Books by Black British Authors to Read for Black History Month (& All Year Round)

December 5, 2024December 12, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

Black History Month is a time for learning, reflection, and celebration, but it’s important to continue this engagement all year long. One powerful way to do this is by reading literature from Black authors, and as a Brit, I’m choosing to focus on books by Black British authors.

The following books offer vital perspectives on identity, culture, and history, bringing forward voices that have been historically underrepresented.

Whether you’re looking to dive deep into personal memoirs, fictional explorations of Black life in the UK, or poetry that challenges the status quo, here’s a list of must-read books by Black British writers. Read them for Black History Month (January in the US or October in the UK) or of course, any time you see fit.

The Best Quotes From Each of Haruki Murakami’s Books

November 19, 2024December 5, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

To celebrate the author’s latest release, I’ve collated the top quotes by Haruki Murakami, organized by the books they are from, in the order they were published (plus some other notable quotes outside his books).

Murakami’s writing is full of contemplative and dream-like insights, blending the surreal with the everyday. When reading his books, I constantly find myself underlining or highlighting quotes that resonate with me.

7 Books by Native American Authors Everyone Needs to Read

October 14, 2024December 5, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

Books by Native American authors offer insights into the histories, cultures, and contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples across the Americas.

From fiction that weaves together cultural myths and modern narratives to deeply personal non-fiction that explores identity, history, and resilience, these works represent a critical and growing body of literature.

10 Books About Vietnam For Cultural & Historical Context

October 8, 2024December 5, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

From the harrowing realities of war to the quiet beauty of everyday life, packing a couple of these books about Vietnam in your suitcase for your trip offers a window into this unique nation.

9 Enlightening Books About Laos to Read on Your Trip

September 17, 2024December 5, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

Laos is one of favourite countries in the world. I first travelled to Laos for just a week, as part of a wider Southeast Asia backpacking trip, but quickly realised I had not left myself nearly enough time in this beautiful place. I returned to Luang Prabang a few years later (it was just as magical as I remembered!) and had hoped to make more frequent trips to Laos while I was living in Bangkok, but sadly, Covid had other plans.

For those hoping to explore the nation a level deeper, here are some books about Laos to help you understand this often overlooked Southeast Asian country.

5 Amazing Books Set in France, Plus 6 More Set in Paris

September 13, 2024December 5, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

I’ve been exploring some of France this summer; attending the Paris Olympics, spending a month in the French Riviera, and… well… watching the latest season of Emily in Paris. So, I’ve needed some books set in France to add to my to-read list.

The 11 Best Books Set in Mexico: History, CDMX & More

August 22, 2024December 5, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

I spent 4 months in Mexico, had some incredible and harrowing experiences (and ate more tacos al pastor than I could count), yet always felt like I barely even scratched the surface. I also had some dark days in Mexico, which was apt because it’s a place that doesn’t shy away from the dark.

With this in mind, the following collection of books set in Mexico provides a deep dive into the heart of the nation, from the tumultuous aftermath of the Mexican Revolution to the complexities of modern-day life in the megalopolis that is the capital.

9 Amazing Books Set in Italy: Romance, History & More

June 11, 2024December 5, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

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, but when I can’t be there, I love to be transported back through books set in Italy.

11 Best Books About Thailand By Both Thai & Western Authors

October 19, 2020December 12, 2024 - Amy 3 Comments

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 it to be weighted toward novels set in Thailand by predominantly white, Western authors, yet great Thai literature that resonates in English and is available in good translation is hard to find. (Sadly, even after two years, my Thai is still mostly limited to: “Another beer, please,” “Straight on, then turn left,” and “I am a guava.”)

9 Travel Books About Social Isolation

April 27, 2020December 5, 2024 - Amy Leave a comment

The best of both worlds (that is, physical journeys and those undertaken through chapters) can be found in travel books about social isolation – a bit of an oxymoron, but nonetheless a relatable one during these “uncertain times.”

Some are intrepid tales of solo adventures, while others are impressive feats of survival. Some of the examples of isolation are voluntary and others involuntary, but all relate to the challenges of remoteness and solitude, while satisfying wanderlust for the reader.