A TRAVEL writer is offering book clubs and reading groups the chance to travel the world without leaving home.

Pickering-based writer Jules Brown has prepared a new edition of his travel memoir Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield), and he wants to share its stories of “adventure, inspiration, fiasco and family”, despite the restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak.

He said: “We’ve all got used to new ways of doing things over the last few weeks, including meetings and chats on Skype and Zoom.

“I know that some enterprising book clubs and reading groups have managed to keep going this way, and I’d be delighted to present my book at a special virtual reading or event.

“I’m happy to do it for two or 20 people, in whatever format works for the group – it’s just nice to be able to meet new readers, even in times such as these.”

Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield) includes 35 traveller’s tales set in 20 countries on five continents, from Whitby to West Africa and Austria to Australia.

It’s been described as “a fascinating and hilarious collection from a brilliant storyteller”, with the author saluted as “a very funny travel writer”.

Jules said: “Although we can’t really travel anywhere at the moment, there’s nothing to stop you dreaming.

“My stories take you husky-sledding in Canada, desert-hiking in Arizona, market-shopping in Hong Kong, and delivering the mail in New Zealand.

“I also get stuck up a Lake District mountain, stranded on a Sicilian island, hang out with David Beckham and Elvis, and travel to the ends of the earth on the trail of Captain Cook. But it’s not all plain sailing, as I also crash-land in Tehran and eat an Icelandic puffin by mistake.”

Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield) was published as an ebook and paperback on May 23 and Jules is taking bookings now for book club and reading group events throughout the summer.

Readers can also get a free sample of his writing by downloading the short taster ebook Travels From Heart and Home, available on Kindle, Kobo and Apple Books.

Anyone interested in hearing Jules read from his books and speak about his travels can contact him via his website, trustmetravel.com