
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
As an avid reader and frequent traveller, I’m a firm believer that reading around the places you visit provides essential historical and cultural context, as well as insights into local stories.
Here you can find everything I’ve written about books, including my travel book lists with recommended reads for different destinations, beautiful bookstores around the world, some of the most inspiring book quotes, tips on the best deals for audiobooks and e-books, as well as more bookish ideas and literary travel tips.
Looking for a read for your next trip? Here are my top picks for books to read on your travels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

What’s the Best Fit for Your Next Bookish Escape? Reading vacations are growing in popularity, but within the world of book-focused getaways, there are many different options, each with its

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

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

For me as a book club host, being part of a book club is more than just reading novels; it’s about building friendships, sharing stories, and creating memories. So, whether

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

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
A travel journal not only helps you remember the details of your trips but also serves as a creative outlet for reflecting on experiences in a personal and meaningful way.

I recently read Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, and boy was it different from The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked musical,

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,
Is there anything more inviting than a cosy bookstore? Just as I love to get lost in a new city, I can spend hours meandering the hedge mazes of bookshelves in a good bookstore. Here are some of my favourites:

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

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

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

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

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

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
Not travelling? Looking for something different? Here are a few more of my top recommended reads:

I recently read Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, and boy was it different from The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked musical,

In the crisp, golden light of autumn, there’s nothing better than curling up with cosy fall books that make you feel wrapped in warmth. Whether you’re looking for fall romance

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women’s achievements, reflect on the progress made and recognise the work still needed to achieve gender equality. Literature plays a key role

I’m so ready for spring. Now that March is coming, I’m done with hibernation and cosy winter reads, and I’m looking to embrace lighter, more uplifting books to read for

The Nobel Prize in Literature is one of the most prestigious awards in the literary world, given annually to authors who have produced outstanding contributions to literature. The prize has

These books have all made a significant impact on my life, offering wisdom, comfort, and inspiration in their own unique ways. Here are my nine favourite books, plus a few
Is it just me who loves to dog-ear book pages and underline passages that resonate? Here are some of my favourite books for inspiration, comfort and bibliomancy, and the quotes that struck a chord:

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

Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig should be made mandatory reading. When I was going through a rough time with depression and anxiety, a friend pressed this book into

It’s Shakespeare’s birthday weekend and I’m celebrating in his birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon (Will, you don’t look a day over 400). So, in the spirit of all things literary and wanderlustful,

I’ve been quiet for a few months on this blog. This has been partly an intentional break and partly because I’ve struggled to find the right words to articulate the

Who else loves a good Buddha quote? *Raises hand* Yup, sometimes I just need a little pick-me-up from the B. Man. So, if you’re like me, then please enjoy this little compilation of
For practical advice on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, here are my step-by-step guides:

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

Amazon has been my go-to for buying books, especially for the convenience of Kindle and Audible while travelling. However, I’ve recently been asking myself: is there an alternative to Amazon

Did you know that you can listen to audiobooks on Spotify and that many are included in Spotify Premium? I didn’t and I’ve been using Everand and Audible to access

In this article, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to how to gift a Kindle book, along with some tips and FAQs to help you along the way. Giving

Looking to give someone the gift someone Audible, but can’t find an option for gift cards or individual credits? I’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to
From bookshelf styling to the benefits of keeping a reading journal, here are a few more bookish ideas for my fellow page travellers:

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

This Christmas, I travelled home to find my parents had boxed up my books while they were having the windows done. They know I like my bookshelf styled how I

Here’s why I need a reading journal: I love books, but I’m terrible at remembering what I’ve read, what happened in the plot, or even whether I liked it. I’d

Updated October 2025 To represent the page travellers there, here are the best literary gifts for book lovers who travel, which are practical, cute and – most importantly – kind
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
Disclaimer: this box contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
