Travel to Europe Through Books
Author: Ruthie Pollard
“It is one of the strongest bonds, I think, that can spring up between people: sharing a passion for certain books and their authors.”
Looking for some book recommendations? A good book will transport you to a different time, culture, landscape, and mindset. In preparation for my travels I have been reading up on European adventures fiction and non-fiction.
Bookstores can be overwhelming when you don't know where to look, thankfully my friend (and librarian) Dr. Katie Posey has pulled out some great reads! Browsing small book shops + coffee make a fantastic day trip! You can follow her bookish adventures on instagram @whatkatieread.
Non-Fictions
- A Woman's Europe by Marybeth Bond: A series of short stories from popular authors and their trips abroad. (Frances Mayes description of Tuscany was my favorite)
- A Year in Paris by Janice Macleod: This is an illustrated book full of beautiful pictures of Paris. The author documented each day she spent in Paris for a year.
- Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach: Journey through Europe with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Alice as she details her travel adventures.
- Les Parisiennes by Anna Sea: A true story of the resistance, collaboration, and the woman of Paris under Nazi occupation. Many of the woman maintained their glamorous lifestyle as a form of resistance.
- My Love Affair with England by Susan Allen Toth: Memoir of a travelers journey through England.
- The New Paris by Lindsey Tramuta: This American born author details her journey of moving to Paris and discovering the up and coming businesses in the city. The book is full of newer places popping up in Paris accompanied by stunning photography and personal interviews with shop owners.
Novels:
- Paris for One by JoJo Moyes: A young girl is stood up on a trip to Paris. She decides to make the best of it, meeting new friends along the way.
- The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris: Follow the story of Anna a young English girl who starts working at a renouned chocolate shop despite her lack of chocolate knowledge.
- The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim: Four ladies who don't know each other travel to Italy together on an impromptu vacation. They each make peace with situations happening in their personal lives while surrounded by the Tuscan Countryside.
- A Room with a View by E. M. Forster: This classic novel will take you on a romantic adventure through Florence the set in the early 1900's.
- Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch: This is an easy read geared towards young adult readers. It's perfect for a plane ride and will leave you wanted a taste of gelato!
Let us know if you have any book recommendations! Happy reading!
xox,
Ruthie