Before setting off on my travels I purchased an array of books that wrote on the subject of travel… cliché I know, but there we are.
…it will nudge some part of you that is usually told to behave.
On Amazon I found The Backpacker by John Harris and this has become one of my favourite reads of the year, if not one of my favourite’s full stop.
You begin by hating the author and then very quickly fall in love with his ability to explore the world on almost no means at all, expect for a few good friends and a very small conscious.
Once I’d finished the book I realised two things: Firstly, I felt like such a do-gooder and almost immediately wanted to do something reckless and impulsive, but then I realised I would get caught and it would all end terribly and this is why I don’t do those things. Secondly, the author must of changed his name because he commits some hilarious and jaw dropping misdeeds throughout Australasia. It’s also impossible to find a photo of him on Google.
Harris’ novel is witness to those things you hear people tell tales of: “this happened to a friend of a friend” – but they actually happen to him and with every page you read it will nudge some part of you that is usually told to behave.
Related articles
- Top 10 Alternative Backpacking Hostels (essentialtravel.co.uk)
- Plan your backpacking trips (castlecover.co.uk)
