Around the World in 80 Books
browsing around goodreads, I discovered a group of fellow literary wanderers who formed the challenge “Around the world in 52 books.” The original challenge is just finishing up for 2012. The object was to read a book or an author from one new country every week for a year, a very ambitious goal! Don’t worry if you’re more a leisure traveler. Many people have customized their personal challenge and the only “rule” is that you post your book list on the challenge shelf so other readers can discover the exotic gems you have found. After all, sharing your favorite books is what goodreads is all about.
For 2013 the moderators are re-issuing the challenge and I’m getting ready! I am scouring reviews and asking my friends for book recommendations. My ‘round-the-world list is quickly taking shape. Thanks to Nancy Pearl’s Book Lust to Go, I have some of the best travel writing in the world organized by country. Even if your travel budget is limited, armchair adventure is always as close as your public library and can be just as broadening and enlightening as physical travel. Are you equiped with a library card and a vivid imagination? Then let’s go!
Where will you be flying off to this year in your imagination? Please feel free to drop me a few recommendations in the comments. I will publish the WanderLit tour itinerary for New Years Day and all are welcome to ride this junket with me. It’s a small world after all…
4 comments
What a great twist on the book-a-week-for-a-year challenge. I really like it and am seriously thinking about joining in with you. I am gearing up to take over a book club from a recently retired librarian. Our theme is books from around the world so this would be a great way to source future books for the reading list. I know my “to read” stack could cover at least the first three months. Eager to hear more about what you are choosing.
I wish I lived closer to you. I would love to join your book club! I have found the reviews on goodreads to be especially useful.
I admit some of the books on my list are not necessarily travel-books but are representitive of world literature in some way or relate to a specific literary destination I plan on visiting soon. I’ll watch for you on goodreads!
I love this idea! How fun! Please post your list when you have it compiled – I’m super curious to read what you have planned.
I’m up to 70 books. I think I’ll stop there and leave room for 10 wonderful random finds. I’ll post my list with links to Anazon on New Year’s Eve with my resolution to read a book a week.