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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Book Review: Great Destination Reads

via The Selby
In case anyone is planning a trip to a great destination coming up (or wishing you could go there), I thought I'd provide some of my favorite destination-based books that I have enjoyed over the last few years. 

I have to warn you - these are not light, easy-reading books.  Rather, these are stories that (hopefully) will really draw you into that location and time...which is, to me, what makes a book really worth reading.  Here goes:

Shantaram by David Gregory Roberts - set in India.  One of the best books I have read in a long time, but also very edgy.  It really shows the underbelly of India, so it's a unique read.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett - set in civil-rights-era South.  If you haven't read this already, you MUST.

The Spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst - set in World War 2-era Poland.  Great intrigue, colorful characters and lots of politicking!

Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende - set in Chile.  A South American woman's transition to America, composed beautifully.

Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - set in China,  It's about Chinese foot binding rituals and more.  My feet hurt as I type this!

Winter in Madrid by C.J. Sansom - set in - obviously - Spain, during the Franco dictatorship. Very mysterious and intriguing.

Rebecca's Tale by Sally Beauman - set in England covering two timeframes in the 20's and the 50's.  A beautifully written mystery and love story that also examines the changing societal norms in England during that time.



I could be pretty darn happy curling up here and enjoying a good book!
If you want to see ideas for cozy reading nooks, you can look here.

What is the best book you have read lately?  I'd love to know!

4 comments:

  1. what a wonderful idea to share your best book reads with your readers.. will have to check into these titles..most definitely Shantaram though..sounds a bit intriguing...
    and love the little book nook pic..the colors are so perfect..
    maureen

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  2. Wow, we adore this reading nook! Thanks for the summer reading list.
    Angela and Renee

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  3. I've read several of these, but some I have not...can't wait to add a few of these to my collection. Absolutely loved "The Help". Hope you're having a great weekend11

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  4. I'm reading The Greater Journey--the main characters are Paris and New York----what could be better. The Help is a must read for anyone (especially women) wanting to expand their heart and insight into the '60's
    culture of much of the South. I loved the reading nooks.
    Mary

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Thanks for your comments - I love hearing from you!