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                  Is the jet-setter in your life a book worm? Perhaps they’d enjoy burying their nose in one of these!

 

 

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders. With over 700 of the worlds strangest places conveniently found between the covers of this hardback, Atlas Obscura proves to be more than your average bucket list we’ve all come to expect from Trip Advisor or Lonely Planet. Even the most well traversed adventurer will find a fresh new destination whilst perusing it’s photo-chocked pages.

 

 

 

Simply Beautiful Photographs by NatGeo definitely delivers their titled promise! This collection showcases several different photographers, providing the reader with varying perceptions of beauty from around the globe. The massive photos are a colorful, vibrant and vivid depiction of the natural and exotic world that surrounds us.

 

 

 

 

Wild: From lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail, a memoir by Cheryl Strayed. Without disclosing any spoilers, this is an in depth, soul wrenching story that captivates the reader from the very first paragraph. No matter what walk of life you lead, there are undoubtedly pieces of Cheryl’s story that will hit home. Written in a very relatable manner, Cheryl shares her journey of self-discovery in a raw and candid way, filled with both tragedy and humor. You won’t regret your decision to crack open Wild!

 

 

AFAR Magazine – The Experimental Travel Guide. This is geared more towards the traveler than the tourist. Focusing on great destinations as well as the deeper human experience of travel, culture, cuisine and traditions. Full of tips, photos, stories, and a few great deals along the way. AFAR Magazine is a helpful tool when planning any adventurous trip. This specific edition is solely focused on food, however you can find an AFAR magazine pretty much on anything!

 

 

 

Into The Wild is a thrilling piece of nonfiction. Jon Krakauer brilliantly captures the true story of Christopher McCandless, his yearning for a less restrictive and mundane life, his hunger for complete solitude in nature, and ironically, his seemingly equal need for deep human connection and friendship. The story follows Christopher from college graduation, through his hitchhiking escapades, and eventually his journey into the Alaskan wilderness. I urge you to pick this one up, you’ll have a hard time putting it down!

 

 

More of a movie buff? Check out these gems!

 

A fantastically directed film focusing on El Camino de Santiago, or “The Way of St. James.” This pilgrimage from the south of France, across the Northern region of Spain, and further still to the Sea Of Finisterre is what compelled me to complete the Camino myself. If you’d like to read a bit about my journey, click here. If you’d like to read my review on, “The Way” click here.

 

 

 

 

Based on the bestselling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love delves into one woman’s “perfect” life – by most standards. And how she leaves it all behind in a journey to find herself, higher divinity, and an appreciation for love and life as she travels through Italy, India, and Indonesia. Not too deep, self-analyzing, or soul gripping, this is your classic case of book-is-better-than-the-movie if I’m being honest. With that said, this great cast keeps it light and entertaining, the landscapes are beautiful and the moments of genuine human connection and carefree zest for life makes this film worth the two hours and twenty minutes it’ll take to watch it.

 

 

This is by far one of my favorites! A short snippet here wouldn’t begin to do it justice. I encourage you to read my review on, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” here.

 

 

 

Adorable, enticing, and typical. Under The Tuscan Sun, a film adaptation of Frances Mayes’s bestselling memoir, offers a light and heartwarming spin on life after love. Frances (played by Diane Lane) is freshly heartbroken when her best friend Patti (Sandra Oh) gives her a ticket to Tuscany. Patti urges Frances to go, where she falls in love with a dilapidated villa that she spontaneously decides to purchase. This decision sets her on a new path in life, one ultimately ending with the promise of a bright romantic future.

 

 

 

The Before trilogy – This intimate collection follows the blossoming story of two strangers who meet on a train in Europe. It perfectly encapsulates so many moments only created by the gift of travel. An artistic film collection definitely worthy of the positive recognition it has received!

 

More ideas? Favorite books or films you’d like to add? Leave your suggestions in the comments area below!

 

 

 

8 comments

Uta July 7, 2017 - 4:48 pm

Awesome collection. I know a few of them. My favourites are the life of Mitty, Into the wild and eat pray love are must have seen for everyone.
But more than into the wild I enjoyed the book from Krakauer — into thin air.
I will have a look on the other recommendations, especially the top one — Altas Obscura. I had been travelling for years and it would be nice to find some new spots to spoil myself with.

Reply
Courtney July 9, 2017 - 5:05 pm

I’ve not read, “Into Thin Air” – I will definitely check this one out!! Thank you!

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Dira July 7, 2017 - 1:51 pm

Great Post! I am familiar with the books you mentioned. These are great choices. I have seen Under the Tuscan Sun and Eat Pray Love. Somehow I have missed The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Way of St. James. I was not aware of these two. Which one would you recommend me to see first?

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Courtney July 9, 2017 - 5:05 pm

I have reviews on them both that include trailers as well. Check them out – Walter Mitty and The Way. They are both great movies, ya can’t go wrong!

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Ingrida July 7, 2017 - 4:45 am

Love this page! I’m a total book worm and I find such short and informative book and film reviews super helpful!
Thanks!

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Courtney August 16, 2017 - 11:12 am

Glad ya found it helpful!

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Manasir July 7, 2017 - 2:37 am

Good collections – I’m a movie fan so I’ll check those movies mentioned in the above, I have seen the movie ‘Into The Wild’ which was made into a movie from the novel mentioned in your above book list. I would suggest that movie into the movie collection as well. The other movies I’ll pin to my list. Cheers! Mana

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Courtney July 7, 2017 - 8:47 am

Agreed, that’s a great film as well! Thanks!

Reply

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