Books Like...
In "The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific," Paul Theroux embarks on a journey through the Pacific islands, providing humorous and accurate impressions of the region. The book is a travelogue where Theroux visits 51 islands, showcasing his slightly cranky yet interesting writing style that captures the essence of each destination he explores. Through vivid descriptions, he sheds light on the realities of island life, debunking romantic myths and offering a critical perspective on colonial influences.
Theroux's narrative meanders around the Pacific, painting a picture of his encounters with locals, unique experiences at sea, and memorable characters. Despite his critical nature and occasional overgeneralizations, Theroux's writing keeps readers engaged with his funny anecdotes and observations. The book delves into the cultural nuances of the Pacific islands, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that showcase both the beauty of the landscapes and the complexities of the islanders' lives.
If you liked The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific, here are the top 39 books to read next:
Border: A Journey to the Edge of Europe by Kapka Kassabova is a deeply personal exploration of the borders between Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece. Kassabova vividly describes the landscapes, history, and people she encounters during her travels through this region, delving into the complexities of the past and present. The book is a mix of travel memoir, historical account, and cultural exploration, all intertwined with the author's poetic and evocative writing style.
Kapka Kassabova's 'Border' takes readers on a captivating journey through the borderlands of Southeastern Europe, where the author revisits her childhood and explores the intersections of cultures and histories in this often-overlooked corner of the world. Through encounters with locals, historical insights, and personal reflections, Kassabova paints a vivid picture of the region's landscapes, myths, and the enduring impact of borders on the lives of those who inhabit them.
On land, it was once a Roman route that connected the Danube with the Bosphorus. In the sky, it is still a migratory route for birds. Via Pontica takes its name from the Black Sea, once called Pontus ...- #2
Save:Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi is a captivating true story of a young woman's solo circumnavigation of the globe in a small sailboat. The book details Tania's adventurous journey, facing challenges and triumphs as she navigates the world's oceans at a tender age, setting records and inspiring readers with her courage and determination. The plot unfolds with vivid descriptions of Tania's experiences, from the thrill of exploration to the emotional growth she undergoes throughout her voyage. The writing style is engaging, drawing readers into the world of sailing and personal discovery, making it a compelling read for both sailing enthusiasts and those seeking an inspiring coming-of-age tale.
October 23, 1987, another dawn—my thirty-seventh alone on the North Atlantic. Around me, the sea is a liquid mountain range of heaving swells, and I’m really scared. The winds and waves have been stea... In 1978 Eric Hansen found himself shipwrecked on a desert island in the Red Sea. When goat smugglers offered him safe passage to Yemen, he buried seven years' worth of travel journals deep in the sand and took his place alongside the animals on a lea
...Stranger in the Forest: On Foot Across Borneo by Eric Hansen is a captivating travelogue that narrates the author's journey across Borneo in the mid-1980s. The book offers a unique insight into a vanishing culture and the lush forests of Borneo, reminiscent of British travelogues by early explorers. Despite some criticism for not fully explaining his motivations, Hansen's writing style immerses readers in the adventure, blending tales of the forest with cultural encounters and challenges faced during the expedition.
- #5
Save:"The Long Way" by Bernard Moitessier is a sailing memoir that delves into the author's journey of self-discovery and connection with nature during a solo circumnavigation race. Moitessier's writing style captivates readers with his poetic descriptions of life at sea, the beauty of the ocean world, and the internal struggles and joys of a lone sailor. The book highlights Moitessier's decision to forgo the race's finish line in pursuit of a deeper spiritual connection, emphasizing his unique perspective on life and the natural world.
Our boats lie at anchor in Plymouth harbour and the BBC forecasts favourable winds today and tomorrow, but also fog. Too bad about the fog: it will have to be today. Sailors do not like to leave on Fr... - #6
Save:'In Patagonia' by Bruce Chatwin is a travelogue that takes the reader on a journey through the remote and mysterious region of Patagonia in southern Argentina. Chatwin's writing style is described as meandering, with short vignettes that cover encounters with historical figures like Butch Cassidy, exploration of the local culture and history, and reflections on the landscape and wildlife of the area. The book is a blend of travel experiences, historical anecdotes, and personal reflections, creating a unique narrative that captures the essence of Patagonia through Chatwin's eyes.
Chatwin's approach to storytelling in 'In Patagonia' is unconventional, focusing more on historical context and character sketches rather than traditional travelogue descriptions. The book offers a mix of captivating tales and mundane observations, leaving readers with a sense of the history and culture of Patagonia while also sparking controversy over the accuracy of some details. Chatwin's writing style is described as evocative, spare, and at times experimental, creating a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, inviting readers to explore the enigmatic beauty of Patagonia through his words.
IN MY grandmother’s dining-room there was a glass-fronted cabinet and in the cabinet a piece of skin. It was a small piece only, but thick and leathery, with strands of coarse, reddish hair. It was st...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Vintage Voyages ) - #7
Save:Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum is an autobiographical account of the first man to sail singlehandedly around the world. The book chronicles Slocum's three-year journey, beginning in 1895, where he crossed the Atlantic, navigated through treacherous waters, visited various islands, and ultimately completed a 46,000-mile voyage. Slocum's writing style is described as fluid and straightforward, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in his adventures and experiences at sea. Despite facing numerous challenges, Slocum's narrative is filled with humor, insight into human nature, and a sense of humility that resonates throughout the book.
Failure as a fisherman—A voyage around the world projected—From Boston to Gloucester—Fitting out for the ocean voyage—Half of a dory for a ship's boat—The run from Gloucester to Nova Scotia—A shaking ... - #8
Save:'Into the Heart of Borneo' by Redmond O'Hanlon follows the journey of two British amateur travelers, Redmond O'Hanlon and James Fenton, as they venture into the depths of Borneo in search of the highest mountain and the elusive white Rhino. The narrative is filled with humor, awe-inspiring descriptions of the people and places they encounter, and a blend of adventure and scientific exploration guided by historical jungle explorer predecessors.
The situation in Sarawak as seen by Haddon in 1888 is still much the same today. He found a series of racial strata moving downwards in society and backwards in time as he moved inwards on the island.... In "Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before," author Tony Horwitz embarks on a journey to retrace the voyages of Captain Cook, blending history with travelogue. Horwitz brings readers along on his exploration of the Pacific region, sharing the adventures and controversies surrounding Cook's legacy. The book weaves together tales of Cook's epic journeys and Horwitz's own experiences, providing insight into the impact of colonization and the consequences of exploration.
When I was thirteen, my parents bought a used sailboat, a ten-foot wooden dory that I christened Wet Dream. For several summers, I tacked around the waters off Cape Cod, imagining myself one of the wh...- #10
Save:Thor Heyerdahl, inspired by his theory that Polynesians could have originated from South America, embarks on an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft named Kon-Tiki. Along with five companions, they face the challenges of nature, including raging seas, wild winds, and encounters with various marine creatures, to prove his hypothesis. The book vividly describes the preparations, the voyage itself, and the eventual landing on a Polynesian island, capturing the spirit of adventure, scientific curiosity, and camaraderie among the crew.
ONCE IN A WHILE YOU FIND YOURSELF IN AN odd situation. You get into it by degrees and in the most natural way but, when you are right in the midst of it, you are suddenly astonished and ask yourself h...
