Pole to Pole by Michael Palin
Welcome back to the Book of Month series by David Christopher Johnston! It’s non-fiction this month – an entertaining travel diary by comedian and explorer, Michael Palin. The book compliments one of the greatest travel documentaries of all time: Pole to Pole. And it provides a timely reminder of our planet’s beauty and the remarkable people who call it home.
Pole to Pole by Michael Palin
In Pole to Pole, Michael Palin travels from the North Pole to the South Pole along the 30-degree-east line of latitude. This world first takes Michael five and a half months to complete. He travels through Greenland, Russia, Europe and down the spine of Africa to his destination at the bottom of the world. And along the way he meets some truly wonderful people. In doing so, he shows that our similarities as humans are far more important than our differences.
Michael’s wit certainly makes this diary entertaining. And as one of the Pythons, that is hardly surprising. Yet, it is his kindness for other human beings that makes the book (and television documentary) so appealing. Michael genuinely loves the world and the people in it – an attitude we all should embrace. He inspires readers to explore the wider world, which is wonderous and welcoming.
Around the world in eighty ways…
Michael Palin’s travel documentaries inspired me as a child to see the world, and for that I am eternally grateful. And my travels have been amongst the most enlightening and memorable moments of my life. But my obvious bias aside, I urge you to read this book. It will open your eyes and hearts to the people who share our planet. And what this world needs, now more than ever, is the kindness and compassion for one another that Michael embodies.
So if you like to travel, meet new people, or just admire the beauty of our planet, this is the book for you. It is the second of nine travel documentaries that Michael Palin has made (Full Circle and Around the World in 80 Days being two of the best), and each one is accompanied by a travel diary as entertaining and humorous as this one.
You can buy Pole to Pole in paperback or digital download from Michael Palin’s website by clicking this link (CLICK HERE). And you can even pay a little extra for a signed copy by Michael himself!
And if you liked this article then check out the rest of my Book of the Month blog series. This free, informal book club introduces a variety of fiction authors and genres to keep you entertained. You can access the series on my website (CLICK HERE).
Happy reading!
Dave
