Around the World in 80 Books discussion

Hey there! I would like to know more about Asian literature, could you please recommend me some authors? 🌏

I'm really no expert but I'm going to give you some authors whose books stuck with me the most:

Tan Twan Eng: a Malaysian author; I read his first book "The Gift of Rain", but his second book "The Garden of Evening Mists" is even more popular, I definitely want to read more by him

Nayomi Munaweera: writes about Sri Lanka; I loved her writing in "What Lies between us" and am looking forward to reading her first book "Island of a Thousand Mirrors"

somewhat more simple but a good time are the semi autobiographical works by Andrea Hirata (Indonesia) and S.P. Somtow (Thailand).

I couldn't link the author's pages, GR is acting up... I hope you find something interesting!

Sara's Secrets: A Mystery
Hello,

I am Bernard Grisoni. Thank you for being my friend on Goodreads.

While working on my first novel - set over 5,500 years ago during the Neolithic period - I discovered a striking phenomenon: large-scale alignments between sacred ancient sites such as Stonehenge. These alignments suggest a far more sophisticated understanding of astronomy and geography than what modern archaeology typically acknowledges.

In my second novel, I set out to explore the rise of the Knights Templar and their role in the sudden emergence of Gothic architecture in 12th-century France. To my surprise, I observed a resurgence of monumental religious alignments - echoes of this Neolithic knowledge that had somehow endured. This story also introduces a surprising and ruthless killer at the heart of the plot.

My upcoming novel, Sara’s Secrets, attempts to identify the pivotal moment in the transmission of this ancient wisdom: the quiet overlaying of the Earth Mother, Gaia, with Mary, the mother of Jesus. It’s a historical mystery that blends sacred geography, forgotten traditions, and spiritual inheritance. Sara’s journey illuminates a hidden path through history that opened Western Europe to Christianity.

I’m currently looking for a few early readers interested in receiving an ARC of Sara’s Secrets before its official release on January 5, 2026. If you’re drawn to historical mysteries, ancient wisdom, or spiritual themes, I would love to share an early copy with you for an honest review or rating.

I’m also very interested to talk about early Christian traditions, and sacred geography. So, please feel free to introduce new topics. Thanks for having me in the group—I look forward to connecting!


Warm regards,
Bernard Grisoni

Sara's Secrets: A Mystery

Sara’s Secrets is a mystical journey for readers drawn to the mystery of The Red Tent, the spiritual depth of The Alchemist, and the historical soul of The Da Vinci Code, Sara’s Secrets offers a journey unlike any other - across time, faith, and the hidden map of the human

Sara's Secrets: A Mystery
Sara’s Secrets is a mystical journey for readers drawn to the mystery of The Red Tent, the spiritual depth of The Alchemist, and the historical soul of The Da Vinci Code, Sara’s Secrets offers a journey unlike any other - across time, faith, and the hidden map of the human

SET IN THE CARIBBEAN
'Zeeka and The Zombies' stands out for its unique blend of genres and vivid setting. I particularly enjoyed the richly imagined futuristic Caribbean world in 2036. The way you fused sci-fi elements with dark fantasy and Caribbean folklore created a backdrop that was both unique and deeply immersive. This setting, with its advanced technology, really anchored the story in a distinctive environment. Very creative!
You've worked in several well-executed plot developments that kept the tension high throughout. The revelation that Chief of Police Grady was the true mastermind was pulled off really nicely. The touching twist when it was revealed that Zeeka, despite his villainy, had not activated the killer gadgets in Number Nine's false head, subtly wishing for his son to live, also caught me quite off guard.
Your screenplay delivers on several horror fronts. The gruesome scene during the Carnival massacre, vividly depicting the (splendidly specific) 125 deaths and 75 severe injuries, with descriptions of blood-splattered areas and severed body parts, was a delight!
Overall, Zeeka and the Zombies is a compelling and ambitious work that successfully weaves together a complex narrative with strong characters and memorable horror elements. There are moments of humour, witty dialogue, and light-hearted interactions woven into the narrative, which made it a very entertaining read.
Best regards,
Andrew
Andrew Hannon

Rapunzel wrote: "I'm really no expert but I'm going to give you some authors whose books stuck with me the most:

Tan Twan Eng: a Malaysian author; I read his first book "The Gift of Rain", but his second book "The..."

thanks for this list.

I really enjoyed this one set in Singapore:
The River's Song by Suchen Christine Lim here is my review
And another historical fiction set in Malaysia: The Rice Mother by Rani Manicka. And of course the masterful Khaled Hosseini with A Thousand Splendid Suns set in Afghanistan .

There's also lots of super quirky Japanese fiction out there like The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa here is my review. For China and India so many wonderful choices. I love these: The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan my review and The Girl in the Painting by Renita D'Silva here is my review.

The Road to Goderich by Linda Mcquaig I really enjoyed this book, the storytelling pulled me in right away, and the characters stayed with me long after I finished. It’s the kind of read that invites reflection and discussion.

Liv's Secrets by Janet Levine .
Liv's Secrets takes you deep into South Africa's most defining era where the Weisz family's private dramas play out against racial conflict and the birth of apartheid. Levine nails the historical detail while never losing sight of the human heart at the center. Liv's journey from searching for identity to accidental activist is both intimate and sweeping. If you love historical fiction that makes the past feel urgent and real, this delivers. Go read it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

A grounded and introspective story that explores the interplay
between cultural heritage, personal ambition, and the
search for meaning in an increasingly fragmented world. The protagonist is of Nepalese descent and is navigating the western world and the conflicting values of capitalism vs South Asian principles.

A fantastic read for those interested in learning about other cultures but the story also speaks to the endless quest we have to find balance between family, joy, and responsibility in our modern world. Didn't expect it to make me cry but it did!

For Iraq: The Gardener of Baghdad
For Iran: The Lion Women of Tehran
For Afghanistan: The Kite Runner

A few I can think of..

South Korea: The Vegetarian | Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

Japan : The Key | The Housekeeper and the Professor | Butter | Breasts and Eggs

Taiwan: Ghost Town

Sri Lanka : The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida

Middle-East: Hijab Butch Blues | As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

Josu wrote: "Hey there! I would like to know more about Asian literature, could you please recommend me some authors? 🌏"



I found this a fascinating novel about a disappearing culture and time in the not-so-distant Korean past. I very much recommend this one!!

Hi everyone!

I’m excited to share that my novel, Live for Me, Nkem, is now available as an Advance Review Copy on NetGalley.

If you’re a NetGalley member and enjoy emotionally compelling fiction that explores mental health, marriage, family, motherhood, and Nigerian culture, I’d be honored if you would request a copy and leave an honest review after reading.

Your review will help introduce Live for Me, Nkem to more readers, librarians, booksellers, and reviewers, and I truly appreciate your support.

NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...

Thank you so much for your time and support. I look forward to connecting with fellow readers and reviewers!

Some recommendations:

Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See (historical fiction)

Human Acts by Han Kang (hard read - definite trigger warning, but excellent book)

Song of the Sun God by Shankari Chandran (another hard read and trigger warning, but also an excellent book set mostly in Sri Lanka)

If you like fantasy - the Drowning Empire series by Andrea Stewart: The Bone Shard Daughter, The Bone Shard Emperor, and The Bone Shard War

The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

What part of Maurits Tompot's journey in Route 77: A Journey Beyond the Horizon resonated with you the most, and why? Was it his resilience in the face of loss, his spiritual awakening in India, or his lifelong search for purpose? If the author were to write a follow-up exploring one chapter of his life in greater depth, which part would you most want to read about? Share your thoughts and your favorite moments from the book!

The Convenience Store by the SeaStrange PicturesThe Rainfall MarketJosu wrote: "Hey there! I would like to know more about Asian literature, could you please recommend me some authors? 🌏"

Heyy I have been diving into asian literature lately as well and I can fully recommend a few. If you like comfy literature you would probably like: The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang or The Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida. If you like mystery with a little thriller elements you could like: Strange Pictures by Uketsu.

While this isn't a book set in a foreign country, it provides an immersive look at a specific time and place. It’s a YA coming-of-age story about a teenage boy, Sebastian Vega, who spends his summer before college in LA with his eccentric grandmother. The setting is integral to the story, it's a 'labyrinth' where he meets a range of people, from the interesting to the unscrupulous, and has his first experiences with independence and love.

For anyone looking for a novel that captures the character of a city and the experience of exploring a new world close to home, this is a quick and engaging read. It fits right in with the 'armchair travel' idea by providing a vivid snapshot of American life and the journey of self-discovery."

Misty wrote: "Some recommendations:

Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See (historical fiction)

Human Acts by Han Kang (hard read - definite trigg..."

Great list.

Song of the Sun God was excellent.

Maria wrote: "A few I can think of..

South Korea: The Vegetarian | Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

Japan : The Key | The Housekeeper and the Professor | [boo..."

I loved The Vegetarian.