05. A book set in one of the 25 most beautiful cities in the world

[Jackie, Solstitial Mod]

Whether you're in the middle of winter in the Northern Hemisphere or in the heat of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, it's always the perfect time to imagine ourselves in a land far, far away. Take a look at the list and find a novel that will transport you to a beautiful city.

Note: You do not have to use this particular list, but this one is provided to you if you need a reference point.

The Travel+Leisure article: https://www.travelandleisure.com/most...
List according to Travel+Leisure: Sydney, Australia; Barcelona, Spain; Queenstown, New Zealand; Istanbul, Turkey; Paris, France; San Francisco, United States; Palermo, Italy; Cape Town, South Africa; Seoul, South Korea; Cartagena, Colombia; Kyoto, Japan; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Tbilisi, Georgia; Rome, Italy; Hoi An, Vietnam; London, England; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Sedona, United States; Chefchaouen, Morocco; Taipei, Taiwan; Edinburgh, Scotland; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Singapore; New York City, United States

ATY Listopia https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

What are you reading and where is it set?

[Thomas]

I will be Conviction I will also be reading The Line of Beauty for the ends in Aty which could also fit this

[D.L.]

The Paris Apartment is my choice.

[Dixie]

I'm reading A Tale of Two Cities for this.

[Shannon SA]

I also have a Tale of Two Cities as one of my options for this one.

[Judy]

My TBR is full of books set in New York, London, and Paris, but I’ll look for books in Rio or Buenos Aires. I liked the South American books I read this year.

City of God
The Gods of Tango

[LeahS]

I'm reading A Work of Beauty: Alexander McCall Smith's Edinburgh. I've chosen this because it is a look at the architecture and history of the city. From my TBR, I'm also reading The Blazing World: A Novel by Siri Hustvedt, which is set in New York.

[Bea]

LeahS wrote: "I'm reading A Work of Beauty: Alexander McCall Smith's Edinburgh. I've chosen this because it is a look at the architecture and history of the city.

LeahS, thank you for mentioning this book. I am planning a Scotland trip next year and will be spending some time in Edinburgh. If I can get my hands on this book, I would love to visit places it names as I enjoy his fiction.

I have 3 books planned as frequently I am not in the mood for my plans and this gives me options. All are set in Edinburgh.

One Good Turn
The Library of the Dead
A Distant View of Everything

[Pam]

I will probably select Paris and read The Seine: The River that Made Paris or a classic by Dumas or Hugo, maybe Les Miserables.

[Jillian]

I'm planning on reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio which is set in New York City.

[Marie]

I don't think I have the same view of what makes a city beautiful as the creator of that list! But, rather than come up with my own list, I decided to choose a city that I did agree with, so I've gone for The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, set in Paris.

[JoDee]

You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town (Women Writing Africa) by Zo?? Wicomb

Looking forward to this book

[Dixie]

Bea wrote: "LeahS wrote: "I'm reading A Work of Beauty: Alexander McCall Smith's Edinburgh. I've chosen this because it is a look at the architecture and history of the city.

LeahS, thank you..."

Edinburgh is my favorite city in the world. I first visited there in 1977 and have been back many, many times.

[Tracy]

I'll be reading The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak, set in Istanbul. I want to try settings in different locations than I've already read (London, Paris, San Francisco, New York, Barcelona, Istanbul), but for some of the locations I was interested in I either wasn't finding a book set there, or if I found one it wasn't a book I was interested in.

I've read another book by Elif Shafak, so I'm assuming this one will go well, but if not, I'll have another try at finding a new location I'm interested in.

[LeahS]

I read that last year and enjoyed it. Probably not one of her best books, but still a good read.

[Misty]

I have two possibilities so far:

The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

[Bea]

Dixie wrote: "Bea wrote: "LeahS wrote: "I'm reading A Work of Beauty: Alexander McCall Smith's Edinburgh. I've chosen this because it is a look at the architecture and history of the city.

Leah..."

I am planning a trip to Scotland next year and Edinburgh will be my arrival and departure city. I am looking forward to my visit.

[LeahS]

It's a lovely city, Bea. I hope you enjoy your visit.

[Tracy]

LeahS wrote: "I read that last year and enjoyed it. Probably not one of her best books, but still a good read."

Thanks LeahS!

[SadieReadsAgain]

So excited to see Scotland on travel plans! If you want any recommendations, just gies a shout!

I'm torn between reading from my own country, or reading from a city I've never been to...so my possibles are:
- The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell (Edinburgh)
- 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World OR Three Daughters of Eve by Elif Shafak (Istanbul)

[Bea]

SadieReadsAgain wrote: "So excited to see Scotland on travel plans! If you want any recommendations, just gies a shout!"

Thanks, Sadie.

[Hayley]

I'm planning to read Eternal for this prompt. I chose this book because it is historical fiction and takes place in Rome. This book was lost in my TBR and I'm excited to read it. Love triangle in Italy during WWII? Sign me up!

[Denise]

Hayley wrote: "I'm planning to read Eternal for this prompt. I chose this book because it is historical fiction and takes place in Rome. This book was lost in my TBR and I'm excited to read it. Lo..."

I loved this book. Enjoy

[NancyJ]

Karin shared this alternative list of the top 25 most beautiful cities. It includes Vancouver and Lucerne.

https://luxurycolumnist.com/the-most-...


1. Paris, France
2. Venice, Italy
3. San Francisco, California
4. Prague, Czech Republic
5. London, U.K
6. Cape Town, South Africa
7. Rome Italy
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
9. Buenos Aires, Argentina
10. Kyoto Japan
11. New York City, US
12. St Petersburg, Russia
13. Sydney, Australia
14 San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
15. Edinburgh, UK
16. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
17. Seville, Spain
18. Hong Kong
19. Quebec City, Canada
20. Florence, Italy
21. Istanbul, Turkey
22. Budapest, Hungary
23. Lucerne, Switzerland
24. Mexico City, Mexico
25. Vancouver, Canada

[NancyJ]

Amy other Amy has GR links to these cities on the listopia page.

Barcelona, Spain
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cape Town, South Africa
Cartagena, Colombia
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Edinburgh, Scotland
Hoi An, Vietnam
Istanbul, Turkey
Kyoto, Japan
London, England
New York City, New York
Palermo, Italy
Paris, France
Queenstown, New Zealand
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rome, Italy
San Francisco, California
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Sedona, Arizona
Seoul, South Korea
Singapore
Sydney, Australia
Taipei, Taiwan
Tbilisi, Georgia


Does anyone else want to do a Side Challenge to read books from 10 or more of the cities on these lists? I'm going to allow for overlaps on mine - - - meaning a book for a completely different prompt can be on my side challenge. So I won't necessarily be reading extra books.

[LeahS]

I'm doing this - I've found books for other prompts that are set in these cities, and using Edinburgh for the prompt itself.

[NancyJ]

LeahS wrote: "I'm doing this - I've found books for other prompts that are set in these cities, and using Edinburgh for the prompt itself."

Great! I’m preoccupied with two other challenges starting soon, but I want to try to fit these in with other goals. I’m going to use a combined list of cities.

[Kristin]

As I mentioned in another discussion, I have a ton of books that I started back in 2023 that I'm still working on finishing.

One of the books that fit this prompt was "Regeneration" by Pat Barker. Although, the main setting is in a war hospital. It is still set in Edinburgh, Scotland which checks off for this prompt :)

[Sydney]

I'll be reading The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan which has been on my TBR since it came out. It takes place in Taiwan and was included on the listography for this prompt. Great reason to finally pick this one up!

[Sharon]

NancyJ wrote: "Amy other Amy has GR links to these cities on the listopia page.

Barcelona, Spain
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cape Town, South Africa
Cartagena, Colombia
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Edin..."

[Sharon]

NancyJ wrote: "Amy other Amy has GR links to these cities on the listopia page.

Barcelona, Spain
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cape Town, South Africa
Cartagena, Colombia
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Edin..."

I would do a side challenge. I would use some overlaps too.

[Yesica]

Judy wrote: "My TBR is full of books set in New York, London, and Paris, but I’ll look for books in Rio or Buenos Aires. I liked the South American books I read this year.

City of God
[book:The G..."

For Books set in Buenos Aires I recommend you check the authors Claudia Piñeiro and Eduardo Sacheri.

[Hannah]

My selection is New York GhostLing Ma. I went to NY and enjoyed it so much. Although the setting is somehow dark, I do love the atmosphere.

[Jenn]

I'm currently reading The London Séance Society for this.

[♞ Pat]

Either or

TBR Closet Cleanout will be

[NancyJ]

I read ✔️The Spectacular by Fiona Davis. It's a historical mystery set in 1956 New York City and features the glorious Radio City Music Hall and the Rockets. Plus the first criminal profiler.

[Denise]

I'm reading The Girl Who Reads On The Metro (Paris)

[lexiskat]

I will be reading I couldn't get into this book so,

I chose and finished

short and sweet review: 4.0
I enjoyed this book. It goes to show you how people can be all about themselves never realizing that you can hurt so many more people with your secrets and lies. I love that the sisters finally meet and are together at the end of the story. I feel that the mom was selfish with the dad knowing that the other child had lost her mom. Especially since it is her friend's child.

[Pam]

I’m reading The Tunnel by Ernesto Sábato, which is set in Buenos Aires.

[Robin H-R]

NancyJ wrote: "Amy other Amy has GR links to these cities on the listopia page.

Barcelona, Spain
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cape Town, South Africa
Cartagena, Colombia
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Edin..."

I'll do a side challenge as well.

[Robin H-R]

I set up a side-challenge thread under "Outside Challenges"

[NancyJ]

Robin wrote: "I set up a side-challenge thread under "Outside Challenges""

Thanks Robin.

[NancyJ]

Sydney wrote: "I'll be reading The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan which has been on my TBR since it came out. It takes place in Taiwan and was included on the listography for this pr..."

Added!

[Kathy]

Robin wrote: "I set up a side-challenge thread under "Outside Challenges""

Thanks, Robin. I'm joining in.

[Severina]

I read Severance by Ling Ma, set in New York City. I definitely do not recommend.

[♞ Pat]

Hayley wrote: "I'm planning to read Eternal for this prompt. I chose this book because it is historical fiction and takes place in Rome. This book was lost in my TBR and I'm excited to read it. Lo..."

One of my favorite 2023 reads! Used it for my Prompt #2 "connected to" book.

[Hannah]

I am currently Reading New York Ghost by Ling Ma. It is set in New York City before the END and set in several North American cities. The main character Candice also travels a lot to Hongkong and remembers here child days in Fouzhou.

**** The German title is New York Ghost- the American title is of course Severance- the cover is very different, too!

[NancyJ]

Severina wrote: "I read Severance by Ling Ma, set in New York City. I definitely do not recommend."

That's the second negative recommendation I saw this week! Just in time. Thanks!

[Phil]

I've read Black Lies by Mercedes Mercier for this prompt as it is based in Sydney, Australia
_Read 18th Jan; 4*)

[♞ Pat]

TASK #5 ~ A book set in one of the 25 most beautiful cities in the world


My 2024 plan is to "not plan."

BOOK 1 ~ I work at a big library and I'm just going to go with the first book that appeals to me that crosses my returns desk.
BOOK 2 ~ And I'm challenging myself to work on clearing out my old TBR shelf this year, so I'm trying to read the dustiest "fits the prompt" books on my TBR shelf as well.

I used this list from Conde' Nast Traveler, which lists the 50 most beautiful cities in the world in alphabetical order ~
https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/...


~ ♞ ~

BOOK 1
Maame by Jessica George
Read ~ 1.15.24
Pages ~ 320
Rationale ~ Setting is New York City

Review ~ ★★★
The book was ok, but I'm not the intended audience for a book written about a 25 year old "coming of age" woman. Someone who is would most certainly give it a higher rating because for its target audience, it was a really good book. I'm just so far past 25, that particular age feels like a lifetime ago. And besides, even when I was 25, I was not even remotely similar to this character. It was hard not to just reach into the pages and slap some sense into her. She got there eventually, but it took her a lot longer than it should have. But I guess that's what Coming Of Age novels are all about - the "getting there eventually" part.


~ ♞ ~

BOOK 2
The Puppet Maker's Daughter by Karla M. Jay
Read ~ 1.18.24
Pages ~ 240
Rationale ~ Setting is Budapest


Review ~ ★★★
Maybe I'm just burned out on Holocaust fiction, or maybe this title just suffered from coming so close on the heels of Alice Hoffman's The World That We Knew. I don't expect every book I read to hit it out of the park simply because if every book was a five star read, what would make any book exceptionally special? It's sort of like the sunset; one happens every single night, but once in a while you just have to stop and take in one that is truly awe inspiring. This book wasn't that, but it wasn't bad. It was ok. It was interesting from the perspective of location at this pivotal point of history. Hungary was one of the minor axis powers during WW2 - mostly because its tenuous geographical location midway between Russia and Germany, with Italy sitting down a little to the southwest. Early on, it had an agreement with Germany, mostly because the citizens of Hungary had a bigger fear of the Russians than they did the Germans. But this particular story was pretty typical of the "delusion" that Jews in outlying states had about the rumors that they heard about atrocities being committed against Jews in other areas and how "it won't happen here...." I guess that's something that people still do though - delude themselves into thinking "it can't happen here," or "they wouldn't do that," and then Russia invades Ukraine, or Hamas blindsides Israel, or the United States has a crisis of democracy on the capitol steps and we're left wondering "how did that happen?" Mostly as I was reading this book, I just kept thinking how NAIVE' they all were, and then remembered how many Hungarian Jews died in Auschwitz-Birkenau because they just didn't BELIEVE something so horrible would actually happen. If history teaches us anything, it teaches us that it is absolutely incredible the utter destruction and cruelty that one group of people - when given absolute power - are capable of inflicting on another. All they have to do is convince the rest of us to believe a lie.