Thursday, July 16, 2009

Weekly Geeks - Where in the World Have You Been?


This week's Weekly Geeks theme is a good one, asking Where in the World Have You Been? in your reading.

This week's Weekly Geeks asks you to tell us about your globe trotting via books. Are you a global reader? How many countries have you "visited" in your reading? What are your favorite places or cultures to read about? Can you recommend particularly good books about certain regions, countries or continents? How do you find out about books from other countries? What countries would you like to read that you haven't yet?

Use your own criteria about what you consider to be "visiting" -- whether a book is written about the country or by a native or resident of the country.

For fun, create one of these maps at this website ticking off the countries you've read books from - you might be surprised how many (or how few!) countries you've read. Include the map in your blog post if you're so inclined.



So here's my map, based on the books that I have read in the last 18 months:



The one obvious gap is books set in South America, and Africa is probably a little under represented, although I did read a couple of books set in other African countries, but just not in the last couple of years. Other than that the map is pretty full. Of course, it helps when you block out huge blocks of the map with some of the larger countries like China, Russia, USA and Canada.

I think I am pretty open to reading books about most countries - as long as the story is a good one, then I will read it. I do particularly like books set in Russia and Europe, especially if it is historical fiction.

8 comments:

  1. LOL, I agree that covering the larger countries makes the map appear more impressive. I have a nice coverage of South America, not because I have read that many books, but because I was able to cover Brazil. :D

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  2. Your map shows an excellent coverage Marg

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  3. I admit that my South America books were a few years ago but I was just clicking away all that I could recall! What's with the purple fingernals on the FB badge!? Sorry, you've distracted me...

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  4. This map looks like a ton of fun. I'll fill one out and add it to my blog.

    I'm also (appropriately enough) looking for recommendations for some fun London-based novels for my upcoming trip to the UK. I love to read books set in the countries I visit while traveling. Come visit and let me know at www.dscribwomen.blogspot.com

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  5. I didn't do this but it's a great idea. My big gap is the African continent too.
    Re your comment: All my giveaways are open worldwide. I may use the cheapest, and therefore slowest form of postage but I hate leaving anyone out. Glad you noticed it, only 3 people have so far. I'm testing to see how carefully people read my review pages.

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  6. I love this one. I think, with Geraldine Brooks, I just recently covered every continent. Of course, that's not every country, but it's a starting point! I think I'm drawn primarily toward Latin Lit as I've spent a fair amount of time in South America. Of course, I adore Russian Lit, too. This is fun; I'll have to make my own map. Thank for sharing!

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  7. Pam, I can't remember what countries I covered with People of the Book. I think it did Bosnia for me, and one other, but the other countries I had already filled in! It was definitely a fun WG theme. I look forward to seeing your map!

    Sandra, I don't think we are alone in having African gaps! I sometimes are guilty of scanning through posts, but I did read that one!

    Thanks Kerrie!

    Care, I watched Love in the Time of Cholera yesterday. I had read the book years ago, so I wonder if that would count?

    Icedream, books set in Brazil you say. Actually, there was a short story set in Columbia in one of the books I read a few weeks ago. Maybe I should have covered off that country to make the gap not look quite so big!

    Annaliese, so glad you did this! Can't really even think about London recommendations, there are so many of them. If it were me I would be looking for Historical Fiction about royalty, say by Elizabeth Chadwick, although a lot of times they aren't so much about London, as have scenes set there!

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  8. What a fun idea. I'm new to historical fiction books but this is a great way to learn something about different cultures. I'm currently reading a book called My Splendid Concubine (author Lloyd Lofthouse) which is set in China during the 19th century. It's a historical novel that blends sociology, politics and art into one great book. I'm really enjoying it! I better get my map started

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