Books to travel by

I like to list things by three so here we go.

 By now, most of you have seen the film version of Bill Bryson's Walk in the  Woods.  If you haven't, take the time to watch the movie or better yet, read the book.  It is a hilarious tale of two middle aged men who endeavor to hike the Appalachian Trail with little training, little preparation and the wrong gear.  The book gives new meaning to the Boy Scout motto "Be prepared."

Tom Ryan's Following Atticus is a heart-warming story of a man and his dog.  Tom Ryan, living a lonely life in Newburyport, MA adopts a miniature schnauzer whom he names Atticus Finch.  After a series of disappointments, depression and health issues, Tom and Atticus decide to hike some of the higher peaks in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Whether you are a nature lover, a dog lover or in need of an inspirational story,  Following Atticus is for you. It reinforces the saying for rescue animals, "who resscued whom?"

Finally, Rinker Buck, an accomplished  journalist brings us The Oregon Trail. In the vein of Walk in the Woods, Rinker and his brother, again two middle aged men, get the bright idea of reenacting the Oregon in a wagon pulled by mules.  Once again, we meet two people who are not completely prepared for the journey. The mules are the real heroes.  However, Buck is an excellent writer and he brings new insight into American history and the journeys of the pioneers who crossed America in wagons, on foot or on horseback.  Sometimes, funny, sometimes touching, this book, this book is a really good read for anyone looking for the offbeat adventure.

Happy Reading!