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Read around the World Adult
75
items Each section features a location around the world with books set in or written by authors from there. The list is meant to help others explore the world through the art of books and reading. *note: author means the author is from there, setting means...
Sections
19
Alabama
Argentina
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Alabama
Alabama, known for its warm hospitality and picturesque landscapes, serves as a compelling backdrop for a myriad of stories that capture the essence of both its urban hubs and rural charm. From the bustling streets of Birmingham to the serene setting...
Setting In 1973 Montgomery, Alabama, Civil Townsend, a new nurse, aspires to empower women in her African American community at the Family Planning Clinic.
Take My Hand
Setting With its blend of cozy mystery and magical realism, "Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe" is a delightful read that will enchant readers from the first page to the last. Heather Webber's storytelling is both heartwarming and engaging, making this novel a ...
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe: A Novel
Author & Setting The novel explores themes of identity, obsession, and the consequences of keeping secrets. Told from multiple perspectives, The Wife Upstairs is a suspenseful and twisty tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page...
The Wife Upstairs: A Novel
Author & Setting Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse is a heartwarming novel that follows the story of a young woman named Annie Jones who returns to her small hometown in Alabama after World War II.
Almost Home: A Novel
Author & Setting This work recounts Carmer's arrival in Alabama in the late 1920s, his exploration of the state, its people, customs and racial violence.
Stars fell on Alabama
Setting The novel not only entertains but also explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of community. With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, "The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree" is a must-read for anyone looking for a he...
The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree
Author & Setting As readers delve into the pages of this book, they are transported to a world where relationships are cherished, hardships are overcome, and the power of friendship endures. Through its poignant narrative and memorable characters, "Fried Green Tomat...
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop
Author & Setting Through lyrical prose and poignant storytelling, Denton paints a vivid picture of small-town life, where secrets are unearthed, friendships are forged, and second chances abound. "Glory Road" is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spir...
Glory Road
Argentina
All books are Author & Setting. Argentina isn't just known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine; it's also a treasure trove of literary masterpieces. From passionate tales of the tango to haunting reflections of its...
In the summer of 1998, Santiago Larrea's past resurfaces, prompting his daughter Paloma to delve into his mysterious history before Argentina's tumultuous military dictatorship. A journey to Buenos Aires unravels family secrets, intertwining with the...
On a Night of a Thousand Stars
Martín Fierro, a 2,316 line epic poem by José Hernández, consists of two parts: El Gaucho Martín Fierro (1872) and La Vuelta de Martín Fierro (1879). It serves as a protest against Argentine president Domingo Faustino Sarmiento's modernist views and ...
The Gaucho Martín Fierro
In the depths of their shared cell, Molina and Valentin engage in profound conversations throughout the night. Molina, enamored with the enchanting tales of his beloved films, contrasts sharply with Valentin's pragmatic beliefs in enduring suffering ...
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Cattle-marking in South America, particularly the Argentine Republic, is a significant annual event where the daring Gaucho plays a central role. Richard Arthur Seymour embarked on a venture in 1865 to establish a cattle and sheep farm in the Pampas,...
Pioneering in the Pampas: A Settler's Experience
The narrator of "Optic Nerve," an Argentinian woman deeply devoted to art, intertwines her life story with the paintings and artists that resonate with her. Through her intimate and wandering narrative, we explore moments that have left a mark on her...
Optic Nerve - Catapult Books
Alaska
Known for its vast wilderness, towering mountains, and icy fjords, Alaska serves as a mesmerizing setting for numerous captivating novels. So, grab your favorite warm drink, cozy up, and let's embark on a literary expedition through the Last Frontier...
Setting In 1974 Alaska, a family faces a challenging new life off the grid. Ernt, a troubled Vietnam War veteran, decides to move his family to Alaska for a fresh start
The Great Alone
Setting Graham Barnett runs The Tourist Trap diner in Moose Springs, Alaska, catering to visitors he finds uninteresting. Zoey Caldwell, a tourist with Alaska on her bucket list, is enchanted by the town and unexpectedly drawn into Graham's world through a ...
The Tourist Attraction
Setting Inspired by Alaskan folklore, this fairytale follows Olive, a young resident of a remote psychiatric hospital, embarking on a transformative journey through the tundra.
A Tundra Tale - Gypsy, Lone Alaskan: Books
Author & Setting In the harsh Alaskan wilderness of 1920, Jack and Mabel, a childless couple, create a snow child that mysteriously comes to life as a young girl named Faina.
The Snow Child
Setting This enduring tale portrays the life and passion of a woman who wholeheartedly embraced the wilds of Alaska, ultimately emerging as a fervent advocate for its preservation.
Two in the Far North by Murie & Williams
Setting The story explores the 2 MC's evolving relationship against the backdrop of the rugged Alaskan landscape, raising questions about love, belonging, and the complexities of following one's heart.
The Simple Wild: A Novel: Tucker, K.A.
Arizona
Arizona, known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant history, serves as the perfect setting for numerous captivating stories waiting to be discovered.
Setting Hounded by Kevin Hearne is the first book in The Iron Druid Chronicles series, featuring Atticus O'Sullivan, the last Druid, hiding in Arizona from a vengeful god. With his magical sword Fragarach and witty Irish wolfhound Oberon, Atticus embarks on ...
Hounded
Setting Billy the Kid by Theodore Taylor is a gripping tale of adventure, betrayal, and redemption that captivates readers till the end.
Billy the Kid : A Novel
Setting "Haley and the Yeti" by Laura Langa is a captivating tale set in Tucson, blending romance, adventure, and mystery.
Haley and the Yeti: Grumpy Sunshine Romance
Setting "The Bean Trees" by Barbara Kingsolver follows Taylor Greer on a transformative road trip, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and human connection.
The Bean Trees: A Novel
Setting "These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901" by Nancy E. Turner is a captivating historical novel about Sarah Agnes Prine, a strong pioneer woman in late 19th century Arizona Territories.
These is my Words: Diary of Sarah Prine
Author & Setting Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls is a captivating novel based on the true-life story of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. Set in the American Southwest during the early 20th century, the book follows Lily's remarkable journey from ranch life in...
Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel
Arkansas
Arkansas serves as a captivating backdrop for stories across genres, offering readers a glimpse into the unique culture, history, and natural beauty of the state. Whether you're exploring the enchanting forests of the Ozarks or navigating the bustlin...
Setting This collection combines the first five books in the series, following Lily's journey in the mysterious town of Shakespeare, Arkansas. As a meticulous cleaning lady entangled in dark secrets and crimes, Lily's past unfolds through intricate plots an...
The Lily Bard Mysteries Omnibus: Charlaine Harris
Setting "Reading with Patrick" by Michelle Kuo is a poignant memoir that explores the profound impact of education and human connection.
Reading With Patrick: A Teacher and Student
Setting Mary Elizabeth Pope's masterful storytelling creates a profound and enduring tale that lingers in the reader's mind, showcasing the resilience and interconnectedness of human nature within the backdrop of Green County.
The Gods of Green County: A Novel
Setting "Miss Pearly’s Girls" celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative nature of familial bonds, reminding readers of the enduring power of love to bring people together in times of adversity.
Miss Pearly's Girls
Setting Thompson’s poignant writing style weaves a narrative of gratitude, resilience, and belief, showcasing the beauty of blessings and the transformative power of grace.
When You've Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)
California
As you immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of California books, you'll discover a state that is as diverse and dynamic as the characters and stories that inhabit its pages. From the glittering lights of Hollywood to the rugged beauty of Yosemite, C...
Setting A narrative tracing the experiences of Chinese women across generations as they grapple with the challenges of moving from China to California. These stories encompass themes of loss, personal development, optimism for what lies ahead, guidance, and...
The Joy Luck Club
Setting The narrative revolves around a renowned and well-liked family from California, whose deep-rooted secrets, music, love, and revelry have influenced the family for many years. These elements come to light on the evening of their yearly family gatheri...
Malibu Rising
Setting Admin assistant Nora Tucker develops feelings for Gary Montgomery, Hollywood's emerging star, and becomes convinced that they are destined to be soulmates after watching him on screen. With the support of newfound friends, allies, and fellow fans, No...
He Will Be Mine
Author & Setting When Georgia Woodward, a list-oriented individual, and her rule-breaking ex, Adam, are forced to collaborate in order to rescue their friend's wedding following a fire at the venue, they find themselves navigating a whirlwind of cake tastings, DJ aud...
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
Author & Setting Julia Hope, who has always been surrounded by love, is now faced with the challenge of overcoming her fear of solitude as she cares for her only remaining family member in their final days. Matt Gatlin, who has kept his distance from his distant gran...
Find Me in California by Kerry Lonsdale
Africa
Africa, the enchanting continent of diverse cultures, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, has been a wellspring of inspiration for countless authors.
Setting - In The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu, Joshua Hammer recounts the daring mission of Abdel Kader Haidara and his team to save ancient Arabic texts from Al Qaeda militants in Mali. Haidara, once a humble archivist, transformed into a bold smu...
The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts
Setting - Korede faces a moral dilemma when her sister, Ayoola, repeatedly seeks her help in disposing of boyfriends in self-defense. Despite knowing the right thing to do, Korede is torn between loyalty to her sister and her own feelings for a man A...
My Sister, the Serial Killer
Setting - Adunni, a determined fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl, craves education despite being sold as a third wife to an old man. After facing tragedy, she becomes a domestic servant in Lagos, where she uncovers the mystery of her predecessor's disa...
The Girl with the Louding Voice
Setting - In Nairobi, Kenya, Hope and Dean's paths cross amidst the impending loss of Harry, her father. Their intertwined journey unfolds amid challenging and perilous circumstances, as they grapple with decisions of love, hope, and trust to safegua...
Dream Girl
Australia
Australia, with its vast landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, has produced a remarkable array of literature that reflects the diverse experiences and stories of its people. From sprawling outback narratives to urban dramas, the literary works craft...
Author and Setting - Kate is struggling with grief and single parenting after losing her husband, Cameron. Despite her chaotic life, she maintains her humor while dealing with a demanding job, an overbearing mother, and a matchmaking friend. A weeken...
The Last Love Note
Setting - Amidst the worst drought in a century, Kiewarra's farming community faces dire choices when a local family is found slain. Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk returns for his friend's funeral, confronting a town that shunned him twenty y...
The Dry
Author and Setting - In 1992, amid the High Court's landmark decision on Indigenous land rights in Australia, Tarena Palson, a recent law graduate from Sydney University, finds herself thrust into her first legal case. Her Torres Strait Islander fami...
Butterfly Song
Brazil
Brazilian literature is an intricate tapestry of narratives that provide an authentic glimpse into the hearts and minds of its people. These stories are not only literary gifts but also serve as cultural bridges that illuminate Brazil's diverse histo...
Setting - "Shocking Brazil" delves into six pivotal World Cup campaigns that transformed Brazilian football and had impacts beyond the sport. These stories reveal underlying issues of racism, corruption, authoritarianism, and corporate greed. This co...
Shocking Brazil: Six Games That Shook WC
Author - Sol Carvalho is eager to advance her career in Copenhagen, the happiest city on earth. However, to secure a promotion, she needs to settle in Denmark with a stable home and relationship, which she lacks. Enter Erik Storm, a Viking look-alike...
Never Date A Roommate
Setting - Daniel Everett's extraordinary journey with the Pirahã tribe in the Amazon reveals a unique language and culture that challenge conventional linguistic theories. Arriving in 1977 as a missionary, Everett intended to convert the Pirahã but i...
Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life & Language
Canada
Canadian literature is a rich tapestry woven from countless stories reflecting the diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories of this vast country. From the breathtaking mountains of British Columbia to the lively streets of Toronto, books set in Ca...
Canadian Setting and Author Del Jordan, living on her father's fox farm at the end of Flats Road, finds her closest companions in an eccentric family friend and her rough younger brother. As she spends more time in town, she is surrounded by women wh...
Lives of Girls and Women
Canadian Setting Whitney Garrett is gearing up for culinary school but needs to fund her tuition by selling homemade pies at Christmas markets. When her oven fails, she turns to Marie Sloan at the Red Door Inn for kitchen access, agreeing to watch th...
Meddling with Mistletoe: A Holiday Romance
Canadian Setting Lucy, a tourist vacationing on Prince Edward Island, finds herself irresistibly drawn to Felix, a local who is also her best friend's younger brother. Despite their undeniable chemistry, they decide to avoid repeating their past enco...
This Summer Will Be Different
China
China is a country rich in history and culture, producing a fascinating array of literature that reveals diverse stories and unique viewpoints. From timeless classics to modern tales, Chinese literature invites readers to explore societal values, fam...
Chinese Setting and Author In a remote mountain village, Li-yan and her family live by the rhythms of the tea farming seasons, deeply rooted in Akha traditions. Life changes with the arrival of a stranger driving the first jeep the villagers have eve...
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Chinese characters + Author
In "The Joy Luck Club," four Chinese women, recent immigrants to San Francisco in 1949, form a bond over weekly mahjong games, sharing stories of their pasts in China and their hopes for their daughters. The daughters, in...
The Joy Luck Club
Cuba
Cuba is not just a sun-soaked paradise; it is a wellspring of literary brilliance. The island, renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, is home to stories that capture the resilience and spirit of its people.
Cuban Setting and Author A Cuban-American woman embarks on a journey to Havana after her grandmother's death, uncovering her roots and a long-buried family secret from the revolution. In 1958, Elisa Perez, daughter of a sugar baron, navigates Cuba's ...
Next Year in Havana - Chanel Cleeton
Cuban Setting In Miami, Jeanette grapples with addiction while seeking to uncover her family history from her Cuban immigrant mother, Carmen. She impulsively takes in a neighbor's daughter after the neighbor is detained by ICE. Carmen, dealing with h...
Of Women and Salt
Cuban Setting In FIND ME IN HAVANA, the bestselling author of THE GIRLS WITH NO NAMES presents a poignant historical novel that delves into the life of Estelita Rodriguez, a celebrated Hispanic actress, and her daughter Nina's quest for closure. Set ...
Find Me in Havana
Colorado
Colorado, famed for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking mountains, is not just a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It also has a vibrant literary history that enthralls book lovers and literary scholars alike. From the towering Rockies to char...
Colorado Setting and Author On a cool autumn day in 1948, Victoria Nash's chance encounter with a stranger while delivering peaches from her family's Colorado farm sets in motion a life-altering journey. This captivating tale unfolds as Victoria make...
Go as a River: A Novel
Colorado Setting and Author It's tough to lose loved ones. Aurora De La Torre understands that returning to a former home won't be simple. Starting anew likely isn't meant to be easy. However, a small mountain town could be the ideal solution for a w...
All Rhodes Lead Here
Colorado Setting Emma Starrs, a newly minted Ph.D., takes on the challenge of reviving her family’s struggling Colorado bookstore, Starlit Bookshop, by organizing a mystery-themed dinner party for her affluent high school classmate, Tabitha Baxter. T...
How to Book a Murder (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery)
Denmark
Setting Hailed in Europe as an instant classic, We, the Drowned is the story of the port town of Marstal, Denmark, whose inhabitants sailed the world from the mid-nineteenth century to the end of the Second World War. The novel tells of ships wrecked and blo...
We, the Drowned
Egypt
setting It is a richly conceived, fully realized vision, inspired by the culture of ancient Egypt, the legends of Atlantis-and the science of animal behavior and biology. This is how dragons would live, breed, hatch, hunt, and bond. The first book in this t...
Joust - Mercedes Lackey
Connecticut
The literary landscape of Colorado is as rich and varied as its breathtaking topography. From timeless classics to contemporary works, the authors and stories connected to this state invite readers on unforgettable journeys. By embracing the deep the...
Setting and Author Vera Sterling, a former journalist, finds herself reluctant to leave her beloved New England hometown after her sister's wedding. Impulsively, she invests her severance pay in a colonial home and barn in Addison Cove. In the barn, she uncovers a hid...
Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes
Setting When Gillian Sheldon's father dies suddenly, leaving her and her mother to seek refuge in a cottage in a small Connecticut town they've never seen, Gillian has only two things in mind. She is going to take care of cheerful, childlike Mimsy, her belov...
The Wider Heart
Setting The story of Chick Austin is the embodiment of a cultural revolution in a single individual. As director of Hartford's Wadsworth Atheneum at just twenty-six, Austin transformed the conservative city into a vibrant cultural hub, introducing America t...
Magician of the Modern: Chick Austin
Delaware
Delaware's literary roots run deep, with historical connections tracing back to the state's earliest settlers. The first notable figure in Delaware's literary history is John Dickinson, an influential statesman and one of the founding fathers of the ...
Setting & Topic - Delaware from Railways to Freeways offers a fascinating exploration of the region and its people from 1800 to 1907. Through captivating photographs and intriguing anecdotes, Tabler provides an educational yet entertaining narrat...
Delaware: From Railways to Freeways
Setting - Three Delaware romances unfold as love for children ignites new beginnings. Sadie, haunted by the memory of the child she gave up, faces a decision when the widowed adoptive father invites her to visit. Kelly, a single mother of three daugh...
Delaware Weddings
Setting - After discovering her fiance is a murderer, Daphne Dawson seeks police protection and enters witness protection. She hides in a small Delaware town, where she meets a charming handyman, sparking an intense chemistry. However, just as she be...
Chasing Destiny (The Pattison Brothers series #1)
Florida
Florida's sun-drenched shores and complex history create a captivating backdrop for adult literature, whether fiction or non-fiction. Books by Florida authors explore layers of meaning through engaging narratives that tackle social issues, environmen...
Setting - Published: January 1, 1986 Ages: 18+ Genres: Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Mystery Novel On a Miami beach, the sole remnant of the first victim is a Shriner's fez. The second victim, the city's chamber of commerce head, is discovered dead with a toy rubber alligator in his throat. This marks the start of a chaotic adventure. Brian Keyes...
Tourist Season
Setting - Published: September 4, 2012 Ages:18+ Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance Novel In Depression-era Key West, Mariella Bennet, the daughter of an American fisherman and a Cuban woman, battles hunger and hardship following her father's death. Her journey leads her to a bar and bordello where a risky bet on a boxing match draws the ...
Hemingway's Girl
Setting - Published: February 19, 2021 Ages: 18+ Genres: Contemporary Romance, Fiction Novel Beck Foster seeks a fresh start after her husband of thirty-four years leaves her, forcing her to sell their home and find a job. Reluctantly, she attends a party for her estranged aunt in the Florida Keys, accompanied by her daughter. In Coconut Key...
A Secret in the Keys (Coconut Key Book 1)
Setting - Published: May 8, 2018 Ages: 18+ Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance Novel Allie's life unravels as her second husband dies in a fiery crash near their Cape San Blas home, marking another loss after her family's restaurant. Meanwhile, Joseph, haunted by Vietnam, isolates himself in a cabin, yet each day pours two cups of c...
Send Down the Rain
Setting - Published: May 4, 2021 Ages: 18+ Genres: Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Thriller Novel Letty Carnahan is on the run after finding her sister Tanya dead, convinced that Tanya’s ex, Evan Wingfield, is responsible. Following Tanya’s last plea, Letty escapes with her niece Maya, carrying a stash of cash, a diamond ring, and a clue pointing...
The Newcomer
France
The landscape of French literature is rich with masterpieces that have shaped global literary thought. These are profound works that often delve into the human experience, exploring deep emotional and philosophical themes.
Setting Monsieur Perdu, a self-proclaimed literary apothecary, operates a floating bookstore on the Seine, prescribing novels to mend life's hardships. Despite his talent for healing others through literature, he remains haunted by his own unresolved heartb...
The Little Paris Bookshop: A Novel
Setting Peter Gethers, once a loner and cat hater, found his life transformed by a Scottish Fold kitten named Norton. Norton became his inseparable companion, joining him on adventures from Fire Island to Paris, charming everyone with his amusing and intelli...
The Cat Who Went to Paris (Norton the Cat)
Setting In 1940, Estella Bissette, a Parisian seamstress, escapes to Manhattan as the Germans advance, carrying only a few francs, a suitcase, her sewing machine, and a dream to establish her own atelier. Fast forward to 2015, her granddaughter, Fabienne Bi...
The Paris Seamstress
Setting Paras, a curious racehorse, wanders from her stall near Paris to the city itself, where she is enchanted by the vibrant atmosphere. She befriends Frida, a savvy German shorthaired pointer, and together they navigate the city's green spaces, joined b...
The Strays of Paris
Setting Natalie Brewer arrives in Paris seeking dreams, only to be thrust into a world of shifter nightmares after a vampire attack reveals her hidden heritage. Suddenly, she’s part of a realm filled with gargoyles, werewolves, and dragons, all claiming she...
Fire Maidens: Paris (Billionaires & Bodyguards)
Setting Tavara Tinker navigates a dual existence, embodying the elegance of a Victorian lady by day and transforming into a pioneering inventor by night. In the depths of industrial London, she operates a secret lab and steam-powered factory, crafting innov...
LeTour de Paris: Chronicles of Tavara Tinker