Listicle: 5 Books from Around the World (and When to Read Them)

Books make my heart sing, they make me happy and sometimes, I prefer them to people. My grandfather taught my mother and she taught me that if you read, you could never get bored.

A good book with a view, one of my favourite things in the world

I make reading a priority and have a self-imposed “no technology to bed” rule (which I do break sometimes, like now for instance). I also devote my first awake hour in the morning to a cup of coffee and a few pages from the book I’m reading at the time. My life involves a LOT of hours on the laptop so I have to have all sorts of rules and guidelines in place for myself so that I can actually devote time to other things I love.

Out of the 14 odd books I’ve read in the past few months, there are 5 that I’ve loved deeply. If you’re looking for a book to read, pick one of these. You won’t be disappointed.

"Between the pages of a book is a lovely place to be”

1. Americanah

What It's About: Americanah tells the story of a young girl who leaves her town in Nigeria to move to America. In the process, she leaves behind the one she loves. A story about one woman’s journey both external and internal. Ifeme, the protagonist, is now a famous blogger on race in America … but where does she come from and what did she leave behind?

Places It'll Take You: Nigeria, America

When to Read It: This book is unputdownable so it’s the one to choose if you’re looking for a really immersive read. Ideal for long journeys and transits.

2. The World on a Plate

What It's About: Recipes and the stories behind it – what can go wrong with that combination? If you’ve got a love for food in your heart and in your belly. You’ll love this one. There are recipes from various countries around the world some based on research and some on personal experience.

Places It'll Take You: Several! From Morocco to India to Australia and more.

When to Read It: Something to read when you’re on the move a lot. Since the book is divided into different sections, it’s easy to pick up where you left off or start a new section altogether.

3. Colourless Tsukuru Tzaki

What It’s About: One-day Tsukuru’s 4 best friends stop talking to him. As he grows older, he finds himself unable to outrun the effect this had on him and so with a nudge from a love interest, he decides to find out. The book takes us all across Japan and as usual Murakami does a fabulous job of playing Japan’s tourism ambassador painting vivid pictures of the Japanese countryside.

Places It'll Take You: Japan, Finland

When to Read It:  The whimsical aspects of Murakami’s books make them a perfect read for when you’re out hiking and need some company when you take a break. Reading Murakami’s words in nature makes the experience that much sweeter.

4. The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Cupboard

What It’s About: The title tells you exactly what its about and that’s pretty much it. The fakir and his adventures in a hot air balloon, in Libya, on the streets of Paris – around the world.

Places It'll Take You: England, Libya, Paris

When to Read It: An easy, fun and quick read that doesn’t need all of your attention, this book is suited for sunny days at the beach!

5. Elizabeth is Missing

What It’s About: A dear old lady who’s losing her memory but knows that she must find her missing friend before it’s too late. No-one believes her and she must find the truth before she forgets it

Places It'll Take You: England

When to Read It: This book is a slow but engaging read and is ideal for when you’re drinking a coffee and have other thoughts running through your head.  It draws you in but at the same time, the pace is slow enough for you to leave your book and turn to your thoughts every now and then.