Smile When You're Lying: Confessions of a Rogue Travel Writer
Chuck Thompson
An inelegant glimpse inside of the travel writing industry, Thompson steamrolled my delightful little notions about glossy travel writing. Having written for travel industry for years, the author tells his readers what really goes down at all-expenses-paid resort visits for travel writers, and the dumbing down that occurs at the editing table of the magazine giants. Since I'm a devoted reader of several high-circulation magazines, I was dismayed to find out that most travel writers have sponsors' silver spoons up their behinds, and write only blindingly positive reviews, which mask the true flavor of the destination. Also, Thompson points out that nearly all articles detail the uplifting, wonderful elements of place, rather than letting the more melancholic aspects into print; aspects that are a necessary counterpart to any "real" travel experience. Thompson's prose is at times overwrought, but forgivable given frequent episodes of self-deprecating inanity. With chapters entitled "Canned Hams, Kendo Beatdowns and the Penis Olympics: The Education of an Accidental Ambassador in Japan," this book should appeal to those with an affinity for travel and a sense of humor.
To Hellholes and Back: Bribes, Lies, and the Art of Extreme Tourism
Chuck Thompson
Chuck Thompson, take two. The author confronts the places that have repulsed him during his many years of travel writing, including the Congo, Mexico City, India, and Disney World. Thompson's writing retains vestiges of his frat-boy past, but with an intelligent twist, making this book an equally entertaining read as the former, with some delightfully more mature realizations about our globalized orb. His expose on the brainwashing of Disney World employees is licentious, and his gastronomical misfortunes in India are explicit. The author's experiences in the Congo with Mobutu's former body guard are startling and left me feeling the desolation with which he paints this modern day hellhole.
Two fast, entertaining poolside reads, pick them up cheap online or borrow them from me.
