Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme that is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. “It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.”
As I live in Canada, there are not many books set here, so instead I am going to share some books that are not set in North America. So many of the books that I read are set in the United States, and I would love to work on changing that. A lot of my favourite books are set in other countries, so I really need to diversify my reading in that way a little bit more!
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Life of Pi is one of my favourite novels. It is a story that has stayed with me for many years, and it has an ending that I will never forget. The book starts out in India, but the majority of the story takes place on the Pacific Ocean.
The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and The Mountains Echoed by Khalid Hosseini
Khalid Hosseini is one of my auto-buy authors. All of his books are equally beautiful. It was recently announced that he will be releasing a new book, called Sea Prayer, in September, and I am thrilled! His books are set in Afghanistan.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing is a beautiful story that is told over many decades and many generations. A large portion of the novel is set in Africa. It is a book that I think everyone should read. It is a story that needs to be told.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by MacKenzi Lee
Monty, Percy, and Felicity are from England, but set out on a Grand Tour of Europe, so they travel to many countries. A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is one of those books that lives up to the hype. It is action-packed and the characters are memorable.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Crazy Rich Asians is set in Singapore, and it was extremely interesting to learn more about that part of the world. I almost thought of the setting of this book as it’s own character. The culture and the traditions are so imperative to the story, and made it a joy to read.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
The Bear and the Nightingale is set in Russia, and it is one of the most atmospheric novels that I have ever read. This is another book where the setting was important to the story. It felt as though I was transported to a forest in Russia during the dead of winter, and it was chilling!
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Never Let Me Go will be a book that will haunt me for years to come. It set in the gorgeous English countryside, and it is such a juxtaposition to the situation these characters are in. It is a book that poses many ethical and philosophical questions that will have your mind reeling.
Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin
Wolf by Wolf is set in Germany, but the main character is involved in a motorcycle race the ends in Tokyo. The character ends up in many other countries along her journey, which definitely made for an interesting read!
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
You might already know how much I love A Man Called Ove. Ove is a grumpy yet charming character who you slowly grow to love and become attached to! His story is set in Sweden.
Warcross by Marie Lu
Warcross was a fun and gripping book! It takes place in Tokyo, but there is also a virtual world. Ever since I read Ready Player One I have become fascinated with virtual reality, and Warcross has lived up to my expectations.
I am trying to read more novels set around the world! I would love to hear your recommendations!
This is a great list!
My recent favorite read set outside of North America is Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave. I love historical fiction.
Thank you! Historical fiction is my favourite genre so I am going to have to check that one out. Thanks for the recommendation!!
I LOVE this book!! Read it last year and it easily became one of my favorites. (Sorry, I just had to chime in!)
Now I really need to read it!!
I love Kaled Hosseini! I have all of his books and am stoked about his newest book coming out!! Good list!
Thank you! I can not wait!!
I have Wolf by Wolf on my list too. I love that series, even though it broke my heart.
I still have to read the next book! The ending of Wolf by Wolf was shocking!
Khalid Hosseini is one of my auto-buy authors too! I just read Beartown by Fredrick Backman and I loved it, so I’ll have to check out A Man Called Ove sometime soon.
Hosseini is incredible!! I think you love A Man Called Ove too!
I’m so excited to see what adventures Felicity goes on in the next book, and if Monty and Percy get cameos in it!
Cheers,
Joey @ Thoughts and Afterthoughts
Ahh I can not wait!! It’s going to be epic!
I started reading Homegoing but put it down to request the audiobook from the library. I have the audiobook and plan on starting over soon. I’ve heard great things and I’m sure I will love it.
I’m sure it is great audiobook! I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks, I hope so too!
I love the idea of a cross-country European trip in A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue. So many people rave about the book but it’s one I always end up putting on the backburner.
That happens to me all the time. So many books I want to read and know I will enjoy but just never actually pick up! I do think you will love this one!
Some of your choices made my list too! 🙂
Awesome! They are fantastic books!
Great list!! I have Crazy Rich Asians and A Man Called Ove on my list too!
My TTT
I really loved both of those two books in different ways!!
I know what you mean! Have a great week!
This is a great list, Kristin! I love, love, love Life of Pi, Homegoing, Never Let Me Go, Kite Runner, and TGGTVAV. I keep meaning to read more by Khalid Hosseini as well.
Thank you! All excellent books! I adore each of Hosseini’s books equally!
Brilliant list! I love Hosseini!! And Homegoing and Bear and the Nightingale were both beautiful! Really want to read Gentleman’s Guide as well 🙂
Thank you!! All so good!!
You’re welcome!
I loved Warcross and the Tokyo setting! And Singapore would be interesting as well. Life of PI is another one- I was interested in both the book and movie but never did read or see it.
I would love to read more books set in Asia! Life of Pi is fantastic! I much preferred the book but the movie is good too!
I love so many of these! Especially The Bear and the Nightingale, but also Life of Pi, the two books by Hosseini that I’ve read (need to read more!), and Never Let Me Go. Great list!
Thank you! So many good books!
You’ve got some great picks here. I loved Homegoing, The Bear and the Nightingale, and Never Let Me Go. Like you, I’m trying to diversify my reading more.
Thank you!! I think it is important to read more books from other countries!
yaaaay wolf by wolf! also i feel like i’ve commented this on your posts infinity times but i really need to get to A Man Called Ove.
I am so excited for when you finally read A Man Called Ove. You’ll love it!!!