Photo by Mumtahina Tanni
Traveling the world is a yearning most have, and books like The Mildenhall Legacy, On the Road, and Eat, Pray, Love take us on journeys where we discover ourselves.
I can’t help but try to remember when my first memory of wanting to go around traveling the world came up, but I am definitely sure that it’s been beating inside my head since as far back as I can remember. What does this mean? It means that the spirit of exploration exists in every human heart. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved reading books that have journeys as their fulcrum. This is because I believe, in my heart of hearts, that it is when you are reaching out to the world that you begin to discover yourself. There is something wonderful and magical about the idea of embarking on an adventure, looking for something, only to discover something new about yourself. It is simply captivating.In some ways, perhaps, the most important and most incredible adventure we all have to partake in someday is the journey to discover ourselves. Of course, not everyone has the luxury of packing what they need into their bags and just following the road to wherever.Back when I was younger, I would have waged war against you if you held this position, but now that I am older, I am more inclined to believe that traveling the world doesn’t necessarily mean having to do it literally. Humans are excellent imaginists, and I can’t find a reason within myself to argue against the journey being largely one done in the mind. That’s why among my friend groups, I advocate for reading literature that not only deals with traveling the world but journeying the self. There are grand vistas out there in the Americas, in Asia, and everywhere else in the world, but there are sights as equally valuable to be seen inside the mind and the heart that can be done with the help of the right story.
Traveling the World Through Stories
Whether it’s picking up a classic like On the Road by Jack Kerouac or a modern showing like Wild by Cheryl Strayed, it is extremely engrossing and gratifying reading stories about characters traveling the world–finding themselves in new places and meeting new people–who ultimately find themselves and a deeper purpose in life in the process.A big reason why I adore books about journeys and self-discoveries is that they are my biggest source of escapism. I’ll be honest with everyone, but I don’t think I could ever go traveling the world. When I read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, for example, I find myself transported to another world where the stresses of life are gone, and I can safely immerse myself in a story that is not my own. It’s self-care. When I’m traveling the world through books, I am disconnected from the ills of society, and I am healing myself.When I pick up The Mildenhall Legacy by Albert Sipes, I become Eve Chambers, the twenty-something protagonist who travels across the US to try and find ways to complete her education. I am living life vicariously through her in her attempts to forgive and redeem herself and the people around her. I feel her sacrifices and her ambitions.This is the wonder of literature.
Off the Beaten Track
Ultimately, the greatest reason why I implore others to read if they don’t have the capacity or wherewithal for physical travel is that books are a powerful reminder of how we humans are all interconnected with one another. I live in a rather famous city, so it’s always a delight for me when I read stories set here, especially ones written by foreign authors. This is because I can see my world through their eyes and experience what they think of the places that I found common. No matter where we come from, we all share a primal desire to understand ourselves and our place in the world. By reading about other people’s stories and their journeys, we gain a better sense of empathy and compassion for others and learn something new about ourselves.Reading is a reminder that no matter where we are in life, we all have the potential to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. And that, to me, is a beautiful thing.
Trina’s Travel 