Around the World in 80 Books discussion
ATW in 80 Books World Challenge
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Mome_Rath - Tourist 2019
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Mome_Rath
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Jan 01, 2019 07:38PM
After a couple of years traveling widely around the world, I think I'll stay a little more focused and plan on hitting at least 52 countries, which will allow me time to read other books on my to-read list.
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Sounds like a good plan. Have fun on your bookish travels.
Thanks! Hope you enjoy your reading adventures this year as well!
1. England (United Kingdom); Region: Europe
A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918 by Joseph LoconteAnd so my 2019 travels commence. Great look at the impact World War I had on Tolkien and Lewis, as well as how their faith shaped epics of hope and purpose in the face of adversity — a message rather out-of-sync with other post-war writers.
Such a good read! Have you tried the essay collection Baptism of Fire? It looks at the impact of WW 1 on not just the Inklings but Fantasy in general as well as Inklings.
That sounds interesting; do you know who the author is?
So the editor is Janet Brennan Croft. Full titld s Baptism of Fire: the Birth of tge Modern British Fantastic in WW 1. Some contributors are Michael Livingston, Nick Milne, and countless others. It's an anthology published only Mythopoeic Press.
2. Germany; Region: Europe
Irmina by Barbara YelinOh, Irmina, and what might have been. Beautifully illustrated graphic novel loosely based on letters from the author’s grandmother. How easy it is to not pay attention when living amidst the banality of evil...
3. Denmark; Region: Europe
Grooks 1 by Piet HeinI had never heard of Piet Hein until I saw this book reviewed a couple of weeks ago, but he lived an incredible life, from his time in the Danish resistance to his life as a mathematician and designer. These wise and witty poems of his are well worth a read!
4. Netherlands; Region: Europe
The Winter Garden by Johanna VerweerdA Dutch woman faces her past as she tends to her dying mother and searches for answers why she was unloved and unwanted early in life. The story was tranquil and meditative, like a vestibule conversation at a funeral, but did look forward in hope.
5. Argentina; Region: Latin America (South America)
The Penguin Lessons by Tom MichellAbsolutely charming, and the best book I have read yet this year. Juan Salvado (or is it Juan Salvador?) is an affable addition to the lives of an English boarding school master, his co-workers, and students in Buenos Aires. I loved all the anecdotes!
6. Pakistan; Region: Asia
The Crow Eaters by Bapsi SidhwaI love the vibrancy and humor of South Asian families in literature, and Bapsi Sidhwa offers a memorable look at the Parsee community of pre-Partition Pakistan through the lens of the Junglewalla family. I only wish the book had a tighter ending.
7. Greece; Region: Europe
The Olive and the Caper: Adventures in Greek Cooking by Susanna HoffmanHealthy portions of Greek culture, history, and mythology, all served up via a cookbook of Greek cuisine. Hoffman also tells amusing anecdotes from her 30 years in Greece and includes fascinating ancient Greek commentary on food.
8. Canada; Region: North America
The Long Way Home by Louise PennyI am fascinated with the way Penny weaves Québécois and Canadian history and culture into her mysteries, and this one was no exception. An enjoyable way to catch up with familiar characters as they embark on a road trip to find a missing friend.
9. South Africa; Region: Africa
The Crooked Path by Irma JoubertAnother well-written book by a South African author, but while the story was pleasant, I couldn’t help wondering about the background of apartheid that all the characters seem oblivious to. At least in her previous book, apartheid was well addressed.
10. Egypt; Region: Africa
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth PetersFirst a shout-out to Wilkie Collins' Marian Holcombe, whose 19th century can-do spirit preceded a host of independent Victorian heroines written about in the 20th century. The mystery was a bit Scooby-Doo-ish, but I enjoyed the setting and Amelia Peabody.
11. Botswana; Region: Africa
Cry of the Kalahari by Mark OwensWow — what gumption this wildlife researcher couple has! To decide one year into their marriage to move into the middle of an African desert to research lions and brown hyenas and jackals? And to spend seven years there? Pretty inspiring, and a great story!
12. Czech Republic; Region: Europe
The Metamorphosis by Franz KafkaSo many ideas and interpretations have been bandied about for the meaning of this novella. This is a fascinating look at a family who is unwilling and unable to cope with their former breadwinner who has suddenly become a burden to them.
13. United States; Region: North America
The Underground Railroad by Colson WhiteheadThis was a great book, but not an easy book. The injustice was visceral, an indictment of an attitude of racial superiority ingrained in the nation’s history. Cora’s tale is bleak but illuminating, and thankfully there are some moments of hope.
14. Senegal; Region: Africa
So Long a Letter by Mariama BâThis was a good exploration into how women are disadvantaged by polygamy in Senegal, but honestly I enjoyed the story much more when the narrator was relating the misadventures of her kids rather than lamenting her lost husband.
15. South Korea; Region: Asia
The Color of Water by Kim Dong HwaThis was a beautifully illustrated graphic novel highlighting the evolving relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter who is growing up and falling in love in 19th century Korea. A little frank at times, but overall the story had heart.
BONUS: Egypt; Region: Africa
The Keys of Egypt: The Obsession to Decipher Egyptian Hieroglyphs by Lesley AdkinsPerhaps a bit too much background detail on the struggles Jean-Francois Champollion faced in finding support in his early career, but a fascinating look at the approaches taken to decipher hieroglyphs. The Egyptian sections were engrossing.
16. Ireland; Region: Europe
The Counsels of Cormac: An Ancient Irish Guide to Leadership by Thomas ClearyThis collection of old Irish proverbs and wisdom on topics of leadership remains as relevant today as it would have been in the times of Cormac. I can certainly think of some leaders who would benefit from a reminder on these principles.
17. Turkmenistan; Region: Asia
The Tale of Aypi by Ak WelsaparSo let's see if I have this straight: don't abandon a village with a vengeful spirit resentful of all the fickle descendants of those who killed her, but don't defend it either, since she won't protect you against storms that come? Either way, interesting story.
18. Iceland; Region: Europe 
The Blue Fox by SjónI really enjoyed this tale, even if the main protagonist turned out to be rather awful. I appreciated the side mystery of the naturalist finally learning the background of Abba, and I liked how the ending tied everything together.
19. Russia; Region: Europe
Five Plays: Ivanov / The Seagull / Uncle Vanya / The Three Sisters / The Cherry Orchard by Anton ChekhovRevolution can't come fast enough for the entitled, bored, complacent, and complaining denizens of Chekhov's late 19th century upper-class dramas. After reading his five most famous plays, I think perhaps Chekhov the playwright is not for me.
20. Brazil; Region: Latin America (South America)
The Hour of the Star by Clarice LispectorI would have liked to have liked this short novel more than I did, but I’m not a great fan of experimental fiction. Still, it was good to learn that the author’s history may have helped form the idea for her misfortunate main character.
21. Iraq; Region: Middle East (Asia)
The Gardener of Baghdad by Ahmad ArdalanQuite a pleasant and heartwarming story, though I’m in agreement with others that this book could have used a bit of editing. For all the talk of gardens in Iraq, I was surprised to find no reference to the famous ancient hanging gardens of Babylon!
22. Ghana; Region: Africa
Gold of Our Fathers by Kwei QuarteyWhile not as tight a story as the previous Murder at Cape Three Points, I still enjoyed learning more about Ghana and their issues of economic development. I wish the mystery had been a bit more compelling.
BONUS: Iraq; Region: Middle East (Asia)
The Caliph's Splendor: Islam and the West in the Golden Age of Baghdad by Benson BobrickFor anyone unfamiliar with the early years of Islam and the influence of the Islamic world on Western culture, I would recommend this book. Mostly entertaining, though the focus on Baghdad wavered a bit throughout.
23. Sweden; Region: Europe
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas JonassonSweden seems to offer two types of authors -- the grim mystery writers and the wry humorists. This book falls squarely in the latter, with a main character who seems a bit like a 20th-century Flashman, caught up in adventures past and present.
24. Turkey; Region: Asia
The Fisherman of Halicarnassus: The man who made Bodrum famous by Roger WilliamsWhile this book is ostensibly about a Turkish author rather unknown to the West due to lack of translation, it serves even better as a historical travel guide to Turkey’s Blue Coast and Cevat Sakir’s beloved Bodrum. Short and informative!
25. Malaysia; Region: Asia
The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan EngWow, I loved this book. The book is filled with space between; places to slow down and reflect. To decide what memories from the past to let go of, and what to move forward with. The setting was beautiful; I’d like to go back to the Cameron Highlands now...
Congrats on passing 24 countries!
Thanks! Still on track for my goal of 52 countries this year, which doesn’t fall neatly in any category, but keeps some variety in my reading options.
26. Solomon Islands; Region: Oceania
Devil-Devil by Graeme KentThis was a nice historic mystery opening up the world of the Solomon Islands, which I only had a cursory knowledge of. The mystery was decent, though I would have liked more interactions between Sergeant Kella and Sister Conchita.
27. Mozambique; Region: Africa
Sleepwalking Land by Mia CoutoWar is madness, and though it may help me to go back and re-read this tale to fully appreciate the interlocking stories Couto weaves together, I think I need a bit of a break from the tragedy of an upended society.
BONUS: Turkey; Region: Europe
The Museum of Innocence by Orhan PamukDo I feel much sympathy for the besotted suitor who stalks the lover he had on the side whilst engaged? I do not. The story is exceptionally well-written, which is where I will give it kudos, but this would have made a much better novella.
28. India; Region: Asia
The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing by Tarquin HallQuite an enjoyable mystery -- I enjoyed trying to figure out the sleights-of-hand for this case! Vish Puri is a fine detective, but I'm more intrigued by all of his nicknamed employees who seem to have fascinating stories on their own.
BONUS: Greece; Region: Europe
The Ancient Olympic Games by Judith SwaddlingThis was a rather concise, but informative, overview of the ancient Olympic games and their influence on the modern ones we commemorate today. Lots of amusing anecdotes, and it brought back great memories of what Olympia looks like.
29. Rwanda; Region: Africa
Deogratias, a Tale of Rwanda by Jean-Philippe StassenFrankly, the introduction by the translator would be far more helpful to a reader unfamiliar with the Rwandan genocide than the graphic novel. The novel tells a story of horror, but it did not make as much of an impact as I expected.
BONUS: South Africa; Region: Africa
We Kiss Them With Rain by Futhi NtshingilaThis novella is rather sweet and hopeful, while covering some of the bleaker challenges facing South African society, particularly with HIV-AIDS and the children left behind from those who die. I appreciated Mvelo's unwillingness to give up.
30. Seychelles; Region: Africa
Voices: Short stories from the Seychelles Islands by Glynn BurridgeWell that was enjoyable! I really liked the variety in this collection of short stories, from anecdotes about island life to adventure tales to a novella about a treasure hunt. And now I know never to make an enemy of a land tortoise!
BONUS: Greece; Region: Europe
The Iliad: by HomerI can see why this epic has stood the test of time. Yes, the plot is predominantly battles and predestined deaths, but the descriptions of the battle are vivid and the action is enthralling. I do feel sorry for all the women who are treated only as prizes, though.
BONUS: South Korea; Region: Asia
The Story of Hong Gildong by UnknownI hadn't heard of this Korean classic before I found it at the library, but now I'll have to keep an eye out for other literature or shows from South Korea to see if there are any references to this apparently well-known character.
31. Japan; Region: Asia
Spring Snow by Yukio MishimaHere’s the story of a youthful idiot, prideful and self-serving, who manages to bring on a potential embarrassing crisis to Japan’s royal family all because of his hard-headed stupidity. The writing is very good once the actions in the story start, though.
32. Indonesia; Region: Asia
The Rainbow Troops by Andrea HirataWhat a tribute to teachers! I loved the anecdotes of a student and his motley impoverished friends who are kept in school by caring teachers. Life turned out bittersweet, but I am positive the class is better off for having had Bu Mus as a teacher.
33. Madagascar; Region: Africa
Beyond the Rice Fields by NaivoThis was mostly a great book for me; it might have helped to have an index of people and place names, since Malagasy names are a bit unique. I learned a lot about 19th century Madagascar and a bit too much about trials by tangena.
34. Afghanistan; Region: Asia
Earth and Ashes by Atiq RahimiThis had all the upbeat optimism of Cormac McCarthy's The Road minus the cannibalism. The grief of a grandfather and grandson who lost their village to a Russian attack is palpable as they journey to find a family member.
Around the World in 80 Books
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