Books can be a powerful way to explore new cultures and countries before traveling.
Gripping mysteries and diverse character perspectives offer a glimpse into the intriguing world of Singapore and Thailand.
Engage with the multifaceted histories and contemporary life of Australia and Tasmania through thought-provoking literature.
Deep dives
Discovering the World Through Books
Embrace the power of books to explore new cultures and countries. Dive into novels that provide a unique perspective on Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, and Tasmania. From intricate mysteries to heartfelt memoirs, these books will take you on a literary journey through enchanting landscapes and diverse communities.
Singapore: A Tapestry of Mysteries
Immerse yourself in the intriguing world of Singapore with gripping mysteries. Follow the captivating sleuthing of anti-lee in the anti-lee's mystery series by Ovidia Yu. Experience the vivid, loud, and magical streets of Bangkok through the eyes of diverse characters with 'Bangkok Wakes to Rain' by Pichaiya Sunbatad. Expand your perspective and engage with the complex history of colonialism in Vietnam through the compelling narratives of 'Catfish and Mandala' by Andrew Pham.
Ancient Traditions and Evolving Narratives in Vietnam and Thailand
Discover thought-provoking literature that delves into the multifaceted histories and evolving landscapes of Vietnam and Thailand. Explore the impact of colonization and family legacies in 'The Blind Earth Worm in the Labyrinth' by Vera Por and Niti Prappa. Engage with the rich tapestry of relationships in 'On a Bright Hillside in Paradise' by Annette Higgs, offering a heartwarming and humor-filled journey through an Australian small town with unexpected triumphs.
Celebrating Indigenous Voices in Australia
Celebrate indigenous voices and experiences in contemporary Australia with 'Inheritance' by Bali Kordjazwal, a gripping tale of identity and family. Experience the harsh realities of colonialism and cultural encounters in 'Terra Nullius' by Claire G Coleman. Engage with the diverse perspectives of local communities and the impact of history on contemporary Australian life through the works of Tim Winton and Karen Herbert.
Tasmania: Tales of Intrigue and Natural Beauty
Embark on an enchanting journey through Tasmania with 'Question 7' by Richard Flanagan, a memoir that blends history, biography, and auto-fiction to paint a mesmerizing portrait of Tasmania and the author's parents. Delve into the lives of convict descendants in 'On a Bright Hillside in Paradise' by Meg Bignall, a heartwarming and humorous tale set in a Tasmanian farming community. Experience the power of storytelling and family bonds in 'Welcome to Nowhere River' by Meg Binnow, a captivating novel that weaves together the lives of intertwined characters in a Tasmanian town.
We all know that travel and reading go really well together. Today's guest, Dana Prescott, is looking for books to help prepare for her upcoming bucket list trip: she and her husband are taking ten weeks to travel to Australia and Southeast Asia next spring.
Dana loves to travel, and she'll often learn more about her destinations beforehand by reading books that represent the countries in question. We got doubly excited about Dana's project here at What Should I Read Next? because not only does it sound amazing, but we also have a team member who is perfectly positioned to support Dana's reading request. Our media production specialist, Holly Wielkoszewski, has spent the last six months traveling through the very same countries Dana is making her big plans for. I invited Holly to join me today as guest recommender, and she has book ideas galore for Dana.
Listen in to hear which books Dana will load her pre-travel to-be-read list with, and find the full list of titles mentioned at our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/410.
If you're still on the hunt for a perfect gift for your favorite reader, gifting a reading journal might be just the ticket. We have two in our shop and out on bookshelves everywhere: My Reading Life, which is created for adults, and My Reading Adventures, designed for kids ages 8 to 12 (but used and loved by readers of all ages.) Order your copy of one or both journals wherever you like to buy your books, or order signed and even personalized copies from modernmrsdarcy.com/shop.
