Best Travel Books of 2010

Amazon has released its list of Best Books of 2010 and we found some great travels books on the list. 

Around My French Table: More Than 300 Recipes from My Home to Yours ($22)

Dorie Greenspan, who has been a correspondent for Bon Appetit and written a variety of cookbooks, just published this lovely cookbook that offers a huge selection of home-style French recipes.  The New York Times said it best: "Food that doesn't take a diploma from Le Cordon Bleu to prepare, from a 'culinary guru.'"  It's on my wish list.

Travels in Siberia ($18.50)

The latest book from Ian Frazer gives readers a personal account of his visits to the barren stretch of land occupying over 13 million square kilometers of Russia.  He calls it "the greatest horrible country in the world" which makes it even more fascinating and mysterious than it already seems. I just wish this book had been written when we traveled across Siberia on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet: A Novel ($15)

A historical romance set in a Dutch settlement in Dejima, Japan, this novel follows a young Dutch East Indies official who falls in love with a Japanese midwife while he struggles in fulfilling his duties. A great read if you are heading to Japan.

Twain's Feast: Searching for America's Lost Foods in the Footsteps of Samuel Clemens ($17) 

Following a trail of Twain's food interests takes the reader from Illinois to New Orleans to find everything from corn on the cob to turtle. A perfect accompaniment for a road trip through the mid-west.  

Country Driving: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory ($18)
Looking back at the last 15 years of living in China, Peter Hessler shares his insight on the changes that are happening with every day citizens from farms to metropolitan centers.  For anyone traveling to China, this books is a sneak peak at the fast-paced society that has the world's attention. 




 
More books on our Holiday Wish List:

Lonely Planet The Travel Book ($31) 

An encyclopedia for travelers, The Travel Book dedicates two pages to each country and gives us a snapshot of the people and places around the world.  Use this book to help you decide on your next big trip...if you can choose.





Take Away (33€) - If you can read French or just appreciate beautiful photography, this is book is filled with stunning images of traditional street foods around the world taken by renowned French photographer Jean-Francois Mallet.   

Happy (Travel) Reading!

P.S.  See last year's best books list for more gift ideas this holiday season.

P.P.S.  And, of course, you can buy most of these titles on Kindle :)