Reading Books From Every Country In the World | A Reading Challenge

Hey ya'll! In this video I talk about reading books from every country in the world. It's a reading challenge that I've been thinking about for a long time and I decided that now is the time for me to start. I'm excited about the first few countries that I'll be exploring. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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[@forsidious]

If you include the US and/or Canada, you could focus on Native American/First Nations stories. I think all 50 states would be a lot, but you could focus on some areas that you don't have a lot of experience reading about (if there are any)

[@themusicsnob]

Such a good idea! I love this

[@crownebooks]

I agree, great idea!

[@Puffypancakes12]

Great idea!!

[@bethloubet4650]

I came here to say this and you already did. 🙂

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@bookswithlee]

Love this! I’m reading a book from every country in Africa right now on TikTok and I think I’ll be continuing the rest of the world next year!

[@VeronicasShelf]

I love your TikTok content!

[@laurah8259]

Love seeing you here! Immediately thought of your project when I saw this video

[@BookishRealm]

I’ll have to follow you!!!

[@the_broken_spine]

I’ve been wanting to do this for years. And, was thinking about really starting it next year.

[@BooksofAmber]

I've been doing a light hearted version of this for years, so I'm excited to watch your progress! One thing I have noticed is that most translated works from certain areas are only literary fiction. I normally gravitate towards fantasy, sci fi, or thrillers... so that has been a challenge. I think if I were to take this challenge more seriously (I would like to) I'd have to accept that my preferred genres likely wouldn't be available from some places!

[@themusicsnob]

It’s interesting that you say this! I just realized the same thing when I was reading some books for women in translation month in August. It’s so hard to find translated genre fiction, in my opinion

[@BookishRealm]

I’ve been noticing that I’m going to have to be extremely flexible in genre.

[@crownebooks]

I’m guilty too of reading a ton of manga, manwha, and lately manhua but not a lot of international literature. I do love the 50 state idea!! I’ve actually read a ton of Caribbean & African literature because of my PhD program. I recommend Segu by Maryse Condé (from Guadeloupe, translated from French historical fiction set in Africa), and Black Shack Alley by Joseph Zobel (from Martinique, historical and set in the same country). I also liked the movie Black Shack Alley (1983)! I liked/loved both and they are countries I think will be harder to find work

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you love ❤️

[@Chitownreader]

I hope you enjoy this and wish you luck! I tried this this year but kinda have failed because I got hooked on Indian and Pakistani literature and haven't really moved past it 😅

[@BookishRealm]

Not exactly sure that’s a completely bad thing lol

[@Chitownreader]

@@BookishRealm Very true! 😂

[@RememberedReads]

Always a fun challenge! 👍 I don't know if you follow any of the people who have been running The Invisible Cities project? If not, it's a multi-year project where every month two countries are picked and everyone tries to read one or more books, watch at least one film, and cook a dish from the monthly countries, with a focus on books in translation. They've put together a fantastic list of books, especially for some countries that are a little harder to find work (or find work in English specifically).

[@brooke5258]

That sounds very interesting! Is there a link?

[@RememberedReads]

​@@brooke5258 I think if I put in a link this comment will be auto-deleted by KZbin, but if you search #invisiblecitiesproject the channels hosting it should pop up and the link should be in their descriptions. :)

[@brooke5258]

@@RememberedReads Thank you!

[@BookishRealm]

Yes they’re a great resource!

[@caitmcg4382]

So excited for this! Can't wait to hear what you read and your reviews.

[@Melissabella]

I love seeing you so excited! This is a wonderful idea and I'm excited to follow your journey.

[@hstevens44]

The little suitcase is so cute! I love this so much. I keep meaning to read more translated works but I usually only get to one or two a year (that aren't manga). I can't wait to see what books you end up reading for this. Here's hoping I can join in and follow your lead!

[@EMM_84]

This sounds really fun! I like the idea of learning a bit more about each country as well as reading the book.

[@ohladysamantha]

Such a great project! Excited to see what you read and broaden my own horizons!!

[@eastratton08]

Ahh can't wait to watch your journey! Love how excited you are about it! I've always wanted to do something like this but was always so intimidated

[@emroyka]

So excited to go along with you as you work through this project Ashley! I am loving your reading challenges/themes💖📚☕And I agree that this sort of project is definitely as much a way to learn about oneself (if not more so!) as it is to learn about the world.

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@randim7144]

I love this project!! I love translated works when I read them, but so often, I find myself reading books from the US and the UK. I look forward to seeing your progress and hopefully getting inspired to read more widely myself. ❤️

[@veronicainchauste4266]

I've been doing this for the last four years and it is a terrific experience. Congratulations, this is a great mind opening experience. If you can read and push yourself even more, after reading from a country see if you are able to meet some people from those countries who live here and befriend them, that will change you forever. Not easy to do, but it is possible and so rewarding.

[@themodishgeek2195]

Excited for this project!!

[@angiescott6046]

This is so great! I’m excited to see what books you choose for this month.

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@petiolereads]

Yay!!!! You're so excited about this, it's wonderful. This is a long-term reading challenge for me, too. It's so long-term in part because I lose steam on the reg haha, but hopefully your series will be motivating! Can't wait to get recs from you and give recs in return. Unfortunately, I don't have any for you for your first three countries. I did include the US, but my rule is that I'm reading books by indigenous authors for countries like the US, Canada, Australia, etc. But I also think the 50-state challenge sounds fun! One of my favorite resources is the Boxwalla Book Box - they feature international lit and do a pretty good job of stretching outside North America and Europe.

[@BookishRealm]

Thanks for sharing them!! I’ll have to check them out!

[@PaulinaSanchez]

I absolutely love the joy in this video!!! I can't wait to see what new favorites you find from around the world! 🎉

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@tj5087]

Love this video and this idea! I can’t wait for the vlogs!

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cheyennebuck5080]

Yes to that Cheetah Girls throwback! I was obsessed with that movie

[@BookishRealm]

😩😩😂😂😂

[@CircesBooked]

This is such a great idea and I can't wait to see the vlogs!

[@kizziereads7856]

This sounds like such fun! I'm looking forward to seeing what you read! :D

[@Giggra]

Loved your energy in this video. I look forward to watching your journey.

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@bethanydarby5615]

Love this! So excited to see your vlogs! I kind of want to do this now haha

[@BookishRealm]

Do it!!!

[@mastersal4644]

Love the idea - been wanting to do that for a long time myself. So excited to see the books you choose

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@somethingbookishthiswaycomes]

Omg I love the little suitcase! Can’t wait for the first vlog! This is def motivating me to take on this challenge soon as well. I’ve been following more people on IG lately who read predominantly translated works, so the process of priming my brain for it has begun, but mentally I’m not quite there yet

[@BookishRealm]

It’s a big thing to take on!!

[@merphynapier42]

I’ve been wanting to do a challenge like this for so long but it’s such a big project it’s *intimidating* Good for you for diving in, I’m excited to watch your progress!

[@BookishRealm]

It is intimidating! 😩😩 I’m nervous but definitely ready.

[@helliza_]

So excited for these videos ❤️

[@annetteholman2999]

Wonderful idea! I started 18 months ago and have read about 70 countries, many more to go. It's fascinating and I an learning history and culture through individual voices. Anne Morgan's book from UK gave me the idea. I know I'll learn so much here.

[@margar3181]

The glow I feel emanating from you in your new space is beautiful! I’m excited to follow this project with you. And I’m here for any and all Ashley content! Bring on the 50 states!

[@evien190]

I love this, can't wait to join in and start my own round the world challenge!

[@KatontheJellicoe]

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIIIIS

[@berenikawos1776]

I can't wait to see your journey with this, good luck

[@RegardingReading]

Yes! Have been meaning to do this myself. So excited to buy a map and put pins in all the countries, see what new favourites I'll find!

[@SunscourDavis]

I love this ❤️. I thought about doing this so many times.

[@amara560]

What a lovely idea! Seems like so much fun

[@pucksandpaperbacks]

This is a great idea. Good luck! I also love the little suitcase!

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@sarahbennett2117]

You’ve inspired me to get back on my quest to keep adding countries to my reading list!!! And you looked so happy about the project. Thank you!!!

[@sarahbennett2117]

I’ve also included the US States and Canadian territories as options - I also read a lot of US and Canadian authors so wanted to make it a bit harder. It’s been surprisingly hard to hit some US states.

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@ashleyxnicol]

im so excited for this!

[@lua_ferraz]

What a great idea and ambitious project! I love it and I can't wait to follow you along 💜

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cheyennebuck5080]

After seeing you decide to do this challenge, it is motivating me to start this as well. I love the idea of challenging ourselves to read more widely.

[@enchantedlight]

This sounds like such an amazing challenge! I can't wait to follow along with you! Durning the vlogs would you be able to put where you were able to find the books you are reading? That way I might be able to read some of them too! Oh and maybe during your end of the year videos where you state the best books you read in X category, you can do one that are the best books you have read so far for this challenge? I can't wait to start seeing vlogs about this! Your excitement is infectious!

[@BookishRealm]

Yea I definitely can!

[@anne-marie339]

Yes! So glad you're also doing this type of challenge :) I set myself a goal to read across the world as well - as a lifetime goal - and have read about thirty so far I think? Sometimes I also add different regions/ethnic groups/cultures within a specific country where the literature exists in English (some examples I've included are Catalan Spanish and Tamil texts as separate from Spain or India/Sri Lanka)

[@poodlemuffin]

This is such a great idea! I read a fair few translated books, but it’s so hard to find books that aren’t thrillers or contemporary fiction for most countries. Japan aside, India is the only country I’ve been able to find a wide range of genres from.

[@PurposefulPursuits]

Girl I’m never this early. I can’t wait to watch. Let me go pick up my coffee so I can put you on the tv.

[@dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla1664]

Beautiful comment and share! We are watching from bed 🛌! Happy Bookish Saturday 👍🏾🌞

[@TiaSprengel]

I've started a challenge like this myself and have mostly been focusing on Africa, which has been an absolute blast! I'm going to join you in reading from these three countries, though, as a little change of pace and to hopefully give you some motivation knowing other people are joining along with you!

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@bookswithamymarie]

The suitcase is so adorable! 💜

[@emilytronnes8350]

Hi! I just found you searching for book recs for the challange! I have to tell you there is nothing more attractive in a person than curiosity and the want to learn...i am so excited to watch your journey! Im doing it a bit different adding in all 50 states and all the Canadian provinces. I am very interested in exploring first nations literature. Mine is also not nearly as organized 😅 I'm just picking a couple of books each month from where ever preferably a translated work if i can get it. I'll be looking to you for recs so good luck and you have got this!

[@PSYCHOreader624]

Also suuuper excited for these vlogs/to see what you find to read.

[@easilystartled2203]

Oooooo I'm excited for this! I have been angling my reading towards books from non-American authors and just got done with a book from Chile. This is awesome timing, I excited to see what you get into! And LOL on that Cheetah Girls reference XD

[@BookishRealm]

😂😂😂

[@YaniqueSGillana]

I definitely didn’t guess this video was coming! I’m so proud of you taking on this project! I sense buddy reads in our future 😁

[@BookishRealm]

Yes! Absolutely!

[@RoisinsReading]

Thank you for linking my video! Good luck on your journey reading around the world, it really is so rewarding and eye opening, every year my favourite books become ones I never would have heard of, like last year some of my favoruties came from Zambia, Kazakhstan and Aboriginal Australian perspectives

[@BookishRealm]

Of course! Your videos have been such a great resource ❤️

[@traceymc3222]

Love this video. I'm doing this myself. I started with Europe; it's been so amazing, finding new authors that I would never have known about. I did set myself a rule that even where English is now the main language of a country I was going to read a translated work from the country's traditional language, eg for Ireland something translated from Gaelic. England's the exception, of course!

[@BookishRealm]

That’s a great idea!!

[@annafrench6269]

This is a fantastic idea! I will be trying to read around the world along with you!

[@BookishRealm]

Yay 😀

[@caprisbookisland]

Traveling through books, this is so cool I can’t wait to see what you read

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@RKStumblingbear]

This is awesome! I've been preparing to do this, but for the sci-fi/fantasy genres.

[@BookishRealm]

Good luck!

[@Read-alert]

I recently decided to do this too, so it was so fun to see this video pop up! I've already got 16 countries read, and I've got 12 more picked out for my tbr! I'm not particularly interested in seeing a book from every state, but I'd love to see trying to cover as many Indigenous tribes as you can!

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@libraryofkayla]

Cheetah girls, Cheetah sisteeeeeeeers! Can’t wait to follow along with this, I’ve been meaning to do this as well. You might find looking at Pushkin Press and Granta helpful as they both focus on publishing translated works

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@kdonaldson7308]

Great video and plan, for me I use a random country generator to select a country each month and see if i can read a book from that country… this month it’s Serbia, I also try to at least read a quick history and maybe watch TV / movie from that country

[@blueblack9067]

I want to copy that. It sounds like a very cool project.

[@andrareads2285]

I'm soooo happy you're doing this!!! I'm also in the process of reading from around the world ( at least a couple of years since I started my journey ) and I found so many new favorite authors! I need to research what authors from Romania (my country) are translated into English so that I can recommend something to you :))) I know for sure some poetry is available( by Mihai Eminescu) but a novel would be soon much better ( Marin Preda is a great example but I'm not sure if you can find translations)...anyway...I'm glad you're taking on this commitment! I wish you all the best!😁

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@bookssnoozeandrocknroll1016]

Thank you so much for starting this project! Hope you find some gems :)

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@NotesFromOutpost31]

I really want to do this as well! I might start doing some research now (and start stockpiling books, lol) and then make it a focus for my reading next year!

[@kellyreadingbooks]

Cheetahlicious opening! 😂 I instantly knew what you were singing lol! I need to read more translated works. Waaaay more.

[@BookishRealm]

😂😂😂

[@RaspberryDevil]

Ohhh, I've seen this challenge around so I hope you have a lot of fun with it 🐢✨️

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

I love this challenge! I also struggle with reading diversely, so I think this challenge would be perfect for me.

[@lonesomedovecall822]

Wow! This project/challenge is WAAAY to ambitious for me to attempt... but I'm definitely VERY excited to hear about all the wonderful books you're going to discover!!! Wooohoooooooooo -- LET THE VLOGS BEGIN!!!

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@eggrollateggroll]

Love this challenge🙌! Even though you're only reading 1 book per country, I'd love to see what other books you find from the country. It would be great to hear u talk about why you chose the book you did.

[@BookishRealm]

I definitely will talk about the exploration process

[@livnatkafka9017]

This is so cool and inspiring!!! As someone that English isnt their first language I want to send encouragement that maybe there will be a challenge in access but reading translated works is less intimidating then it seems and so much fun! Maybe for the us and Canada try to read from every first nation/ indigenous tribe sounds like a lot but also so enriching

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@jennysinger2130]

OMG YESSSSSS! I started this sorta thing last year(will continuefor years). Love it so much!! Can't wait to see what you read! 👀👀👀 Suitcase is epic cute!

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@Angelareadsalot]

I respect you so much for doing this! I am American but lived in South Korea for 4 years and travelled around Asia. I started reading translated works from Korea and Japan and it has been such a beautiful, eye-opening experience. Not only have I learned another perspective, but I’ve also learned how much we are the same. Please hit me up for suggestions from those countries if you need them! Your fear and excitement for this is so endearing, haha. You’ve also inspired me to keep going and make this an around the world adventure. I’m so excited for us!

[@BookishRealm]

I will! Thank you 😊

[@hitatchiqueen]

I love this so much!

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@brooke5258]

I like the idea of a separate challenge for the 50 states! I'm interested. So many books are set in NY, LA, and other major cities.

[@lmac3869]

I've been doing this for a year so far. A couple of booktubers who have helped are Artisan Geek and comfycozyup both read diversely in terms of countries. I think 50 states should be last on the list or a separate challenge. Get out the country! 🤣

[@BookishRealm]

😂😂😂

[@shadeneastacio-brown9729]

I'm so excited to see what you read for Panama as that is where my mother and sisters are from... truly im excited for this experiment period

[@BookishRealm]

It’s been so hard finding translated works from Panama! 😩😩

[@bookishbutterfly]

I love idea! Thanks for sharing. You are being deliberate about your choice for 3 per month

[@KathleenSelden]

Ahhhh I love this idea so much! I’ve also been doing this veryyyyy slowly for the past couple years…so far I’ve “visited” 73 countries and still have a lot to go so I’ll be watching this series closely for ideas! 👀 PS I use the “Been” app to track the countries I’ve read from; I really like the simplicity and the visuals of it!

[@BookishRealm]

Ooo thanks for the recommendation

[@ReadLoveListen]

This is such an amazing reading challenge idea. I want to try this in the future.

[@BookishRealm]

You definitely should ❤️

[@mbranche4234]

Hey Ashley 👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾. I will definitely read your "around the world" picks. Thanks for sharing with us! Suitcase...lunchbox...same thing...🤣

[@BookishRealm]

Lmao it lowkey is a small lunchbox ❤️❤️❤️

[@bookswithamymarie]

The opening 💜 This is such an incredible idea! I recently wrote down an idea to start reading mysteries based in different continents... I realized that almost all of the mysteries I've read take place in America and Europe. This makes me wonder if there are cozy mysteries in other languages too! I know Agatha Christie is credited with launching the genre.

[@BookishRealm]

I’m sure you can find some!

[@CemetryGates89]

I would love to achieve this goal too. I'm so excited for you!! I really hope you manage to find some interesting, enjoyable and enlightening experience. It's such a fascinating project 😊

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@Dr_Jade]

I would love to see how this project/challenge turns out. If you do any documentaries or movies related to your books, it would be great to have a watch party (perhaps with teleparty) with your patreons, cause I would be down for the ride.🤓 I have been thinking of doing similar challenges based on regions of the world, one focusing on main characters across the lifespan, and also one taking place/was written in different decades (via BookGirlsGuide). But sometimes I am such a mood reader and get so excited about new releases, that I am not sure when all of this will be finished.

[@juliettechaplin2685]

That's so cool! I have been doing this for a few years now, and I am 56 countries in. I am also trying to read books by women who live in those countries, which adds another layer of challenge!

[@rouxellereads]

I love this project and I can’t wait to see what books you find! I’m doing the storygraph reads the world challenge to try to help me read translated works. I feel like doing all fifty states would be interesting but maybe a separate project. I did like what someone else said about doing Native American/First Nation authors but I know you have read some already.

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@bethanyfuller1058]

You’ve inspired me. I’m going to do this too! 🌎 🌍 🌏

[@sweet_t_reads]

This is so great! I have upmost respect for people who chose to do this! I'm very excited to see your journey. I would say you should do the USA but focus on Native American/first people. It would be super cool to do all 50 states as well, but make sure to read some stories by a few different tribes!

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

You could get one of those travel etch maps where you're supposed to scratch off the countries you visited. Except instead of traveling you could do it for reading.

[@BookishRealm]

That’s a good idea!

[@korobizaka]

OMG HOW EXCITING! I think I'd like to do something like this too. I did a quick count for myself from this year, and I'm only at 10 different countries 😅 I'll aim to bump it up to 15 by the end of the year. I have at least one translated Chinese Wuxia novel on my shelf (Heaven's Official Blessing) so I think that will have to go up higher on my TBR now.

[@sandrazboinski6473]

Sounds like a great plan. I would say yes a book for each state in the USA and province in Canada.

[@emillyw5622]

I’m really excited to watch your journey with this project. I think something you will have to focus on is making sure you get the perspective of the people who are native to the country like Native Americans or the aboriginals and Torres straight islanders in Australia.

[@devonmunn5728]

I really got into reading books from various countries when a KZbinr did a challenge like this and she even has selves of her Goodreads of different continents so it's something I actively search for and I have found alot of books from many countries, territories, regions, etc.

[@LittlePiscesReading]

That suitcase is so cute! This is such a big challenge. Hope you have fun and enjoy it. I think it'd be really neat if you also read a book for each state but it seems a little unfair to leave America out. I know you read a lot of books from your country but it could be a good way to read from different indigenous groups? Either way, really looking to these videos! ❤❤

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@themusicsnob]

What a fun project, and I also understand being nervous. I am also trying to up my translated fiction game and trying to find a way to do so by regularly adding translated books to my reading diet. When you get to Argentina, I would highly recommend Eartheater by Dolores Reyes. I read that book last month and it was excellent and really stuck with me.

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@becky9194]

What a great project. My translated books tend to be Japanese as they have great mysteries. I really need to broaden my horizons.

[@gonzalourrutia6604]

I'm from Uruguay but currently live in Argentina, and I just want to suggest you look for a wide range of books, since Argentina in particular has a huge diversity of new authors who are really redefining storytelling, good luck!

[@BookishRealm]

Thank you 😊

[@HasabeMizurukara]

I now want to try this! I am in 2 different book clubs that focus on translated works and I have read some stuff from a lot of places. That said I know certain places I've never read from.

[@Andrea-lp8dn]

I love this!

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@leilakamel8425]

I love this idea because I will be getting international book recs, InshAllah 😊

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️

[@chickenpermission4705]

OMG I just started my own version of this on the DL. Excited that I'm not going to be doing this alone

[@BookishRealm]

❤️❤️❤️