The Best Bookshops in Edinburgh (A Complete Crawl Guide)
Edinburgh was the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and honestly, you can feel it the moment you start wandering its medieval closes and cobbled lanes. The city practically breathes books. It’s the home of Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, and Ian Rankin — and, if you know where to look, the city that […]
The Best Scottish Authors & Books Set in Scotland
Inspired by our upcoming Edinburgh Literary Retreat, here’s a curated guide to some of the best Scottish authors and books set in Scotland; perfect if you’re planning a trip, joining the retreat, or just fancy being transported there from your sofa. Scotland has produced a remarkable literary tradition; one shaped by rugged landscapes, complex history, […]
7 Books About Iran to Understand Everyday Life
In light of recent conflict in the Middle East, I’m seeking a deeper understanding beyond the headlines and I’ve therefore decided to research and read books about Iran. While there is no shortage of non-fiction works on Iranian history and politics, I’ve compiled this list to focus on novels and memoirs by Iranian writers, particularly […]
15 Classic Banned Books That Shaped Literature
In an era of control and curbs of freedom, banned books are are a hot topic, but then again, they always have been. I find it so interesting to look back over time and read classic banned books from history, discover the reasons they were controversial in their day (or still are), and how those […]
Books About Greece: From Novels to Ancient Mythology
Greece has inspired writers for centuries with its islands, ancient ruins, turbulent history and timeless myths. Whether you enjoy novels set in Greece, vivid travel memoirs, authoritative history or classic legends, there is no shortage of remarkable books about Greece to explore. This guide brings together fiction, memoir, history and mythology to help you discover […]
15 Children’s Banned Books Through History You Should Know
When I think of children’s literature, I think of innocence and imagination. Yet, many kids books, including some of my favourites growing up, have been considered controversial at some point in time. The following children’s banned books have been challenged, restricted or removed from libraries and classrooms for reasons ranging from political concerns to fears […]
The Best Costa Rica Books: Stories, Travel & Wildlife
I’ve spent around 6 months total across three trips to Costa Rica, asked in bookstores and consulted my Costa Rican in-laws for book recs, but compiling a list of the best Costa Rica books in English isn’t easy. The majority of the country’s literature is not yet available in translation (perhaps when my Spanish improves, […]
Top Travel Games for Adventure at Home
I love to travel, but I also love to put my geography knowledge to the test at games night! So, here are some of my favourite travel games. From strategic board games that take you across continents to card games that challenge your travel prowess, here’s a roundup of the best games about travel to […]
Why I Chose Madrid For a Literary Retreat
This article first appeared in The Madrid Review blog. If I’m honest, I didn’t set out with Madrid in mind. When I first started thinking about where to host a literary retreat (a long weekend dedicated to reading, bookshop crawls and literary tours), there were plenty of obvious contenders. Paris, with its café-lined boulevards and […]
The Best Games for Book Lovers: Board & Card Games for Bibliophiles
Yes, I love books, but do I get competitive about it? Also yes. So, below is a curated list of the best games for book lovers—spanning competitive strategy, light-hearted humour, literary trivia, and shelf-organising fun! Whether you’re hosting book club, getting together with fellow literature lovers, or simply planning a cosy game night in, these […]