armchair travel

To travel would be a dream right now but a book can often transport you to different time or place, right from the comfort and safety of home.  From the Sicilian countryside to quaint Parisian streets to the glamor of 1940s New York, this list of destination reads is almost as good as taking a vacation!

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

Escape to: Socialize with the ultra-rich in Capri, Italy and New York City.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Escape to: A luxurious resort in Maui, Hawaii, where you can sip on pineapple juice and take in the views of the ocean from your (honeymoon) suite.

Walking on the Ceiling by Aysegul Savas

Escape to: A quaint Parisian bookstore where the smell of buttered croissants from the cafe next door fills the air between the shelves.

From Scratch by Tembi Locke

Escape to: The Silician countryside complete with a big Italian family and lots of fresh food.

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Escape to: An extravagant Cape Cod wedding.

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

Escape to: The sun-kissed streets of 1960s Havana, Cuba.

The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal

Escape to: India, where you’ll explore food, heritage, and a colorful culture you won’t want to leave.

Tomorrow There Will Be Sun by Dana Reinhardt

Escape to: A private villa in Mexico with a bottomless pitcher of margaritas.

Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams

Escape to: A remote surfing village in Kauai, Hawaii.

The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell

Escape to: The luscious, green cliffsides of the Zambezi River in Zambia.

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

Escape to: The Korean island of Jeju and its crystalline, azure waters that you’ll want to dive right into.

Leading Men by Christopher Castellani

Escape to: The cafe-crowded streets of Portofino, Italy, where you can sip wine while taking in views of the Amalfi coast (and perhaps reading some Capote or Williams).

Cape May by Chip Cheek

Escape to: A gorgeous mansion overlooking the shores of Cape May, New Jersey (think Gatsby on the beach).

Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly

Escape to: Revolutionary-era Russia to dine with tsars in ancient stone castles.

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Escape to: London, England, to track down (and maybe fall in love with) a royal.

If you are looking for even more adventure, register for the Bookies meeting on Tuesday, August 11^th at 10am.  They’ll be meeting on Zoom to discuss travel writing.  The library is open for limited access Monday-Saturday 10am-2pm. Masks covering your nose and mouth are required for the duration of your visit and only 30 patrons are allowed in the building at one time.  Upstairs on the second floor, you’ll find a display of some exciting travel writing near service desk.  Register here for the Bookies’ August meeting: https://emmetoneal.libnet.info/event/4480904