As someone who devours travel literature, I was excited to dive into The Best American Travel Writing 2019. The collection promises a globe-trotting adventure through essays, but it’s a rollercoaster—some pieces soar, while others stumble.

The Highs: Standout essays like the Victorian travel guide critique and the Turkey veil discovery are gems. The Victorian piece is witty and insightful, contrasting rigid old-school travel rules with a modern mall visit—pure genius. The Turkey essay? A beautiful blend of personal heritage and cultural immersion. These are the stories that make you feel like you’re there, sparking real wanderlust.

The Lows: Unfortunately, not all entries hit the mark. The Myanmar essay reads like a self-indulgent diary, bogged down by unnecessary details (yes, we’re talking bowel problems) and clunky writing. It’s a slog compared to the sharper narratives.

The Politics: Here’s the elephant in the room—this edition leans heavily into political commentary. While travel writing often reflects societal issues, some essays feel less about discovery and more about pushing an agenda. If you’re looking for escapism, the frequent digs at Trump and policy critiques might grate. Even as someone open to diverse perspectives, I craved more balance.

Verdict: Worth reading for the standout pieces, but temper expectations. Skip the duds (you’ll know them early) and savor the highlights. For classroom use? A great tool to dissect effective vs. ineffective writing—just be prepared for heated debates if politics come up.