cited as examples of the hero’s journey genre. Now a Hollywood blockbuster series of movies, the story demonstrates how the tropes inherent in Homer’s tale of Odysseus, written nearly 3,000 years ago, are still alive and kicking today. For more, check out our guide to the best books for teenagers .

“I’m more than just a piece in their Games.” Suzanne Collins

Set in 1930s Alabama, Atticus Finch is a lawyer attempting to defend and prove the innocence of Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman. Atticus’s hero’s journey is largely a psychological one, in which he faces his own innermost beliefs, and is forced to confront morality and prejudice in the south of the US, how this manifests, and its impact on the individual and society – as well as the delivery of justice.

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” Harper Lee

Another bestselling novel adored by adults and children alike, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon chronicles Minli’s quest as she journies to find the Old Man on the Moon. Drawing on Chinese folktales, this rich fantasy, accompanied by the author’s beautiful illustrations, follows Minli as she encounters a range of otherworldly characters in her quest to find the answers to some of life’s biggest questions.

“If you make happy those that are near, those that are far will come.” Grace Lin

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• Lin, Grace (Author)

The Spanish masterpiece, first published in 1605, begins in the ordinary world of Alonso Quijano, a middle-aged man who loves nothing more than reading stories about knights and their adventures. Deciding to leave behind his own life to become a knight errant himself, Alonso changes his name to Don Quixote and sets off on a series of heroic deeds – some more successful than others!

“It is by rugged paths like these they go that scale the heights of immortality, unreached by those that falter here below.” Miguel de Cervantes

• Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra (Author)
• English (Subtitle)
• 800 Pages - 09/03/1997 (Publication Date) - Wordsworth Editions Ltd (Publisher)

This Amazon bestseller by Rick Yancey received the Goodreads Choice award. The Fifth Wave focuses on Cassie and Evan, two of the last human survivors on Earth following an alien invasion, dreading the imminent fourth wave. As a hero’s journey tale, Cassie must tackle both a physical, dangerous quest and attempt to understand the truth of the terrifying new world she’s inhabiting.

“Some things you don’t have to promise, you just do.” Rick Yancey

The hero in this Old English epic poem from an unknown author follows precisely the steps outlined by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces. From the Call to Adventure and the Refusal of the Call and all the way through to The Return – otherwise known as The Elixir- in which the hero brings something back from his adventure to benefit society. In the case of Beowulf, it’s the insight he has gained, which will keep his people safe going forward, and his blessing of peace,

“In the time I was given I lived in my own land, ruling my people well, never turning to treachery, or swearing to oaths contrary to right.” Beowulf

• Unknown (Author)
• 142 Pages - 11/20/2020 (Publication Date) - East India Publishing Company (Publisher)

A much-loved novel published in 1951 that follows the classic hero’s journey template, Siddhartha concerns the titular character on his quest for self-discovery. Deciding to leave his home in the ancient Nepalese kingdom of Kapilavastu, Siddhartha sets out as a wandering beggar seeking spiritual enlightenment. Through his journeying, the hero learns the importance of loving the world in its entirety and that a single, fixed belief does not constitute truth.

“Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it.” Hermann Hesse

• Hesse, Hermann (Author)
• 224 Pages - 09/19/2023 (Publication Date) - Wellfleet Press (Publisher)

With its mind-bending perspectives and mythic structure, it’s unclear how much of this book is fictional and how much is based on reality. With its clear mentor character (the Yaqui Indian shaman, Don Juan) and the dangerous journey at its heart that the protagonist is compelled to undertake, it’s a clear example of the hero’s journey story – though possibly one that pushes the boundaries of the genre more than any you’ve come across!

“We are men and our lot in life is to learn and be hurled into inconceivable new worlds.” Carols Castaneda

• Carlos Castaneda (Author)
• 263 Pages - 10/01/1972 (Publication Date) - Pocket Books (Publisher)

Awakening fifty years too soon from cryosleep, Amy finds herself aboard the spaceship Godspeed and in a terrifying situation. Realizing that her awakening didn’t happen by accident (The Call to Action), Amy has to accept the truth that someone else on board wants her dead – and that her parents, still in cryosleep, could be the next victims if she doesn’t figure out what’s going on. But meeting Eldest, the future leader of the ship, changes everything.

“Even when you are silent, even when you block out all noise, your body is still a cacophony of life.” Beth Revis

• Beth Revis (Author)
• 416 Pages - 02/02/2011 (Publication Date) - Razorbill (Publisher)

Blending fantasy and world mythology (both old and new), this novel widely divides its audience: it falls into the love it or loathe it category. But whatever your views on the plot and the writing, it’s an innovative take on the hero’s journey trope that reimagines the genre. Even its archetype, Shadow, is a vivid and disturbing (yet recognizable) hero figure – although, in typical Neil Gaiman style, the name ‘Shadow’ is also one of the character archetypes set out by Christopher Vogler’s author of the influential book, The Writer’s Journey.

“Even nothing cannot last forever.” Nail Gaiman

Fairy tales are great places to look for the hero’s journey stories being themselves, born from ancient folktales, legends, and myths. There are many versions of this tale, many of which feature very dark and disturbing themes, but the Grimms’ version is relatively tame. While reading, consider the extent to which the story is a hero’s or a heroine’s journey tale – thinking about the journey from outer to inner (and vice versa) and how this relates to the narrative of both the prince and Briar Rose herself.

“The pigeons upon the roof pulled out their heads from under their wings, looked round, and flew into the open country; the flies on the wall crept again; the fire in the kitchen burned up and flickered and cooked the meat; the joint began to turn and fizzle again.” Brothers Grimm

• Brothers Grimm (Author)
• HarperCollins Publishers (Publisher)

In his writings, the renowned psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung outlined his ideas about archetypes, including archetypal journies, contending that humans’ unconscious minds are remarkably similar. This is why the hero’s journey stories have always permeated literature and art and continue to do so.

At its heart, the journey of Jane Eyre is the same as that taken by Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, despite the time and genre divide between the two. Just as Luke’s quest is about discovering truth and recognizing potential, so Jane’s journey is concerned with growth and independence – and there’s a disturbing truth in the attic to confront along the way, too.

Just as with Skywalker, Jane emerges at the end of the tale as a strong, loyal, passionate character who has faced a devastating reality and emerged from the ordeal with even greater reserves of tenacity than before. For more, check out our guide to the best British authors .

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” Charlotte Bronte

• Bronte, Charlotte (Author)
• 400 Pages - 06/01/2015 (Publication Date) - Digireads.com (Publisher)

A classic hero’s journey tale and the, at times, the most widely read book in the world, second only to The Bible, Bunyan’s book is concerned with the importance of learning and reading and the innate value of community. The hero, Christian, leaves his home and must face a series of trials – key to the genre. However, each tribulation or challenge must be thoroughly understood if a pilgrim is to progress. There’s even a final trial – a test of faith – which Christians must pass to access the Celestial City.

“The road of denial leads to the precipice of destruction.” John Bunyan

• Bunyan, John (Author)
• 400 Pages - 12/18/2003 (Publication Date) - Oxford University Press (Publisher)

The greatest literary detective of all time, Sherlock Holmes, is a hero archetype: The Researcher (the character of Indiana Jones also falls within this hero category). The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the most well-known stories featuring Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr. Watson. This is a great book for those interested in the hero’s journey genre, as the stages are so clearly delineated, from the Call to Action (Holmes’ enlistment to the case) through to The Return, whereby Watson files the case closed.

“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” Arthur Conan Doyle

• Arthur Conan Doyle (Author)
• 174 Pages - 07/02/2007 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)

In this classic by a 19th century author , we meet Jim going about his daily life in the inn that his family owns. Following the Call to Action, where the boy becomes fascinated with the ‘black spot’ presented to the old captain, Billy Bones, who’s staying at the inn, Jim becomes embroiled in an epic adventure on the high seas in search of buried treasure.

“We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” Robert Louis Stevenson

• Robert Louis Stevenson (author) (Author)
• 336 Pages - 09/14/2018 (Publication Date) - Wordsworth Editions Ltd (Publisher)

Testament to the power of myth is the enduring popularity of this story, which recounts the adventures of Jason and the Argonauts as they quest for the golden fleece. The epic, written – incredibly – in the third century BC, remains so widely read that there are not only multiple versions available on amazon, but you can listen to it as an audiobook, too! It features all the archetypal stages of the genre, including the Refusal of the Call, whereby Jason initially urges the heroes to elect another leader for the voyage. Once chosen, though, Heracles insists that Jason can take up the mantle, confident he can lead the band to victory.

“But friendly Juno shrouds/Her favorite heroes in a veil of clouds.” Apollonius

• Rhodius, Apollonius (Author)
• 129 Pages - 11/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

A bestseller that was also received extremely well by critics, this novel is a hero’s journey tale with a difference. Hazel, our protagonist, is sixteen years old and suffering from thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. Her parents insist she attends a support group (Crossing the Threshold) where she meets Augustus Walters, a seventeen-year-old osteosarcoma survivor. It’s now a Hollywood blockbuster movie that captures Amy’s journey into love.

“My name is Hazel. Augustus Waters was the great star-crossed love of my life.” John Green

When fourteen-year-old Stanley is wrongly convicted of stealing, he’s sent to a correctional camp where the inmates are forced by the warden to dig holes, seemingly at random. The story is comprised of three individual but interconnected tales. It makes for a fascinating take on the hero’s journey genre, the pattern of which can be seen both in the three stand-alone stories and in the overarching triptych.

“You’re responsible for yourself. You messed up your life, and it’s up to you to fix it.” Louis Sachar

• Sachar, Louis (Author)
• 240 Pages - 03/24/2024 (Publication Date) - Bloomsbury (Publisher)

This novelization of the Hollywood movie is an exciting account of a team of interstellar explorers sent through a newly-discovered wormhole – and what the ramifications of this mean for humanity. Despite being written thousands of years after Argonautica, the story shares a remarkably similar bone structure, as our hero literally navigates new worlds in a quest to return with the solution that will save the human race from extinction.

“We’ve always defined ourself by our ability to overcome the impossible.” Jonathan Nolan

• Keyes, Greg (Author)
• 288 Pages - 11/11/2014 (Publication Date) - Titan Books (Publisher)

Divergent by Veronica Roth offers a dystopian version of a future in which society is divided into five factions, each representing a certain virtue. Beatrice has been assigned the Abnegation faction but feels a Call to Action: in her heart, she knows she belongs to Dauntless. While set in a distant future, the tale follows the traditional archetypal hero’s journey; after the Call, Beatrice (now Tris) must resist several temptations, cross a threshold, and must survive a final ordeal to emerge at the novel’s finale, transformed and triumphant.

“I feel like someone breathed new air into my lungs. I am not Abnegation. I am not Dauntless. I am Divergent.” Veronica Roth

Beautiful and strange, this novel uses the mythic structure as both framework and plot. We follow a couple across a mystical, fiction, post-Arthurian landscape that is as shrouded in mist as their fast-disappearing memories. Both are convinced that they once had a son and so set out on a quest to find him. The author wrote the book as a meditation on collective memory, making it both an example and an interrogation of the hero’s journey tale.

“I’m wondering if without our memories, there’s nothing for it but for our love to fade and die.” Kazuo Ishiguro

• Ishiguro, Kazuo (Author)
• 384 Pages - 01/28/2016 (Publication Date) - Faber & Faber (Publisher)

Literally Crossing the Threshold via a fall down a rabbit hole, Alice arrives in Wonderland, where nothing is as it seems, and both adventure and danger lurk around every corner. But is the Caterpillar, The White Rabbit, or The Mad Hatter the Mentor? Just as with everything else in the story, it’s a riddle. But what’s for sure is that the story follows the classic monomyth template as set out by Joseph Campbell.

“‘I could tell you my adventures – beginning from this morning,’ said Alice a little timidly: ‘but it’s no use going back to yesterday because I was a different person then.’” Lewis Carroll

• Carroll, Lewis (Author)
• 101 Pages - 05/06/2021 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

In some hero’s journey books, the stages are subtle – you can find them, but you may need to look closely. As in Alice in Wonderland, the phases are made obvious in this novel: the kids literally step over the threshold of the magical wardrobe and into the enchanted world of Narnia. The Refusal of the Call comes when the children initially turn back, fearful of their ability to navigate their way home. They return and take on the challenges set for them by one of literature’s ultimate Mentor figures, Aslan.

“All shall be done, but it may be harder than you think.” C.S. Lewis

• C.S. Lewis (Author)
• 171 Pages - 01/01/2009 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins Children's Books (Publisher)

Just because the hero’s journey genre is as old as time doesn’t mean it’s not subject to continual innovation – as in this novel, where the hero’s Mentor and biggest challenge to overcome is…literally himself. Fight Club is a cult phenomenon that’s made the leap to mainstream hit, helped along by the success of the great screenwriting featured in the Hollywood movie version of the book. Visionary, satirical, and a personal enlightenment journey like no other, Fight Club gleefully reimagines the hero’s journey genre to spectacular effect.

“If I could wake up in a different place, at a different time, could I wake up as a different person?” Chuck Palahniuk

• Palahniuk, Chuck (Author)
• 208 Pages - 10/02/1997 (Publication Date) - Vintage (Publisher)

Melanie Smith is a freelance content and creative writer from Gloucestershire, UK, where she lives with her daughter, long-suffering partner, and cat, The Magical Mr. Bobo. Her blog posts and articles feature regularly in magazines and websites around the world.

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23 Best Books about Travel and Self Discovery

Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Louisa

One of the most incredible things about travel books is the ability to transport you to another place. While we may not always be able to travel, we can most certainly always read about it.

Traveling is a great way to gain new perspectives and learn more about other cultures. When you’re feeling lost and need to discover yourself again, travel will help you find a new purpose, and a new path to follow in life.

Many great authors have done just that, and have shared their stories of how they travel the world and find self discovery, showing that it can be possible to change your direction once in a while.

If you’re interested in reading the best books about travel and self discovery, read on, because I have listed all the best ones.

Affiliate Disclosure : This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through any of these links. 

Non-Fiction Books About Travel and Self Discovery

Let’s begin my list by looking at the best non-fiction books about travel and self discovery. These true stories tell of people who have taken the plunge and ventured out into the unknown.

Whether they are traveling to new and exotic places or simply exploring their own backyard, these travel books will not only inspire travel but give you the travel bug so you can see the world for yourself.

1. The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World – Eric Weiner

Both a travel memoir and humorous self-help book, The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World is a comical travel book of how happiness is not what life throws at you, but WHERE life takes you.

It follows the story of how Eric Wiener is inspired by how people from around the world find happiness in different ways. From his unique perspective,  Wiener unlocks the secret to finding what really makes people happy.

Coincidentally, I always recommend you read this book after a break up , because it offers a sunnier outlook on life, as well as infects us with the travel bug.

View it on:

2. In Patagonia – Bruce Chatwin

In Patagonia is an English travel memoir by Bruce Chatwin, published in 1977.

It is about an epic journey through South America, from Buenos Aires in Argentina and down to the southernmost tip of Patagonia to experience the culture and landscape of a people who have lived there for thousands of years.

His journey is described using evocative descriptions, recounting unforgettable memories and remarkable pieces of history.

Chatwin’s love for life and adventure is paramount throughout this book, which is why it is an instant classic and a masterpiece book of travel and self discovery.

3. Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure – Sarah McDonald

Sarah McDonald once backpacked around India in her twenties and struggled with the heat, the crowds of people, pollution, and poverty.

When a fortune-teller at the airport said she would return, she laughed and gave them the finger.

Only eleven years later, the prophecy came true, and she returns to the bustling city of New Dehli with her husband.

In this hilarious chronicle of her adventure, second adventure, to the land of chaos and pollution, she shares her encounters with religion, yogis, swamis, and Bollywood stars. It is one woman’s journey to save her soul, her love life, and her sanity.

4. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long & Happy Life – Hector Garcia, Francesc Miralles

In Japan, they believe that everyone has Ikigai – a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

In Okinawa particularly, a place known for homing the world’s longest-living people, Ikigai is considered the key to a longer and more fulfilled life.

As well as inspiring you to travel, this book will give you a new breath of life. It offers you the tools to find your own ikigai, and how to nurture friendships and put your whole self into your passions.

If you enjoy books about self discovery from other cultures from around the world, then you may also enjoy these books set in Hawaii .

5. Great Railway Bazaar – Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux 1975 railway odyssey is a unique and entertaining modern classic of travel and self discovery books.

Theroux recounts his early adventures on Asia’s most notable trains – the Orient Express, the Khyber Pass Local, the Frontier Mail, the Golden Arrow, the Mandalay Express, the Trans-Siberian Express, no great railway journey is left out of this novel.

Leaving London’s Victoria Station to Tokyo Central, and then back again, Theroux’s journey is packed with comedy and keen observations, perfect for us armchair travelers looking for an epic travel book to get lost in.

6. The Art of Travel – Alain de Botton

We all know that travel is important to us, but Alain de Botton casts the answers to the question: how and why is travel important?

The Art of Travel   is a philosophical book that looks deeply into the idea of travelling ‘for pleasure.’

Mixed with personal thoughts and insights drawn from poignant figures of the past, this new take on what travel means to us is insightful and enlightening. 

Fiction Books About Travel and Self Discovery

These well-crafted tales of adventure from well-loved travel authors are the ultimate fiction books about travel and self discovery. From timeless classics to modern survival adventures, this list has it all. 

7. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho is without a doubt one of the most celebrated travel authors in history.

His enchanting story, The Alchemist , speaks to the beauty and power of dreaming big – taking us along with protagonist Santiago on his quest for treasure in the Egyptian desert.

Along his path Santiago encounters many whimsical characters that show him the correct way, leading to an inward journey of self-discovery rather than an outward journey of material wealth.

A beautiful reminder that life’s greatest treasures come from within.

Related Reading: Books Similar to The Alchemist

8. The Beach – Alex Garland

This compelling novel by Alex Garland tells the story of a backpacker named Richard, who meets a Scottish traveler in a hostel in Thailand, who talks of tales of this idyllic beach, untouched by tourism that only a few people know about.

The beach is said to be the most incredible paradise on Earth, and if you find it, you can live in a small community there.

When Richard finally finds the beach though, he discovers a small community of international backpackers who are residing there. This incredible story talks about how paradise may not always be what it was cracked up to be.

The Beach is a story that was bought to the world’s attention by Leonardo di Caprio in the film adaption of the novel.

However, the film is only slightly true to the book, so if you enjoyed the movie you absolutely must read the book. If you haven’t seen the film, only read the book.

9. Into The Wild – Jon Krakauer

Christopher Johnson McCandless was from a middle-class family, he had it all. He had just graduated from college and had a loving family.

In April, 1992, he abandoned his old life, giving himself a new name – Alexander Supertramp.

He donated $25,000 to charity, abandoned his car and all his possessions, and hitchhiked to Alaska where he walked alone into the wilderness, North of Mt. McKinley.

Here, he invented a new life for himself, living amongst the wilderness.

Four months later, his body was discovered by a party of moose hunters. Into The Wild is the story of how one man gave up everything to find himself, only to die alone in the wilderness.

Related Reading: Books Like Into The Wild

10. Life of Pi – Yann Martel

Life of Pi is an unforgettable classic, following the story of young Yan who grows up in a zoo in India.

When his family sets out to relocate and establish a new zoo in Canada, they soon face insurmountable odds as their vessel succumbs to a massive storm.

To survive, Yan must escape on a lifeboat with a ferocious tiger – leaving him stranded in the middle of the ocean.

With courage and determination, he finds ways to stay alive and conquer this harsh reality. This timeless tale between Canada and India is an inspiring read for any lover of books.

11. On The Road – Jack Kerouac

On the Road is a novel about a road trip by American writer, Jack Kerouac, published in 1957.

It is based on the travels of Kerouac and his friends as they journeyed across the United States.

It tells the story of a man named Dean Moriarty and a young writer named Sal Paradise, as they journey back and forth to see each other over three years of friendship, and all the crazy adventures they embark on along the way.

On The Road explores themes of father-son relationships, the challenges of survival, and the importance of family, as well as the survival of human generosity and kindness.

12. A Room with a View – E. M. Forster

A Room With A View tells the story of a young woman and her sister, who travel to Italy.

However, after their hotel room doesn’t have the incredible view they were expecting, a Mr. Emerson and his son George step up to offer their room with an amazing view.

And so begins a hilarious and romantic novel set in Italy , that tells of one woman’s experience of traveling and finding her true self in amongst the proprieties of Edwardian society. 

13. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert M. Pirsig

Said to be one of the greatest books on philosophy in the world, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance .

It is about one man and his son’s journey across America with his motorcycle, as he engages in conversations about philosophy and romantic viewpoints about life along the way.

I will be honest, this book is a tough read. It’s fascinating and inspiring, and more about learning to have a more fulfilling life than to spark the ignition for adventure.

If you’re looking for a slow read, this insightful book is a great addition to any bookshelf. Standing on the bestseller list for over a decade and selling more than 5 million copies worldwide, it sure has earned its stripes.

14. A Journey to the Center of the Earth – Jules Verne

A Journey to the Center of the Earth is a classic novel by Jules Verne, which tells the story of a man and his uncle who believe to have discovered the path to the center of the Earth.

As they leave their home in Germany to hike into the crater of a volcano in Iceland, what they discover is more than just the entrance to the center of the Earth.

They discover the need for family, for believing in your dreams and passion, no matter what other people say or think about them, and that sometimes a little risk is worth taking.

15. Gulliver’s Travels – Jonathan Swift

Gulliver’s Travels is a hilarious story of a man, Lemuel Gulliver, who is swept up onto several remote islands inhabited by unusual people of various sizes and behaviors.

Each book tells of different adventures, where Gulliver learns of new civilizations, their culture, philosophies, and traditions. My favorite is the first one, where a storm lands on the island of Lilliput, which is inhabited by very tiny people (Lilliputians).

He is treated as both a god and a danger, but he is determined to help the Lilliputians with their troubles before eventually fleeing the island.

This delightful fiction book about travel and self discovery is whimsical and easy to read.

Memoirs About Travel and Self Discovery

I love a true story. From one person’s quest for adventure to a personal tale of survival.

Whether you’re looking to embark on your own journey or just looking for something to inspire confidence, these memoirs about travel and self discovery will get the job done.

16. Eat Pray Love – Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is a classic novel about travel and self-discovery. It’s a memoir of how Gilbert waved goodbye to her perfect life in search of true happiness.

Her journey takes her to India, Italy and Indonesia, where she learns about love, passion and a new joy in life.

This is a novel that inspires people to think outside what is perceived as a conventional life – get married, have children, buy a house etc. It shows that you do not need marriage and a house to live a happy life.

17. Tracks – Robyn Davidson

Tracks is the incredible story of one woman’s solo walk across the Australian outback. Her 1700 mile journey took 9 months to complete, with only a dog and four camels for company.

Enduring blistering heat, battling with poisonous snakes and learing men, and looking after the animals that she kept as companions, all became challenges worthwhile as Davidson emerges victorious when she reached her ending point.

Driven only by her love of Australia’s landscape and a willingness to leave her former identity behind, Tracks is a thought-provoking odyssey of self-discovery and transformation. 

18. The Pilgrimage – Paulo Coelho

The Pilgrimage is the first book by Paulo Coelho and is the gripping true story of his pilgrimage to find true happiness.

After completing many trials and tribulations to become the master of an ancient religious tradition and possess the prize of a sword.

He is instructed by his master to take a pilgrimage from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to the tomb of San Tiago, Santiago in Spain.

The route is often used by pilgrims, as San Tiago was an evangelist, who spread the word of Christ following the crucifixion.

Along the way, Paulo meets many characters who both wish to aid and hinder his efforts. This pilgrimage is both spiritual, mental, and physical. It is about Paulo’s journey of self discovery and search for enlightenment.

19. A Walk in the Woods – Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is a bestselling travel author with a ton of incredible titles under his belt. My personal favorite though, is A Walk in the Woods .

Bryson tells the story of his journey hiking across The Appalachian Trail, which spans from Georgia to Maine and is said to be one of the most scenic and breathtaking hikes in America.

Travelling across majestic mountains, whispering forests, and sprawling lakes, if you’re ever to tackle this hike, Bill Bryson would be the most epic guide.

Not only does he paint an incredible picture of his journey, but he introduces us to the history and ecology of the hike, as well as the entertaining characters he meets along the way.

For those who love the great outdoors, this book about travel and self discovery is for you.

20. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari : A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny – Robin Sharma

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is a self help book and travel memoir by author and motivational speaker Robin Sharma.

Sharma tells an inspiring tale of Julian Mantle, a lawyer who went through a spiritual crisis and unbalanced lifestyle, only to turn it around to find widsom, passion, purpose and peace.

This life-changing story is the foundation of Sharma’s step-by-step approach to living life with better balance, greater courage, and an abundance of joy. 

If you’re someone who wants to change their mentality and rethink the world we live in, this book of self discovery and travel will be the one for you.

21. The Motorcycle Diaries – Che Guevara

The Motorcycle Diaries is the memoir of the Marxist revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara, who traveled from his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the Amazon basin, where he worked as a volunteer doctor in a leper colony.

When he left Argentina on his 1939 Norton 500cc dubbed  La Poderosa (The Mighty One), he only wanted to see the sights of places he had only read about in books.

What he actually saw was social injustice, exploited mine workers, ostracized lepers, and the tattered descendants of the great Inca civilization.

It’s a coming-of-age story, full of adventure and purpose. It’s a book about travel and self discovery, both political and personal, and of a journey that shaped the man known best for his political influence in Cuba.

22. Wild – Cheryl Strayed

Wild is an honest account of one woman’s quest across the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), at a nightmare point in her life.

Cheryl Strayed is not an experienced hiker, nor does she claim to be. She is a woman struck by grief and is trying to find a way to stop her life unraveling after the death of her mother from cancer.

Despite her best efforts, the remains of her family were falling apart, and her marriage was failing because of her promiscuity and heavy drug addiction.

Her solution was to walk the challenging long-distance Pacific Crest Trail and find herself again.

23. Travels with Charley: In Search of America – John Steinbeck

Travels with Charley is a travelogue by bestselling American author, John Steinbeck, best known for his novel Of Mice and Men .

It tells the story of Steinbeck’s adventure, road tripping around America with his dog, Charley.

Steinbeck desired to see his country on a more personal level after he made his living writing about it.

In a specially made camper, he called Rocinante, he begins his travels in Long Island, New York, and roughly follows the East Coast of the United States, from Maine to the Pacific Northwest.

Then, he across the Salinas Valley in California and down into Texas, through the Deep South, and then back to New York.

On this trip, he covered nearly 10,000 miles and witnessed many intriguing things.

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Final Words on Best Books About Travel and Self Discovery

So there you have it, those are some epic books about travel and self discovery. In this list, I have covered everything from hilarious personal accounts to insightful philosophical prose, to heart-wrenching stories of loss and survival. 

There is something for everyone, so no matter what your interests are, I’m confident that you’ll find at least one book on this list that speaks to you. 

And if you need more travel inspiration, you might find an insightful read or two in my list of the best books set in France , which is full of romantic tales of Paris and beyond.

So get out there and experience the world for yourself, and I hope you find yourself along the way!

About Louisa Smith

Editor/Founder - Epic Book Society

Louisa is the Founder, Editor, and Head Honcho of Epic Book Society. She was born and raised in the United Kingdom and graduated from the University for the Creative Arts with a degree in Journalism. Louisa began her writing career at the age of 7 when her poetry was published in an anthology of poems to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Upon graduating university, she spent several years working as a journalist writing about books before transitioning to become a Primary School Teacher. Louisa loves all genres of books, but her favorites are Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy, and Young Adult Fiction. Read more Louisa's story here .

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15 Top Books about Journeys, Travel and Discovery

I believe I became a travel blogger because I always loved reading books about journeys, travel and discovery. I am not on the road 365 days a year. As most of you, my dear readers, I go to work 8 to 5, take care of the kids and do house chores.  But whenever I cannot venture off to a distant place, a good travel book can take me on a wonderful adventure in an instant. These books are perfect to read near a fireplace on a rainy or snowy day and dream up your next adventure and they are also great to take with you on vacation.

I also absolutely love funny travel books because there is no better remedy for a bad mood and dreary day than a good laugh. Therefore this personal preference of mine is reflected in the selection below.

Disclaimer: this article may contain affiliates links.

Books about journeys, travel and discovery for ADULTS

You may have seen the Disney movie with the same name based on Verne’s book but I urge you to read the original story. As often happens with silver screen productions, the book is always better, richer and offers much more to the reader than what is condensed in about 2 hours of motion pictures. To me this is the best book about journeys, travel and discovery ever written, no argument.

This book may not be as famous in the U.S. as some of other Jules Verne’s books but to me it is one of the best of his literary works. It is a captivating story of a partially destroyed SOS message in a bottle and a subsequent plight of two kids to find and save their father who is apparently held hostage by “savages” somewhere on the 37 th parallel. The kids and their adult benefactors basically have to circle the globe along the 37th parallel and we can join them in their journey on land and sea.

Jumping to the 20th century, I would say a book every traveler should read is  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It is rightfully considered a modern classic and it is an ultimate book about journeys, travel and discovery that follows a shepherd boy pursuing his dream of travel and search of treasure.

Among the most recent books about journey, travel and discovery I absolutely love Where’d You Go, Bernadette and A Gentleman in Moscow

Again, if you saw 2019 Hollywood movie “Where’d You Go Bernadette”, just ignore it. It does not do the book any justice. Read the book. I promise you will find it so much more in it. If you have not seen the movie yet, it is a story of a 15 year old girl’s efforts to find her mother who vanishes suddenly and inexplicably. It takes you on a journey from Seattle to… well I can’t tell you where it takes you without spoiling a big surprise. Just read and see how this journey unfolds! 😉 I would only add one thing: if you would like a funny travel book – this is it.

‘A Gentleman in Moscow” is a novel about Russia (Soviet Union) that is more of a journey through time than a journey through different places. I usually don’t like how foreigners portray my country because none of them gets the essence of the “Russian soul”, as I would call it, but Amor Towles does. This book would make a great movie, an epic classic Hollywood movie where there are no car chases or gun fire; where the most important part is the dialogues of the main characters, their personal journeys and discoveries with a backdrop of monumental historic events that spun over half a century.

If you prefer non-fiction books about journeys, travel and discovery here are some great ideas for you that you are absolutely will enjoy.

If you have not read any of Bill Bryson ‘s books, you definitely should! I personally own 5 of his books about USA, UK, Australia, his travels in Europe and the quest along the Appalachian Trail. Bryson’s books are outright hilarious! I would literally place them on top of the list of all funny travel books. Granted, UK and USA books are a bit out of date but even so they make for a delicious read. Below is a selection of my personal favorites (images are clickable links):

Books about journeys, travel and discovery for KIDS

There are several great books about journeys, travel and discovery that I can highly recommend:

Not For Parents series by Lonely Planet Kids that have several countries and cities, among which USA, China, Great Britain, New York, London and several others. These books are jam packed with interesting and useful information that inspires kids to learn about various countries’ history, culture and traditions and of course, travel (the images below are clickable links):

These books are our family’s favorites but we are always open to new suggestions. I would love to hear from you what books about journeys, travel and discover you would recommend. Please, share your ideas in the comments below – I would love to read them!

If you found this information on books about journeys, travel and discoveries helpful, please do me a little favor and share this information with others, for there’s a good chance that it will help them with their travel plans. 🙂 Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram where I post many more cool photos and videos about our trips than I could include in a blog post and organize some nice giveaways!

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Journeys in literature

The Swimmer by John Cheever – into a suburban darkness

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers – a road trip to adulthood

The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles – a cautionary tale for tourists

Towards Another Summer by Janet Frame – travelling home, around the world

The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan – giddy action and vivid cameos

The Crystal World by JG Ballard – a petrified apocalypse

Wittgenstein's Mistress by David Markson – travels with a solitary soul

Tristia by Ovid – high drama and hoax

The Old Straight Track by Alfred Watkins – walking through the past

Edge of the World by Michael Powell – a gripping voyage into the past

Tristes Tropiques by Claude Lévi-Strauss – melancholy anthropology

The Balkan Trilogy by Olivia Manning – a fraught trip through wartime Europe

The Rings of Saturn by WG Sebald – walking through history

Dance of the Happy Shades by Alice Munro – a place familiar but lost

My Life As an Explorer by Sven Hedin - the great unknown

Changing Places by David Lodge - the campus novel in full flight

All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

Gerald Brenan’s Personal Record 1920-1972 - battles with nature and invisibility

The Voyage of QV66 by Penelope Lively

The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane

• Travel writing
• Autobiography and memoir
• Short stories
• Biography books

Hemingway's Books and Records

Journeys Books: 2024’s Collection of 20 Must-Reads

Are you ready to embark on a literary adventure? If you’re a fan of books about journeys, then you’re in for a treat. From epic quests to personal voyages of self-discovery, the world of literature is filled with captivating stories of travel and exploration. Whether you’re interested in fiction or non-fiction, there’s a book on journeys out there for you. Join us as we explore the 20 best journeys books that will ignite your sense of wanderlust and leave you craving for more.

• 1 20 Best Books About Journeys
• 2 The Alchemist
• 5 Eat, Pray, Love
• 6 Into the Wild
• 7 The Odyssey
• 8 On the Road
• 9 The Hobbit
• 10 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
• 11 The Pilgrim’s Progress
• 12 Travels with Charley
• 13 The Great Railway Bazaar
• 14 The Motorcycle Diaries
• 15 The Sun Also Rises
• 16 The Secret Life of Bees
• 17 The Catcher in the Rye
• 18 The Little Prince
• 19 The Grapes of Wrath
• 20 The Lord of the Rings
• 21 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
• 22 Conclusion

20 Best Books About Journeys

See Best Deals

The Alchemist

By paulo coelho.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a captivating book on journeys, both physical and spiritual. It follows the story of Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who sets out on a quest to find a hidden treasure in Egypt. Along the way, Santiago encounters various characters and experiences that shape his understanding of the world and his own personal legend. The novel is a profound exploration of self-discovery, destiny, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Coelho weaves a compelling narrative that delves into the universal themes of perseverance, faith, and the interconnectedness of all things. Through Santiago’s journey, readers are invited to reflect on their own paths and the transformative power of following one’s heart. The Alchemist is a timeless and inspiring book about journeys that continues to resonate with readers around the world.

by Cheryl Strayed

Wild by Cheryl Strayed is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author’s transformative journey through the Pacific Crest Trail. This powerful book on journeys takes readers on a compelling and courageous adventure as Strayed navigates the physical and emotional challenges of hiking over a thousand miles alone. Through vivid and evocative storytelling, she shares her experiences of survival, self-discovery, and healing, making it a truly inspiring and moving book about journeys. Strayed’s raw and honest reflections on her past and her journey offer a deeply personal and relatable narrative that resonates with readers. Wild is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and introspective exploration of the human spirit and the transformative power of embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

by Cormac McCarthy

The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a haunting and powerful book about a father and son’s journey through a post-apocalyptic world. This gripping novel explores the themes of survival, hope, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child. As they traverse a desolate landscape, facing danger and despair at every turn, the duo’s journey becomes a metaphor for the human experience—filled with struggle, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a better future. McCarthy’s sparse prose and raw emotional impact make this a must-read for anyone looking for a book about journeys that test the limits of the human spirit. The Road is a harrowing and ultimately uplifting tale that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.

Eat, Pray, Love

By elizabeth gilbert.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is a captivating book about journeys that takes readers on a soul-searching adventure. After a painful divorce, Gilbert embarks on a year-long journey to Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of self-discovery and inner peace. In Italy, she indulges in sumptuous food and the pleasures of life. In India, she delves into the depths of spirituality and meditation. Finally, in Indonesia, she finds love and balance. This book about journeys is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir that explores the complexities of human emotions and the quest for fulfillment. Gilbert’s evocative prose and candid storytelling make this a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Into the Wild

By jon krakauer.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a captivating non-fiction book about a young man’s extraordinary journey into the Alaskan wilderness. The book delves into the life of Chris McCandless, a free-spirited wanderer who rejected the conventional trappings of modern society in search of a deeper, more authentic connection with nature. Krakauer’s writing skillfully navigates the complexities of McCandless’s motivations and the allure of the untamed wilderness. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, the author paints a compelling portrait of a man driven by a profound desire for adventure and self-discovery. Into the Wild is a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of the human spirit and the allure of the unknown, making it a must-read for anyone captivated by the idea of exploration and self-discovery.

The Odyssey

The Odyssey by Homer is a timeless epic poem that tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus’s ten-year journey home from the Trojan War. Filled with adventure, danger, and mythical creatures, this classic book on journeys is a captivating tale of perseverance, courage, and the power of the human spirit. As Odysseus faces numerous challenges on his long and arduous voyage, including encounters with the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the wrath of the sea god Poseidon, readers are taken on an unforgettable odyssey through the ancient Mediterranean world. With its rich storytelling, vivid imagery, and universal themes of homecoming and resilience, The Odyssey continues to be a beloved and influential journeys book that resonates with readers of all ages.

On the Road

By jack kerouac.

On the Road is a timeless classic that takes readers on a thrilling and transformative journey across the United States. Jack Kerouac ‘s iconic novel follows the adventures of Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they embark on a road trip filled with self-discovery, freedom, and rebellion against societal norms. The book captures the essence of the Beat Generation, with its spontaneous prose and exploration of existential themes. On the Road is a book about journeys, the search for meaning, and the pursuit of authenticity. Through vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling, Kerouac invites readers to join the characters on their exhilarating and often chaotic journeys. This influential novel continues to resonate with readers, inspiring a sense of wanderlust and a desire for freedom.

by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a captivating book about journeys that follows the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is swept away from his cozy home into a quest to reclaim treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters a diverse group of characters, including the wise wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves, as they navigate through treacherous landscapes and face formidable foes. The book on journeys is filled with thrilling escapades, riddles, and moments of bravery, as Bilbo discovers his own courage and resourcefulness. Tolkien’s rich storytelling and vivid world-building make The Hobbit a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers of all ages with its enchanting tale of adventure and self-discovery.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

By mark twain.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic ‘book about journeys’ written by Mark Twain. The story follows Huck Finn, a young boy who embarks on a journey down the Mississippi River with an escaped slave named Jim. Along the way, they encounter various characters and face numerous challenges, including moral dilemmas and dangerous situations. As they navigate the river, Huck and Jim form a deep bond and learn important lessons about friendship, freedom, and the complexities of society. Mark Twain’s vivid storytelling and insightful commentary on the human condition make this ‘book on journeys’ a timeless and thought-provoking read. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a ‘journeys book’ that continues to captivate readers with its humor, heart, and enduring themes.

The Pilgrim’s Progress

By john bunyan.

The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is a timeless classic that takes readers on a spiritual journey through the allegorical tale of Christian’s quest for salvation. This influential book on journeys follows Christian as he encounters various challenges and temptations on his path to the Celestial City, representing the Christian life. Bunyan’s vivid storytelling and rich symbolism make this journeys book a compelling and thought-provoking read, as readers can relate to the struggles and triumphs of the protagonist. The Pilgrim’s Progress has been cherished for centuries for its profound insights into faith, perseverance, and the human experience, making it a must-read for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of life’s journeys.

Recommended for you:

Travels with Charley

By john steinbeck.

Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck is a captivating book about journeys that follows the renowned author as he embarks on a road trip across America with his faithful poodle, Charley. Through vivid storytelling and insightful observations, Steinbeck paints a vivid picture of the diverse landscapes, people, and cultures he encounters along the way. This book on journeys delves into the profound experiences and encounters that shape Steinbeck’s understanding of the American identity and human connection. As he navigates through both the physical and emotional terrain of the country, Steinbeck’s introspective narrative offers a unique perspective on the essence of travel and the transformative power of exploration. Travels with Charley is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers as a poignant and thought-provoking journeys book.

The Great Railway Bazaar

By paul theroux.

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux is a captivating book about journeys that takes readers on an unforgettable adventure through Asia. Theroux’s vivid and insightful storytelling immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and people he encounters during his epic train journey. From bustling cities to remote villages, the author’s keen observations and colorful anecdotes bring the diverse landscapes and cultures of the region to life. As he travels through India, Japan, Russia, and beyond, Theroux’s encounters with fellow travelers and locals provide a fascinating glimpse into the human experience. With rich prose and a keen eye for detail, The Great Railway Bazaar is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a good journeys book and a desire to explore the world through the eyes of a seasoned traveler.

The Motorcycle Diaries

By ernesto che guevara.

The Motorcycle Diaries is a captivating book about journeys that follows the transformative expedition of Ernesto “Che” Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado across South America. This compelling memoir chronicles their 8,000-mile motorcycle trip, which took them through breathtaking landscapes and exposed them to the harsh realities of poverty and injustice. As they navigate the continent, Guevara’s perspective evolves, and he becomes deeply impassioned by the plight of the marginalized people they encounter. The book on journeys offers a profound exploration of self-discovery, social awakening, and the power of human connection. Guevara’s introspective and poetic narrative invites readers to join him on this unforgettable odyssey, making it a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and insight into the human spirit.

The Sun Also Rises

By ernest hemingway.

The Sun Also Rises, a classic novel by Ernest Hemingway, is a captivating book about journeys that follows a group of disillusioned expatriates as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I Europe, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Through the vivid prose and raw emotions, readers are transported on a journey through the picturesque landscapes of France and Spain, as well as the tumultuous depths of the characters’ hearts. Hemingway’s masterful storytelling and poignant exploration of the human condition make The Sun Also Rises a timeless book on journeys that continues to resonate with readers today.

The Secret Life of Bees

By sue monk kidd.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is a captivating novel about the transformative journey of a young girl named Lily Owens. Set in the 1960s American South, the story follows Lily as she escapes her troubled home in search of the truth about her mother’s past. Along the way, she is taken in by a trio of beekeeping sisters who help her discover the power of love, forgiveness, and the importance of female solidarity. This coming-of-age tale is a poignant exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and the healing nature of familial bonds. With themes of resilience and personal growth, The Secret Life of Bees is a powerful ‘book on journeys’ that will resonate with readers of all ages.

The Catcher in the Rye

By j.d. salinger.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of Holden Caulfield, a disenchanted teenager who is struggling to find his place in the world. The book delves into Holden’s emotional and psychological turmoil as he navigates through the challenges of adolescence and explores the complexities of growing up. Through Holden’s encounters with various characters and his experiences in New York City, the novel offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the tumultuous journey from youth to adulthood. The Catcher in the Rye is a timeless book about journeys, a classic that continues to resonate with readers of all ages, as it captures the universal themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in life.

The Little Prince

By antoine de saint-exupéry.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a whimsical and thought-provoking book about journeys, both physical and emotional. The story follows a young prince who travels from planet to planet, encountering a variety of eccentric characters and learning valuable life lessons along the way. Through his encounters, the Little Prince gains insight into the nature of human relationships, the importance of love and friendship, and the complexities of the adult world. The book is a timeless exploration of the human experience, filled with enchanting illustrations and profound philosophical musings. It invites readers to reflect on their own journeys through life and the wisdom they have gained along the way. The Little Prince is a beloved classic that continues to capture the hearts of readers of all ages with its timeless wisdom and charm.

The Grapes of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath, penned by John Steinbeck, is a profound book about journeys, both physical and emotional. Set during the Great Depression, the novel follows the Joad family as they are forced to leave their Oklahoma farm and embark on a treacherous journey to California in search of a better life. The story delves into the hardships and injustices the family faces along the way, capturing the plight of migrant workers and the struggles of the working class. Steinbeck’s masterful prose paints a vivid picture of the American landscape, while exploring themes of poverty, resilience, and the human spirit. The Grapes of Wrath is a timeless classic that offers a poignant portrayal of the human experience and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.

The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is an epic fantasy novel that follows the journeys of a diverse group of characters as they embark on a quest to destroy a powerful ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron. This iconic book about journeys takes readers through breathtaking landscapes, dangerous battles, and the intricate web of friendships and alliances that develop along the way. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and timeless themes of courage, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil, The Lord of the Rings has captivated readers for generations. Tolkien’s masterful storytelling and vivid imagination make this journeys book a must-read for anyone who loves immersive fantasy adventures.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

By c.s. lewis.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is a captivating book about journeys. It follows the adventures of four siblings who discover a magical wardrobe that leads them into the enchanting land of Narnia. In this frozen world, they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and a fierce battle between good and evil. The children, along with the noble lion Aslan, must embark on a perilous quest to overthrow the tyrannical White Witch and bring peace to Narnia. This book on journeys is filled with themes of courage, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers of all ages.

Embark on an unforgettable literary adventure with these 20 best books about Journeys . From classic tales of self-discovery to epic voyages across uncharted lands, these books will transport you to distant worlds and leave you with a renewed sense of wonder. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your next trip or simply looking to get lost in a captivating story, these books about journeys are sure to satisfy your wanderlust and ignite your imagination.

Which Journeys book is best?

The best book on Journeys can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho ,
• Wild by Cheryl Strayed ,
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy .

Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.

What are the best books to learn about Journeys?

For those looking to learn about Journeys, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:

• The Road by Cormac McCarthy ,
• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert ,
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer ,
• The Odyssey by Homer ,
• On the Road by Jack Kerouac ,
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien ,
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain ,
• The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

These books offer a range of perspectives on Journeys, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.

What are the best books on Journeys?

The best books on Journeys include:

• Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck ,
• The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux ,
• The Odyssey by Homer .

Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Journeys are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.

What are the best Journeys books of all time?

Choosing the best Journeys books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include

• The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan ,
• and Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck .

Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Journeys and continues to be influential today.

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Look Inside

By Aaron Becker Illustrated by Aaron Becker

Category: children's picture books.

Aug 06, 2013 | ISBN 9780763660536 | 10-5/8 x 9-7/16 --> | 4-8 years | ISBN 9780763660536 --> Buy

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Aug 06, 2013 | ISBN 9780763660536 | 4-8 years

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About Journey

A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination — and unexpected friendship. A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound. Red marker in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that carry her on a spectacular journey toward an uncertain destiny. When she is captured by a sinister emperor, only an act of tremendous courage and kindness can set her free. Can it also lead her home and to her heart’s desire? With supple line, luminous color, and nimble flights of fancy, author-illustrator Aaron Becker launches an ordinary child on an extraordinary journey toward her greatest and most exciting adventure of all.

Also by Aaron Becker

Product Details

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A masterwork. —The New York Times An imaginative adventure story whose elaborate illustrations inspire wonder, careful examination and multiple reads. —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Wonder mixes with longing as the myriad possibilities offered by Becker’s stunning settings dwarf what actually happens in the story. Readers will be both dazzled and spurred on imagined travels of their own. —Publishers Weekly (starred review) [An] auspicious debut… [a] captivating wordless story… The strong visual narrative makes this an appealing choice for a wide range of ages. By the turn of the last page, children will immediately begin imagining the next adventure. —School Library Journal (starred review) First-time author Becker sweeps readers away on the very best kind of journey, allowing a complex color scheme, intricate fantasy environments, and a stirring sense of adventure to tell the story without a single word. … Laudable for its adventuresome female protagonist, scope, and sense of fun, this title will draw girls and boys back to it again and again. —Booklist (starred review) There is much to pore over in the watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations, and when the boy and girl ride off together at the end on a tandem bicycle with one red wheel and one purple wheel, readers will want to follow them. —The Horn Book This is a wordless picture book that will be transcendent for readers and appeal to a wide variety of children. … This is a beautiful tale that will visually delight for years to come. —Library Media Connection (highly recommended) We live in a time with a lot of flash and beep and tweets. Mr. Becker has made a beautiful reminder that there are times we need to turn it off. Sometimes we need a book, some quiet, and our imagination. It’s so well done. —Erin Stead, 2011 Caldecott Medal Winner for A Sick Day for Amos McGee I fell into this breathtaking adventure and didn’t want to leave. This is a book of extraordinary magic and beauty. —Julie “Jules” Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast [A] gorgeously illustrated, imaginative take on the wordless picture book.. . It’s a true feast for both the mind and eye! —Favorite Things (FamilyFun blog) Dreamlike… Like Harold and his purple crayon before her, the child discovers that she can use a crayon to make an imaginative escape — and what an escape it is! … Dazzling. —The Wall Street Journal [A] wordless tour de force… Completely original. … Becker’s breathtaking urban and bucolic scenes map out a visual narrative that reflects the girl’s journey—both external and internal. … Here’s hoping there’s more to come from this talented newcomer. —Shelf Awareness for Readers (starred review) Talk about making your own adventure! … [E]xtraordinary kindness and a couple of crayons produce an ending so original and satisfying you can’t but shake your head and smile. This gorgeous, wordless book is a gem. —Redbook [A]n absolutely magical tale… Becker’s picture book is one of the finest get-lost-in-your-own-imagination tales of loneliness, escape, adventure, and, ultimately, new friendship that I’ve read in quite some time. —USA Today Online Becker launches readers into a wordless adventure amid exotic lands and narrow escapes—thanks to the bright red marker-wielding heroine. Think Crockett Johnston’s ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ crossed with Neil Gaiman’s ‘Stardust.’ A lonely girl steps from her black-and-white world into a vast, colorful journey. Some stories, including this one, don’t need words to fire the imagination. —The Boston Globe With its fine attention to detail and jaw-dropping storyline, Becker has created a modern day classic in the midst of an overpopulated genre. … I don’t get to use this word very often when I’m talking about books for young children but I’m going to dust it off and use it now: Beautiful. There’s no other way to describe Journey. —Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production (SLJ Blog) This absolutely gorgeous wordless picture book is a testament to the skill of author/illustrator Aaron Becker. As Journey ends, you’ll want to immediately return to the beginning to experience it again. —NPR Books A lonely girl takes her red crayon, draws a door on her bedroom wall and walks into a world of steampunk flying machines and turreted canal cities. She navigates this fantasy realm via boat, balloon and flying carpet, all drawn with her crayon. Journey is a clear nod to Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon , but this version doesn’t have words; instead Aaron Becker tells his story through meticulous watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations. —NPR Monkey See Becker’s wordless masterpiece is both timely and timeless, drawing inspiration from the classic "Harold and the Purple Crayon" to draw the reader into an entirely new and beautifully-rendered world. —The Huffington Post Worldless picture books are nothing new, but it takes a special touch to create one that appeals to both pre-readers (have them "narrate" their own story to you as you leaf through) and older students who can appreciate the layers of silent storytelling. ‘Journey’ accomplishes this feat and just might be the perfect title for one last summer roadtrip … Film illustrator Aaron Becker’s creation is at once simple and nuanced, a beautifully tactile version of the best Pixar shorts. —Austin-American Statesman With this wordless tour de force, Aaron Becker gives a nod to the likes of Crockett Johnson and Shaun Tan—but in a completely original work. … Becker’s breathtaking urban and bucolic scenes map out a visual narrative that reflects the girl’s journey—both external and internal. By the conclusion, readers see that all she needs is a likeminded friend. Here’s hoping there’s more to come from this talented newcomer. —Twenty by Jenny

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What's .css-1msjh1x{font-style:italic;} journey about.

Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination — and unexpected friendship. A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound. Red marker in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that carry her on a spectacular journey toward an uncertain destiny. When she is captured by a sinister emperor, only an act of tremendous courage and kindness can set her free. Can it also lead her home and to her heart’s desire? With supple line, luminous color, and nimble flights of fancy, author-illustrator Aaron Becker launches an ordinary child on an extraordinary journey toward her greatest and most exciting adventure of all.

What Kind of Book is Journey

This is a beautiful wordless picture book following a young girl through her imagination to a world where things don't always work out as she expects. She has to think fast, but with a little creative problem solving and a lot of imagination she's able to discover just what she was looking for—a friend. A fresh take on a journey with elements vaguely reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are and Harold and the Purple Crayon!

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The Creative Behind the Book

Aaron Becker learned while living in Granada, Spain, that many of the city’s stone churches had at one point been mosques and, before that, Roman ruins. Which got him thinking: What wisdom can something as still as a rock share with the rest of us? While he could only guess at the answer, he does have some experience with these ancient fragments of earth. After all, the house where he grew up in Baltimore was built from, you guessed it, stone. Aaron Becker lives in western Massachusetts.

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Great Picture Books About Journeys for Kids

Great Picture Books About Journeys for Kids . Wonderful picture books featuring different types of journeys that kids will love teachers and parents reading with them.

Some links on this site are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!  Learn more .

What You'll Find on This Page

Journeys are a common theme in picture books, and these three titles that I recently received to review reflect that theme beautifully. I’ve included one of my all-time favorite journey-themed picture books as a bonus.

Steppin Out: Everyday Journeys for Kids

In Steppin’ Out , poetry follows children through everyday journeys. Children visit grandparents, ride elevators, go to the beach, dance class, and more in this sweet collection of nineteen poems. Written by Lin Oliver and illustrated by Tomie dePaola.

Adventures in Asian Art: A Family Outing Journey for Kids

Adventures in Asian Art follows a mother and her three children as they journey through the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. My preschooler especially LOVED the illustrations in this book. We live pretty close to this museum, and we clearly need to journey there ourselves soon!

The Road Home: Animal Journeys

The Road Home features different animal journeys to their homes. This book is unique in its empathy for the hungry wolves while featuring bunnies fleeing from their jaws. I love author Katie Cotton’s final line in this picture book: “This road is hard, this road is long, but we are not alone. For you are here, and I’m with you… and so this road is home.” Sarah Jacoby’s illustrations are beautiful.

A Wordless Picture Book About a Journey

Journey was published back in 2013, but I couldn’t publish a post on picture books about journeys without including this exquisite wordless picture book. Children will pore over Aaron Becker’s vibrant illustrations in this award-winning book.

Do you have any favorite picture books about journeys that we should read? Please share your suggestions on my Facebook page , or tag me on Instagram .

MaryAnne Kochenderfer

MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

A Journey to the Boot of Italy, With Murder, Romance and Ricotta

A Philadelphia chef goes searching for her family history in Jo Piazza’s sun-baked multigenerational tale “The Sicilian Inheritance.”

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By Amanda Eyre Ward

Amanda Eyre Ward is the New York Times best-selling author of “The Jetsetters.” Her new novel, “Lovers and Liars,” will be published in May.

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THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE , by Jo Piazza

I am a novelist and a reader — all I want in the world is hot coffee and time to read and write. Since I was a tween devouring “Flowers in the Attic” and the Rabbit Angstrom novels — who let me read Updike as a kid? — I have been drawn to flawed characters, complicated worlds and propulsive stories that overwhelm me with uncomfortable emotions.

So I opened Jo Piazza’s new novel, “The Sicilian Inheritance,” with anticipation. Piazza is a best-selling author and veteran reporter; her work runs the gamut between comic novels and nonfiction examinations of marriage and celebrity. With “The Sicilian Inheritance,” she boldly, if at times uneasily, combines romance, murder and history.

The story centers first on the Philadelphia chef and mother Sara, a trained butcher with a tattoo of a meat cleaver on her left forearm and a flying pig on her right. Although she is facing the end of her marriage and the bankruptcy of her restaurant, she’s also mouthy and ambitious, a character I adored from the moment she donned a bright red jumpsuit to attend her beloved Aunt Rosie’s “fun funeral” (personalized trivia, Dolly Parton karaoke) at a bar. “The jumpsuit was too tight and too low-cut,” Sara admits, “but I knew Aunt Rosie would have loved it.”

Afterward, Sara opens a letter containing Rosie’s “last wish from the great beyond,” in which she explains that she has booked a nonrefundable trip for her niece to visit her ancestral homeland, the fictional town of Caltabellessa, Sicily, so she can discover the truth about her namesake grandmother Serafina’s death and investigate a valuable property that may or may not belong to their family. “I’m sending you on an adventure, my love,” writes Rosie. “Don’t you dare waste it.”

Enter the book’s second first-person narrator, Serafina, a young girl in circa-1910s Italy who dreams of escape from “generations of women before me [who] had lived their entire lives circling the tip of the small mountain doing nothing but caring for babies and husbands.” But Serafina’s attempts to break free — by serving her townspeople as a doctor-healer of sorts, and allowing herself to love a man outside the bounds of matrimony — lead to her being labeled a “witch,” and possibly to her untimely death.

By Page 53, I put the book down, but not for long. I simply had to go online and search for flights to Italy. (I did the same while reading “Siracusa,” by Delia Ephron, another intoxicating tale set on the largest island in the Mediterranean.) Here, Sicily shimmers off the page, utterly enticing — azure waters for swimming, hunky Italian chefs, moments like this one that nearly made me drop a few thousand bucks I do not have on plane and ferry tickets: “The cheesemonger asked both of us to open our mouths and close our eyes before placing velvety ricotta directly onto our tongues.”

I enjoyed Piazza’s twisty narrative and complicated characters, especially her contemporary women, who are strong and feisty — not so different from Updike’s lost, lusty Rabbit. It was a joy to read about Piazza’s heroines loving hard, eating well and blowing themselves kisses in the mirror. But Serafina’s sections lack the vibrancy of Sara’s, at times serving historical accuracy at the expense of thrilling prose.

Still, reading it left me thoughtful (Good Lord, it must have been hard to be a mom in 1913), thankful (especially for Instacart and a husband and children who can cook) and inspired (should I try to write about my Southern ancestors? We have plenty of crazy characters and delectable shrimp recipes in my family!).

Piazza explains in an author’s note that her family has “told time and time again the story of my great-great-grandmother Lorenza Marsalas’s murder” and that “small wisps” of that narrative “knotted into my brain for years.” With “The Sicilian Inheritance,” Piazza bestows a gift on Sicilian women like her ancestors: a novel of their own.

THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE | By Jo Piazza | Dutton | 384 pp. | $28

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Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

Origin director Ava DuVernay on grief and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author who inspired her latest film

Grief is complicated, says filmmaker Ava DuVernay (Selma; 13th).

"It is its own life journey that most of us will experience, unfortunately, and you know it has sorrowful moments, but there is also beauty in that journey," she says. "It's all intertwined."

DuVernay was grieving when the inimitable Oprah Winfrey handed her a copy of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson's non-fiction book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents in 2020.

"We were in the midst of a pandemic, I had lost some loved ones and we were dealing, in the United States, with the murder of George Floyd , which was a huge cultural and social event here; a tragedy," DuVernay recalls.

"I didn't feel like reading a 500-page book about some pretty heavy subject matter. I just wasn't in the headspace."

Wilkerson's searing treatise – one of former President Barack Obama's favourite books – posits that the great racial rift in America is as much about brutal caste structures as it is about skin colour. Drawing parallels with India's treatment of the Dalits, or "untouchables", and Nazi persecution of Jewish people, it's a confronting read. After two months, DuVernay picked up and was exhilarated by Wilkerson's theories.

"The idea of caste as being the foundational principle of so many of the -isms that we experience in our lives — whether it's racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism or whatever — the bedrock of all of that is this very fundamental idea that I'm better than you because of this set of random traits and that I will organise society and I will accrue power and status based on that," says DuVernay

"It sparked a fresh way of thinking about old things."

Blurred lines

Channelling her grief through the momentous text, DuVernay decided to turn it into a film. But she approached the material in a fresh way, crafting an intriguing biopic about Wilkerson's fraught experience writing the book.

"I wanted to tell a story about a woman who was a teacher, who is galvanised by this cultural phenomenon and wants to share these ideas with us," DuVernay says.

Three of Wilkerson's family members died while she tackled the thesis.

"This woman was going through great tragedy, the horrors of losing the three closest people to you in your life within a 16-month period. How do you endure?" DuVernay says.

And yet endure Wilkerson does. The remarkable Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor steps into the author's shoes, towering in the central role. She had worked with DuVernay before, starring as Sharonne, the mother of Yusef Salaam, in the director's powerful Netflix miniseries  When They See Us , about five real-life Black and Latino teenagers falsely accused of raping a white woman.

"I really needed someone who was going to be an intellectual partner with me, because the subject matter is pretty dense," DuVernay says.

"And if there's one word that I think of when I consider Aunjanue, it's rigour. She's a very disciplined actor, highly intelligent and she gives us a superb performance."

As we follow Wilkerson's inquisitive journey through America's south and on to Berlin and New Dehli, her interviews with experts give way to dramatic re-creations.

Origin opens with the goosebump-inducing last moments of teenager Trayvon Martin , played by Myles Frost. We meet Nazi Party member August Landmesser (Finn Wittrock), who fell in love with and married a Jewish woman, Irma Eckler (Victoria Pedretti), and is the subject of a famous photo in which he refuses to participate in the "Heil Hitler" salute.

Caste-confounding Dalit professor Suraj Yengde plays himself.

"As a documentarian, I like blurring those edges," DuVernay says of casting Yengde. "I was working in the narrative form, but there are some documentary-esque textures."

Love stories

Both DuVernay and Wilkerson make sense of the world through their work.

"This time that we're in, it feels intense to us. But there's never been a time when there has not been war, tragedy, sorrow and pain happening somewhere, whether we know about it," DuVernay says.

"Some of my colleagues, like [ Dune director] Denis Villeneuve, are futurists. They're thinking about what's ahead and the worlds to come.

"And I want to learn about what we've done and how we can learn from it."

While much of DuVernay's work tackles difficult material, she sees it from another angle.

"When They See Us is about five boys who Donald Trump relegated to being criminals, by taking out a full-page ad to demonise them when they were innocent. He wanted to throw away the key and at one point said that they should be killed," she says.

"But at the end of the four-part series, you see the triumph of overcoming that. That is a joyous journey, for me as a storyteller. It's not a weight. Selma is not a weight. 13th is not a weight.

"It's telling the stories of the triumph of the people who have survived."

To DuVernay, they are love stories.

"Colin in Black & White [about American footballer and activist Colin Kaepernick's high school years] is a love story between him and his parents. When They See Us is a love story about the families that stood by these boys through thick and thin and were ostracised. Selma is about the love of your tribe. Origin is a love story about human connection and addressing grief," she says.

Art connects us all, DuVernay argues: "Whether it's film, literature, music, painting, sculpture or the culinary arts, going home and whoever is there puts love into what they make for you, or what you make for yourself: That's art.

"Art is just the beauty of life, and these are the things that remind us of our humanity."

Origin is in cinemas from April 4.

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Lexie Brown opens up about WNBA journey & contract with LA Sparks | All Facts No Brakes

Wnba champion and la sparks guard lexie brown joins keyshawn johnson on the all facts no brakes podcast to discuss her journey to the wnba, being cut, winning a championship and her contract extension with the los angeles sparks. lexie said: “i’ve always wanted to be on the sparks. this is really special.”.

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New book by eminent historian casts shadow on legacy of Iowa's Henry A. Wallace

Drawing on what he says are previously undisclosed Soviet records, an award-winning historian asserts in a new book that Henry A. Wallace, an Iowan who was a heartbeat away from the presidency, was even closer with the Russians than previously depicted ― at one point letting dictator Josef Stalin edit one of his most important political speeches.

Published in January, “The World that Wasn’t: Henry Wallace and the Fate of the American Century,” is a biography of Wallace as well as a hypothesis about how the world may have been different had the Des Moines-raised politician, publisher and agronomist, vice president from 1941 to 1945, succeeded President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Instead, Wallace (1888-1965) was dumped from the ticket before Roosevelt won a fourth term, and Wallace's replacement, Harry Truman, ascended to the presidency when Roosevelt died in 1945.

Author Benn Steil is a senior fellow, director of international economics and official historian at the Council on Foreign Relations, a highly influential nonpartisan think tank. He has won acclaim and major awards for previous histories, particularly his "The Marshall Plan: Dawn of the Cold War," published in 2019.

The same perilous period ― when the Soviets went from being a wartime ally to the nuclear-armed rival of the United States ― is at the core of Steil's 600-page biography of a man he told the Des Moines Register "is simply one of the most fascinating political figures of the 20th century.”

Wallace's journey from progressive Republican to New Deal architect

Wallace was born on his father's farm near Orient in Adair County. He grew up first in Ames, where his father was a student, then an agriculture professor, at Iowa State Agricultural College, now Iowa State University. When Wallace was 8, the family moved to Des Moines, where his father and eventually he, too, joined his grandfather in editing Wallace's Farmer, a widely circulated magazine that promoted scientific farming.

A budding scientist who as a teen experimented with growing strains of corn on a family plot in the Drake neighborhood, Wallace graduated from Iowa State and later founded the Pioneer Hi-Bred hybrid corn seed company . The business, an early leader in developing and popularizing what became the dominant strains of field corn, is now part of Corteva Agriscience in Johnston .

The Wallaces were staunch progressive Republicans, and Wallace's father served as U.S. secretary of agriculture in the Harding and Coolidge administrations before dying in office.

Wallace was a bitter foe of fellow Iowa Republican Herbert Hoover, who as secretary of commerce during the Harding and Coolidge presidencies feuded with his father over farm policy. Hoover succeeded Coolidge, and when he sought a second presidential term, Wallace endorsed and campaigned for New York Democrat Roosevelt and, like his father, became agriculture secretary.

More: Hoover library, museum to get $5 million in latest round of Destination Iowa grants

During the New Deal era, as farmers struggled through the Great Depression, Wallace worked to institute farm support policies that laid the foundation for modern U.S. agriculture. He served as vice president in Roosevelt's third term, during the heart of World War II.

Author: Had Wallace been president, Cold War would have come later, with US at disadvantage

The contention that Wallace was overly sympathetic to the Soviets both as vice president and later as a Truman critic, is not new. Published in 2000, “American Dreamer: A Life of Henry A. Wallace,” by former U.S. Sen. John Culver and former Des Moines Register reporter John Hyde, also explores the controversy, which led to Wallace's unceremonious replacement with Truman at the 1944 Democratic National Convention.

But Steil’s book is harsher to Wallace’s legacy than Culver and Hyde's, which focuses more on his achievements as a New Deal architect.

Utilizing documents from Russia and the FBI, Steil, a senior fellow and director of international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations, portrays Wallace as deeply naive about the Soviets and their post-war intentions.

In an interview with the Register, Steil said he wants readers of the book to “contemplate this counterfactual of what might the world have been today, the world we live in if things had gone a little bit differently in 1944 and particularly over two days in July at that convention. We could be living in a very, very different world today."

Steil said he became fascinated with Wallace after filmmaker Oliver Stone’s 2012 documentary series “The Untold History of the United States” that, among other unconventional positions, held that the Cold War could have been avoided had Wallace ascended to the White House.

Wallace believed that Russia wanted peace and that the U.S. should avoid escalating its nuclear weapons program after World War II.

Steil, who credits noted Russian historian Svetlana Chervonnaya for assembling thousands of pages of documents, notes, translations and detailed commentary used as reference material for the book, said he found the Soviets took cynical advantage of Wallace's dovishness. When Wallace toured the Soviet Union, Steil said, his escorts carefully steered him away from evidence of Stalin's brutality. And when Truman took a hard line against the Soviets as president, creating NATO to oppose them in Europe even before Russia developed its own nuclear weapons, Wallace criticized his policies and ran against him as the Progressive Party nominee in 1948.

Steil found that Wallace, working through intermediaries, had even allowed Stalin to edit a draft of his major speech of the campaign, in which he vehemently opposed the so-called Truman doctrine of communist containment.

“I had lots of really phenomenal documentation from the Russian archives which indicated that the Soviets, certainly over the course of the 1940s, were simply using him, basically as a useful idiot in order to undermine American foreign policy. But they were uninterested in his peace initiatives, except as ways to exploit them,” he said.

He concluded, at odds with Stone, that there would have been a Cold War even with Wallace as president, but that its onset would have been delayed.

“It would have started three years later with the United States at a very significant disadvantage,” Steil said.

He said Wallace himself admitted as much, citing a 1952 public letter entitled “Where I Was Wrong” in which he wrote: “Before 1949 I thought Russia really wanted and needed peace. After 1949 I became more and more disgusted with the Soviet methods and finally became convinced that the Politburo wanted the Cold War continued indefinitely, even at the peril of accidentally provoking a hot war.”

But Wallace also wrote that he had risked his public career in the interest of promoting peace between the U.S. and Russia and that he believed that had Roosevelt remained alive and in good health, history would have been different, and the two countries would not have been in an arms race.

“What I wanted was peace, but not peace at the price of Communist domination. I thought the Soviets had more sense than to do what they have been doing during the past few years,” he wrote.

Wallace's grandson: Book should be titled 'The Henry Wallace that wasn't'

Steil's book has met with praise from reviewers, especially in conservative-leaning publications like the Wall Street Journal and the National Review.

But it also has its critics, none perhaps more vehement than Wallace’s grandson, David Wallace Douglas, 75, of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In a letter penned to the Wall Street Journal soon after the book was released, Douglas wrote: “…The World That Wasn’t” would be better titled “The Henry Wallace That Wasn’t.”

In an email to the Register, Douglas wrote, “The book describes itself as a ‘political biography’ but it resembles instead a prosecutorial screed, vacuuming up negative facts and comments about Henry A. Wallace and skimming over his accomplishments in the Cabinet and as Vice President.”

More: From the archives: Farmer Roswell Garst brought Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev to Iowa

While Douglas admits his grandfather often was viewed as “pro-Soviet,” he wrote that it was because Wallace had a genuine interest in forging a friendlier relationship with Russia and avoiding conflict ― the kind of conflict that an escalating arms race created in the Cold War.

“There’s no question that toward the later 1940s he was seen as “pro-Soviet,” but very rarely did even Wallace’s adversaries charge him as being ‘pro-Communist’ since Wallace had made it clear he didn’t approve of Communism, and thought Marxism Godless, likely to be eclipsed in economic competition with the U.S.

“In most of his public utterances, except for a period near the end of the Progressive Party run where he blamed the U.S. excessively for provoking Russia, he was even-handed in his criticism of both the U.S. and USSR. That passed in those years for ‘pro-Soviet,’” Douglas wrote.

He said the communication his grandfather had with Stalin was distorted in Steil’s book.

“I was not surprised ... that Steil excoriated the indirect secret Wallace-Stalin communication. Labeling it with the loaded word (given the Trump campaign) ‘collusion,’ Steil paints Wallace’s actions as alternatingly sinister and comical," he wrote. "Seen through Steil’s distorted lens, Wallace’s actions were motivated by an effort to disrupt the 1948 election, not because as is evident from Wallace’s 'Oral History' (and indeed his efforts for peace throughout his life) Wallace felt that the world was poised on the brink of military confrontation with the Soviet Union.”

As for how history would have been written had his grandfather become president, Douglas wrote that Wallace would have encouraged economic, rather than military, competition with the Soviets, and opposed their expansionism; that he would have been far more effective in winning over the Third World because of his opposition to colonialism as antithetical to the values for which the Allies fought in World War II; and that he would have pushed far harder on behalf of such issues as civil liberties, equal pay for equal work, desegregation, and environmental sustainability.

"These policies, most now integrated into the fabric of American life, reflect favorably on Wallace’s vision and are not surprisingly omitted from Steil’s post-1945 scenario, which is essentially limited to a binary focus on U.S.-USSR relations," Douglas wrote,

Steil agrees that Wallace showed considerable courage when he campaigned in the Deep South in 1948, advocating against segregation.

"In the '48 election, he spent a week touring in the South decrying racial segregation, which took enormous physical courage. He could easily have been killed many times during that tour," he said.

'Henry Wallace was an incredibly complex human being'

Bill Pratt, a retired history professor from the University of Nebraska-Omaha who has spent time studying Wallace’s papers at the University of Iowa, said Steil’s book is well researched. He does not question its objectivity.

Pratt said his biggest criticism would be the amount of space Steil devotes to Wallace’s fascination with spiritualism.

“He has a long chapter, maybe the longest chapter of the book, on this goofy stuff with spiritualism and so forth. Well, you don't forget about that, but boy, that's a lot of pages,” Pratt said.

Steil said he wants readers to understand that despite his political failings, Wallace ― named by the Register in 1999 as the “Most Influential Iowan of the 20th Century” ― was still an important figure in American history and needs particularly to be remembered for his contributions to agricultural science.

"He's improved productivity of agriculture, not just in the United States but certainly in Mexico and other parts of the world and some of his developments, I've read, were apparently even very influential in India.

"If he had simply stayed an agricultural scientist and commentator, I think he would be much more positively recognized today across the political spectrum. As you know, he has his fans on the progressive left, but outside of that, he's just not," Steil said.

“Henry Wallace was an incredibly complex human being. He was a brilliant scientist. He was a credulous mystic. … The way these things combined to shape this remarkable political figure who came within a hair's breadth of being leader of the free world, it’s really, really just remarkable. I think it’s a heck of a story,” he added.

Pratt agreed about how compelling the Wallace story is, but said he thinks the length and depth of Steil’s work would likely be too intimidating for the average reader.

“It's for historians, political scientists, journalists. People that follow American foreign policy like the Council on Foreign Relations and crowd.

“You're not going to see a paperback edition of this at the airport,” he said.

Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at [email protected].

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces book detailing her rapid rise in Democratic politics

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is set to release a new book this summer that will detail her rapid ascent in Democratic politics (AP video: Mike Householder and Joey Cappelletti)

This image provided by Simon & Schuster shows the cover of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s book “True Gretch”. Midway through her second-term as Michigan’s governor and amid a rapid rise within the Democratic party, Gov. Whitmer is poised to release a book this summer detailing her life and journey through politics. Schedule for release on July 9, “True Gretch” promises insights into Whitmer’s six-year tenure as Michigan’s governor. (Simon & Schuster via AP)

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FILE - Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during Election Night, Nov. 8, 2022 in Detroit. Midway through her second-term as Michigan’s governor and amid a rapid rise within the Democratic party, Gov. Whitmer is poised to release a book this summer detailing her life and journey through politics. Schedule for release on July 9, “True Gretch” promises insights into Whitmer’s six-year tenure as Michigan’s governor. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, file)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will detail her rapid ascent in Democratic politics in a book out this summer, a move that will undoubtedly spark fresh speculation about her potential presidential ambitions.

“True Gretch” is scheduled for release July 9 and a book announcement provided to The Associated Press promises insights into Whitmer’s five-year tenure as Michigan’s governor. It will include a behind-the-scenes look at how she navigated the COVID-19 pandemic , became the target of a kidnapping plot and continually clashed with former President Donald Trump.

The book also will highlight her role in the 2022 midterm election, when Michigan voters enshrined abortion rights in the state’s constitution through a ballot initiative. Democrats that year also won full control of Michigan’s state government for the first time in four decades.

Whitmer, a co-chair in President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, has emerged as one of the Democratic party’s top stars and is often named as a potential contender for the party’s presidential nomination in 2028.

“In this moment, our world is thirsty for compassion, empathy, big ideas, and the grit to get sh— done,” Whitmer said in the statement announcing her book. “I hope this book will help you find the good and use it to make a difference. I’ll be doing the same alongside you.”

An attorney turned state lawmaker, Whitmer was first elected governor in 2018 after running a campaign centered on a pledge to “fix the damn roads.”

Shortly into her first term, when the pandemic began, she implemented some of the nation’s most restrictive stay-at-home orders, which made her the ongoing target of right-wing vitriol. Thousands of people came to the state Capitol with guns in 2020 as Trump egged them on, tweeting “Liberate Michigan.” Whitmer became known as “that woman from Michigan,” a play on words Trump used to attack her in 2020.

Her bouts with Trump, which have continued with him calling Whitmer “radical” and a “terrible governor” this week during a Michigan visit , helped grow her national profile. She delivered the Democratic response to Trump’s State of the Union in 2020 and was considered as a potential vice president pick for Biden later that year.

Whitmer won reelection in 2022 by more than 10%. Her party also flipped the state House and Senate, which has allowed them to roll back decades of Republican policies and rapidly implement a Democratic agenda over the past 15 months.

Whitmer’s motto in politics, she writes in the book, is to “get sh— done.”

The book’s release unquestionably will fuel speculation Whitmer is angling for a higher office when her term-limited time as Michigan’s governor concludes at the end of 2026, although she previously has told the AP that she has “no interest in going to D.C.”

Both Simon & Schuster and the governor’s office declined to comment on the financial compensation she received for the book. A spokesperson for Simon & Schuster added “it is our policy not to comment on the financials of a book deal.”

Whitmer in December signed new financial disclosure laws that will require state officials, including the governor, to annually submit reports showing sources of income, properties owned and other assets valued over $1,000 and liabilities valued at more than $10,000. This year, disclosures are due April 15 and will cover the preceding calendar year.

“State government must be open, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves,” Whitmer said in a statement at the time of the signing.

Whitmer will donate the net proceeds from the publishing of her book throughout the entirety of her term as governor to the Capital Region Community Foundation, a nonprofit that leads philanthropic solutions to help improve communities in mid-Michigan, according to the release.

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Contact customer care, sas announces next step in its alliance transition journey.

SAS today announces exciting details about the next chapter in its future commercial relationships. SAS will remain in Star Alliance through August 31, 2024, and customers can start enjoying benefits with most SkyTeam airlines beginning September 1, 2024.   

Following this transition starting September 1, 2024, SAS EuroBonus members will enjoy loyalty benefits similar to those offered today with Star Alliance airlines with most of SkyTeam’s airlines.  

SAS is in advanced negotiations with SkyTeam and many of its member carriers to develop and grow extensive commercial relationships. We look forward to giving our customers access to 19 new airlines and more than 1,060 destinations around the globe. Customers will enjoy continued access to their favorite cities and regions, while enjoying more travel options to previously unserved destinations.  

“We are thrilled to progress on our alliance transition journey and pave the way for delightful new destinations and loyalty program benefits across the world. Our focus now is to guide customers and our EuroBonus members on each step during this transition. We look forward to sharing more details as our journey progresses, with the aim to create a smooth transition to an exciting travel future with us,” says Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, Paul Verhagen. 

We have worked closely with both Star Alliance and SkyTeam and many of their members over the last 6 months to ensure a smooth transition for all customers and our EuroBonus members. All customer benefits of Star Alliance, including earn and burn of EuroBonus points, lounge access and other benefits along the customer journey will remain through August 31, 2024. EuroBonus will remain SAS’ loyalty program, also after SAS leaves Star Alliance. 

For more information:  From Star Alliance to SkyTeam (flysas.com)

We look forward to sharing more information over the coming weeks and months.  

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