Hello, I’m Meghan and I’m a non-fiction snob. Yes, I’ve never read Harry Potter or 50 Shades of Grey, but give me Jon Krakauer and Bill Bryson any day (by the way, that rhymes). The other day I watched the movie, Tracks, for the first time, and was incredibly uplifted by what would seem like a pointless story. It might not be well know to any of you living outside of Australia, as it’s based on the true story of a young woman who walked from Alice Springs (middle of Australia) to the Indian Ocean (west coast of Australia), basically she walked through the Australian desert for over six months and no one knew why! Anyway, it got me thinking about the stories that inspired me, along with my family and friends, over the years to get out and explore the world around us. So I’ve rounded up my favourites for you, but I would love to hear your favourites too (that rhymes as well, what’s with me today)!
Tracks by Robyn Davidson
I have yet to read the book written by Robyn Davidson herself, after the article she wrote for National Geographic about her trek garnered overwhelming interest. But after enjoying the movie so much (remember what I said about Australian film), I’ll have to pick up that book soon. When the movie was released last year, I was reluctant to see it, as, like I said earlier, the story seemed pointless. However, a fellow traveller in Margaret River encouraged me to watch the movie and read the book, telling me how much it inspired her, as an independent woman. Now the story doesn’t seem so pointless, leaving you in awe, cringing, on the edge of seat, as you follow this young woman, her dog, and four camels through the trials of the Australian Outback.
The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant
So far this is my favourite book to date, and I must thank my good friend, Mark, for recommending his favourite book to me many years ago. If you have ever spent time in the Pacific Northwest, you would have encountered the majestic nature all around you. This book encapsulates that, along with the spirituality of these old lands. The true story documents Grant Hadwin’s senseless protest, as he cut down the only giant GOLDEN spruce on earth. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first page and maybe it will be made into a movie soon.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
I have yet to read the book, which I hope to do soon before I see the movie, but my good friend, Kristen, recommended this book to me after it inspired her to start multi day treks. The story seems similar to Tracks, as both these women experienced the tragic loss of their mothers, and strived to challenge themselves in ways that would seem impossible. If this doesn’t get your sense of adventure going, I don’t know what would!
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
A classic, for me at least! Everyday this book weaves its way into my life, whether I’m reminded of my favourite quotes written on my notebooks/desktop/phone or Eddie Vedder’s wonderful rendition playing in the background. I read Into the Wild after a tragic time, as it was just what I needed to get out of my year of grief and hit the road backpacking around the Middle East and Europe. Though I know some people who don’t find this story as inspiring as I do, I still think it’s worth reading, and even watching the movie, which is a good adaptation of the book (a rarity). It will get you thinking about what adventure and exploration really means, not to Christopher McCandless, but to you.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I know, I know, the whole Eat, Pray, Love thing has been overdone. But if you’re looking for an easy, fun read, this is it. I still refer to a few favourite quotes of mine, which means this story is still relevant to us women trying to find our way. Though, unlike the other books mentioned that have been adapted into critically acclaimed movies, this movie is definitely a miss.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This is the one fiction book I love, not because it happens to be my boyfriend and my father’s favourite book (purely coincidence). But I love how this book takes adventure to the extreme, yet still has a sense of reality about it. It’s the funnest book I’ve read and definitely stirred my inner traveller. Though this movie is a miss too.
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