For Christmas, I am taking a journey across the country by train. New York City through Chicago all the way to Montana and holidays with the gigantic extended family. I’m doing it in style, too: sleeper car, meals in the dining car, wine and cheese tasting in the observation car.
Since the trip is a little over two days, I imagine I’ll spend a lot of time reading. I’m looking for recommendations for train-appropriate books. Non-fiction, fiction, travel essays – if you recommend it, I’ll give it a try. Murder on the Orient Express is already on my shelf, ready to go.
Maxwell’s Train by Christopher Hyde. Solid thriller that can really only be understood and appreciated by those who have experienced cross-country train travel. May be a little hard to find, but not impossible.
Also, you may want to watch Silver Streak before you go. Fun Gene Wilder-Richard Pryor comedy from the 70s, but if you’ve never taken a long-distance train before, it will give you some idea of what to expect in the sleepers, dining cars, etc.
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Paul Theroux, The Great Railway Bazaar.
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:smack: Did I just get Duffilled? How could I forget Theroux and his train books? I’ve read The Great Railway Bazaar a few times. Since it’s been nominated and seconded, I’ll third it.
He did a couple of other train books too: The Old Patagonian Express, and Riding the Iron Rooster. Each is well worth reading, though perhaps not quite up to the standard of The Great Railway Bazaar.
How could I forget Theroux and his train books? I’ve read The Great Railway Bazaar a few times. Since it’s been nominated and seconded, I’ll third it.