Around the World in 80 Books discussion
ATW in 80 Books World Challenge
>
Alondra's ATW Challenge - Circumnavigator (Comments Welcome)
date
newest »
newest »
Around the World Challenge:Websites I am using: http://itsallaboutbooks.de/2015/12/ch...
http://momssmallvictories.com/around-...
https://ayearofreadingtheworld.com/th...
From Bill - http://bighugelabs.com/map.php (Thanks!)
Africa
Asia
Bangladesh - Bhutan - Brunei - Cambodia - China - Georgia - Hong Kong - India - Indonesia - Japan - Kazakhstan - Korea, North - Korea, South - Kyrgyzstan - Laos - Macau - Malaysia - Maldives - Mongolia - Myanmar - Nepal - Pakistan - Philippines -
Caribbean
Anguilla - Antigua & Barbuda - Aruba - Bahamas - Barbados - Bermuda - Cayman Islands - Curacao - Dominica - Dominican Republic - Dutch Caribbean (Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius) - French West Indies (Guadeloupe, St. Barts, Martinique & St. Martin) - Grenada - Haiti - Jamaica - Montserrat -
Europe
Albania - Andorra -Armenia - Austria - Azerbaijan - Azores - Belarus - Belgium - Bosnia & Herzegovina - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus -
Latin America
Argentina - Bolivia - Brazil - Chile -
Middle East
Afghanistan - Bahrain - Iran - Iraq - Israel - Jordan - Kuwait - Lebanon - Oman - Palestine - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - Syria - United Arab Emirates - Yemen
North America
Belize -
Oceania
Australia - Belau - Cook Islands - Fiji - French Polynesia - Guam & Wake - Kiribati - Marshall Islands - Micronesia - Nauru - New Caledonia - New Zealand - Papua New Guinea - Pitcairn Island - Samoa - Solomon Islands - Tonga - Tuvalu - Vanuatu
Around the World Challenge:Only 1 rule; the books take place in other countries; doesn't matter where the author is from, but would hopefully be from the same place. **This will take years to complete, as I am trying 80 books from 80 countries... yikes! Great mention; most of these are mystery or horror. If you have suggestions or know of horror from other countries, let me know!!
Websites I am using: http://itsallaboutbooks.de/2015/12/ch...
http://momssmallvictories.com/around-...
https://ayearofreadingtheworld.com/th...
From Bill - http://bighugelabs.com/map.php (Thanks!)
This is a working list. I will try to list country/continent first.
Algeria -
Antarctica -
Argentina - The Book of Murder OR Needle in a Haystack
Australia - I Am the Messenger
Austria - A Death in Vienna OR The Third Man
Azerbaijan (Former USSR) - The Colonel's Mistake
Baltic Sea - Time Heals No Wounds
Bankok, Thailand -
Barcelona, Spain -
Belgium - Styx OR The Square of Revenge
Benin, W. Africa - Instruments of Darkness
Brazil - Dry Season OR The Silence of the Rain
Bolivia - Turing's Delirium
Bosnia - The Cellist of Sarajevo
Botswana - A Carrion Death
Bulgaria - The Historian
Bursa/Izmir, Turkey - Middlesex
Cameroon - The Informationist
Cambodia - The Killing Fields
Canary Islands - Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy
Caribbean - Hawke OR On Stranger Tides
Channel Islands - Moon
Columbia -
Czech Republic -
Denmark - Three Dog Night
Easter Island - Murder on Easter Island: A Daniel "Hawk" Fishinghawk Mystery
Egypt -
Ethiopia - The Living Blood
France -
Finland - Snow Angels
Germany -
Greece - Deadline in Athens
Greenland - The Girl Without Skin
Honduras - The Codex
Hungary
Iceland - I Remember You OR Reykjavík Nights: Murder in Reykjavík or The Blue Fox
India - Sacred Games
Iran - Dark Rising
Ireland - The Ghosts of Belfast
Israel - The Collaborator of Bethlehem
Italy -
Japan - 1Q84 OR Orbital Cloud
Kabul, Afghanistan - And the Mountains Echoed
Kazakhstan - Death on the Silk Road - (not sure about this one, so no link yet)
Kenya - The Constant Gardener OR Bait
Kolyma, Russia -
Korea - The Vegetarian OR Black Wind (Clive Cussler) OR The Hole
Laos - The Coroner's Lunch
La Paz, Mexico -
Lithuania - The Last Book Smuggler
London -
Melbourne, AUS - The Dragon Man
Morocco - The Jinn
Moscow -
New Zealand - Cloud Atlas OR Old School Tie OR The Luminaries
Nigeria - Wild Seed
North Korea -
Norway -
Ontario - Forty Words for Sorrow
Pakistan - Fire Boy
Panama - The Tailor of Panama
Poland -
Portugal -
Puerto Rico, V.I. -
Quebec, Canada - Still Life
Romania -
Scotland -
Shanghai - The Shanghai Murders
Siberia - The Kill Switch
Singapore -
Slovakia - Siren of the Waters
South Africa - Devil's Peak
Sudan - What Is the What
Sweden -
Taiwan - The Butcher's Wife
Thailand - Mixed Foursome: The Zach Roper Mysteries OR Spirit House
Togo & Benin, Africa - Instruments of Darkness
Toronto, ON -
Turkmenistan - The Expendable Man
Venezuela - The Lost World
Virgin Islands - Sea Hunter
Zambia - The Old Drift
Welcome to the challenge, Alondra! Happy travels!
Diane wrote: "Welcome to the challenge, Alondra! Happy travels!"Thank you so much, Diane. This is going to be great. I am so excited :)
Completed: The Plague
Algeria
2-2.25 Stars
I get it. I really do; I just didn't like it.
Reviewers on GR and a billion others outside of GR; Love.This.Book. This book is a philosophical diary of man and his fight against this disease, but also man's disease.
According to a reviewer from The Guardian: "Essential to Camus’ existential isolation was the discrepancy between the power and beauty of nature, and the desolation of the human condition." This is the kind of wording and thought put forth and I just had expectations for something else.
I guess I am just not that smart or thoughtful; so what? I want to read what I want to read.
I do recommend this book for those who love to figure out why people behave the way they do. I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
Completed: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Prague (Praha) (Czech Republic)
5 Stars
A fairy tale, if you will; about.....destiny. About hope. About one’s search for "who" they are? What they are? And ....can I say it? Why?? Why are you here?? Here with so many secrets about how you came to be. Will the truth set you free?? There is a high price for freedom, knowledge and yes, Love.
I must tell you that, within 40 pages, I was hooked. The mystery of our main characters background; and the world building really drew me in; without losing me in details and explanations. The romance wasn't over the top and there was sufficient action and mayhem, to keep things flowing. The beginning is nothing like the end, my friends. We start off kinda tame, and free; and end up moving between worlds, fighting for our lives, falling in love, and become desperate for respite and all we end up with, is heartbreak.
So, I definitely recommend this first book. I am excited that my daughter let me borrow the next 2 books; so I can continue on this adventure.
Completed: The Secret Speech
Kolyma (Russian Federation)
Moscow, 1956 (Russian Federation)
4 Stars
“If you can take a step up, can you not also take a step down? If you can do wrong can you not also do good? Can I not try and put right the wrongs that I have done?” This sums up Leo's existence, even though another character stated these lines. Leo; our anti-hero from the first book; is trying to make good, do right, be honest, be open; and it pretty much is not working. Does this mean he doesn't deserve a second chance? In some ways, yes, he certainly does. Yet, he does not when it comes to the 2 little girls from the first book. I think that is pushing the limits of forgiveness and allowing old wounds to heal.
I thought things would be simple with this 2nd book; but it was not so. I was hoping for simple murder and resolution; and instead I got revolution, freedom-fighting, and also despair. This book is still dark; but I do see some light at the end of the tunnel for Leo, Raisa and maybe even for Zoya and Elena. We shall hope and pray this is true.
Completed: Night Watch
Moscow, Russia
2-2.5 Stars
What a disappointment. Not sure if something was lost in translation, but the story seemed disjointed to me. Too much to say about nothing, so I won't waste your time. :/
Completed: The Pearl
Nayarit (Mexico)
The Gulf (Mexico)
La Paz (Mexico)
4.5 Stars
I love Steinbeck.
This book is quite short, at 90 pages; but packs a punch. Telling a story of triumph and hope, good and evil, prejudice and the darkness of men's souls.
Completed: The Shadow of the Wind
Barcelona, Catalonia (Spain)
5 Stars
"..the art of reading is slowly dying, that its an intimate ritual, that a book is a mirror that offers us only what we already carry inside us; that when we read, we do it with all our heart and mind, and great readers are becoming more scarce by the day."
I loved while reading this book.
I cried while reading this book.
I became angry and vigilant while reading this book.
I giggled and became giddy while reading this book.
I became determined to read words and live inside this world until the very end.
Completed: Children of the Night
Romania
5 Stars
This was a whirlwind of horror, sacrifice, science and vampires (Strigoi); like I have not seen or read about. I love when an alternate vampire existence is created for consumption.
Immunologist Kate Neuman adopts a Romanian infant with a rare "genetic disorder" seeking to cure him and cure AIDS. Too bad others want him too; they don't die and they just keep on coming.
The cat and mouse game that occurs from the adoption to the end of the book was exciting and frustrating. Exciting because you never knew who to trust, where to go and you never knew why things were happening they way they did, even with background info. You just wanted it to stop. It was frustrating, because of the very same reasons. This book wore me out.
The ending.... damn. LOL
Completed: Inspector Zhang Gets His Wish
Singapore
2 Stars
A quick mystery, that was not too mysterious. Very short story and quite boring.
Completed: The Shape of Water
Sicily, Italy
3.5 Stars
A nice start to a murder mystery set in Sicily, Italy. With mafia corruption and violence happening all the time, this should not be a big deal. It isn't, because the death is ruled a death by "natural causes," a heart attack no less. Just please, disregard the fact that his pants were around his ankles; he was in his car in a known prostitution hot spot, and he was a popular big shot politico in Vigata. Okay, so bring in the detective. Salvo Montalbano, Inspector. He is well respected and seems to get the job done. So, why isn't he closing this obviously, "Open and Shut" case??? That my friends is the crux of the story.
The only issue I had with this, was that it did not have much action. Salvo gives his synopsis at the end of the tale a la Hercule Poirot, only with more flair. It was however, entertaining and at times, quite humorous.
I do recommend this to other mystery-lovers.
Completed:The Hangman's Daughter
Schongau, 1659 (Germany)
4 Stars
This most certainly is not about the Hangman's Daughter; but most interestingly, the hangman himself. Jakob Kuisl. Jakob is the village hangman; a cursed and vile employ. Jakob, though, is anything but. He is intelligent, humorous and drowns his sorrows in drink. Jakob does not like his job, but does what all men in his family have always done. They kill.
Now, to our story, it's really very simple. A group of orphans is being murdered one by one, and the town suspects the midwife of witchcraft. Jakob has decided that it is his mission to find out the true culprit, and in doing so realizes that there is more to murder than meets the eye. Of course, we readers know that it is all very simple. People murder and condemn for very basic things; love, greed, revenge and envy.
Yes, his daughter plays a key role, but the story does not rest on her shoulders. She is quite interesting and feisty; so I would love to get to know her.
Very entertaining, but the ending was a little anti-climactic. The reasoning for so much mayhem pissed me off. I needed a full on conspiracy of epic proportions, and I get typical humans being typical; hence the 4 stars.
Completed: Bangkok 8
Bangkok, Thailand
4 Stars
If you are looking for traditional mystery, then you've come to the wrong book.
If you want an original take on the mystery genre, with some mild thrills, Thai attitudes on sex/sexuality, and Buddhism that is sewn within the plot like silk; then this is definitely the right book.
Sonchai Jitpleecheep is our honest Thai cop, on the hunt for his partners killer. He is thrust deep into a known cover-up and conspiracy of an old murder, unknown to him. He is vulnerable, flawed, and yet has a strong composition as a human being, that you can't help root for him. This almost feels like world-building for the rest of the series, it's that good.
The ending caused the loss of 1/2 star. I won't even hint at what happened.
Recommended. :)
Completed: Station Eleven
Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Michigan (United States)
3.5 Stars
This was pretty good; but not great. Nice story that lacks oomph. The characters lacked depth, even though we kept reading about them. I didn't learn who they were, just how they were/are. "They reacted this way because of that thing." The prophet is supposed to be the "bad guy" and everyone fears him. What should be a penultimate moment in time between him and his victim, is anything but that. It was so anti-climactic and dull that I thought I missed something.
Dear book. It's not you, it's me. Okay, not really, but I don't want you to feel bad. You really tried to win me over, but it just didn't work. See, I don't think we have much chemistry, but I would still like to be friends. Okay??
Completed: Faceless Killers
Ystad, Skåne (Sweden)
4 Stars
There is something about the writers in this region of the world. They know how to create an atmosphere or a feeling; maybe it is just the cold. Whatever it is, it works.
Faceless Killers is the first in the Kurt Wallander; Police Inspector; series. Wallander is a recent divorce' and is quite unhappy about it. He has an ailing father, estranged sister and a daughter who has dismissed him. He has some self-destructive tendencies but they do not get in the way of the investigation...much. He is a dour old sod, but a likable one. He seeks out justice tirelessly with much coffee and a ragtag bunch of detectives with their own issues. This is not a quick t.v. detective series, where everything is solved within 48 hours. There are many stops and starts to this mystery. No easy answers and personal drama for Wallander and his crew. Once the crime is solved, Wallander is still not completely satisfied. See, the violence of the crimes has brought in a new era of crime. A new way of crime.
"We're living in the age of the noose," he thought. "Fear will be on the rise."
His work is only beginning.
Completed: Neverwhere
London, England (UK)
5 Stars
It all starts with a girl. An injured girl on the darkened streets of London.
Our main character Richard makes a choice that will change his world; not necessarily for the better. By helping her, he loses himself and his world. By helping her, he believes he can get back to his world. So, this is how our journey begins. At times magical, humorous and horrible at the same time. Your enemies are to be trusted and your allies to be held at arms length. If Richard finds his way back to all he holds dear; will he want it??
I think I loved this book before I read it. Once I read it I knew that I would forever be a Neil Gaiman fan. After reading the first few books in his Sandman series, I knew it was hopeless.
Highly recommended for the five people, besides myself, who have yet to read it!! LOL
Completed: The Fog
Wiltshire, England
4 Stars
Classic.
This is NOT like the 1980 movie that features Adrienne Barbieau and Janet Leigh. The Fog is one nasty piece of work and James Herbert seemed to like it that way. No quick deaths, no thought-provoking questions. Murder, mayhem, government conspiracy, sexual deviance and a proud middle finger. Kinda like those books from the 80's: Truly Tasteless Jokes One. It's tasteless and knuckle-dragging, but so damned fun. LOL
Completed: Death with Interruptions
Portugal
4 Stars
I am not sure what to say about death. I don't mean Death, but death; let's not confuse the two. death has chosen to take holiday, so, that means no one dies. Glorious, astounding, wonderful; ahhhh, such a blessing!! Right??
Now, think what eternal life means.... resources tapped out. Nerves frayed and endless suffering for those that continue to hang by a thread. This is what is pondered and discussed through the first half of the book....but, the second half....woo-hoo!! death comes a-knockin'. See, there are issues that must be addressed and considerations taken. Also, she is quite cranky, especially when her niceties are not respected.
I really enjoyed reading this and by the end I got all mushy. Don't ask, it's kinda weird and gross; but that's love for you.
Disclaimer: The lack of punctuation and conversational breaks takes some getting used to. I mean, the entire book is like one big run-on sentence. If you can get past that and adjust; then I really think you will enjoy this book.
Completed: The Last Wish
Poland
3 Stars
Not too shabby, but not that great.
This was quite disjointed, with no cohesiveness between the Witcher's exploits and adventures. Could be the translation, but what do I know??
There wasn't a beginning, middle and end. This is not like the movie with Vin Diesel, where he is on a specific task and completes said task. It is also nothing like the cover of the book with a wonderful, fiery dragon (I wish). (if that was a spoiler; then oops) There is nothing I could say that would spoil your fun, believe me.
Oh, I forgot this one.... o_OCompleted: The Black Book
Edinburgh, Scotland
4 Stars
In the ongoing saga that is John Rebus's life; he must contend with a 5 year old murder, his ex-con brother returning to town, having a break-up with his girl, and trying to head an undercover sting.... oh yeah, a child molester is on parole and living across the street from a primary school.
Aahhhh, a day in the life of John Rebus.
Things wrap up nicely, but not neatly. There is always a line to be crossed or a cliff edge to step to with Rebus. Still loving this series.
Completed: Scarlet
Toulouse (France); Paris (France)
4 Stars
Little Red Riding Hood retold. I actually like her. See, her name is Scarlet and her grandmother was just kidnapped. Yes, by wolves. You knew that was going to happen. What you don't know, is why. Cinders story had only begun with the last book, so she is still tooling around trying to figure out why Levana wants her in particular.
Nice pacing throughout the book. Action. Deaths. We also get what looks to be the beginning of the end for Earth. Kai makes a decision and we have set up for the next book.
Rapunzel, Rapunzel; let down your hair.....
Completed: Beneath the Dark Ice
Antarctica
3.5 Stars
Fun and entertaining sci-fi thriller, with prehistoric monsters and a hero who is not what he seems. After a near-tragedy, Alex Hunter is brought back to active duty, for a research and rescue operation. Soon, Alex and the team of scientists and military personnel, find themselves up against a monster of legend and an old foe, deep within the arctic circle.
Reading this was fun. Alex's superhuman strength and abilities are far-fetched and EXTRA AF!. Reminds me of Commando, with The Ahh-Nold. LOL. He manages to get out of situations by the skin of his teeth, with nothing more than a knife and will. Issues that crop up against the monsters and his old foe are truly out of this world and made me roll my eyes a couple of times, but the action was just too good.
If you like a good action-thriller or just need a break, then I recommend this book. You can read this on a rainy afternoon or weekend.
Completed: At the Mountains of Madness
Antarctica
4 Stars
I know that this is a classic and that Lovecraft and his work, is the basis for many in horror writing. But...… the overly descriptive wording was just TOO much. I love details and description, but damn, how much can you describe this black rock wall that is moist and crystalized??? Like, tell me what he saw!!
*breathes hard*
Anyway, I do know that at the time of this writing, lengthy descriptions seemed to be the norm. I love how the picture is painted, but why use every color. Where is the nuance?
Outside of that, it really is a great story. It is scary to think that you could go into a bygone realm, a whole other time, by simple travel. That you could fall back into a time when humans had no meaning and more than likely were the bottom of the food chain. It sparks interest and an obsession to always know more. I feel like I must read all of the Cthulhu/old ones/Shoggoth mythos and works. I think The Call of Cthulhu is my next read of the mythos.
Oh, and this was NOT 116 damned pages. like WTF or Who the hell said it was??? I know I am reading slower lately, but it only takes me an hour or two to read 116 pages! Damn!
Completed: A Corpse in the Koryo 
Korea
2 Stars
This was dry at best and boring at most. Things picked up after the halfway point, but by then, I just didn't care.
After that, I may end up reading book 2 to see if things are not as convoluted. We'll see.
Hello! I just joined the group and was poking around the boards to get a feel for the place. I really like that you give a little review for each book you've read. It's really helpful. Awesome stuff!
Kristin wrote: "Hello! I just joined the group and was poking around the boards to get a feel for the place. I really like that you give a little review for each book you've read. It's really helpful. Awesome stuff!"Oh, well, thank you so much. I think by doing that it helps me too. I also do that for another group. Stars are great but any sized review helps others get a feel for if they will like it or not.
Thanks for the post :)
Completed: Precinct Puerto Rico (P.R.)
Angustias, Puerto Rico
3.25 Stars
This was good when it was good, and lame when it was lame. I won't say bad, but lame in its attempts to get from Point A to Point B. I can see the potential in this series, and I like what I see. I just hope the author sees it too, and improves.
**Disclaimer: This is a book started and finished during COVID-19. Due to stress and mental exhaustion, I cannot be held accountable for the small amount of reading that is getting done. **
Even though I've already visited Norway with this author; I will still list the books. It may help someone looking for Mystery/Thrillers. I read these January thru March. (Norway)The Devil's Star 5 Stars
Harry must work with the devil himself, in order to solve the latest in a string of murders.
There are so many underlying bits, that before you can grasp one, the other comes trailing along and leading you by the nose. It works, though. As complex as Harry Hole is, so are his stories/cases. Full of nuance and layer upon layer of information that you just didn't think mattered. They all matter. If you take the blinders off and look askance; just beyond the periphery, therein lies the answer.
"Mercy...."
The Redeemer 4.5 Stars
Why must it all be so complicated?? Why is there nuance?? I like it simple... not really, but I just wanted to see what you would say.
We have a very complicated story of pathos, jealousy, bitterness, anger, vengefulness; and that's just Harry. See, Harry is on the path of a killer. A hired hitman to be exact; and what happens before that, has everything to do with what happens after. The details are surprising and the "who did it?" Harry solves more than one case.
The prince still haunts
The Snowman 4.5 Stars
At first, when I read this, it was slow going because I had seen the movie. I hate when that happens!! Luckily, the story was just so good, I forgot all about the actors faces and the liberties Hollywood took with the plot... arrghh.
This had enough twists and turns to keep us guessing until the end. Mainly, what is the true motive?? I really had no idea who the Snowman was, but the person it became was completely suspicious. I thought they knew more than they were telling or had other crap to hide. Besides, who is that amicable!!??
Halfway through the story, I was completely engrossed; even though COVID was trying to infiltrate.
Completed: Monstress, Vol. 4: The Chosen 
(China)
Genre: Fantasy, graphic-novel/comics
Loc: Asia
5 Stars
I'm sorry, but I just love this damned series.
Someone will say, "I lied before, but I am not lying now. Trust me".... they be lyin' through their f**king teeth. That is the whole series. Arcanics, Humans, Old Gods, etc. Everyone is backstabbing everyone, and Maika is like, "F**k it; i'll kill them all."
I like that b**ch.
Current song: Do you love what you feel? Rufus & Chaka Khan... makes no sense, but hey.
Completed: Death on the Nile
Egypt
3.5 Stars
Its Hercule Poirot. Standard mystery.
I guessed this one pretty early, but it was entertaining.
Completed: Fever Dream 
Colombia
4 Stars... I think
I have no idea what I read, outside of a fevered ramblings of a woman named Amanda.
that is not important right now
See, something is happening in this unnamed and non-descript town. A sickness that has nothing to do with what is in the water. I think there is either something really sinister going on; or Amanda is completely off her rocker.
that is not the important part
Either there is some type of scientific (i doubt it) experimentation going on with the children of this town, thereby eliminating the mothers, OR, again, Amanda is nuts.
See, that is not the important part and I don't know if we ever found out.
Completed: The Night Has Teeth
Paris, France
3 Stars
The teen angst and who likes who, drove me nuts and made my eyes roll too many times to count. I think I missed some info in between eye-rolls; because this didn't feel like a nicely paced story. One minute Connor is ogling at a girl and the next, he's being tossed around by wolves. Like, where is the transition?? Maybe, it's just me....
Anywho; outside of the teen angst, this YA werewolf trilogy has potential to be entertaining, so, I will be picking up the next book in this trilogy due to it's potential. I know, I know, famous last words.
*eye roll*
Around the World in 80 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Night Has Teeth (other topics)Fever Dream (other topics)
The Square of Revenge (other topics)
The Hole (other topics)
1Q84 (other topics)
More...
Continents Visited: Asia, Africa, N. America, Europe, Antarctica, Canada, Australia
Countries Toured: Algeria (Oran); Czech Republic - Russia; Moscow, Russia; Mexico; Barcelona, Spain, Romania, Singapore; Italy; Chile; Canada(Toronto, ON), England (UK)(London); Poland; Scotland(Edinburgh), France, North Korea, *Puerto Rico; Egypt; Colombia
Currently Touring:
Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com