Whether you're reading by the pool or pretending your couch is a sandy beach, summer is a great time to get some leisure reading in.

Emily Calkins from the King County Library System has both non-fiction and fiction travel-themed recommendations for your next real or pretend vacation.

"We Came, We Saw, We Left" by Charles Wheelan

Charlie Wheelan and his family do what others dream of: they take a year off to travel the world. This is their story.

What would happen if you quit your life for a year? In a pre-COVID-19 world, the Wheelan family decided to find out; leaving behind work, school, and even the family dogs to travel the world on a modest budget. Equal parts "how-to" and "how-not-to" — and with an eye toward a world emerging from a pandemic — "We Came, We Saw, We Left" is the insightful and often hilarious account of one family's gap-year experiment.

Wheelan paints a picture of adventure and connectivity, juggling themes of local politics, global economics, and family dynamics while exploring answers to questions like how do you sneak out of a Peruvian town that has been barricaded by the local army? And, where can you get treatment for a flesh-eating bacteria your daughter picked up two continents ago? From Colombia to Cambodia, "We Came, We Saw, We Left" chronicles nine months across six continents with three teenagers. What could go wrong?

"The Fugitives" by Jesse McCarthy

Like most recent college graduates, Jonah Winters is unsure of what's next. A young Black American raised in France and living in New York City, he tries on a couple of careers only to find that nothing feels right. And as Jonah struggles to envision his future, he feels pressured by his friends and family to put the struggles of his community before his search for self. But then a chance encounter with an ex-NBA player with his own regrets, inspires Jonah to take his life into his own hands. Deciding to leave the country entirely, he sets off for Brazil. And as he makes and breaks friendships on the way, reflects on his past relationships, and learns to rely on himself, Jonah slowly forms an understanding of self, community, and freedom that is rarely afforded to young Black men.

"Subpar Parks" by Amber Share

Based on the wildly popular Instagram account, Subpar Parks features both the greatest hits and brand-new content, all celebrating the incredible beauty and variety of America's national parks juxtaposed with the clueless and hilarious one-star reviews posted by visitors.

"Subpar Parks," both on the popular Instagram page and in this humorous, informative, and collectible book, combines two things that seem like they might not work together yet somehow harmonize perfectly — beautiful illustrations and informative, amusing text celebrating each national park paired with the one-star reviews disappointed tourists have left online. Millions of visitors each year enjoy Glacier National Park, but for one visitor, it was simply "Too cold for me!" Another saw the mind-boggling vistas of Bryce Canyon as "Too spiky!" Never mind the person who visited the thermal pools at Yellowstone National Park and left thinking, "Save yourself some money, boil some water at home."

Featuring more than 50 percent new material, the book will include more depth and insight into the most popular parks, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Acadia National Parks; anecdotes and tips from rangers; and much more about author Amber Share's personal love and connection to the outdoors. Equal parts humor and love for the national parks and the great outdoors, it's the perfect gift for anyone who loves to spend time outside as well as have a good read (and laugh) once they come indoors.

READ FULL STORY: https://www.king5.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/new-day-northwest/adventure-travel-books-recommendations-summer-vacation/281-7e785f01-3f27-44d5-ae75-b67934733acb
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