Journey Through the Hippie Trail: Steves' Memoir

A selection of books to expand your perspective.

Whenever I'm off to an undiscovered locale, sans Rick Steves' trusty guidebook, it feels like part of the adventure is missing. Steves' spot-on tips, practical budgeting advice, and endearing writing have guided many of my travels. Thus, diving into his latest memoir, 'On the Hippie Trail,' offers a glimpse of a younger, less assured Steves — somewhat like he needed a guiding spirit himself.

Back in 1978, as a 23-year-old piano instructor, Steves was already bitten by wanderlust. He embarked on the legendary Hippie Trail with a friend, journeying by public transport from Istanbul to Kathmandu, navigating the rugged terrains of Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. His meticulously kept diary of this trip is the backbone of this new memoir, illustrating his youthful escapades with minimal input from his older self.

Opening to a Wider World

On this adventure-steeped path, Steves experienced marijuana for the first time. Reflecting on Afghanistan in 1978, he likened it to having wine with dinner in Western societies. He later became a proponent for cannabis legalization. His travels also saw him riding an elephant in Jaipur and taking a natural bath beneath a Nepalese waterfall. While these vivid travel sequences are enthralling, the heart of the book lies in Steves' evolving awareness of a world far grander and more intricate than he had imagined. He ponders, 'How did we impact the lives we danced through on our journey?'

While travel undoubtedly broadens one's horizons, reading is another powerful way to engage with diverse minds and worlds. Here are some recommended reads to help you do just that.

Exploring on the Bookshelf

Ali Smith's Latest Novel

Ali Smith, often speculated to be Scotland's future Nobel Prize in Literature recipient, embeds her novels with clever serialization and linguistic innovation. Her acclaimed work includes interconnected seasonal stories, filled with poetic touches and deep dives into etymology. Notably, her narratives uphold a strong anti-fascist stance, favoring tenacious art and beauty over mere optimism. Her new book, 'Gliff,' encapsulates these traits and defies expectations.

Set in a dystopian near-future, 'Gliff' follows siblings Rose and Briar, who find protection from their bohemian parents in an authoritarian regime that eventually retaliates bizarrely. Through the eyes of young Briar, we witness someone paint an ominous red line around their home, a silent threat that forces their flight. This relentless red mark even tracks their camper van, driving the siblings not only from their parents but into seclusion and ultimately apart from each other.

The title 'Gliff' originates from a multifaceted Scottish term signifying a brief moment, a forceful impact, an escape, or an exclamation of nonsense. A sequel is anticipated next year, intriguingly dubbed 'a hidden narrative within the inaugural novel,' set to be called 'Glyph.'

Mischa Berlinski's 'Mona Acts Out'

This novel is an unexpected joy, brimming with humor and warmth, particularly remarkable as it navigates the complexities of the Me Too movement. An artistic blend reminiscent of 'Slings & Arrows' and Dorothy Parker, 'Mona Acts Out' delves into the contentious relationship between the celebrated Shakespearean actress Mona Zahid and her former mentor Milton Katz, removed from the theater company he founded amidst allegations of misconduct.

Mona, nearing an age where Ophelia gives way to Gertrude, admits Milton's pivotal role in shaping her career but grapples with his authoritarian grip at the theater. The narrative intricately explores this dynamic as she embarks on a Thanksgiving-turned-solitary Manhattan stroll with her dog, attempting to purge her mind of Milton and ponder the mystery of her inexplicably perfect hair.

During her journey, Mona contemplates her current role in 'Twelfth Night,' portraying Maria with unexpected darkness in what's traditionally a comedic setting. Berlinski crafts a narrative where the analysis of darker themes still results in engaging and insightful reading.

Disney High: A Look Back by Ashley Spencer

The Disney Channel of the early 2000s presented an enigma: squeaky clean shows about kids with audacious dreams set against an undercurrent of potential scandal. Many millennials likely grew up with Disney Channel's fabricated optimism and its revolving-door pop icons that quickly faded into obscurity.

Ashley Spencer's 'Disney High' provides an incisive chronicle of both cultural significance and corporate transformation. This work examines how Disney Channel's deft mix of strategy and serendipity propelled it to cultural ubiquity, and how corporate stagnation fueled its decline. Though its artistic value is debated, no one can deny its substantial impact on the formative years of an entire generation.