Meet Me in Atlantis

One of my favorite books of 2012 was Mark Adam’s Turn Right at Machu Picchu. It was fun, informative, and adventurous. So when Mark (who I have never met) emailed an announcement about a new book describing his search for Atlantis, I knew it was going to be on my reading list.

Meet Me in Atlantis: My Obsessive Quest to Find the Sunken City continues Mark’s role as a writer/adventurer with a keen eye for detail and a self-deprecating sense of humor. Though to be honest, it seems like this book is less about the challenges of a great adventure and more about flying around the world to talk with conspiracy nuts. Still, that’s an adventure, right?

I liked this book. I loved Turn Right at Machu Picchu, but comparing the two really isn’t fair. This new book is more cerebral as it explores the myths and legends of Atlantis. Adams sorts through the meanings in Plato’s writings and balances sly humor with careful reasoning to pull out the threads of possibilities in all the crazy (and not so crazy) theories. He invites us on his travels and introduces us to the oddballs who all have a theory about Atlantis. Along the way we visit amazing places around the Mediterranean, sip some great wine, and meet an assortment of colorful people.

Definitely a recommended read. Not sure you’ll score high points in academic circles if you’re seen reading a serious book about the legends of Atlantis, but if a PhD type asks … just read aloud the funny parts and let them think it’s a witty travel book.