Balkan Ghosts, A Journey Through History

by Robert D. Kaplan, originally published: New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1993.

Even though published 17 years ago, Kaplan’s portrayal of his travels throughout the Balkan Peninsula is still a revelation to most Western readers. In this more-than-a-travel memoir or travelogue, Kaplan describes the not often understood histories and peoples of Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and the countries of former Yugoslavia. Kaplan shows why Communism failed in the Balkans; it did nothing to end the historical tensions. This is not an easy book to read as the atrocities committed by all parties are disturbing but Kaplan’s depictions are balanced and without generalities.

(This is just one of the many books I am reading before traveling to Croatia.)

to hellholes and back

(bribes, lies, and the art of extreme tourism) by Chuck Thompson, Henry Holt and Comapny, c. 2009, 321 pages.

I was not very impressed with this book but I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys travel memoirs and especially for fans of (as Booklist describes), "unorthodox travel writing."

From my LibraryThing Early Reviewers:

Funny and witty at times, the book is somewhat enjoyable and good for a light read. Thompson's anecdotes may make you laugh or they may just grate on your nerves as his writing skills really are more suited for his former Maxim job.