/lit/ - Literature

Far from the Madding Crowd is comfy
Alive by Piers Paul Read is a fascinating sociological study
Wind-up Bird Chronicle is an interesting interpretation of the various meanings of friendship, particularly if you are lonely or retarded.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is the original and best
but pic related is the greatest friendship story ever told

What are the strengths of a good travel narrative?
I've been trying for years to write a serious book my travels, but I can't seem to get it right. It doesn't help that I don't personally enjoy reading travel books, so I've nothing to take for inspiration.
I'm trying to keep from making myself the central subject.