Countries to revisit via books

Every once in a while I get really reminiscent of my semester abroad, where I could leave the city and two hours later be in another country. I kind of want to read more books from different countries, either author or setting. I decided what better place to start than the countries I’ve been to.

I would say I want to read all of these in 2019 but I haven’t figured out what I want to do for my goals.

Canada

Granted I did go to Canada when I was very young. This was not during my semester abroad but I still wanted to include it. I have read other books from Canadian authors. I have actually never read Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. I know, shocking. I do know the ending because it’s one that is carelessly thrown around. However, I would still like to read this one for the experience. I think I picked it up when I was in middle school but I don’t actually think I read the whole thing.

Italy

If on Winter’s Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino- This book caught my eye in the Foyles on Picadilly on sale and for some idiotic reason I didn’t buy it. I later bought it at the Last Bookstore in LA. I read the first couple pages and it captivated me so much that I want to have a solid chunk of time where I read it in one sitting. Although I don’t know the setting, I know Calvino was an Italian journalist.

Spain

I could easily go with Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, which is my current read, or the sequel which I plan to read. However, I have had Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra on my TBR since senior year of high school when we watched part of the film in Spanish class. The movie was amusing and so I want to see if the book is as well.

France

For some reason I have a lot of books from France on my TBR. However, I really want to read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I’m thinking of doing a readalong on Instagram in maybe February/ March? I haven’t completely decided yet.

Greece

I’ve actually never read The Illiad by Homer. I have read Odyssey which is technically the sequel but English classes don’t care about that. Basically I want to just go back to the beginning.

Ireland

I recently bought an entire collection of Irish literature that I’m excited to get to but I’m not going to pick that one. The Importance of being Earnest is one of my favorite plays and since I read that one I started looking into his other works. I’ve had The Picture of Dorian Gray on my list since then.

Netherlands

I actually had to go looking for authors from Amsterdam and The Assault by Harry Mulisch. It’s based on a true story which makes me way more interested in it. If anyone has any other suggestions let me know below!

England

How did I actually almost forget this one? I LIVED THERE. Just like France I have a ton of books on my TBR already from authors in England. I actually really wanted anther light book but surprise! This is going to be a series! The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis (Insert gasp here). I read The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and have seen some of the movies but I have the bind-up that’s been taunting me for a while now.

Which one should I start off with? Do you have any recommendations for me?