Why I Finally Started My Book Club (and Why You Should Start Your Thing, Too)
Last week, I was chatting with one of my girlfriends, and she asked how my book club went. I told her it went well—not because many people showed up (honestly, it was fewer than I’d hoped), but because I actually did it. I’d wanted to start a book club for a long time, picturing all the great books on travel we’d dive into and the inspiring conversations we’d have, but I kept putting it off. Finally, I stopped stalling and went for it, and it felt GOOD! For me, the book club is a way to get what I constantly crave: more real-life dialogue on the culture of travel and a safe space to discuss issues that matter. Armchair travel has been my go-to for escaping and discovering new people and places, but it’s so much better when you share those experiences with others. :)
So why am I telling you this? Well, if you've been thinking about doing something—I’m here to tell you to DO IT. Stop waiting for the perfect moment or for everything to fall into place. Chances are, you’ll feel much more proud of yourself just for starting than for having everything go exactly as planned. Just take the leap, whether it’s launching that project, signing up for that class, or gathering friends for something you’ve been dreaming about. You might be surprised at how good it feels to finally go for it - regardless of the outcome.
Okay, now let’s get back to the book club! As you know, we just wrapped up our first book for the culture of travel book club, and here are some key takeaways from The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel by Paige McClanahan: 📖
Old Tourist vs. New Tourist: I loved how Paige differentiates between the “old tourist” and the “new tourist.” The old tourist tends to approach travel as a consumer, sometimes with an air of superiority toward the people and cultures they encounter. Their experience revolves around passive consumption rather than genuine connection. The new tourist, however, embodies humility and curiosity, seeking authentic engagement with the places they visit.
Tourism as a Social and Economic Powerhouse: The book highlights tourism’s transformative role and shows how it can drive social and economic development. It offers inspiring examples like Liverpool, where tourism has revitalized the city by creating jobs, fostering cultural pride, and boosting infrastructure.
A Call for Sustainable Practices: The New Tourist advocates for a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to travel. It encourages tourists and destinations alike to focus on long-term benefits, such as preserving natural landscapes, respecting local cultures, and creating opportunities beyond short-term tourism profits.
I look forward to continuing to bring books to our club that explore the culture of travel and offer meaningful insights into people and places. Please share any books from female authors that fit our book club criteria in the comments. Stay tuned; our next book will launch in December or January!
Beyond Borders: Curated Inspirations for the Modern Traveler
In this section, I’ll share links and insights that have crossed my path and that I’d love to share with you.
Read
This book has been on my list for years (yes, you read that correctly!) - I’m 80 pages in, and it’s SO good.
Shop
I’m excited to try on this pink sweatshirt—it’s arriving in the mail today, along with a pair of black sweatpants! I’ve been wanting some stylish walking clothes for my mini hikes around Central Park. :)
Listen
These three podcast channels have been on repeat lately: Wiser World, Women Who Travel, The Ezra Klein Show
See
I wish I were in Oaxaca to see this exhibit! Please go and send me pictures. :)