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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
France has long been a source of inspiration for writers from across the globe. Its landscapes, culture, and historical significance are intricately woven into some of the best works of literature.
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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. It was the perfect home away from home during a time where I needed to escape, disappear, dig deeper and feel things.
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.
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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.
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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.”) Read more
Are you pining for travel, stuck in lockdown, or looking to escape the perils of 2020 by diving deep inside the pages of a comforting book? 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.”
Here, I’ve created a collection of nine recommendations of the best travel stories most suited for travel in the time of Corona. 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.
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So, I recently made Southeast Asia my home by officially moving to Bangkok! I’ve celebrated in the only way I know how – adding the best books about Southeast Asia to my ever-growing reading wishlist and further expanding on my knowledge of Asian literature (see my list of the best Japanese novels for more on that topic too).
Here, I’m recommending one novel set in each country in Southeast Asia (available in English) and where possible, by an author from that country too.
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When I read Haruki Murakami’s Norwegian Wood during a trip to Japan, both the trip and the book sparked a fascination with Japanese novels that has stayed with me ever since. This list was meant to be a top five, but I simply couldn’t choose! So instead, here are 11 great Japanese writers and the their books, available in English, that make great travel buddies for a trip to Japan.
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