Around the World in 80 Books discussion
Getting to Know You
>
Introductions
Kelly wrote: "Hi everyone :) My name is Kelly, i'm 24 from the UK. I read a huge variety of books and i also love travelling and this is an amazing idea for a group, i'm really excited to have found it! I have r..."Welcome to the group, Kelly! I am so glad you found our group. I would love to help you with your survey, but I live in the US. There are quite a few members from the UK, though. Good luck!
Hello everyone,My name is Mony. More than a traveler, I guess I would consider myself a pilgrim, someone who uses the outer journey as the pretext for inner transformation. I have hiked the path to Machu Picchu in Peru. I have walked the 500-mile Camino in northern Spain. I also embarked on a 3500-mile, 13-country, 13-month walk for peace with a Spanish man who is now my husband. We have lived in Spain, and now live in my native Canada with our 8-year-old daughter.
For me, the inner journey never ends... so I guess in that sense I am a perpetual traveler. :-)
Looking forward to participating in this group! Thank you Diane for starting this group.
Mony wrote: "I have hiked the path to Machu Picchu in Peru. I have walked the 500-mile Camino in northern Spain. I also embarked on a 3500-mile, 13-country, 13-month walk for peace with a Spanish man who is now my husband."Welcome to the group ;)
How did you manage these long walks with your work?
Hi Dely! I climbed Machu Picchu during a one-week vacation that I had.The other walks I did after quitting my job (I used to work as a marketing manager at Microsoft). I guess you could say I was seeking new direction for my life, and walking became a way (unplanned) of finding that.
Thanks! :-)
Hello All:I am new to this group thing but thought I might introduce myself. I am a freelance writer who specializes in SEO work, but also moonlight as executive protection and a PI to pay the bills, but my real passion and dream is to be an accomplished novelist. As the song says "paperback writer, he wants to be a paperback writer." I look forward to communicating with some of you on here.
Mony wrote: "Hello everyone,My name is Mony. More than a traveler, I guess I would consider myself a pilgrim, someone who uses the outer journey as the pretext for inner transformation. I have hiked the path ..."
Wow, how impressive and inspiring! I am in total awe. So glad to have you here in our group, Mony.
Oz wrote: "Hello All:I am new to this group thing but thought I might introduce myself. I am a freelance writer who specializes in SEO work, but also moonlight as executive protection and a PI to pay the bil..."
Welcome, Oz! I hope you realize your dream of becoming an accomplished novelist!
hi everyone! I am also new to this group. it sounded like it was right down my ally. I love to read and I love to travel. so this group is the perfect combination for me. I just received my first book to read with the group for Sept and I cant wait to start
Thank you Diane! I forgot to say that I love to travel and have worked in the past as a hiking guide in the Arizona desert. I have hikied all over the US and have even written a hiking guide for a national forest.
Heather wrote: "hi everyone! I am also new to this group. it sounded like it was right down my ally. I love to read and I love to travel. so this group is the perfect combination for me. I just received my first ..."Welcome to the group, Heather! Happy to have you here!
Hi Gang,I live in a little town near Sao Paulo, in Brazil.
I'm American-born, but have lived outside of the country for many years, not only in Brazil but in three countries in Europe, in Australia and in Chile and Argentina as well. I've also travelled widely in the Orient and Africa -- and I love to read about them all.
I also do a blog with six other authors of "international" mysteries. Well, actually, seven, because two guys write as a team.
We seldom hold forth about our books, or the craft or business of writing. Most of the stuff you can read there are posts of social, cultural or historical interest that occur, or have occurred in the lands in which we set our stories. And sometimes Tim Hallinan rants. And, sometimes, Yrsa Sigurdardottir can be very funny. There's a new post every day, and you can check us out here: http://murderiseverywhere.blogspot.com/
I look forward to reading your posts and getting to know you. And, if anyone wants to know anything about Brazil, I'm the guy to come to. We're already the sixth economy in the world, we'll be hosting the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016, so I daresay you'll be learning quite a bit about the country from other sources in the next few years.
Cheers, All
Leighton wrote: "Hi Gang,I live in a little town near Sao Paulo, in Brazil.
I'm American-born, but have lived outside of the country for many years, not only in Brazil but in three countries in Europe, in Australi..."
Welcome to the group, Leighton! I am really looking forward to following your blog. Happy to have you here with us!
Hi, Everybody! I'm Virginia from suburban Chicago. I've been to 30 countries and often plan my trips around the books I'm reading, so I look forward to all the recommendations. I'm starting a bit late, I realize, but I've already read a lot of world literature this past year.
Virginia wrote: "Hi, Everybody! I'm Virginia from suburban Chicago. I've been to 30 countries and often plan my trips around the books I'm reading, so I look forward to all the recommendations. I'm starting a bi..."Hi, Virginia! Welcome to our group!
Hi all, I'm Ismaa (rhymes with 'hiss', not 'is' ;) and I live in Karachi, Pakistan. I'm a demented bookworm, devoted cat lover, eager traveler and a novice jewelry designer among other things.
I have eclectic reading habits and though I am particular to certain genres, I tend to read whatever catches my fancy and do like to try new things and authors from different countries.
This is a great opportunity for me to combine my love of books and travel. Lets see how far I go, considering book accessibility is a constant problem, so it will be double the challenge :)
Ismaa wrote: "Hi all, I'm Ismaa (rhymes with 'hiss', not 'is' ;) and I live in Karachi, Pakistan. I'm a demented bookworm, devoted cat lover, eager traveler and a novice jewelry designer among other things.
..."
Welcome, Ismaa! This is the perfect place for a person with eclectic reading habits. Do you have any books you can recommend from Pakistan?
I'm not Ismaa of course but I've just read
set in both Pakistan and India which was very moving and well written.
Hello All,My name is Matt and I live near Chicago. I'm a Nuclear Threat Response Team Member, but I have plenty of time to read. I particularly love mysteries but will read almost anything I can get my hands on.
I am currently reading my away around the US with a 50 State Mystery Challenge I started about 3 weeks ago. I just took a slight detour to West Africa and read Tro-Tros and Potholes written by a friend of mine. I think my ultimate goal is to read a mystery set in each country around the globe.
Matthew wrote: "Hello All,My name is Matt and I live near Chicago. I'm a Nuclear Threat Response Team Member, but I have plenty of time to read. I particularly love mysteries but will read almost anything I can ..."
Welcome!
Well, for Italy I can suggest you the Montalbano series: http://www.goodreads.com/series/51078...
I am not a mystery fan but I know Camilleri has had a lot of success and they made also a tv-series about Inspector Montalbano.
Thanks for the welcome and suggestion, Dely.
Matthew wrote: "Hello All,My name is Matt and I live near Chicago. I'm a Nuclear Threat Response Team Member, but I have plenty of time to read. I particularly love mysteries but will read almost anything I can ..."
Welcome to the group, Matthew! Yikes, that's quite the job! I hope (we all hope) you always have plenty of time to read! There are many great mysteries set around the world and the US. Good luck on your quest!
Ismaa wrote: "Hi all, I'm Ismaa (rhymes with 'hiss', not 'is' ;) and I live in Karachi, Pakistan. I'm a demented bookworm, devoted cat lover, eager traveler and a novice jewelry designer among other things.
..."
Hi, Ismaa! Maybe you can recommend some good books about Pakistan. I loved "Three Cups of Tea."
Greetings from Sarajevo.I am an American ex-pat with a Ph.D. in Balkan History (UCLA, 1995) who has lived and worked in the former Yugoslavia for over 18 years (Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia, etc). In addition to my work as an historian, editor and political analyst, I have recently e-published a novel ("Kiss of the Butterfly" -- paranormal/historical fiction) set largely in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s. It is based on my research into Balkan folklore and history, as well as my experiences in the region during the wars. Although the book begins in 1476, much of it takes place in Serbia and Bosnia, with assorted Balkan oddities.
I have traveled widely, from Latin America to Africa to the Middle East and throughout Eastern and Western Europe.
I like to write on Balkan-related themes.
New to the group, hello all!! I am mommy to four ranging from 17 years to 17 months!! 3 boys, 1 girl. I'm married to a fabulous man who allows me to be a stay at home mommy to my wonderful kiddos. I am a soccer mommy and daddy coaches, we do band and lots with our church including teaching classes so we are pretty busy, but I always carve out a little time for reading :) I love to read!! Always have for as long as I can remember!!
Hello! My name is Laura and I just joined this group today. I live in New York City, originally from Boston, MA and love to read historical fiction and arm-chair traveling books. I can't wait to get started!
James wrote: "Greetings from Sarajevo.I am an American ex-pat with a Ph.D. in Balkan History (UCLA, 1995) who has lived and worked in the former Yugoslavia for over 18 years (Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croati..."
Welcome, James! Wow, a Ph.d in Balkan history! How cool! What first inspired your interest in the area? Do you have family roots there? Your book sounds fascinating.
Adrienne wrote: "New to the group, hello all!! I am mommy to four ranging from 17 years to 17 months!! 3 boys, 1 girl. I'm married to a fabulous man who allows me to be a stay at home mommy to my wonderful kiddos...."Hi, Adrienne! Welcome to the group! 17 months to 17 years - you do have your hands full! I can barely keep up with two. I'm happy to have you join our group!
Laura wrote: "Hello! My name is Laura and I just joined this group today. I live in New York City, originally from Boston, MA and love to read historical fiction and arm-chair traveling books. I can't wait t..."
Welcome to the group, Laura! I love Boston. I grew up nearby in Maine and NH, and don' get back up there nearly as much as I'd like. I'm glad you came across our group!
Diane wrote: "James wrote: "Greetings from Sarajevo.I am an American ex-pat with a Ph.D. in Balkan History (UCLA, 1995) who has lived and worked in the former Yugoslavia for over 18 years (Serbia, Bosnia, Mont..."
Diane,
Believe it or not, I have no family roots in this part of the world. I became interested when I spent two years in Yugoslavia as a missionary for a certain not-to-be-named church that is currently best known for a certain presidential candidate who will only release some of his tax returns. :-)
I also have an M.A. in International Relations and a B.A. in Russian, which is how I overcompensated for never graduating from High School.
James
James wrote: "Diane wrote: "James wrote: "Greetings from Sarajevo.I am an American ex-pat with a Ph.D. in Balkan History (UCLA, 1995) who has lived and worked in the former Yugoslavia for over 18 years (Serbia..."
You definitely overcompensated :)
Diane wrote: "James wrote: "Diane wrote: "James wrote: "Greetings from Sarajevo.I am an American ex-pat with a Ph.D. in Balkan History (UCLA, 1995) who has lived and worked in the former Yugoslavia for over 18..."
Overcompensated? Yes.. Most definitely. And it means that if I write drivel, I do so with the full weight of academe behind me. :-))
Or as my father once said: "Ph.D. It stands for Piled Higher and Deeper".
Diane wrote: "Laura wrote: "Hello! My name is Laura and I just joined this group today. I live in New York City, originally from Boston, MA and love to read historical fiction and arm-chair traveling books. ..."
OOOH! I went to UNH! Love that state :)
Greetings!I was just randomly browsing the groups and, what do you know, you're set to discuss Housekeeping, which is one of my favorite books ever (the movie was good, too) AND Independent People, which I just finished (it was recommended by my dentist -- she talks about books while she's working on my teeth and I can't help but listen).
So I'm in, guys.
Oh, yes. About me: My name is Lisa. I'm a historian and a film buff. I'm married with three children, who we've dragged around the world while my husband and I were directing study abroad programs. When our youngest graduates from high school, we hope to hit the road again. Until then, I'm happy to visit exotic places in books or films.
James wrote: "Or as my father once said: "Ph.D. It stands for Piled Higher and Deeper."I like that :)
Laura wrote: "Diane wrote: "Laura wrote: "Hello! My name is Laura and I just joined this group today. I live in New York City, originally from Boston, MA and love to read historical fiction and arm-chair trav..."
My Mom went to UNH!
Lisa wrote: "Greetings!I was just randomly browsing the groups and, what do you know, you're set to discuss Housekeeping, which is one of my favorite books ever (the movie was good, too) AND Independent Peopl..."
Hi, Lisa, welcome to the group! Sounds like you joined at the perfect time! I am reading both books now and enjoying them, especially Independent People (I'm not very far into Housekeeping yet, but so far so good). I had no idea Housekeeping was made into a movie! I will have to watch it when I finish the book.
Diane wrote: "I had no idea Housekeeping was made into a movie! I will have to watch it when I finish the book."It's really worth seeing. Watch the trailer!
Hi everyone,Nice to find this group! I'm Shanghao (my Mandarin teacher once called me Shanghai) and I'm from Jakarta, Indonesia, used to live in Singapore and London.
Right now I'm thinking of reading books by Portuguese or Brazilian writers, aside from my usual Japanese ones.
I look forward to reading great world lit together!
Lisa wrote: "Diane wrote: "I had no idea Housekeeping was made into a movie! I will have to watch it when I finish the book."It's really worth seeing. Watch the trailer!"
Thanks for the link, Lisa! Now I want to finish the book so I can see the movie!
sanshow wrote: "Hi everyone,Nice to find this group! I'm Shanghao (my Mandarin teacher once called me Shanghai) and I'm from Jakarta, Indonesia, used to live in Singapore and London.
Right now I'm thinking of r..."
Welcome to the group, Shanghao!
Hi everyone, My name is Awot, I am from San Diego, California. I'm a student, (nurse major) I love reading, being outdoors, exploring different places, food and hopefully travel more. :)
Lisa wrote: "Diane wrote: "I had no idea Housekeeping was made into a movie! I will have to watch it when I finish the book."It's really worth seeing. Watch the trailer!"
Cool trailer, Lisa. I just got the book from the library, and am looking foreward to reading it.
Thanks, Connie. I'm really looking forward to rereading it and talking about it.
Good morning from Banning,Ca (near Palm Springs).Phases of my life
Born in Denver, Colo and moved to Ca in the 50's.
Married in 1961 and widowed in 2009 and they said it would never last because I was 15 and he was 19.
I have an A.A.S. and B.S. in Business Administration.
Went back to school in the 80's after graduation of my daughter meant time for another transition ... from Mom to Student to Employee. Graduated in 1989 from Cal Poly Pomona.
Worked for The City of Banning for almost 20 years and then the transition from Employee to Retired to Widow.
Other than a trip to Alaska my travel will be in books and documentaries.
Sounds like a great bunch of folks in this group and I look forward to great discussions.
Awot wrote: "Hi everyone, My name is Awot, I am from San Diego, California. I'm a student, (nurse major) I love reading, being outdoors, exploring different places, food and hopefully travel more. :)"
Hi, Awot! Welcome to the group! I'll just bet you love reading non-nursing-related books! I got hardly any leisure reading during nursing school. I don't miss those days very much... ;)
Shirley wrote: "Good morning from Banning,Ca (near Palm Springs).Phases of my life
Born in Denver, Colo and moved to Ca in the 50's.
Married in 1961 and widowed in 2009 and they said it would never last because ..."
Welcome, Shirley! Wow, married at age 15! Amazing!
Lisa wrote: "Diane wrote: "I had no idea Housekeeping was made into a movie! I will have to watch it when I finish the book."It's really worth seeing. Watch the trailer!"
Oooooh, thanks for the link to the trailer. It looks really good! How much does the movie adhere to the book?
Around the World in 80 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Tales of the City (other topics)Round Ireland with a Fridge (other topics)
A Dead Man's Tale (other topics)
22 Murders: Investigating the Massacres, Cover-up and Obstacles to Justice in Nova Scotia (other topics)
Cuba: An American History (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Frederick Forsyth (other topics)William Harrison Ainsworth (other topics)
Jules Verne (other topics)
Carl Sagan (other topics)
Fyodor Dostoevsky (other topics)
More...
Also, i'll just post this here in case any of you can help me out with it, i only need a few more responses now:
I'm currently doing a dissertation on Social Reading for my postgraduate (i'm studying Publishing at University)and i have a survey up here - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3TNNPVW. If you have 5-10 minutes to fill it out and you live in the UK, it would really help me out, as it just occured to me you're all in my target audience - avid readers, and you all use social tools like Goodreads. All responses are anonymous and just help me with my scholarly research. Thanks!