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| The Last Wild Men of Borneo: A True Story of Death and Treasure by Carl HoffmanWhat it's about: Carl Hoffman eloquently describes his travels in Borneo following the paths of two enigmatic outsiders: American Michael Palmieri, a tribal-art dealer who traveled deep into the rainforest, built relationships, and became rich acquiring art for museums and collectors, and Swiss environmentalist Bruno Manser, who lived with the Penan tribe for years, fought logging, and mysteriously disappeared in 2000.
Who it's for: those who relish compelling adventure tales, are fascinated by rainforests, or enjoyed the author's Savage Harvest. |
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| Figures in a Landscape: People & Places; Essays, 2001-2016 by Paul TherouxWhat it is: a reflective, wide-ranging collection of bestselling writer Paul Theroux's recent pieces about places he's visited (Ecuador, Hawaii, Zimbabwe, Alabama, etc.) as well as essays about interesting people, including celebrities and authors (Oliver Sacks, Robin Williams, Elizabeth Taylor, Joseph Conrad, Henry David Thoreau, and more).
Is it for you? Yes, if you like erudite travel articles mixed with refreshing profiles of a variety of people. |
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| Tip of the Iceberg: My 3,000-mile Journey Around Wild Alaska, the Last Great... by Mark AdamsWhat it's about: Mark Adams, author of Turn Right at Machu Picchu, traveled via road, ferry, foot, and canoe around coastal Alaska, retracing the 1899 Harriman expedition (whose members included naturalist John Muir and photographer Edward Curtis). While doing so, he encountered a much-changed land, fascinating people, and wild animals.
Who it's for: fans of Bill Bryson, as well as anyone who likes personable tour guides and amusing, artful blends of history and travel. |
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Have Glove, Will Travel : Adventures of a Baseball Vagabond
by Bill Lee
What it is: A sequel to The Wrong Stuff describes how the talented but iconoclastic baseball pitcher found himself blacklisted from professional baseball and his adventures around the world in his quest to play the sport he loved, competing in pickup games, town tournaments, senior leagues, and fantasy camps.
Where it goes: across the U.S. and Canada, China, Cuba, Russia, and South America.
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| A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, a Pint, and the Next Tee by Tom CoyneWhat happens: Irish-American Tom Coyne decided to walk to and then play at all 50 or so golf courses around the coast of Ireland.
Why you should read it: Even with hazards (including blisters, pouring rain, and a large growling dog), Coyne enjoyed the beauty and people (and beer) of the Emerald Isle.
Who it's for: Coyne focuses more on his travels than his games, so even non-golfers can enjoy this book that's "equal parts touching, wry, and hilarious" (The New York Times). |
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| Running With the Kenyans: Discovering the Secrets of the Fastest People on Earth by Adharanand FinnWhat it is: a compelling memoir chronicling British journalist Adharanand Finn's attempt to be the best runner he could be. To that end, he moved with his wife and three young children to Kenya, where he trained with some of the world's best runners and his family adjusted to living where lions roam.
Who it's for: Runners will certainly find much to like here as will anyone intrigued by the rural areas of Kenya. |
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Playing the Moldovans at Tennis
by Tony Hawks
What it is: The author of Round Ireland with a Fridge takes readers on an hilarious adventure from England to Moldova, Northern Ireland, and eventually Israel as he attempts to beat all eleven members of the Moldovan soccer team at tennis, is taken in by gypsies, narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt, and smuggles his way onto the Moldovan National Team train.
Who it's for: fans of the weird, the silly, and the out-of-left-field.
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| Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William FinneganWhat it is: the richly detailed, Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir chronicling journalist William Finnegan's experiences as a lifelong surfer.
What it's about: Finnegan's childhood in Hawaii and California, his adult years surfing around the globe (the U.S., the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Africa), amazing waves, near-death experiences, and more.
Reviewers say: "a travelogue head-scratchingly rich in obscure, sharply observed destinations" (Wall Street Journal). |
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Contact your CALS librarian for more great armchair travel books! |
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Central Arkansas Library System
100 Rock St.
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
501-918-3008
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