A Way to See the World: From Texas to Transylvania With a Maverick Traveler

by Thomas Swick

A Florida travel editor traverses the globe as he journeys to the ruins of Pompeii, attends a confirmation celebration in Transylvania, is present at the last game played at Comiskey Park, goes on a Carnival cruise to Cozumel, and tours Havana, Las Vegas, Provence, Vietnam, Genoa, Miami, Normandy, and other locales.

Genres: Travel

400 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Steven Schrader · Rating 3 out of 5]

23 essays about various traveling experiences all over the world. Google maps came in handy when trying to figure out some of the places he was describing. There is as much or more focus on his interactions with locals and other tourists than on the places themselves.

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a book that gets better the further into it you get, so have heart if the beginning seems a bit uninterested (and snotty). Swick is the travel writer for a Florida newspaper and this is a collection of his columns. The latter half of the book are longer pieces and either I got to like him or they just got better, going to interesting places and asking interesting questions of them.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the way that Swick introduces you to a place. I enjoy the history of a place and a description, but what I really love is an author who can give me a feel for the place through his words. My favorite part of this book was his visit to Archer City, Texas, to visit the many second-hand bookstores owned by Larry McMurtry. I have since added it as a place to visit!

[Cecilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I found this book hard to read as his perspective is so different from most travelers, but as I continued (each chapter is a story of his experience in a different locale) I found I really enjoyed certain chapters while others not as much. Turned out to be an interesting read, and view of a variety of places throughout the world.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad to find out about this excellent travel writer. His essays really put you in the middle of the culture. I especially enjoyed the section on visiting literary landmarks.

[Chris MacLellan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed ths book immensely, Great eassy's on multiple locations that made you feel like you were along for yhe ride.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I chose this based on an essay that Swick wrote in a collection of travel essays, but this was nothing like the writing of his that I enjoyed. Oh well...

[Ender · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seems like a travel book for older generations based off of the limited pages I read. An armchair traveller's book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each chapter is a story of a different travel trip from the author, Thomas Swick, throughout the world. I would gladly read more stories from Mr. Swick. On loan from the library.