Best New Reading of 2004 : Gullible's Travels
After a long delay, which I was using to build up the tension, we come to number 4 in the list of Best New Reading of 2004. This book is a shocking departure from the previous entries in that it has nothing to do with World War Two, science fiction or murderers. This may destroy my reputation as a connoisseur of certain strange niches however I’m willing to take that chance.
The latest entry is Gullible’s Travels by Cash Peters, a wonderfully funny book covering Cash’s experiences as he visits the strangest museums and takes the most bizarre tours, culminating in a visit to Graceland.
I bought the book for two reasons. One, I’ve listened to Cash on Up All Night for the last few years, nowadays using the listen again service to catch up. Secondly, both Kathryn, my sister, and my Mum recommended it to me. They’re both in a fine run of form right now.
It’s hard to describe the book without it sounding boring. The basic premise is that Cash goes from museum to museum and tour to tour and tells us about each. It could be boring, however it’s not. He covers each subject extraordinarily well and isn’t afraid to ridicule the frankly ridiculous while finding merit in the strangely compelling. It’s a book well worth a read for anyone who has visited an attraction and thought “Why?”.