Welcome to Nomad Book Club, where each month we explore a new country or region through books that are set there, as well as bookshops, libraries and other literary travel destinations.
If you’d rather read something set where you’re travelling to, that’s all good too. You’re still welcome to share it in the WhatsApp group and in our monthly online meetups.
Once signed up to the email list, you’ll receive an invite to join the WhatsApp community, where we discuss what we’re reading each month, organise monthly online meetups, and share book recommendations for our next trips.
You can also follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube:
As chosen by book club member Mira, the Nomad Book Club destination for June is South Africa! Our first African destination…
I’ve started off the month by listening to the audiobook of Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, a memoir from the famous comedian about his childhood growing up in South Africa as a “coloured” person with black and white parents. I highly recommend it. I’m now listening to Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela’s autobiography.
Further recommendations are here:
What would a travel book club be without a little travel? Check out our Literary & Reading Retreats to see which bookish destinations we’re meeting up in next.
I’ve also created a Travel Reading Journal, which is a companion for documenting literary travel adventures. It’s available with Amazon print on demand, so you can order it from any Amazon store in the world and it will be delivered to you as a regular paperback notebook.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using a link, but at no cost to you.
Inspired by the Edinburgh Literary Retreat taking place at the end of the month, the Nomad Book Club theme for May is Scotland!
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
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 Nomad Book Club destination for April is Iran!
This book club has never just been about armchair travel; it’s about understanding places and cultures on a more human level. I’ve always wanted to include destinations we can’t easily visit, as a way of hearing directly from the people who live there and experience it every day.
With that in mind, this month is about centring the voices of Iranians; moving beyond the headlines and the focus on political power struggles, and instead exploring everyday life, personal stories, and lived experiences.
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
The Nomad Book Club destination for March is Greece!
As chosen by book club member Chris who is travelling around Europe right now. Spot of Greek mythology anyone?
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
Pura Vida! The Nomad Book Club destination for February is Costa Rica!
I’ve spent a fair bit of time in Costa Rica, as my partner is from there, but finding Costa Rican literature available in English has been quite a challenge (apologies, I’m still learning, but my Spanish is terrible). But I do love a challenge…
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
Sawadee ka! The Nomad Book Club destination for January is Thailand! I’m super-excited for this theme because I lived in Thailand for 3.5 years (most of it pandemic) and had plenty of time to dive into Thai literature while I was there.
The city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand blooms every February for the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. This three-day festival is a celebration of spring, showcasing the region’s flowers, cultural
Updated December 2024 Ban Pong, a short drive from Bangkok, has gradually become a destination for art lovers and travellers looking to experience something different. With its colorful murals, impressive
Updated December 2024 Tucked into the coast of Krabi province and only accessible by boat, Railay Bay is one of Thailand’s most stunning and tranquil destinations, known for towering limestone
Updated December 2024 Erawan Falls, located in Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province, is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and popular waterfalls. The falls consist of seven tiers, each with
Updated December 2024 The Lopburi Monkey Festival, or “Monkey Buffet Festival”, is one of Thailand’s most unusual and entertaining annual events. Held in the ancient city of Lopburi, located about
I’ve been living in Bangkok for two years and it’s taken me just as long to compile this list of the best books about Thailand. Why? Because I didn’t want
Annyeong Haseyo! The Nomad Book Club destination for December is South Korea! I’m so excited because this our first NBC theme in Asia, book club member Mary is co-hosting this month as she travels to Seoul, and I’m a bit obsessed with the East Asian cosy lit trend.
If you’re looking for warm, comforting reads feel like a hot cup of cocoa and a hug, these cosy books from Korea and Japan offer a unique blend of tenderness
Korean literature has taken the global stage by storm, blending lyrical storytelling with bold social commentary, rich historical depth and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re new to Korean books or looking
This month we’re in Spain! To coincide with our Madrid Literary Retreat, Spain is the Nomad Book Club pick for November. A country with a strong and rich literary canon, from Cervantes’ Don Quixote to contemporary debuts such as Bad Habit by Alana Portero, Spain has a wealth of stories to explore.
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
Whether you’re wandering through Andalusian olive groves or sitting in a Madrid café, these Spanish poets will help you see the country through its most expressive eyes. 21 – 24
Looking for an overview of Spanish literature, past and present, and where best to read it? Inspired by our upcoming Nomad Book Club Literary Retreat to Madrid, this is a short literary
Looking for books about Madrid? This is a curated list of both novels set in the Spanish capital and nonfiction that brings the city to life. Inspired by the upcoming
Whether you’re looking for rare finds, contemporary titles, or a quiet corner to read with a cup of coffee, these are the best bookstores in Madrid. From cosy secondhand shops
This month we’re in Albania! The next logical step after Kosovo because you can’t talk about one without the other. Once the “North Korea” of Europe, in recent years Albania has become more and more popular with tourists. With more Albanians living outside of the country than inside it, staunch Albanian patriotism has allowed the nation to rebuild and invest.
Looking for books on Albania and by Albanian writers? I’ve got you covered. From the high mountains of the north to the lakes and rivers of the south, Albanian stories
This month we’re in Kosovo! Perhaps our most controversial pick to date, Kosovo is Europe’s youngest country, with a wealth of stories to tell, a troubled modern history, and a unique Balkan experience.
Kosovo’s complex history, culture, and identity have inspired a wide range of literature—spanning novels, memoirs, historical analysis, and poetry. Whether you’re seeking historical context, personal testimony, or lyrical reflection, the
While staying in Skopje, Macedonia over the summer, I couldn’t believe that the Kosovan border was only an hour away, so I knew I wanted to do a day trip
This month we’re in North Macedonia! This small Balkan country has been occupied, abandoned and rebranded so many times, but like it’s flag, Macedonians remain sunny and optimistic.
If you’re planning a trip to the region, here’s a detailed guide to the best things to do in Skopje, Macedonia. After spending two months here in the capital, I
Tucked just outside Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, Matka Canyon is one of the country’s most beautiful places to visit. I really enjoyed my trip out to Matka Canyon,
Skopje might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of browsing a well-stocked English-language bookshelf—but for book lovers willing to explore, the Macedonian capital may
Looking for books about North Macedonia? You’ve come to the right place. This small Balkan country has been occupied, abandoned and rebranded so many times, but like it’s flag, Macedonians
This month we’re in Bulgaria! This Balkan country has cities, mountains, coast, and a complex history worth exploring. It’s also become a digital nomad hotspot in recent years.
Whether you’re an expat, traveller, or local bibliophile in search of your next read, Sofia, Bulgaria offers a surprisingly rich selection of bookstores catering to English-language readers. From quirky independent
If you’re looking for books about Bulgaria, there’s a wide range of powerful stories and insightful nonfiction to explore. From novels and short stories that capture everyday life and national
This month we’re in Malta! This small island country is one of my favourite places on the planet. I lived there for over a year and shamefully, never read a thing about it! So this month, I’m making up for it.
If you’re looking to dive into Maltese history, culture, or just enjoy a gripping story set on the little Mediterranean archipelago, this list of Malta books offers a rich collection
This month we’re in Italia! With 2025 Rome Jubilee and conclave for choosing a new Pope this month, this is a very interesting time to read around Italy and the Vatican.
Sardinia, Italy’s second-largest island, is a place of wild landscapes, ancient traditions, and a culture all its own. Unlike the mainland, Sardinia feels almost like a country within a country—one
Italy has a special place in my heart and it’s never a bad idea to take a trip there. I’ve spent more than a year living in Italy in total,
Candy-coloured houses set precariously atop the rough, jagged coastline of the Italian Riviera and a Mediterranean backdrop of lapping turquoise. *Sigh*. I can now confirm from personal experience that the Cinque
This summer I worked with an eighteen-year-old Etonian. He spoke of ‘bumping into’ David Cameron at chapel, meeting Elton John, as well as hobnobbing with Damian Lewis and Tom Hiddleston
Remember when I said I was going to spend the summer improving my Italian so that I’d leave bella Italia near-fluent by September? Yeah, that didn’t happen. But I have
I set myself three challenges this summer in Italy: to improve my Italian (errr… I’ll myself a generous 5/10 for that one), to see Florence (tick!) and to discover the
This month we’re in Turkey (Türkiye)!
Some hotels feel like mere places to sleep; others feel like chapters in a book. The Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul belongs firmly to the latter. From the moment I
Pamukkale, called the “Cotton Castle” due to its stunning white terraces, is one of Turkey’s most unique natural wonders. However, Instagram is not always the reality. I took a day
Looking for the best bookstores in Istanbul for English books? I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a resident, a traveller, or just passing through, Istanbul is a paradise for book
For those looking to explore its past, present, and literature, there is no shortage of books about Turkey, the country (or as it’s now named, Türkiye). Sitting at the crossroads
This month we’re in Georgia (the country)!
Mestia was one of my favourite places I visited during my winter in Georgia. Tucked away in the dramatic peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, it’s one of Georgia’s best-kept winter
This winter I was lucky enough to time my visit to Mestia to experience one of Georgia’s most mystical and ancient traditions — Lamproba Festival. Every February, the highland villages
Kutaisi is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, so as a travelling bookworm, I knew it had to be on my Georgia itinerary. While it’s known for
Georgia is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique culture. But did you know that it’s also an excellent destination for skiing? In this beginner’s guide, I’ll cover
One thing I have to say about Tbilisi is that it knows how to do bookshops! Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or simply looking for a new read, Tbilisi offers
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is not just a city of historical significance and East-meets-West culture clash; it is also a vibrant literary hub, rich in cultural heritage and home
Looking for the best things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia? I spent four months in the country this winter, basing myself in the capital, and I can assure you, I
Georgia’s capital is a full of gorgeous views, and one of the best ways to experience its cityscapes and the mountains beyond is by riding one of the trio of
Despite Georgia’s turbulent history and many years of occupation, a strong cultural identity has endured along with a rich literary tradition. So, although literature in English translation can be a
