Weekly Geeks 14 – Reading Globally

So, over at Weekly Geeks they’re tasking readers to talk about their experiences of Reading Globally.

Do You Deliberately Read Globally?

I have to say, I never really noticed much where the books I read take place. I’m always much more concerned about what the plot is and if I like the writing.

I’m a fan of manga, so I end up reading a bit of Japanese fiction.

When I started my ABC of Historical Fiction book review project (which started May 1st) I did suddenly realize that most of the books I read take place either in America or in England. When choosing the books for the various reviews I started consciously trying to provide a range of countries as well as time periods and subgenre.

Here’s a few list/montages of books set in various countries that I’ve read.

China

Egypt

France

Germany

Guatamala

India

Italy

Japan

Nigeria

Russia

Scotland

Turkey

Wales

Have You Joined Any Challenges For Reads From Around The World?

Nope. Maybe in the future.

Do You Visit Bloggers Who Blog Outside Your Country?

I do, actually. I follow the following non-USA based feeds:

• Urban Gardens (UK Garden Blog)
• Walker of Worlds (UK Book Blog)

What Have You Learned From Reading Their Bogs?

I learn about a lot of British publications from Walker of Worlds. And I learn about silly urban garden trends from Urban Gardens (like turning your toilet’s tank into a planter).

Where Do Your Around The Globe Book Suggestions Come From?

• Searches on GoodReads
• The blog Reactions to Reading always has a lot of good international book suggestions

Do You Read Books in Translation?

I do, actually. I read a bit of manga (Japanese graphic novels) the majority of which is translated into English. Also, Jules Verne is one of my favorite authors and I’ve only ever read the English translations of his works.

Share Some of Your Favorite Books in Translation.

• The Signet Classic translation from the original French by Mendor T. Brunetti, of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. This is a superior translation to the one done in the 1800s, with many errors in the technical points, that other publishers are still using
• One of my favorite books is one translated from Russian, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch
• The classic Indian play Abhijnana-Sakuntalam of Kalidasa translated from the original sanskrit and published in India
• The manga Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service

Are There Particular Countries You Would Like to Learn More About?

Oh, there are indeed. I’ve got a minor in Cultural Anthropology with areas of focus in Ancient Egypt, Mesoamerica, and Japan and China. So I’m always looking to know more about those.

I’m also always interested in adding to my ever broadening knowledge of the cultures of the Asian continent in general.

Comments

Both comments and pings are currently closed.

3 Responses to “Weekly Geeks 14 – Reading Globally”

1. Kerrie says:

   April 24, 2010 at 11:13 pm

   So you do read quite globally don’t you! Interesting to see your use of the A-Z idea for historical fiction. We’ve just finished a Crime Fiction Alphabet meme over on my blog
2. Pussreboots says:

   April 24, 2010 at 10:37 pm

   I recognize a bunch of those book covers. You and I seem to have similar tastes. Happy WG.
3. Bernadette says:

   April 24, 2010 at 6:25 pm

   Thanks for the mention, and for the recommendation for a South American book for me to read. I’ll be investigating my library’s online catalogue a little later today.

   I love the pics of all your books, some of the countries in particular seem to have themes that come across in the covers.