An Innocent Abroad: Life-changing Trips from 35 Great Writers

by Don George (Editor), John Berendt, Dave Eggers

More than 20 well-known writers and celebrities share the travel experiences that shaped their personalities and changed their lives. Contributors include Dave Eggers, Richard Ford, Pico Iyer, John Berendt, Alexander McCall Smith and Jane Smiley.

About Lonely Planet: Started in 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel guide publisher with guidebooks to every destination on the planet, as well as an award-winning website, a suite of mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet's mission is to enable curious travellers to experience the world and to truly get to the heart of the places they find themselves in.

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Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Memoir, Essays, Adventure, Ebooks

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2014

Reviews

[Kat (Lost in Neverland)]

This isn't a book you can read in one sitting. Several times, in fact, I had to read something else in order to be able to come back to this one and be genuinely interested.

The stories in the beginning, especially, have no rhyme or reason. Some made me think "Why?" at the author's choice of their travel story. For instance, Ann Patchett writes about a girl in France with a fake tattoo. She goes on in detail about this girl and her tattoo and, as we're waiting for a deeper conclusion, she then writes a quick page on her time in Ireland; she and her friend almost die by being in the same restaurant that got bombed the day after they had been in it. This takes the reader by surprise, after reading a simple story about a girl's tattoo. Why not write the story about her time in Ireland?

As the book went on, the stories grew deeper and had more meaning. They're sad and shocking, as well as hopeful and enchanting. I'd say only eight stories or so really stuck with me, out of the 35 I somehow read through.

[Magdelanye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our most cherished travel memories often transpire off to the side of our itinerary. The tales in this collection celebrate pivotal moments that put the writer on the spot, not anywhere you might be inclined to go.

[Errol Mortland · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read, and you travel, then here you go. I actually love fast & furious tours of different writing styles,

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the short stories are well writen and very interesting. Some others, look like the authors were forced to write something within the deadline, with no content, no storyline and no real story to tell.
For a small book, it took me too long to finish.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the book I needed. I think it would make a great single-day read but you will probably want go slow and savor it instead. It made me smile, it made me laugh, it made me feel.

[Ankita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like an anthology of Poems, this is a collection of travel stories from writers who have both experienced both miracles and mayhem in their sojourns. Travelling in itself is a very soulful experience made more so by the amazing penmanship of the authors of these tales.
David Baldacci experiences a different kind of homecoming while Stanley Stewart experiences life in full circle at Rome. Some stories resonate more than others but that's primarily cause I have not had the experience in my life...but this books makes you pack your bags and go take that trip you have been planning to...

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

These travel stories written by 35 different writers will probably be most appreciated if you are a travel bug. As in most fiction short story collections, this non-fiction group is difficult to star value. It was for me. Some stories are 5's and some are 1's. Some are centered on travel reactions and circumstance. Others are structured mainly and basically to impart a personal philosophy or politico supported or demonstrated in their travel. But just taking the value of the experiences described and the entertainment factor of the stories, on a whole? I would give that a solid 3.5 star. My favorites were Richard Ford's and David Balducci's. I feel I must add that I did not like the introduction (don't agree with it either) and almost didn't continue, but was glad I did. Most of the stories of adrenaline rush loving hedonistic students in their gap years, I found those mostly 2 stars or under. One exception was Ann Patchett's Paris tattoo story. That was a good one. And the travel for business assignments, those few were excellent too. Alexander McCall Smith's was another 4 star story.

In conclusion for this reaction, I am absolutely certain I will not be going to the Rat Palace in India, nor to any parts of Yemen or Burma.

Also one last observation on travel memoir demographics. I did read the entire "afterwards" section which listed all the writers' bios and current jobs/locations. What amazed me was that so many now live in California. With 8 or 9 of them in the San Francisco bay area alone. It would be intriguing to me to read a travel memoir by writers from other locations and economic groups. Also coupled with other cultural origins and realities beyond those of coastal Americans. I would especially love to read a travel memoir collection for American Veterans of the Armed Forces of all present age groups, for instance.

Do any publishers out there read this? You would have an audience.

[Pamela Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read An Innocent Abroad the week I was home sick and couldn’t digest anything more taxing than a few short stories at a time; it was just what the doctor ordered, and by the time I finished reading this book I was back on my feet, refreshed in my mind and wanting to travel. These 35 stories that changed each author, brought back memories of when I was an innocent broad, okay I know that’s not the title couldn’t resist the joke. Still the memory of my own life changing journey, at 22, with a man I’d only known for 3 days before flying to Mexico with him, only later to discover that his name was an alias and he smuggled drugs to finance his travels: took my innocence and would fit comfortably between these pages. Now, as for this book, it contains many gems that will appeal to a wide variety of readers: some stories will make you laugh, some will give you that ah ha moment, some will make you cringe and say no way, but each will leave you wanting more—more travel, more adventure and a little more insight into the places you may think you know. Buy this for yourself or pass this on to a fellow traveler it’s a 5 star gift from some gifted writers. I read it in paperback, not kindle can't find another edition on here, oh well I'm sure it would be great to read as an eBook too.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recollections by top travel writers of trips that changed them early on in their writing careers make a pleasant read. Tim Cahill remains my favorite of the travel writing darlings of our day. He always imparts good information while making me smile. No slacker, Pico Iyer can be counted on for an informed story with a literary flare. Larry Haebegger’s Face You’ll Never Forget is a model of the crisply written travel story and why not, he is the publisher of the esteemed Traveler’s Tales. Tony Wheeler’s remembrance of week camping naked in Yugoslavia reminded me of my time in Martinique where the beach was littered with French families in their birthday suits. I’m sure you will find a story among these 35 choices to enjoy.
Lost Angel Walkabout: One Traveler's Tales

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs more stories about travel.

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short stories about traveling; some were self-indulgent and not that interesting. Skimmed many.

[CVFranklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began, I'm not sure what I was expecting. What I found was an interesting compilation of styles and topics on travel to places I now want to go and explore.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travel demands a certain amount of trust from us… we open ourselves to the world, we also open ourselves to the possibility that things may not always be safe.
- Candace Rose Rardon

I’ll think about this experience the next time I encounter something difficult in my life: that even when we feel like our legs are giving out beneath us and there’s no way we’ll be able to carry-on – not only can we keep going through the darkness with barely a flicker of light, but we can climb mountains and cross rivers. And still keep going. That in the worlds darkest caves, there are verdant untouched gardens. And in the most remote decrepit shack, there is a jovial refugee who helped a couple of crazy strangers in the night.
- Jenna Scatena

You have spent your whole life letting go of the innocent dreams that made your childhood so warm and hopeful and full of certainty. dream by dream you let them go. We all do it, to shield ourselves from disappointment. it’s easy to shed them. not so easy to get them back.
- John Berendt

Each of us has a tiny voice inside us, and all our problems come from ignoring that tiny voice.
- Lavinia Spalding

I believed in the power of travel to work magic: blend enough time and movement in a foreign place and a kind of alchemy to occur.
- Jim Benning

We’re just microscopic organisms in a huge energy system, always coming and going. Always moving. Nothing ever remains in one place. Belonging is an illusion.
- Torre DeRoche

[Alys Penfold · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this anthology allowed some interpretation, so there was a real mix of stories in here.

The ones I felt were done best were the ones that focussed on a specific moment or instance. I felt that some of the writers in here were far too self-indulgent and unfortunately theirs didn't quite stack up to the others. But you take the good with the bad!

I felt it started off with a strong story, got a bit shit for the few stories and then picked up and dropped back down within the book.

I particularly enjoyed reading the stories from: Sloane Crosley, Alexander McCall Smith, Candace Rose Rardon, Jenna Scatena, Kerre McIvor, Tony Wheeler (I laughed out loud several times), David Baldacci, Anna Vodicka (very unique and engaging), Lavinia Spalding and of course the amazing Cheryl Strayed.

There were others I somewhat enjoyed, but the ones above stood out for me. Felt a range of emotions reading some of these stories; I knew you were captivated when I was completely absorbed and forgot I was reading a book.

[Jordan Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readable, fun snippets.

Every variation on the ugly American, the easily swindled, the culturally oblivious, the overenthusiastic-yet-charming, wannabe anthropologist, and at times genuinely-pushing-past-cultural-barriers. I have mixed feelings on the ethics of tourism myself but it's a zippy read if you're into travel writing. The best story was a harrowing tale of geologists near the Arctic, and there are too many clumsy pieces to pick a worst one.

Read if you're in the mood for it, nothing especially dazzling.

[Keri Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as I began a trip to Costa Rica. Most of the stories are excellent. A few less so, but I enjoyed reading this as I traveled. It helped me thinking of my own writing notes in a new way—maybe I’m a travel writer but I had thought these stories were for myself. I would recommend this book.

[Ken The Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first thoughts about this book, after reading the first ~ 5 chapters, is that it had too many contributors and not enough content. However, I eventually settled in, and simply started enjoying each of the thoughtful stories. Yes, I picked up 3-4 "must visit" cities, countries and parts of the world that, until I read this book, I knew very little about.

[Mysteryfan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a little time capsule about traveling. The collection was published in 2014 but some of the essays cover much earlier trips. Some of the essays are much of a muchness but others are breathtaking. I did particularly love the essays by David Baldacci and Jane Smiley. It's not a book to be rushed but a good one to carry around and read a few essays at a time

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travel essays that made me want to learn more about some of the destinations and perhaps travel there, but also encouraged my interest in a number of the writers. I am looking forward to following up on both.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories were a 3, some a 5; so I split the difference and gave it an overall 4.

The book made the world and our shared humanity feel accessible. Plus it was full of heartwarming & funny moments. Fab read!

[Alicia Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a superfast read. But the stories were not the best that each author had to offer. It seemed like they dug through their travel story discard pile and submitted whatever fit the word limit. Still, the writing is good, just not the best that each featured writer could write.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this during the pandemic, which made it more impactful because we collectively could not travel. Each story had a special component that brought me back to my own experiences. Each was well written and short essays were easy to digest.

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved some of the short stories; David Baldacci’s and Cheryl Strayed’s stuck out. However, several of these felt like 10 minute writing exercises for famous travelers. Lots of cheap travel cliches, I got bored.

[untitled lullaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all of these some are better than others but I think overall this is one of the best collections. It meanders in quality around the middle but the first few stories are enjoyable and interesting.

[Katherine Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection of stories, some very inspiring. Good to read on a trip.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good collection, but wish it wasn't quite so Eurocentric. There's no China or Japan, little India, very little South America (although a decent amount of Central America)

[Barbara Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these short stories written by 35 great writers about their most memorable travel experiences.

I especially enjoyed the story by David Balducci. It was one of my favorites!

[Megan Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm typically not a fan of books of short stories but in this case I loved it. Some of the stories I didn't connect with and other I felt so incredibly connected with. Overall, it was great to read these differing takes on being an 'innocent abroad', as I certainly have my own perspective.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun collection of travel stories. Gave me the travel bug.

[Jim Sarjeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great travel stories by successful authors.