Key Takeaways
- This year hasn’t been what anyone expected. As COVID has reminded us, you never know what tomorrow will bring. And, this year, it didn’t bring too man
- However, if there’s been one silver lining, it’s that being home this much has allowed me to supercharge my reading. While this year started off slow,
- So, as I look back on this year as it comes to an end, I can find at least one good thing about it!
This year hasn’t been what anyone expected. As global events reminded us, you never know what tomorrow will bring. And while it brought significant challenges—especially for those in the travel industry—it also created unexpected space for reflection and deep reading.
One silver lining has been the opportunity to reconnect with books. After a slow start, reading became a consistent rhythm—often one or two books per week. Long-ignored titles finally found their moment, and new favorites emerged from quiet hours at home.
As the year closes, this list celebrates those standout reads: stories that transport, inform, and inspire. Whether you're planning your next trip—or simply seeking perspective—a great book remains one of the most reliable and rewarding escapes.
And with the holiday season approaching, a well-chosen book continues to be a thoughtful, timeless gift. Here are the titles that resonated most deeply this year:
Looking for Transwonderland, by Noo Saro-Wiwa
This powerful travel memoir stands out as one of the most compelling recent works in the genre. Noo Saro-Wiwa returns to Nigeria after years abroad—not just to revisit her roots, but to reckon with her father’s legacy and the complex realities of contemporary Nigerian life. Her writing is vivid, empathetic, and deeply informed, offering nuanced portraits of people, places, and politics across the country. It’s both a personal pilgrimage and an essential introduction to a nation too often reduced to stereotypes.
The Invisible Hook, by Peter Leeson
Don’t let the academic title fool you—this is a surprisingly lively and revelatory exploration of 18th-century piracy. Leeson applies economic theory to uncover how pirate crews functioned as highly organized, democratic collectives: drafting constitutions, instituting shared governance, even pioneering early forms of workers’ compensation. It dismantles myths while delivering sharp insights into cooperation, incentives, and informal institutions—making history feel urgently relevant.
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
A cornerstone of modern self-development literature, Atomic Habits distills behavioral science into actionable, accessible strategies. Clear emphasizes consistency over intensity—showing how tiny, repeatable changes compound into meaningful transformation. For travelers, its lessons extend far beyond daily routines: think packing discipline, language practice, or building resilience on the road. Its clarity and practicality make it indispensable for anyone aiming to design a more intentional life.
See You in the Piazza, by Frances Mayes
Mayes moves beyond Tuscany in this richly textured journey across thirteen Italian regions. With warmth and culinary curiosity, she invites readers into local markets, family kitchens, and lesser-known hill towns—revealing Italy not as a postcard, but as a living, evolving mosaic of tradition and innovation. Her lyrical prose and deep respect for regional identity make this more than a travelogue; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and see familiar places anew.
An Arabian Journey, by Levison Wood
Wood’s signature blend of endurance, empathy, and storytelling shines in this account of his 1,000-mile walk across the Middle East—from Jordan through Syria, Lebanon, and into Turkey—during a time of profound regional upheaval. Rather than focusing on conflict alone, he centers the humanity he encounters: farmers, teachers, refugees, elders sharing tea and stories. The result is a quietly courageous portrait of resilience, hospitality, and shared dignity amid complexity.
The Great Influenza, by John M. Barry
Barry’s meticulously researched narrative traces the 1918 pandemic from its origins to its devastating global impact—killing an estimated 50 million people. More than a historical chronicle, it’s a study in public health leadership, scientific uncertainty, and societal response under pressure. Its resonance in recent years underscores why understanding past crises matters deeply—not just for epidemiologists, but for every traveler navigating an interconnected, unpredictable world.
