Will I love The Last Train to Zona Verde?

I love this one because of the premise: Theroux wants to go up the west coast of Africa, with the caveat that he will go via overland methods only – no planes.

The thinking is that having to traverse the land (or water) itself, however circuitous, tedious, or even dangerous the journey may be, gives us a much greater appreciation for the places we visit. It gives our experiences texture and forces us to be in the present.

I think this is a critical message for us in the modern world. We have this idea that convenience and comfort and… show more.

How could I leave out the doyen of modern-day autobiographical travel writing? Paul Theroux’s list of books describing his overland adventures and the history and culture of places he rides through, is impressive. He is funny, cantankerous, offensive, likable, and informative. I chose his last book Zona because he travels the same path I myself once took. It also differs from his earlier tomes in one distinct way; Paul undertook the hard overland journey from Cape Town to Angola at age 71, when most of us expect to be tucked up in bed with a warm toddy and a cat… show more.