I love to read and I especially love to read books based in far away places, so it goes without saying that my previous Top 10 book list just wouldn’t be enough. Here’s the second part of the list. Enjoy and please do leave suggestions for other books I should read in the comments section below.
11. India: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
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| An unbelievable true-ish story |
12. Botswana: No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
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| First in a great series of mystery novels |
13. Egypt: Baby Love, Desiring Cairo & Tree of Pearls by Luisa Young (Trilogy of stories set in London and Cairo)
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| First of three books about a belly dancer caught up in a mysterious underworld |
14. Japan: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
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| Beautiful writing that captures the world of Geishas in Kyoto, Japan |
15. Ireland: Angela’s Ashes: A Memoir by Frank McCourt
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| The story of a tough upbringing in Ireland |
16. Italy: Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
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| All the joys and difficulties of taking on a home in the Italian countryside |
17. Italy: Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
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| Gripping mystery-thriller based in Italy |
18. Guernsey: The Guernsey Literary and Potato
Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows
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| The title is a mouthful, but the book is actually a simple but touching story set during WWII |
19. Democratic Republic of the Congo (Belgian Congo): The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
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| You will feel like you’ve gotten on the plane with this missionary family as they head to the DRC |
20. Southern Florida, USA: Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen
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| The only domestic based book on the list – but as one of the few books that got me to laugh out loud at the craziness of Florida, I had to include it. |
Last year I did a sort of study of books found in the travel section. I was frustrated as so many had to do with women divorcing. I have found that the best travel books aren’t listed as such at all and can be found in the fiction or non-fiction sections.
One that is absolutely lovely is a novella called A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr – a mix of travel, small town secrets, and art.
Foodie novels/non-fiction can also be a great way to read about travel – The Belly of Paris by Emile Zola is a long read but the descriptions are wonderful.
I have to agree with you, Murissa! I purposely left “Eat, Pray, Love” off the list (not because it was bad, but because I don’t think there’s anyone out there who hasn’t read it yet).
Huge thanks for the suggestions. Adding to my Amazon wish list right now!