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Places I Remember: Tales, Truths, Delights from 100 Countries
"Sharply observant yet intimate ... cleverly conceived and satisfying voyage of escapism. ... captures the atmosphere of each location with swift and evocative precision." — STARRED Kirkus Review, for 'Places I Remember' (Selected as a Kirkus Top Indie Book of 2022!)
"I love her courage and heart! Funny, poignant, wise, and woke--an ideal travel companion."--Joan Walsh (The Nation, CNN).
Joyful and informative Places I Tales, Truths, Delights from 100 Countries presents writings and illustrated photos in a memoir covering over 50 years of travel throughout the world. You'll find a range of unforgettable people and places through vivid personal experiences--good, bad and often, laugh-out-loud funny.
"With her charming essays and the delightful illustrations, Places I Remember speaks to both travelers and wannabes--including the growing numbers going solo."--Bella DePaulo (author, Singled Out).
Organized from A to Z, it rewards a binge or a browse, here and there.
"...the perfect gift...it tells little stories--poignant and funny and sad."--Margie Goldsmith (forbes.com).
Lea Lane is an award-winning author of eight books, and has contributed to a dozen guidebooks. She has written for magazines, websites, and newspapers, including The New York Times and The Miami Herald. She is currently a regular contributor to forbes.com.
Greg Correll, former illustrator for The New Yorker and CLIO winner, has created stunning fine-art illustrations, based on her photos.
"I love her courage and heart! Funny, poignant, wise, and woke--an ideal travel companion."--Joan Walsh (The Nation, CNN).
Joyful and informative Places I Tales, Truths, Delights from 100 Countries presents writings and illustrated photos in a memoir covering over 50 years of travel throughout the world. You'll find a range of unforgettable people and places through vivid personal experiences--good, bad and often, laugh-out-loud funny.
"With her charming essays and the delightful illustrations, Places I Remember speaks to both travelers and wannabes--including the growing numbers going solo."--Bella DePaulo (author, Singled Out).
Organized from A to Z, it rewards a binge or a browse, here and there.
"...the perfect gift...it tells little stories--poignant and funny and sad."--Margie Goldsmith (forbes.com).
Lea Lane is an award-winning author of eight books, and has contributed to a dozen guidebooks. She has written for magazines, websites, and newspapers, including The New York Times and The Miami Herald. She is currently a regular contributor to forbes.com.
Greg Correll, former illustrator for The New Yorker and CLIO winner, has created stunning fine-art illustrations, based on her photos.
206 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2020
6 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Lea Lane
12 books8 followersLea Lane is an award-winning writer and communicator, author of Places I Remember: Tales, Truths, Delights from 100 Countries, and Travel Tales I Couldn't Put in the Guidebooks, available at Amazon as print and Kindle eBook. She writes for magazines, newspapers and on websites, including Forbes.com, The New York Times, Salon, and the Daily Beast.
She's authored eight books (including Solo Traveler, finalist for best travel book of the year from the North American Travel Journalists Association). She has contributed to dozens of other books, from encyclopedias to guidebooks. Lea wrote a column called "Going It Alone," for Gannett Newspapers, and was managing editor of "Travel Smart" newsletter. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
Her travel blog is forbes.com/sites/lealane
Like and follow: facebook.com/placesirememberbylealane
Tweet her @lealane
Follow her at instagram.com/travelea
Book site: https://placesirememberlealane.com
She's authored eight books (including Solo Traveler, finalist for best travel book of the year from the North American Travel Journalists Association). She has contributed to dozens of other books, from encyclopedias to guidebooks. Lea wrote a column called "Going It Alone," for Gannett Newspapers, and was managing editor of "Travel Smart" newsletter. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
Her travel blog is forbes.com/sites/lealane
Like and follow: facebook.com/placesirememberbylealane
Tweet her @lealane
Follow her at instagram.com/travelea
Book site: https://placesirememberlealane.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 6, 2025
This is a unique memoir on travel
Places I Remember Lea Lane features exciting places to visit and an array of settings illuminating the diverse cultures she experiences worldwide. In Andorra, a personal mugging juxtaposes the picturesque landscape, infusing the narrative with an unexpected intensity. Anguilla offers culinary indulgence, where vibrant street chatter surrounds lavish dishes, painting a sensory picture of life in this Caribbean haven. Argentina showcases the spirit of the tango dance partners against the backdrop of the charming streets of Buenos Aires, creating images of movement and music that enhance the allure of travel. Meanwhile, the enchanting beaches in Aruba emerge as a backdrop for personal reflections and unexpected encounters with unique dogs. Each location is imbued with Lane's growth and reflections, from the ancient shards in Cyprus to the Holocaust in Hungary.
Lea Lane's memoir, Places I Remember, unveils a beautifully illustrated world of her travels across more than 100 countries. I was entranced by the vivid imagery she paints of various landscapes and the deep emotional currents flowing through her stories. Lane has this uncanny ability to weave personal experiences into each location's fabric, a unique storytelling approach. She takes readers to unexpected places where they meet the exquisite and the ordinary.
Her solo trip to Cambodia after her battle with cancer struck a chord with me. Lane's mix of humor and authenticity in her writing is telling, and while exploring, Angkor Wat brought both levity and profundity to her narrative. The rawness of her emotions during this powerful time in her life grounds the narrative. Similarly, her experiences in Grenada and Guatemala echo the importance of self-discovery, beauty, and solitude. Her moments of connection resonated most for me, especially in Cuba. Lane’s observations highlight the dignity and resilience of the people she meets, and she has the uncanny ability to put warmth into the story, inviting readers to share laughter, quirkiness, and self-discovery moments. The charm of her storytelling and the vivid illustrations further amplify the journey, making it a feast for the mind and heart.
Places I Remember Lea Lane features exciting places to visit and an array of settings illuminating the diverse cultures she experiences worldwide. In Andorra, a personal mugging juxtaposes the picturesque landscape, infusing the narrative with an unexpected intensity. Anguilla offers culinary indulgence, where vibrant street chatter surrounds lavish dishes, painting a sensory picture of life in this Caribbean haven. Argentina showcases the spirit of the tango dance partners against the backdrop of the charming streets of Buenos Aires, creating images of movement and music that enhance the allure of travel. Meanwhile, the enchanting beaches in Aruba emerge as a backdrop for personal reflections and unexpected encounters with unique dogs. Each location is imbued with Lane's growth and reflections, from the ancient shards in Cyprus to the Holocaust in Hungary.
Lea Lane's memoir, Places I Remember, unveils a beautifully illustrated world of her travels across more than 100 countries. I was entranced by the vivid imagery she paints of various landscapes and the deep emotional currents flowing through her stories. Lane has this uncanny ability to weave personal experiences into each location's fabric, a unique storytelling approach. She takes readers to unexpected places where they meet the exquisite and the ordinary.
Her solo trip to Cambodia after her battle with cancer struck a chord with me. Lane's mix of humor and authenticity in her writing is telling, and while exploring, Angkor Wat brought both levity and profundity to her narrative. The rawness of her emotions during this powerful time in her life grounds the narrative. Similarly, her experiences in Grenada and Guatemala echo the importance of self-discovery, beauty, and solitude. Her moments of connection resonated most for me, especially in Cuba. Lane’s observations highlight the dignity and resilience of the people she meets, and she has the uncanny ability to put warmth into the story, inviting readers to share laughter, quirkiness, and self-discovery moments. The charm of her storytelling and the vivid illustrations further amplify the journey, making it a feast for the mind and heart.
November 5, 2019
An Exquisite Travel Memoir
What a gift this book is to all of us. Travel writer Lea Lane has created the most beautiful book of 100 countries she has visited in more than 40 years of traveling the world. Her stories are intriguing, funny, poignant, and by the time you finish you’ll be booking a flight. The book is beautifully illustrated with watercolor like images that were created from Lea’s own travel photo collection. They were re-created by Greg Correll a former illustrator for the New Yorker. Gift yourself and gift your friends with this beautiful book.
What a gift this book is to all of us. Travel writer Lea Lane has created the most beautiful book of 100 countries she has visited in more than 40 years of traveling the world. Her stories are intriguing, funny, poignant, and by the time you finish you’ll be booking a flight. The book is beautifully illustrated with watercolor like images that were created from Lea’s own travel photo collection. They were re-created by Greg Correll a former illustrator for the New Yorker. Gift yourself and gift your friends with this beautiful book.
January 4, 2025
Lea Lane's Places I Remember is more than a travel memoir; it is a poignant exploration of the human condition through the lens of diverse global settings. In Botswana, for instance, hippos emerge as both a joyful symbol and a reminder of nature's unpredictability, capturing the thrill of wildlife encounters. The author reflects on the wonders of Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, navigating the complex urban beauty against a backdrop of socioeconomic disparity. In her visit to Cuba, Lane’s encounter with a resilient toilet attendant illustrates the warmth and dignity of human connections. Meanwhile, her experiences in Guatemala, from the stunning landscapes of Tikal to the rich cultural heritage celebrated in markets, are brilliantly captured.
Reading Lea Lane’s Places I Remember felt like stepping into a world filled with colorful landscapes and intimate moments of self-discovery. The way she captured her adventures across diverse cultures and places resonated deeply with me, as each page beckoned me to embark on my journey of reflection. Lane’s narrative is infused with warmth and humor, turning what could be simple travel anecdotes into relatable explorations of life, love, and adventure.
Her solo experiences, especially in Cambodia after recovering from cancer, struck me as profoundly brave. It’s remarkable how she balances humor with sharp cultural observations, mainly when reflecting on the beauty of Angkor Wat and the gravity of her circumstances. These realizations, paired with her encounters in places like Botswana and Grenada, prompt a sense of introspection. They beautifully illustrate that while travel can take us to new destinations, it also offers opportunities to learn about ourselves.
Lane’s observational skills enrich every interaction, especially during her time in Cuba and her tango adventure in Buenos Aires. The connections she forms with others reveal the shared humanity that transcends borders, embracing both joy and sorrow. Overall, "Places I Remember" encourages us to cherish every moment and connection made during our travels. Lea Lane's memoir serves as a reminder that the true essence of travel lies not just in the places we go but in the relationships and personal growth we foster. This book is a thoughtful sermon on how travel can illuminate our paths unexpectedly.
Reading Lea Lane’s Places I Remember felt like stepping into a world filled with colorful landscapes and intimate moments of self-discovery. The way she captured her adventures across diverse cultures and places resonated deeply with me, as each page beckoned me to embark on my journey of reflection. Lane’s narrative is infused with warmth and humor, turning what could be simple travel anecdotes into relatable explorations of life, love, and adventure.
Her solo experiences, especially in Cambodia after recovering from cancer, struck me as profoundly brave. It’s remarkable how she balances humor with sharp cultural observations, mainly when reflecting on the beauty of Angkor Wat and the gravity of her circumstances. These realizations, paired with her encounters in places like Botswana and Grenada, prompt a sense of introspection. They beautifully illustrate that while travel can take us to new destinations, it also offers opportunities to learn about ourselves.
Lane’s observational skills enrich every interaction, especially during her time in Cuba and her tango adventure in Buenos Aires. The connections she forms with others reveal the shared humanity that transcends borders, embracing both joy and sorrow. Overall, "Places I Remember" encourages us to cherish every moment and connection made during our travels. Lea Lane's memoir serves as a reminder that the true essence of travel lies not just in the places we go but in the relationships and personal growth we foster. This book is a thoughtful sermon on how travel can illuminate our paths unexpectedly.
January 12, 2020
I first stumbled across Lea Lane’s work on the blog site Open Salon over 10 years ago. The first piece I read of hers was about travel, and all these years later I can see she has lost no passion for story telling or exploring settings new.
With snippets from her travels in 100 countries, this book is a celebration of our world and the wonderful people and, in more than one study, the animals that inhabit it.
100 countries!? I consider myself well-travelled and I’m at half that total!
Yet at no time does Lea come across as pretentious—there is no air of “Look where I’ve been, have you?”—and the conversational tone of the book has it read like you’re two long-time friends sharing stories over a cup of tea on a porch somewhere.
Lea shares stories of humour, of triumph, of fear, and of loss with equal parts bravery and fond reflection, and the book is stronger for it.
If you’re looking for an escape to far off shores, read this book. If you need inspiration for your own travel bucket list, read this book. If you want to “meet” someone truly remarkable in the most humble and welcoming way, read this book.
In short, read this book.
With snippets from her travels in 100 countries, this book is a celebration of our world and the wonderful people and, in more than one study, the animals that inhabit it.
100 countries!? I consider myself well-travelled and I’m at half that total!
Yet at no time does Lea come across as pretentious—there is no air of “Look where I’ve been, have you?”—and the conversational tone of the book has it read like you’re two long-time friends sharing stories over a cup of tea on a porch somewhere.
Lea shares stories of humour, of triumph, of fear, and of loss with equal parts bravery and fond reflection, and the book is stronger for it.
If you’re looking for an escape to far off shores, read this book. If you need inspiration for your own travel bucket list, read this book. If you want to “meet” someone truly remarkable in the most humble and welcoming way, read this book.
In short, read this book.
March 27, 2022
This book is unlike any book I've ever read ~ thoroughly enjoyed!
It's not really a guidebook, unless looking for a guide into human nature all around the world, or how the mind of an adventuress thinks, or how timing (or eras) can enhance or dash a travelling experience, as Ms. Lane's rememberings of travelling literally almost everywhere throughout the decades show.
Poignant, funny, savvy, a truly excellent book to dive into for armchair travellers, global travelers, or those wanting to escape into another world a few minutes at a time between appointments, projects, life.
The illustrations are wonderful - beyond wonderful - and really help bring to mind some of the locations and experiences described. A beautiful combination of visual and written tales.
Lovely book!
It's not really a guidebook, unless looking for a guide into human nature all around the world, or how the mind of an adventuress thinks, or how timing (or eras) can enhance or dash a travelling experience, as Ms. Lane's rememberings of travelling literally almost everywhere throughout the decades show.
Poignant, funny, savvy, a truly excellent book to dive into for armchair travellers, global travelers, or those wanting to escape into another world a few minutes at a time between appointments, projects, life.
The illustrations are wonderful - beyond wonderful - and really help bring to mind some of the locations and experiences described. A beautiful combination of visual and written tales.
Lovely book!
November 12, 2019
A Lea Lane Fan
This is the third book I have read from the author, and as in all her voice is warm and witty and she observes the small things that make travel so interesting. Although I enjoyed the previous books, this one is the most personal and most visually beautiful of all, with illustrations of her photos that usually relate and enhance the stories. There is a combination of both fun stories and harsh realities, and lots on information, and you don't know what is coming from tale to tale.
I like that I can read one or many and have a good read, depending on how I feel. I have the book by my bed and I kept going longer than I expected because I didn't want to put it down.
This is the third book I have read from the author, and as in all her voice is warm and witty and she observes the small things that make travel so interesting. Although I enjoyed the previous books, this one is the most personal and most visually beautiful of all, with illustrations of her photos that usually relate and enhance the stories. There is a combination of both fun stories and harsh realities, and lots on information, and you don't know what is coming from tale to tale.
I like that I can read one or many and have a good read, depending on how I feel. I have the book by my bed and I kept going longer than I expected because I didn't want to put it down.
November 3, 2020
This book is absolutely delightful. I listened to the new Audible version and was transported all over the world with Lea's delightfully funny and quirky style. She brought me to all these places and I particularly loved her in African garb at a funeral pyre where she was attacked by fire ants. And seeing the luxury of the U.A.E. and Salvado Mundi! I'm glad she talked about the United States as well. This is a wonderful gift to all readers (and listeners.)
December 19, 2019
This is such a delightful book. The engaging stories, the descriptions of amazing places, the beautiful illustrations ... all make you want to grab your bag and head off to see the world. Lea is an adventurous traveler and gifted writer who brings the world to your living room in a way that makes you feel as though you are living her adventures right along with her.
September 1, 2021
A fabulous mental tag along lifetime travel journey
Surprisingly fun and informative travel read allows the reader to be a silent companion to a well traveled and experienced writer. You will feel as if the author is sitting across from you and sharing her inner most travel stories and find yourself secretly exclaiming “you did what!??” “OMG!” or just LOL. Must must read.
Surprisingly fun and informative travel read allows the reader to be a silent companion to a well traveled and experienced writer. You will feel as if the author is sitting across from you and sharing her inner most travel stories and find yourself secretly exclaiming “you did what!??” “OMG!” or just LOL. Must must read.
March 20, 2023
Not swimming with the many fans on this one. Beware! Ms. Lane is not Bruce Chatwin or Pico Iyer. She may, in another format, be a skilled travel writer. I found this book to be a blase account of the journeys of a woman I could connect little or not at all, although I did appreciate her distinction between tourist and traveler.
May 23, 2021
Clever, fun and inspiring.
I would thoroughly enjoy reading it again.
I would thoroughly enjoy reading it again.
March 17, 2020
Places I Remember: Tales Truths, Delights from 100 Countries is an engaging travel memoir so well written that it takes one on a magic carpet to parts unknown. Lea Lane's insights are expansive with rich cultural thoughts on her adventurous journeys.
Her graphic description of each country makes me covet going to the places that I have not been & remember the places that I have. A must read.
Her graphic description of each country makes me covet going to the places that I have not been & remember the places that I have. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews