Book driven destination

[Sue]

I finished 'Triangle: The Fire That Changed America' by David von Drehle, last night. It has inspired me to go to Brown Hall in NYC on my next visit, to see the actual location of the building and maybe do some photography while there.

Has a book ever inspired you to go to the location of the story, to see it for yourself?

[Michael]

Sue wrote: "I finished 'Triangle: The Fire That Changed America' by David von Drehle, last night. It has inspired me to go to Brown Hall in NYC on my next visit, to see the actual location of the building and ..."

I've done the opposite--visited a location, and then gone home and read about it, except for A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, which I sort of read on location (Blue Ridge GA, about 15 miles from the trail head)

[Michael]

reading The Hot Country, set in Mexico

[Sue]

Micheal - that is a great book. One I plan to revisit it, while on the trail - though I will only be going about a mile from any particular trail head.

[Michael]

just started Detroit: An American Autopsy by Charlie LeDuff. I felt Detroit was a horrible place when I left in 1971. I didn't realize just how bad it has gotten. The only reason I go back is to see Mom. Can't pry her away from her the old home.

[Sue]

Michael wrote: "just started Detroit: An American Autopsy by Charlie LeDuff. I felt Detroit was a horrible place when I left in 1971. I didn't realize just how bad it has gotten. The only reason I go back is t..."

What are, separately?, the biggest and the scariest changes you see; between your past experience and how the book portrays Detroit now?

[Sue]

As an "almost" winner of it's recent giveaway - I received a copy of 'Everyone Said I Should Write a Book' from the author, Jonathan White.

I had it read, cover to cover the first day, happily at the expense of my workload.

While the adventures do not all occur in the US; I believe the stories can all apply regardless of location, while I travel.

I can honestly recommend this journey of a read!Jonathan WhiteEveryone Said I Should Write a Book

[Michael]

When I left, people still had pride and hope. Then the auto industry went south, and took a whole lot of other business with them. There are no jobs now. No hope for any. My brother has not worked a real job in 30 years. Michigan Ave from Dearborn east into Detroit looks like Beirut---nothing but burned out buildings, broken down cars, trash and debris all over the streets. When I left, there were places in Detroit you could feel safe in. Now, I won't even walk around the old neighborhood. It is a third world city.

[Sue]

That is sad, scary and out right frightening all in one thought.

I'll be adding that book to my list of must reads; but I don't know that I will add it as a destination on my journey. Hmm, that will require a lot of thought.

[Michael]

I always tell people Detroit is a great place to be from, but I wouldn't want to go back.