By Melani Williams
Coquitlam Public Library

I think the last time I wrote a Good Read column, I chose books that would appeal to women. So this time I thought I would try my hand at what might appeal to the men…

One of my top picks to date would be FOB Doc: A Doctor on the Front Lines in Afghanistan, a war diary by Ray Wiss. It is an extremely well written account of the experiences of a military medic in Kandahar. I found it particularly compelling because the author is Canadian and speaks of what the men and women live with on a daily basis, from lining up at the base Tim Horton’s to traveling by convoy between FOBs (Forward Operating Bases). Captain Wiss writes with humor and elegance, and along with his personal observations includes a number of images to bring life to his story. I definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in educating themselves about the war in Afghanistan.

If you’re looking for another dose of reality, Long Way Down by actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman should do the job. You may have read their first book, Long Way Round where they travel on motorbike across Europe through Asia and back across North America. Long Way Down recounts their journey from Northern Africa to Southern Africa. Much of their trip is hazardous from weather, road conditions, or human conflict, but they persevere, meeting a number of remarkable characters along the way. The book is narrated in turns by both Boorman and McGregor, which gives the reader contrasting viewpoints of the same events. Boorman and McGregor bring warmth and wit to their story that makes for an entertaining read.

All reality and no play makes a boy dull, so you may want to give David Sedaris a go. Sedaris is an intelligent yet extremely quirky author who cynically talks of his travels and his life. My favourite of his books so far is titled When You Are Engulfed in Flames. While his views on the world around him are somewhat skewed to say the least, it’s hard not to laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. I don’t want to spoil it for you by telling you anymore, but I trust if you have a pessimistic side you will not disappointed with this book.

Two more authors I will direct your attention to are Andrew Gottlieb and Will Ferguson. Both are known for their humor, and both write about their travels. Andrew Gottlieb is a relative newcomer who recently wrote Drink, Play, F@#k – the guy version of Eat, Pray, Love. Instead of Italy, India and Bali, Gottlieb journeys to Dublin, Vegas, and Krabi (that’s in Thailand). Suffice it to say it has not quite the same spirituality as Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, but my goodness he has one helluva good time!

Will Ferguson is another Canadian author who has written a number of books including Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw. His book titled Hitching Rides With Buddha is another amusing look at life in a foreign country. In this case Ferguson shares his experiences while working as an English teacher in Japan. Some of his encounters include menu items such as “Barbarian-style” chicken, discovering the “Porno English” lesson plan, and his night’s stay at a “Love Hotel”. Rick Steves eat your heart out…

For these and other manly adventures, check out your local library!