French Ghosts, Russian Nights, and American Outlaws

Starred review from May 1, 2014

Opening this compilation of travel essays is accepting a ticket for a wild ride along with the author. Spano, a former columnist for the New York Times and current writer for the Los Angeles Times, has traveled widely, and her essays easily sweep the reader up in her adventures. A section called "Unforgettable" highlights her most memorable travels, whether they were perfectly executed or full of surprises. "Footsteps" features trips on which Spano tracked such varied personages as Colette, Butch Cassidy, and Mao Zedong both geographically and historically. The final part, "Souvenirs," reflects the author's memories of journeys that affected her on some level. While the stories cover everything from attempting to learn Chinese in Beijing to a dangerous Powell Plateau camping trip with Spano's brother to a freezing night spent in the Swedish Icehotel, each essay centers on discovery and relishing the experience. VERDICT An inspiring, vibrant look at the myriad ways travel can impact and enrich our lives. This book is recommended for those with the travel bug, even if it's the armchair variety.--Katie Lawrence, Chicago

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