Books were my official travel companions back then. I could spend days and weeks at home, trying to finish a whole series. But then adulting hit hard and responsibilities toppled over the other. And so those books that I have been long hoarding stayed at the bottom of my so-called priority list.
But unlike machines that get rusted through time, books remain the same. As a matter of fact, books even become better and more relatable at certain stages of our lives. So, if you get tired from binge-watching those K-dramas and movies, allow your mind to wander this time.
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Great Books to Read for Adventurers and Travelers
Curl up with these great books that will certainly take the adventurer and traveler in you to places and experiences that you’ve never been before. As Anna Quindlen says it: Books are the plane, and the train, and the road; they are the destination and the journey. They are home.
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Happiness is only real when shared. Who would forget this epic solo adventure of the great Christopher McCandless to the Alaskan wilderness? This book will surely provide every reader a perception on what it feels like to finally break free from the norms of society – renouncing all possessions and hitchhiking across America. His encounters with different people that changed him as person will also change the way we look at people from all walks of like: of how capable we are of helping one another and how able we are to sympathize with people.
- Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Men go to far greater lengths to avoid what they fear than to obtain what they desire. I’ve meet Dan Brown in high school – when his conspiracies made a lot of people question their faith. But my first book him was not the Da Vinci Code, it was Digital Fortress. From then on, I became a low-key fan of how I is able to bring people to various places in a limited number of days and how he encourages readers to think beyond the box – of finding the real culprit of each of his mystery books.
Da Vinci Code tells the story of a murder that happened in Louvre Museum. The investigation process then leads to unveiling cryptic clues hidden in the great masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci and discovering the secrets of the religious orders behind Christianity.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Only those who find life, finds treasures. Do I need to elaborate the story of the young shepherd named Santiago who went far and beyond to search the treasures of his dreams only to realize that his Personal legend was not his to make but of the Universe? Read at your own risk and let fate control your life.
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eyes. Of course, you’ve already encountered this Little Prince way back high school or years before that and surely he has moved your heart with his epic lines back then. However, I guess, things have been a little different now. Believe me, this masterpiece will make more sense the older you read it.
- Five People you Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
No story sits by itself. I have read all books of Mitch Albom (oh well, I haven’t finished yet The Next Person you meet in Heaven, yet) and by far, he’s works are still making me feel unsettled as to how to deal with death. But there is something in the way he talks about death that makes it a little comforting.
If you are ready to shed some tears, feel free to break your heart a hundred times with this novel wherein Eddie meets the five unexpected people who had significant impact on his life while he was still alive. And well, maybe you’ll begin imagining as well who you’re five people will be. And the next person after them.
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Don’t make it worse by thinking it’s more painful than it actually is. In case you want to read something that you can immediately finish in one sitting, try reading this book about a nine-year old boy (though it’s not a book for nine-year olds) during WWII. His personal exploration brought him into the barbed-wire fence of Jews where he forged a forbidden friendship with Shmuel.
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
At some point, you got to let go, and sit still, and allow contentment to come to you. If you are in struggle right now with love, career, and your personal goals, try reading the story of Elizabeth Gilbert – a woman who’s at the turning point of her life and confused with what really matters to her. To solve her dilemma, she went on a quest for self-discovery to the countries of Italy, India, and Bali. (Altogether: Sana all.)
- Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
There’s no such thing as happily ever after. Not forever, not for good. Probably, just temporary. This ain’t no adventure. And that’s what makes this novel heartbreaking. How cruel for the universe to forbid an adventure of a lifetime. But I’m sure you’ll fall in love how these two misfits – Eleanor and Park – make the life of what they have.
- The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer Smith
There was no point in waiting for someone who hadn’t asked, and there was no point in wishing for something that would never happen. What if we’re only in love of the thought of traveling? Just because our parents (or friends) have found the love of their lives through traveling, this could also mean true to us. The Geography of You and Me takes readers to a beautiful adventure of a young love found on an elevator in New York City during a citywide blackout.
- Alamat ng Gubat by Bob Ong
Iba ang walang ginagawa sa gumagawa ng wala. In case you want to entertain yourself with some epic animated book, here’s a topnotch choice among the children’s book (and not even made for children): Alamat ng Gubat. This book is an allegorical story of the Philippine government. It relays the adventures of Tong and his friends in locating the banana heart which is said to cure the ailment of his father. His marvelous encounter with other animals will make every reader think who these characters symbolize in the government.
Of course, the list still goes on. And there are still tons of books that have been resting in the shelves. Hopefully, I can get to read them soon. Have you read them as well? Any recommendations? Feel free to comment down below or message me on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out this vast compilation of FREE e-books! Travel far and wide and let your imagination bring you to places you’ve never been before. Conquer summits, dive those trenches, and cross oceans and borders without breaking the bank. And best of all, enjoy!
Dakilanglaagan 