Books and Coffee.
A space for new literary discoveries, that inspire us to explore the wondrous world.
A good book has the power to free imagination—to unlock the limitless potential of our dreams with reckless abandon. When we open a book, we open ourselves to a new experience, as the very act of reading is an invitation to be transformed and transported by the story before us. I like to approach travel in the way I approach a book. I try to not be persuaded by the cover or preceding reputation, but rather, keep an open mind and dive in. With this approach, I allow the journey to evolve me, and am empowered to create my own story through the act of experiencing one.
As a traveler, books shape the onset of every trip I plan. Research is instrumental in gathering solid practical information, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the soul of a place. I personally feel that books are best enjoyed when accompanied by a warm cup of coffee and the dance of raindrops outside. In these quiet moments, we can best access the calm, reflective, internal space where our deepest thoughts can stretch and breathe.
With coffee in hand, I am beyond enthused to share inspiring, fascinating books and resources that have encouraged me to learn more about our incredible world.
“A Call of the Sidhe”
It seems perfectly befitting that such a person would conjure the words of the poem above. A poet who sought to draw the unseen into visibility, beckoning others to listen to the old traces of Ireland’s enchanting roots through new songs. As A.E. applied human sensation to an omnipotent force, he chose the Sidhe as his subject, who were very much alive in the peripheral of the Irish imagination.
The Agony in the Sublime
In ‘Michelangelo and The Pope’s Ceiling,’ novelist Ross King colorfully recounts the epic battle of wills between master artist Michelangelo Buonarroti and The Warrior Pope, Julius II. Their dramatic standoff is brilliantly chronicled by King, who vibrantly illustrates the tumultuous journey of painting The Sistine Chapel Ceiling. Ross King is an excellent storyteller, imbuing vivid soul and heartache into the anecdotal traces of history. He presents the events of early 16th century Italy through an experiential lens. In bringing two legendary characters of colossal will and reputation to life while defining the backdrop of historical context, he creates a comprehensive environment for readers to imagine themselves into.
Spectral Curses and Enchantments
‘In The Mist’ is a chilling collection of supernatural tales, inspired by the legends surrounding enigmatic places that author Elizabeth Walter has transited. A native of Wales, she draws inspiration from remote, enchanting pockets of the world encountered on her travels to expertly craft stories that reveal “a world beyond the usual limits of our consciousness: the world next door.”
Winter, Wanderlust, and Owls
“Have you ever been enamored by something you’ve never seen?” This is a question posed by wildlife conservationist and author Jonathan C. Slaught, in reference to his calling to study and protect one of the world’s most rare and remarkable birds--Fish Owls. Blakiston’s Fish Owl is a notoriously elusive, substantial fluffy goblin of a bird that resides in the isolated, rugged wintry forests of Primorye. Stretching across Russia’s far east along the borders of North Korea and Northern China, this mountainous land is the essence of true wilderness. In ‘Owls of the Eastern Ice,’ Jonathan recounts his incredible journey to search for and save the future of Blakiston’s fish owl, in the depths of this ominous wonderland where nature commands the will of those who navigate its primal terrain.
Follow the link to our Resource Page— a living list of recommended books and helpful references for travel inspiration.
Looking for a new book?
Head over to the ‘Bookstore’ Section of our Travel Shop to see what’s new! We feature vintage and antiquarian volumes of all genres that inspire travel and engage the imagination.