Journeys

You can visit far away places, real and imagined, through stories.  For a very long time people lived and died in their home town, never going more than a day's journey from their birthplace.  They looked forward to visiting storytellers to bring news from abroad.  Early storytellers told of encounters they had with animals or enemies.  They told stories about Kings and warriors.  They introduced words, ideas and inventions from other people far away.

Today we can travel very quickly around the world, and the media sends news instantly.  But we still love stories.  Reading a book helps us get inside a new place, experience foreign sounds, tastes and smells.  We experience the struggle of a hero and rejoice at his success.  For many readers, setting is the appeal that they use to select their next book.  In a few hours time the reader can be there and back again.  Each of these journeys we make changes us a little.

You probably recall the great story by Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days.  Phileas Fogg leaves London on a bet and travels by rail, steamer and even by elephant to Egypt, India, China, Japan, and the United States.  There are many missed connections, uncomfortable accommodations, and severe weather.  He and his traveling companion meet unusual people and see all kinds of terrain.  Phileas Fogg, like most travelers, feels that all the expense and trouble were worth it at the end of his journey.

Sometimes the journeys in literature are metaphorical, representing the spiritual journey and personal growth of the characters.  Their struggle helps them achieve enlightenment and inner peace.  They serve others and become open to other points of view.  Reading allows us to share and benefit from the spiritual journey.

So where will you go next?  Find the story that speaks to you and start your adventure.  When you return several hours later, you will not be quite the same.