When I was a child and teenager, I spent most of my free time reading. It was my escape when I couldn’t travel. Library was one of my favourite places to be in the whole world. My cosy room was my safe haven where during summer nights, I could stay there forever reading books one after another. Whatever story it was, an ability to transport myself into faraway lands was magic. I particularly like reading books set in different countries, I wanted to learn about people living there, unique stories and fiction books that are set in places I didn’t know. Reading these books was almost like traveling. Whoever loves traveling like me, knows what it means when things stop us, like lack of money or current coronavirus that keeps us locked in homes.
Let’s not lose good spirits though. How many of you complained about no having time to read books? Did you buy a book you wanted to read for ages on a cosy sofa with a cup of tea, but there were so many other things to do? This is your opportunity to catch up on the reading and transport yourself to far away lands with these lectures.
Books you need to read when under lock down
Paris Letters by Janice Macleod
Bored of her current life, Janice escapes to Europe searching for freedom and adventure, but just after a few days in Paris, her life changes forever. This inspiration, full of romance, story is an example of passion and determination that led the author (who is also the main character) to create a life she dreamed of.
The Time in between by Maria Duenas
I have just started the book, but I am already hooked. The story is happens between Madrid (one of my favourite cities) and Morocco during the Civil War in Spain. All the sad historical events are tangled in between love story and betrayal. I highly suspect it’s going to be one of my favourite books of all times.
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
The chances that you don’t know this story are very slim as the novel was adapted for an Oscar-nominated film. If you liked the movie, you won’t be able to put the book away till you read it from the front to back in one go. Be careful though, salivating for silky chocolate while reading this book is real and dreaming of French countryside will stay in your memory for long.
A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini
You might be very well familiar with “The kite runner” and the chances are big that you have already read this book. However, if you haven’t, it should be your next book purchase. Hosseini, as always, shows the deserted landscape of Afghanistan in an emotional way that firmly grasps attention of the reader. I haven’t been to Afghanistan yet, but my curiosity is surely tickled.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote
I bought this book years ago when wandering rainy streets of Edinburgh. If you haven’t been to this magical Scottish city, you might not know that it’s full of second hand bookshops where you can find many different reading pearls. Putting Edinburgh aside, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” takes you straight away to the streets of Manhattan. A good start before your trip.
Passion India by Javier Moro
“Passion India” is a book I will probably remember for a very long time. This biographic love story between a Spanish dancer and a prince from India will take you on a very emotional journey through the lands of India.
In desert and wilderness by Henryk Sienkiewicz
This book is over 100 years old written by a Polish Nobel Prize laureate. I read it as a child a couple of times, it’s one of the compulsory books to read in school. It’s one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. Besides, I haven’t read many so skillfully written description of African landscapes from Egypt through Sahara all the way to reaching Indian Ocean. I still remember dreaming of traveling to these places and it probably was THE book that made me dream of traveling. There are also two versions of the film based on the story, really worth watching.
The spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst
A little bit of suspense might be a very entertaining read especially when it involves romance and a very handsome aristocrat. It’s a spy story (another one on this list) set in Warsaw during the I WW. It’s not a typical novel to tickle your wanderlust, but for sure will boost your curiosity to learn more and Poland and its capital.
Paris for one by Jojo Moyes
Paris and romance- what else would you like from an old-fashion story to make you feel good? This is also a book that most likely will will tempt you to travel and not only that…to travel alone and taste what it brings.
Under the Tuscan sun by Frances Mayes
When I look at Instagram accounts of people who travel, Tuscany (probably after Paris) is one of the most photographed places. No wonder, the landscapes of this Italian region are dreamy. Again, a film was made based on this story, which you have probably seen, if not I truly recommend it for a light romantic evening.
In Siberia by Colin Thubron
Taking a trans Siberian trip is still one of my unfulfilled dreams. For now, I can only imagine magical landscape of Siberia, its deserted villages and the people living there. Thurbon very skillfully takes you on that journey while documenting his own adventure through the massive land by boat, bus and truck.
Adventures of a photographer in La Plata by Bioy Casares
It’s not a typical travel book on this list, but surely will take you on a tour around Argentinean landscape of La Plata, a city near Buenos Aires. I won’t tell you much, but there will be mystery, hunting dreams, romance and intrigue.
Coping during quarantine
I hope you find an interesting position for yourself here to sweeten up long days and evenings at home during these challenging times of the virus outbreak. I am slowly adjusting to the new situation in Qatar working from home and trying to pamper my slightly abandoned blog. I hope you all are doing good and stay healthy no matter where in the world you are.
I need your help to choose next book to read during this time. Do you have any propositions?
Stay at home, read a book.
Some of the old posts about places that I would definitely recommend you to visit, when the situation calms down.
Pierogi, kings and dragons. See the beauty of Kraków.
11 curiosities you did not know about Madrid
How to plan a perfect weekend in Istanbul
12 cool things to do in Atacama.
Top 10 traditional coffee shops in Buenos Aires according to the locals
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