UK Book Club discussion
Around the World in 80 Books
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Caroline's Around the World in 80 Books
Only just started so no countries filled in as yet. As I'm also doing the USA states and UK counties challenges I won't be counting USA, England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland towards this. No time limit either.
EDIT: 4/7/16 As I'm also doing the USA states and UK counties challenges I won't be counting USA, England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland towards this - Changed my mind!
EDIT: 4/7/16 As I'm also doing the USA states and UK counties challenges I won't be counting USA, England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland towards this - Changed my mind!
Good luck,if you're like me it will take you forever!
Thanks, it probably will take me ages but I'm looking forward to discovering new books and authors that I might not have read otherwise :)
Take your time Caroline. And have fun.
I'm a bit behind on my reading at the moment as I have houseguests and have to sneak in some 'book time' while they're sleeping or in the shower!
But FINALLY I have started my world tour in CHINA with Village of Stone
by Xiaolu Guo.
More books set in CHINA (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
But FINALLY I have started my world tour in CHINA with Village of Stone
by Xiaolu Guo.More books set in CHINA (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Next to LEBANON with The Sanctuary
by Raymond Khoury.
This book also briefly takes in locations such as Iraq, Turkey, France, Portugal and Italy but the majority is set in Lebanon.
by Raymond Khoury. This book also briefly takes in locations such as Iraq, Turkey, France, Portugal and Italy but the majority is set in Lebanon.
Staying in the same sort of area, Agatha Christie's Murder in Mesopotamia
which I am counting as IRAQ on the basis of the information below...
"Mesopotamia is the area of the Tigris–Euphrates river system, largely corresponding to modern-day Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey and southwestern Iran"
More books set in IRAQ (view spoiler)
which I am counting as IRAQ on the basis of the information below..."Mesopotamia is the area of the Tigris–Euphrates river system, largely corresponding to modern-day Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey and southwestern Iran"
More books set in IRAQ (view spoiler)
#4 - FRANCE -
Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola.
More books set in FRANCE (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola.More books set in FRANCE (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
I just read that too! How did you find it?
I liked it. It was my first Zola so I wasn't really sure what to expect and was worried I might struggle to get into it (classics can be like that!), but I found it an easy enough read. A little bit dark and miserable but interesting. What did you think?
Mod
Ian wrote: "I struggled and abandoned it."
I was determined to finish even if I hated it so I could count it towards this challenge and also an author A-Z challenge I'm doing, luckily I didn't hate it :)
I was determined to finish even if I hated it so I could count it towards this challenge and also an author A-Z challenge I'm doing, luckily I didn't hate it :)
Well, like you I think, I liked the book but it is a very depressing, nasty story - dreariness, boredom and frustration morphing after a brief flurry of excitement into violence, depression and mental disturbance. Hmmmm not many laughs and giggles!
Still in Europe - #6 - GERMANY -
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
Moves about all over the place, France, Switzerland, England, Ireland, Russia, but the majority (by a whole 14 pages!) is set in Germany.
More books set in GERMANY (view spoiler) as a spoiler to save space.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.Moves about all over the place, France, Switzerland, England, Ireland, Russia, but the majority (by a whole 14 pages!) is set in Germany.
More books set in GERMANY (view spoiler) as a spoiler to save space.
Caroline wrote: "Only just started so no countries filled in as yet. As I'm also doing the USA states and UK counties challenges I won't be counting USA or UK towards this. No time limit either."I think you should use USA And Uk. I was thinking would be easy but after 55 or so gets quite difficult and by ruling out Uk loose 6 countries
I'll see how I go, am only 6 countries in so far so am still thinking positive. Maybe when I get to around 55 I might rethink my self-imposed rules! Well done for getting so far :) (You're on 79 I think?)
Caroline wrote: "I'll see how I go, am only 6 countries in so far so am still thinking positive. Maybe when I get to around 55 I might rethink my self-imposed rules! Well done for getting so far :) (You're on 79 I ..."Thanks yes 79. Want something really special for 80th. Really not sure where to go though
Caroline wrote: "I'll see how I go, am only 6 countries in so far so am still thinking positive. Maybe when I get to around 55 I might rethink my self-imposed rules! Well done for getting so far :) (You're on 79 I ..."You're off to a good start Caroline, but it does tend to go in fits and starts unless you're particularly a person who reads travel books, or are very competitive.
Robert wrote: "Thanks yes 79. Want something really special for 80th. Really not sure where to go though"
I can understand that Robert, good to finish on a high note. Not sure if it would be your thing but how about Alfred Russel Wallace, The Malay Archipelago for Indonesia - I don't think you've been there yet? Sounds fantastic from this review and I intend to read it myself for the challenge:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Leaving Europe for Asia - #7 - INDIA -
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach.
Have to admit, I preferred the film.
More books set in INDIA (view spoiler)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach. Have to admit, I preferred the film.
More books set in INDIA (view spoiler)
#8 - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND -
One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern.
A pleasant enough read, nothing too taxing.
More books set in REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern. A pleasant enough read, nothing too taxing.
More books set in REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
#9 - TURKEY -
Sanctus by Simon Toyne.
Decent religious conspiracy thriller.
More books set in TURKEY (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Sanctus by Simon Toyne.Decent religious conspiracy thriller.
More books set in TURKEY (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Caroline wrote: "#9 - Turkey - Sanctus by Simon Toyne.Decent religious conspiracy thriller."
I did like this book thought quite unusual
I liked it too, am about to read the second in the series The Key.
8/7/14 - Think I enjoyed this one even more. Stayed up late last night to finish it. Got book 3 The Tower on reserve at the library.
Still set in Turkey so no new country for me though.
8/7/14 - Think I enjoyed this one even more. Stayed up late last night to finish it. Got book 3 The Tower on reserve at the library.
Still set in Turkey so no new country for me though.
Mod
Ian wrote: "Didn't realise no 3 was out. Long time since I read no 2, but loved both so that's another on the tbr list."
Picked no. 3 up from the library today but hubby has put his foot down and said he's reading it first so unfortunately I have to wait :(
20/7/14 - He finally let me read it. I didn't think it was quite as good as the first two, there were some really slow parts but it finished the series nicely. Would recommend all three of the trilogy if you like that kind of thing. (Still mostly set in Turkey though!)
Picked no. 3 up from the library today but hubby has put his foot down and said he's reading it first so unfortunately I have to wait :(
20/7/14 - He finally let me read it. I didn't think it was quite as good as the first two, there were some really slow parts but it finished the series nicely. Would recommend all three of the trilogy if you like that kind of thing. (Still mostly set in Turkey though!)
Never heard of these so now on tbr list, looks like a good holiday read, ta.
Another religious conspiracy thriller, not quite up to the standard of the 'Sanctus Trilogy' but a nice fast-paced adventure.
Sign Of The Cross by Chris Kuzneski.
This book travels all over the world, taking in countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, China, Libya, Spain, USA, UK and Thailand (some visits being extremely brief!), but the location with the biggest page count is ITALY, giving me country #10. Double figures!! Yay!!
More books set in ITALY (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Sign Of The Cross by Chris Kuzneski.This book travels all over the world, taking in countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, China, Libya, Spain, USA, UK and Thailand (some visits being extremely brief!), but the location with the biggest page count is ITALY, giving me country #10. Double figures!! Yay!!
More books set in ITALY (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Mod
#11 - ISLE OF MAN -
Safe House by Chris Ewan.
Being geographically challenged as I am, I thought Isle of Man was part of the UK. Apparently not. Back to school Caroline.
Safe House by Chris Ewan.Being geographically challenged as I am, I thought Isle of Man was part of the UK. Apparently not. Back to school Caroline.
Caroline wrote: "#11 - Isle of Man Safe House by Chris Ewan.Being geographically challenged as I am, I thought Isle of Man was part of the UK. Apparently not. Back t..."
I used this for IOM really enjoyed it
#12 - Melbourne, AUSTRALIA -
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.
Thought this was great, really funny in places.
More books set in AUSTRALIA (view spoiler)
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.Thought this was great, really funny in places.
More books set in AUSTRALIA (view spoiler)
#13 - Another globe-trotting, treasure hunting adventure from Chris Kuzneski.
The Lost Throne
This one travels briefly through Italy, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, USA and Russia, with the majority taking place in GREECE.
The Lost ThroneThis one travels briefly through Italy, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, USA and Russia, with the majority taking place in GREECE.
#14 - EGYPT -
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie.
One of my favourite Christie books, I've read this a few times now. It never gets old.
More books set in EGYPT (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. One of my favourite Christie books, I've read this a few times now. It never gets old.
More books set in EGYPT (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
#15 - NORWAY -
Don't Look Back by Karin Fossum.
Decent Scandinavian mystery/crime story, however some of the writing was slightly clunky - possibly due to the translation? Not sure I'd read anything else by this author.
Don't Look Back by Karin Fossum.Decent Scandinavian mystery/crime story, however some of the writing was slightly clunky - possibly due to the translation? Not sure I'd read anything else by this author.
Nice big chunk of map filled in with #16 - CANADA -
Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens.
Decent psychological thriller but not up to the standard of her previous book Still Missing, which I thought was great.
More books set in CANADA (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens.Decent psychological thriller but not up to the standard of her previous book Still Missing, which I thought was great.
More books set in CANADA (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Have to say my hubby's book shelves are coming in very handy for this challenge!
#17 - MEXICO -
The Death Relic by Chris Kuzneski (again).
Another entertaining installment in the treasure hunting adventures of Payne & Jones.
#17 - MEXICO -
The Death Relic by Chris Kuzneski (again).Another entertaining installment in the treasure hunting adventures of Payne & Jones.
Mod
Ian wrote: "Good to hear a hubby described as handy for something, however small."
He's handy for other things as well but particularly for handing me books he's read and saying "Have you got ....." (fill in country). Luckily we seem to enjoy the same books because I hate his taste in films and music! :)
He's handy for other things as well but particularly for handing me books he's read and saying "Have you got ....." (fill in country). Luckily we seem to enjoy the same books because I hate his taste in films and music! :)
I'm not doing the challenge but I have read books set in Iceland Michael Ridpath
, Russia William RyanWilliam Ryan
,
and
if these help anyone and my favourite setting of Scotland Ann Cleeves
set in Shetland and
set on Orkney
That's great. Thanks for the suggestions :)
#18 - SAUDI ARABIA -
Sword Of God by Chris Kuzneski.
Yet another Payne & Jones adventure. I don't know what I'll do for new countries when hubby runs out of these books!
More books set in SAUDI ARABIA (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
Sword Of God by Chris Kuzneski.Yet another Payne & Jones adventure. I don't know what I'll do for new countries when hubby runs out of these books!
More books set in SAUDI ARABIA (as a spoiler to save space) (view spoiler)
#9 - Iraq - When it comes to Iraq. I don't think Agatha's book represents that place.Saying this because I have read it, and I am an Iraqi
Thanks Ahmad but I already have Iraq. I think there is a separate thread for author promotions.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I understand that, but Agatha's book is not really about Iraq. I am not promoting my book, just the subject of Iraq means a lot to me.I have lived in Vienna, Austria for a few years, and I dont think, I can write about Austria, better than a native Austrian.
UK Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Valley of the Templars (other topics)Valley of the Templars (other topics)
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Rosemary - A Christmas Story (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Paul Christopher (other topics)Maureen Reil (other topics)
C.N. Williamson (other topics)
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Darlene Foster (other topics)
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Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com
Start date: 7th May 2014
End date:
AFGHANISTAN - The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul - Deborah Rodriguez (28/3/15)
ALGERIA - A Happy Death - Albert Camus (16/1/16)
AUSTRALIA - The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion (5/8/14)
AUSTRIA - Five - Ursula Poznanski (15/2/15)
BRAZIL - The Mayan Conspiracy - Graham Brown (30/11/14)
BULGARIA - Valley of Thracians - Ellis Shuman (12/2/16)
CANADA - Never Knowing - Chevy Stevens (18/8/14))
CHINA - Village of Stone - Xiaolu Guo (7/5/14)
CROATIA - Murder on the Orient Express - Agatha Christie - (31/1/15)
CUBA - Valley of the Templars - Paul Christopher (16/3/17)
CYPRUS - Othello - William Shakespeare (30/6/16)
DENMARK - One, Two ... He Is Coming For You - Willow Rose (12/4/15)
DOMINICA - Wide Sargasso Sea - Jean Rhys (12/1/16)
ENGLAND - The Zig Zag Girl - Elly Griffiths (6/7/16)
EGYPT - Death on the Nile - Agatha Christie (10/8/14)
FINLAND - Snow Angels - James Thompson (6/11/15)
FRANCE - Thérèse Raquin - Emile Zola (19/5/14)
FRENCH POLYNESIA / TAHITI - Ballads - Robert Louis Stevenson (29/3/16)
GERMANY - Frankenstein - Mary Shelley (19/6/14)
GIBRALTAR - Let's Get Serious - Maureen Reil (15/2/17)
GREECE - The Lost Throne - Chris Kuzneski (6/8/14)
GREENLAND - Blizzard: Race to the Pole - Jasper Rees (16/5/15)
GUERNSEY - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer (23/2/15)
HUNGARY - The Crypt - Jonas Saul (26/3/16)
ICELAND - Black Skies - Arnaldur Indridason (4/7/15)
INDIA - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Deborah Moggach (24/6/14)
IRAN - Not Without My Daughter - Betty Mahmoody (4/10/15)
IRAQ - Murder in Mesopotamia - Agatha Christie (16/5/14)
IRELAND (REPUBLIC OF) - One Hundred Names - Cecelia Ahern (27/6/14)
ISLE OF MAN - Safe House - Chris Ewan (2/8/14)
ISRAEL - Before Bethlehem - James Flerlage (7/12/14)
ITALY - Sign Of The Cross - Chris Kuzneski (25/7/14)
JAPAN - Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden (5/1/16)
JORDAN - Appointment with Death - Agatha Christie (13/2/15)
KYRGYZSTAN - A Killing Winter - Tom Callaghan (28/1/16)
LAOS - The Coroner's Lunch - Colin Cotterill (20/1/16)
LEBANON - The Sanctuary - Raymond Khoury (13/5/14)
MADAGASCAR - Entwined - Colette Gale (14/7/15)
MEXICO - The Death Relic - Chris Kuzneski (21/8/14)
MONACO - Rosemary - A Christmas Story - A.M Williamson (7/12/16)
MOROCCO - Destination Unknown - Agatha Christie (2/3/15)
NEPAL - The Lie - C.L Taylor (31/7/16)
NETHERLANDS - The House of Dolls - David Hewson (20/7/15)
NEW ZEALAND - Vintage Murder - Ngaio Marsh (4/3/16)
NIGERIA - Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe (10/5/16)
NORWAY - Don't Look Back - Karin Fossum (14/8/14)
POLAND - The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne (5/10/15)
ROMANIA - The Hunters - Chris Kuzneski (8/11/14)
RUSSIA - The Black Sun - James Twining (5/9/14)
SAUDI ARABIA - Sword Of God - Chris Kuzneski (27/8/14
SCOTLAND - Close to the Bone - Stuart MacBride (1/7/16)
SOUTH AFRICA - The Man in the Brown Suit - Agatha Christie (25/1/15)
SOUTH KOREA - The Korean Word For Butterfly - Jamie Zerndt (14/9/16)
SPAIN - As Easy as Murder - Quintin Jardine (4/6/14)
ST. BARTS - Love on St. Barts - Emme Cross (28/11/15)
SWEDEN - Echoes from the Dead - Johan Theorin (1/9/14)
SWITZERLAND - Heidi - Johanna Spyri (3/10/15)
THAILAND - Everyone Burns - John Dolan (9/10/15)
TIBET - Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet - Xinran (23/1/15)
TURKEY - Sanctus - Simon Toyne (6/7/14)
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Amanda in Arabia: The Perfume Flask - Darlene Foster (1/8/16)
USA - Hot Blooded - Lisa Jackson (4/7/16)
VATICAN CITY - Angels and Demons - Dan Brown (31/3/16)
VENEZUELA - Empire Of Gold - Andy McDermott (29/2/16)
WALES - Rubbernecker - Belinda Bauer (2/7/16)
ZIMBABWE - A Matter of Clues - Monica Marsden (16/1/15)