What makes a good travel fiction?

For June 2016, we will be reading Travel Fiction/Non-Fiction.
User avatar
kio
Posts: 778
Joined: 17 Apr 2014, 21:52
Favorite Author: Janet Evanovich
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... vermore</a>
Bookshelf Size: 532
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kio.html
Latest Review: "A Twist of Fate" by Mark W. Johnson
Reading Device: 1400697484
fav_author_id: 2658

What makes a good travel fiction?

Post by kio »

Travel fiction and non-fiction do not necessarily have to be as dry as they may sound. Travel, by definition, means "to make a journey, typically of some length or abroad." In this case, either fictional or relatively true. Most of these examples are in the present, but travel fiction can be in the present, past, or future or virtual world. Science fiction would, in some ways, an example of such.

What book did you read? What did you like or dislike about it? What, to you, makes a travel fiction/non-fiction story worth reading?

-- 04 Jun 2016, 13:40 --

For me, it's not so much about the travel, but what the person learns on their travels. Of course, time travel is always a plus :) , but I like to relate to as well as learn vicariously through the main characters.
"Books are unique portable magic."-Stephen King
Latest Review: "A Twist of Fate" by Mark W. Johnson
User avatar
Heidi M Simone
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 7054
Joined: 17 Jul 2015, 20:19
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Currently Reading: Beyond the Wand
Bookshelf Size: 556
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-heidi-m-simone.html
Latest Review: Lugares Amables by Lidice Megla
Publishing Contest Votes: 27
fav_author_id: 0

Post by Heidi M Simone »

I recently finished a Travel Fiction book, which happens to be Historical Fiction, as well. It is called The Boxcar Traveler by Christopher Morosoff. It is about a young man, Harry, who had it all (a stable job, a great mom, and a beautiful wife), until one day the stock market crashes and now there is nothing to his name. He meets someone who calls himself a 'Boxcar Traveler', which he explains as someone who jumps from one freight train to the next; this supportive character admits it to be quite the adventure. Harry decides to take up this lifestyle and ends up traveling from one side of the US to the other (and back).

This character, I felt towards the end, showed growth in maturity and continually showed compassion for others. Sometimes his compassion showed his naive side because not everyone is honest, but in the end he grew up some. For me, demonstrating character growth in some shape or form, no matter how small it may be, is key for both Travel Fiction and Non-fiction genres. If there isn't character growth, I tend to ask the question 'Why am I even reading this?'

Overall, I enjoyed the read and gave it a 3/4 stars.
Heidi
Official Reviewer Representative

"There is nothing as powerful as a mother’s love, and nothing as healing as a child’s soul." – Unknown
User avatar
Gravy
Gravymaster of Bookshelves
Posts: 39044
Joined: 27 Aug 2014, 02:02
Favorite Author: Seanan McGuire
Favorite Book: As many as there are stars in the sky
Currently Reading: The Ghost Tree
Bookshelf Size: 1027
fav_author_id: 3249

Post by Gravy »

I just read Wild by Cheryl Strayed, and while I'm sure everyone knows what it's about, I'll cover that anyway :lol:

In this memoir, Cheryl Strayed lost herself after the death of her mother and decided to find herself again on the PCT, or Pacific Crest Trail, a wilderness trail that stretches from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, along the western mountain ranges of the continental US.

I looked so forward to this book, and I hate that I have to say that it only earned a three out of four from me. Still a good rating, and completely worth the read, but I just can't offer it a full four, and here's why.

I couldn't empathize with Cheryl. No, that's not exactly true, I could and did empathize with her, but it seemed to me that every time I thought she might've learned something, she hadn't, and it grew very tiresome when that kept happening throughout the book.
She also reiterated things to death (or it seemed to me), which, with my prior statement, just made the entire thing feel repetitive.

Obviously, the story was enough for me to keep reading. As I said, I gave it a three (and it completely earned that) despite my issues with it, and here's why.

It's hilarious! There were parts that I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
In an effort to avoid spoilers I'll say that "something" was dealt with in a manner which impressed me, and I am profoundly greatful for that.
Also, just how incredibly interesting it is that she hiked the trail at all, much less alone. I may not care for her very much, but I respect her a great deal.

So, while I felt that her lesson seemed to have to be hammered into her head, and that she thought certain things were worth hammering into mine, it was a good, and funny, and interesting read, and I understand why others have rated this a four.
Pronouns: She/Her

What is grief, if not love persevering?

Grief is just love with no place to go.
User avatar
Heidi M Simone
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 7054
Joined: 17 Jul 2015, 20:19
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Currently Reading: Beyond the Wand
Bookshelf Size: 556
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-heidi-m-simone.html
Latest Review: Lugares Amables by Lidice Megla
Publishing Contest Votes: 27
fav_author_id: 0

Post by Heidi M Simone »

Thank you for your input, Gravy! It's good to know your thoughts because it gives me an idea of what to expect when I do end up reading it. I like that it has humor, but I can see the not learning aspect off-putting. However, I'm glad that you enjoyed some parts enjoyable. I will definitely will still be reading this at some point.

It looks like we both like when the main character/person learn as they travel.
Heidi
Official Reviewer Representative

"There is nothing as powerful as a mother’s love, and nothing as healing as a child’s soul." – Unknown
User avatar
kio
Posts: 778
Joined: 17 Apr 2014, 21:52
Favorite Author: Janet Evanovich
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... vermore</a>
Bookshelf Size: 532
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kio.html
Latest Review: "A Twist of Fate" by Mark W. Johnson
Reading Device: 1400697484
fav_author_id: 2658

Post by kio »

Gravy wrote:I just read Wild by Cheryl Strayed, and while I'm sure everyone knows what it's about, I'll cover that anyway :lol:

I couldn't empathize with Cheryl. No, that's not exactly true, I could and did empathize with her, but it seemed to me that every time I thought she might've learned something, she hadn't, and it grew very tiresome when that kept happening throughout the book.
She also reiterated things to death (or it seemed to me), which, with my prior statement, just made the entire thing feel repetitive.

Obviously, the story was enough for me to keep reading. As I said, I gave it a three (and it completely earned that) despite my issues with it, and here's why.

It's hilarious! There were parts that I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
In an effort to avoid spoilers I'll say that "something" was dealt with in a manner which impressed me, and I am profoundly greatful for that.
Also, just how incredibly interesting it is that she hiked the trail at all, much less alone. I may not care for her very much, but I respect her a great deal.

So, while I felt that her lesson seemed to have to be hammered into her head, and that she thought certain things were worth hammering into mine, it was a good, and funny, and interesting read, and I understand why others have rated this a four.
That's good to know, @gravy. I worried about how I couldn't empathize with the character in the movie, but maybe the book is worth the shot :)

-- 14 Jun 2016, 22:42 --
hsimone wrote:I recently finished a Travel Fiction book, which happens to be Historical Fiction, as well. It is called The Boxcar Traveler by Christopher Morosoff. It is about a young man, Harry, who had it all (a stable job, a great mom, and a beautiful wife), until one day the stock market crashes and now there is nothing to his name. He meets someone who calls himself a 'Boxcar Traveler', which he explains as someone who jumps from one freight train to the next; this supportive character admits it to be quite the adventure. Harry decides to take up this lifestyle and ends up traveling from one side of the US to the other (and back).

This character, I felt towards the end, showed growth in maturity and continually showed compassion for others. Sometimes his compassion showed his naive side because not everyone is honest, but in the end he grew up some. For me, demonstrating character growth in some shape or form, no matter how small it may be, is key for both Travel Fiction and Non-fiction genres. If there isn't character growth, I tend to ask the question 'Why am I even reading this?'

Overall, I enjoyed the read and gave it a 3/4 stars.
Me, too, I think if the character doesn't grow, then the book isn't as good :) I also like if the adventure part is realistic enough to buy into.
"Books are unique portable magic."-Stephen King
Latest Review: "A Twist of Fate" by Mark W. Johnson
bookreviewer2016
Posts: 73
Joined: 16 Mar 2016, 15:30
Currently Reading: The Silent Corner
Bookshelf Size: 2910
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bookreviewer2016.html
Latest Review: Pancake Money by Finn Bell

Post by bookreviewer2016 »

Interesting post. Other than time travel sci-fi, I've never heard of this genre. I did read a book once that was an adventure in which the main character traveled by seaplane. The problem I saw with it was that it read too much like a guide book. I find long setting descriptions and location histories boring.
User avatar
qsbookrec
Posts: 5
Joined: 20 Jun 2016, 17:33
Currently Reading: The Third Target
Bookshelf Size: 3

Post by qsbookrec »

Hello
The book Harbingers was an unusual travel book in that it spoke of past, present and future all at once. To read it you must be willing to listen and think.
Investigate the story on your own.
User avatar
melmo17
Posts: 19
Joined: 22 Jun 2016, 10:03
Currently Reading: Come Back to Me
Bookshelf Size: 13
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-melmo17.html
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by melmo17 »

This book sounds like a great read! I love stories like this one, where a character has the "perfect" life but then loses everything. These types of plot lines really show readers how much life can change in a moment and also shows how the main character deals with the tragedy and what they learn from it all.

I think The Boxcar Traveler will be on my list to read next. Thank you for the recommendation!
User avatar
Heidi M Simone
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 7054
Joined: 17 Jul 2015, 20:19
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Currently Reading: Beyond the Wand
Bookshelf Size: 556
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-heidi-m-simone.html
Latest Review: Lugares Amables by Lidice Megla
Publishing Contest Votes: 27
fav_author_id: 0

Post by Heidi M Simone »

kio wrote:
hsimone wrote:I recently finished a Travel Fiction book, which happens to be Historical Fiction, as well. It is called The Boxcar Traveler by Christopher Morosoff. It is about a young man, Harry, who had it all (a stable job, a great mom, and a beautiful wife), until one day the stock market crashes and now there is nothing to his name. He meets someone who calls himself a 'Boxcar Traveler', which he explains as someone who jumps from one freight train to the next; this supportive character admits it to be quite the adventure. Harry decides to take up this lifestyle and ends up traveling from one side of the US to the other (and back).

This character, I felt towards the end, showed growth in maturity and continually showed compassion for others. Sometimes his compassion showed his naive side because not everyone is honest, but in the end he grew up some. For me, demonstrating character growth in some shape or form, no matter how small it may be, is key for both Travel Fiction and Non-fiction genres. If there isn't character growth, I tend to ask the question 'Why am I even reading this?'

Overall, I enjoyed the read and gave it a 3/4 stars.
Me, too, I think if the character doesn't grow, then the book isn't as good :) I also like if the adventure part is realistic enough to buy into.
This is a good point: "I also like if the adventure part is realistic enough to buy into." It's true, if the adventure part is too unrealistic, then it's harder to enjoy the story.

-- 22 Jun 2016, 18:27 --
melmo17 wrote:This book sounds like a great read! I love stories like this one, where a character has the "perfect" life but then loses everything. These types of plot lines really show readers how much life can change in a moment and also shows how the main character deals with the tragedy and what they learn from it all.

I think The Boxcar Traveler will be on my list to read next. Thank you for the recommendation!
That's wonderful to hear, melmo17! If/When you do get to read The Boxcar Traveler, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! :)
Heidi
Official Reviewer Representative

"There is nothing as powerful as a mother’s love, and nothing as healing as a child’s soul." – Unknown
User avatar
kio
Posts: 778
Joined: 17 Apr 2014, 21:52
Favorite Author: Janet Evanovich
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... vermore</a>
Bookshelf Size: 532
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kio.html
Latest Review: "A Twist of Fate" by Mark W. Johnson
Reading Device: 1400697484
fav_author_id: 2658

Post by kio »

Poll for July is up. Don't forget to vote.
"Books are unique portable magic."-Stephen King
Latest Review: "A Twist of Fate" by Mark W. Johnson
Esies98
Posts: 156
Joined: 22 May 2016, 11:57
Bookshelf Size: 61
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-esies98.html

Post by Esies98 »

I agree with hsimone there has to be a character growth, Im recently reading a song of ice and fire and as you might know there is a lot of travel and the characters always learn something. Just like in the real life.
User avatar
Heidi M Simone
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 7054
Joined: 17 Jul 2015, 20:19
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Currently Reading: Beyond the Wand
Bookshelf Size: 556
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-heidi-m-simone.html
Latest Review: Lugares Amables by Lidice Megla
Publishing Contest Votes: 27
fav_author_id: 0

Post by Heidi M Simone »

Esies98 wrote:I agree with hsimone there has to be a character growth, Im recently reading a song of ice and fire and as you might know there is a lot of travel and the characters always learn something. Just like in the real life.
There is definitely a lot of traveling and character who are always developing. This is probably why it's just a popular series. The fantasy part is just that, fantasy. But, the characters are what draws people in.

-- 26 Jun 2016, 19:49 --

Interesting enough, I recently finished another book that I think would fall under this category. It is Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. It is a nonfiction text about Ernest Shackleton, who took a crew of men to sail to Antarctica. Their mission was to cross the continent, which, at the time, wasn't accomplished yet. Unfortunately, their ship, Endurance became stuck and they never made it to the mainland. Instead, the crew spent a long ~17 months at sea determined to get rescued.

I fairly enjoyed this read and definitely commend the bravery of the men on the ship. However, there wasn't much character growth throughout the length of the book. Most men were able to keep a more positive look at things, which is great. Because of the minimal character growth throughout their journey to safety, I didn't feel as compelled as I might have been if the men learned more along the way. Don't get me wrong, of course, this lack of growth is probably due to the fact that they were strong from the beginning, which is what you need to be if making a trek like that, but still, I wouldn't call this a favorite read of mine.

I gave this book a 3/4 stars.
Heidi
Official Reviewer Representative

"There is nothing as powerful as a mother’s love, and nothing as healing as a child’s soul." – Unknown
User avatar
Jyak
Posts: 8
Joined: 14 Jun 2016, 12:59
Bookshelf Size: 7
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jyak.html

Post by Jyak »

I have a quick question about how this genre works in tandem with other genres. I have read many books with a journey being the main front of the story but mixed with other genres like fantasy (One popular example is the Lord of the Rings). Would books like LoTR and other similar books pertaining to a journey as the main plot driving element be available for discussion or not? As LoTR primarily focuses of Frodo and Sam's journey to Mount Doom.
User avatar
Heidi M Simone
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 7054
Joined: 17 Jul 2015, 20:19
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Currently Reading: Beyond the Wand
Bookshelf Size: 556
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-heidi-m-simone.html
Latest Review: Lugares Amables by Lidice Megla
Publishing Contest Votes: 27
fav_author_id: 0

Post by Heidi M Simone »

Jyak wrote:I have a quick question about how this genre works in tandem with other genres. I have read many books with a journey being the main front of the story but mixed with other genres like fantasy (One popular example is the Lord of the Rings). Would books like LoTR and other similar books pertaining to a journey as the main plot driving element be available for discussion or not? As LoTR primarily focuses of Frodo and Sam's journey to Mount Doom.
I would say yes to that. I'm no expert, but as long as there is a journey involved and you can state what made it a good (or not so good) travel book, then I think you would good!

The Boxcar Traveler that I mentioned earlier in the post is actually labeled as Historical Fiction as its top/main genre, but the main storyline is the protagonist's travels from freight train to freight train to different parts of the United States.

I hope this helps! :)
Heidi
Official Reviewer Representative

"There is nothing as powerful as a mother’s love, and nothing as healing as a child’s soul." – Unknown
User avatar
lily_kh87
Posts: 257
Joined: 31 May 2016, 07:03
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 35
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lily-kh87.html
Latest Review: Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas

Post by lily_kh87 »

I've never read travel fiction before. It seems interesting and new. I would love to try reading something of that genre.
Post Reply

Return to “June 2016 Genre Discussion”