Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
Weekly Topics 2018
>
31. A book set in a country you'd like to visit but have never been to
Mod
A Great and Terrible Beauty (England)
If on a Winter's Night a Traveler (Italy)
All the Light We Cannot See (France)
84, Charing Cross Road (England)
Under the Tuscan Sun (Italy)
The Little Prince (France)
I love this one! China Dolls or The Kitchen God's Wife CHINA
The Little Paris Bookshop or Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution FRANCE
White Teeth LONDON, ENGLAND
The Miniaturist AMSTERDAM
Planning a trip to London and Paris this coming summer so I would love to read as many books that take place there as I can before I leave!
- What are you reading for this category?
Warcross
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
This book is set in Japan. I would love to tour a traditional Japanese home. I've watched some videos on You Tube and I would love to learn more about their traditions and see a home in person.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
I do enjoy when the books I read take me to different countries allowing me to experience visiting places through the characters. It would be great if there was a mystery series where the sleuth flew to a new country in each book!
Warcross- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
This book is set in Japan. I would love to tour a traditional Japanese home. I've watched some videos on You Tube and I would love to learn more about their traditions and see a home in person.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
I do enjoy when the books I read take me to different countries allowing me to experience visiting places through the characters. It would be great if there was a mystery series where the sleuth flew to a new country in each book!
I am reading for this category 'The Secret Garden', because it is in England, and I have always wanted to go to England. I like England because of RubyRube, the 11-year-old YouTuber, who is British. [I am a fan of RubyRube].
- What are you reading for this category?A Thousand Years of Good Prayers by Yiyun Li
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
It is set both in China and the US. China is fascinating for its history, and the culture, and I would very much like to visit.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
I read rather diversely, but I do enjoy it.
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan qualifies in spades for this week. Belgium, France, Switzerland, Scotland, and Somoa are among the countries that this takes place in that I've never traveled to!
What are you reading for this category?Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking: A Memoir of Food and Longing by Anya von Bremzen
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
This takes place in Russia, from czarist Russia through the former Soviet Union into modern Russia. I'm curious about it because I grew up with a view of Russia filtered through Cold War propaganda and I'd like to know more about what it was really like.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
Yes!
I've always wanted go to EgyptElizabeth Peters –
- What are you reading for this category?My Family and Other Animals
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
Corfu, one of the Greek Islands. Such natural beauty, the descriptions in the book made it sound wonderful!
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world? It's a trilogy, so I definitely could!
I chose Greece as my country to visit and found some great books I have tabbed for later, but for this week I chose Olympian Passion
- What are you reading for this category?Le Loup dans la bergerie - Gunnar Staalesen
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
This book is set in Norway.
The Norwegian fjords are high on my bucket list. Breathtaking landscapes that I just want to see with my own eyes.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
As I read both in English and in French, and sometimes a little in Spanish, I already cover quite a bit of "international" ground. But I do enjoy reading books originally written in other languages, because it's an insight into their country and culture.
I think I'm going to read Black Panther #1 for this one, because I would definitely like to visit Wakanda!
- What are you reading for this category?The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
Netherlands... tulips, Van Gogh, Amsterdam...
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
Yes! I love books that take place in different countries.
reply | flag *
- What are you reading for this category? Mansfield Park- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place? It is set in England. London and the castles attract me to England. It is so full of history. I was just looking up Northamptonshire on the internet and it looks really pretty.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world? Always - I'm also interesting in Switzerland, The Netherlands, France, Italy, etc.
What are you reading for this category? The Shipping News, by Annie Proulx
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
Canada. I've wanted to visit Canada since I read Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon as a young girl. The natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness is also an attraction.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
Yes, always.
what are you reading for this category?I read Still Me by Jojo Moyes
what country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
While it is more America than England, there are still some scenes in the book that take place in England. The previous two books of the series were all England if I remember correctly.
I am not attracted to simply England, but more Europe as a whole. I want to visit England, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, and Spain! It looks beautiful in all those places, I hope to be able to go one day!
would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
Sure! Location isn't usually a deciding factor for me when choosing a book to read.
Ancient Egypt Secrets Explained!: The Influences Behind Egyptian History, Mythology & The Impact On World Civilization
By:Jeffrey Houston
The history of ancient Egypt and their religion
Yes if their something I'm interested in
Carol wrote: "I've always wanted go to EgyptElizabeth Peters –
"I LOVE the Peabody series so so much! Great choice!
What are you reading for this category?The Likeness
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
Ireland; Ireland is beautiful and has a ton of history. There's also a lot of redheads there.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
It's not a huge priority, but sure!
I've just picked up Sputnik Sweetheart by Murakami for this prompt. I love reading books set in Japan. Can't wait to go there in a few months time!
What are you reading for this category?The Best We Could Do, by Thi Bui
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
This book is set (at least in part) in Vietnam. Vietnam is a beautiful country with great food.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
Absolutely!
- What are you reading for this category? The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place? I;ve wanted to go there since seeing Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks when I was little.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world? I try to read a variety of books.
- What are you reading for this category?Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
This is set in Australia - I don't why I am so intrigued by the country, but I do know that I really want to visit it!
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
I love reading books about other countries, especially when they are written by people from that country instead of visitors.
What are you reading for this category?Force of Nature
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
This book takes place in Australia. Everything about Australia fascinates me, the vastness, the variety of landscapes, the variety of dangerous wildlife. This is just what we hear about in the US, I would like to see for myself.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
I like to read about as many different countries as possible.
What are you reading for this category? My Last Continent by Midge RaymondWhat country is it set in and what attracts you to this place? Antarctica, which is the only continent I haven't visited and somewhere I'd really love to go. The cold, the tranquility, the wide open spaces are really inviting. And, oh, those penguins.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world? Sure. I love books set in and about all different countries.
I'm going to read The House of the Spirits, which is set in Chile. I haven't been yet, but it's planned for early next year, I can't wait! 😃
Ooh, I’m reading that now Sophie, and totally captivated by it. Can’t wait to see your photos from Chile - I’d love to go there!
Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder takes place in England.
I'm reading Down Under by Bill Bryson. I have a short list of reasons to visit Australia:1. The wildlife
2. The huge empty spaces
3. The scenery
4. The people (are all Australians super-friendly, or do they have to pass an "are you lovely and outgoing" test before they're allowed to go abroad?)
5. The live music scene, particular in Sydney
6. The coffee (I've heard it's the best in the world?)
I'm sure there'll be more, once I've read this book. There'd also be more if I researched it, but it's unlikely I can visit any time soon so I'd rather not find out what I'm missing out on.
I don't deliberately try and read from different countries - some writers describe places incredibly well and make me interested in them (I visited Prague purely on the strength of Laini Taylor's writing about it) but I've read plenty of books were the location was irrelevant to the story, so if I'd chosen it for the setting I'd be disappointed.
What are you reading for this category? Season of Storms by Susanna KearsleyWhat country is it set in and what attracts you to this place? Italy. What doesn't? The history, the food, the good looking men ha ha!
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world? I probably should but I end up reading mostly USA, England and Europe.
What are you reading for this category?The Stormy Petrel
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
The Hebrides, Scotland. I always want to go to the locations of Mary Stewart's books. She is a master of description and makes you long to see her seas and gardens. I believe I have strong Scottish roots (I'd like to take the DNA test and confirm that), which makes Scotland sound a little like "home".
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
I have tried lately to spread my reading out over a vaster geography, and have read several books set in India and Asia this year.
What are you reading for this category?I have a few books in progress from countries I'd love to visit - Colombia, Israel, South Africa ... and I feel like I'm using a bit of a cop-out ... but Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders, because I can't fit it anywhere else into my challenges.
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
It's set in the US. There's a lot to see there - it's huge! And in all honesty, there aren't many countries in the world that I haven't been to that I don't want to visit.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
Yes! I'm reading around the world like quite a few of us in the group. The problem is, it triggers my wanderlust.
- What are you reading for this category?Crazy Rich Asians
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
Singapore. The book makes it seem like their is so much good food and I am all about good food.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
I have been trying to make an effort to read more books from different countries this year. I think I've hit maybe 10 different countries so far this year and it's interesting to read about different places and see how people interact differently than in my own country when the books are written by individuals actually from the country in which the book is set.
- What are you reading for this category? The Shadow Land- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place? Set in Bulgaria. Eastern European Counties in general all seem to have interesting architecture and environmental setting. The Black Sea looks stunning.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world? I enjoy reading books set in other counties I like how it gives you a little mind trip away from home while your are reading.
What are you reading for this category?I am going to read Silk by Alessandro Baricco.
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
Japan. Because I am going to visit it for the first time this October, so I really want something to set my mood.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
Of course! It’s the best way to travel and to know different cultures.
What are you reading for this category?Aunt Dimity and the Duke by Nancy Atherton
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
It is set in England. I love the idea of the English countryside and in most books its depicted as very beautiful. I would love to be able to go and explore the English countryside.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
I love being about to read about other countries. It is a nice way to travel without leaving my home! I wish I could visit most of the places I read about.
What are you reading for this category?Macbeth by Jo Nesbø
What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
It’s set in Scotland. I’d love to visit as the Scottish countryside is beautiful, there are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities, and it has cities with a lot of interesting museums and other places I’d like to see.
Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
Yes, in fact I have been meaning to start a read around the world challenge for ages but I haven’t yet had chance to. Perhaps next year!
What are you reading for this category?The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant.
It is set in Italy, I have never been but hope to go next year for the scenery, culture, and general Italian way of life.Yes it would be good to read books from different countries. I have already read quite a few set around the world.
Mod
I borrowed A Gentleman in Moscow but I just wasn't in the mood for it. So back to the library it went. I just wasn't in the mood for anything that I had on my tbr. So I listened to the audiobook of the Black Tulip at double pace. This is one of those challenges that I was looking forward to, but I need to move forward or I am going to be really behind.
The perils of going in order.
What are you reading for this category?The island by Victoria Hislop
What country is it set in and why are you attracted to it?
Greece - the history, the culture, the natural beauty, the food, the food, the food....
Would you like to read more from other countries?
Yes, that's one of the reasons I do reading challenges!
What are you reading for this category?I read The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney
What country is it set in and why are you attracted to it?
Canada 1867 Canada is somewhere I have always wanted to visit but never had the opportunity.
Would you like to read more from other countries?
I do read books from other countries.
- What are you reading for this category?Queen of the Fireflies
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
It's set in the USA, but more specifically Savannah and Atlanta. I'm from Australia so the USA is a place I would love to visit. We had friends move from the USA to Australia for 3 years (we met them when they moved here). They moved back about a year ago and moved to Atlanta. My daughter's name is Savannah so I decided I want to go visit them in Atlanta and check out Savannah. So this book was perfect for me. It wasn't until I started reading that I realised where it was set, so thought awesome, fills a prompt!
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
I like reading around the world but I also read a heap of fantasy/dystopian which is set in it's own worlds.
- What are you reading for this category? Dreaming in Cuban- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place? It's set in Cuba which has always been fascinating to me with it's culture influenced by politics. I wasn't a huge fan of this book because it was slow.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world? Absolutely. Part of my travels is picking up a book from that location, and not just travel or history books. I think reading "normal" fiction books gives interesting perspectives to the culture.
I read The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume I. It takes places in England, primarily in London. I would like to go to England. I enjoy traveling and visiting different places and see what life is like there. Plus in England, they speak English so there isn't a big language barrier.
- What are you reading for this category?Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
Is set in England and what attract me is castles, historical places and museums.
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?
Yes I would love to read more from different countries.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Nine Perfect Strangers (other topics)Say Yes to the Marquess (other topics)
The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume I (other topics)
Dreaming in Cuban (other topics)
Queen of the Fireflies (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Tessa Dare (other topics)Stef Penney (other topics)
Jo Nesbø (other topics)
Nancy Atherton (other topics)
George Saunders (other topics)
More...
-----------------------------------
Suggestions:
This is the perfect week to use the group maps we're going to abandon next year: 2016 & 2017. That way all this work would have been helpful for some of us!
Don't hesitate to ask in the Around the World Challenge topic for recommendation from those of us who are trying to read one book from each country!
-----------------------------------
Optional questions:
- What are you reading for this category?
- What country is it set in and what attracts you to this place?
- Would you like to read more from different countries in the world?