Writers Who Read: Road Trip Classics

It is officially November, which means time for holiday travel. Whether you are traveling near or far, and no matter what type of transportation you take, it is hard to keep yourself occupied while on the go to your destination. One of the best ways to pass the time is by reading one of these road trip classics.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

You may be more familiar with the movie version of Eat, Pray, Love, but the book is a can’t-miss. Author Elizabeth Gilbert travels the world to find… something she was missing. During her thirties, Gilbert had it all: a husband, a fancy home, and a successful career. However, she wasn’t happy and was filled with confusion. Eventually, she left it all behind and set forth on a year of travel. First, she spent four months in Italy, eating her heart out. Then, she found herself and her spiritual side again in India. Lastly, Gilbert traveled to Bali in Indonesia, where she discovered balance, and along the way, love with a Brazilian businessman. Readers can resonate with Gilbert’s feelings of loneliness, panic, and a lust for finding order in life. Even if you are unable to take a trip to various countries, the advice and guidance Gilbert dishes out in her novel is still helpful.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

Published in 1996, Under the Tuscan Sun tells the story of author Frances Mayes and her husband, Ed’s, journey of renovating their Tuscan villa in Bramasole. Mayes, a published poet, cook, and travel writer, takes on the task of restoring an abandoned villa and rediscovering herself. Throughout the book, she continues to inspire readers to take on their own journey, at home, or in another country, while providing readers with a taste of Italy, as in speaking of food. As described by a USA Today review, “This beautifully written memoir about taking chances, living in Italy, loving a house, and always the pleasures of food, would make a perfect gift for a loved one. But it’s so delicious, read it first yourself.” Mayes follows up her book, Under the Tuscan Sun, with two sequels: Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy and Every Day in Tuscany.  

The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin 

Turned into a blockbuster hit in 2017, the original novel, The Mountain Between Us, tells the story of love and survival in the High Uintas Wilderness, a long and remote land in the western part of the United States. Shortly before Christmas, strangers Ashley Knox and Dr. Ben Payne take a charter plane out of Salt Lake City, after the last flight is canceled due to an upcoming snowstorm. The need for a flight is important as Ashley is flying back East for her wedding, and Ben is trying to get to his patient for a surgery. However, drama ensues as the pilot of the charter plane has a mid-flight heart attack and crashes into the wilderness. Without a pilot and both injured, Ben and Ashley must find their way to help with no sign of civilization around for miles. Days turn into weeks as the race to survive becomes paramount. However, the two find strength and love in each other, which gives them the hope and drive to persist onward.

After enjoying these three road trip classics, snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate at your destination and watch the movie versions. As with any book turned into a movie, the two versions are a tad different, so always read the books first and trust me, these books are ones you won’t want to miss.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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