“To Hellholes and Back: Bribes, Lies and the Art of Extreme Tourism” ($15, Holt Paperbacks) is funnier and a more enjoyable read than author Chuck Thompson’s popular “Smile When You’re Lying” (an alleged expose about how all travel writers lie, and it did indeed reveal some truths and entertain along the way). But “To Hellholes” doesn’t have an agenda or the urgency for Thompson to make his mark u la Anthony Bourdain, and that lack combined with his wry view of the world, incisive observations and biting sense of humor make for some riveting reading. The book is about Thompson visiting countries that have prompted our government to post giant, flashing-red warnings against going within 1,000 miles of them, and he lives to tell the tales in a way that doesn’t make it sound like everyone should do it or he’s great because he did. Quite enjoyable reading for when you’re headed to, say, Ohio. Kyle Wagner
