The setting of a story often makes a reader wish they could actually be there. What country would you love to visit and what book did you read that sparked your interest in it?
Marallenla@aol.com
Australia. Remembering Babylon by David Malouf
Haddow@aol.com
Upon reading Enid Starkie's biography of Arthur Rimbaud in the early 1970s, I was very taken by the arc of the poet's life and the strangeness of his ending up in Ethiopia. I made it a mission to go there and see the Horn of Africa for myself, and it was the greatest travel experience of my life (so far!).
Kec200@aol.com
I read "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery and it made me want to visit Prince Edward Island in Canada. It just sounded so beautiful!
JoyZoo@aol.com
It's in the US, but far away from us --- the Four Corners and Canyon deChelley as described in Tony Hillerman's books. Matter of fact, we did go there and loved it --- probably even more because we were able to see it through his eyes.
Grandmareadme@aol.com
I would like to visit Ireland. I would probably read the books by Morgan Llywelyn to get a sense of the history of the Irish struggles and then find some modern day books to help with the visit.
Mornigloria@aol.com
Tara Road by Maeve Binchy invites you to Ireland.
GandmaRI@aol.com
I would like to visit the National Parks that are the setting of the Nevada Barr books. Especially the caves in the western US and Ellis Island.
MLMiller08@aol.com
What have I read lately that would make me want to visit the scene of the book? I have been reading the series by Monica Ferris that starts with the book "Crewel World" and the setting is a needlework store, by that name, that the main character, Betsy, ends up inheriting from her sister. Somehow Betsy gets involved in solving a murder in each book. What fascinates me are the names of the other books in the series, all having to do with some form of handwork. Also interesting is the fact that Betsy has no knowledge of the various needlework crafts, but with the help of others in the store is learning these things. A very good series! I definitely would love to walk into the Crewel World store and meet the characters from the book...and even do some shopping there.
DDobrjansk@aol.com
While I have read many books about foreign lands the books that have made the most impressions on me are those written by Tony Hillerman and J. A. Jance (Joanna Brady series) about the Southwest. I was most moved by Louis L'Amour's "The Haunted Mesa" and Tony Hillerman's "Thief of Time" that the year after I read both of these books I took a trip to Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. My itinerary included: the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Taos, Santa Fe, the Petrified Forest and Sedona. Someday, when the requirements of my job are no longer an issue, I will take my wife for a month long tour of that area and we will watch the glory of sunsets on buttes and canyons.
Mamae512@aol.com
If there were such a thing as incarnation, I would Love to return to this earth as a Cajun or an Irishman! They have such a great time just living. No one book inspired me.
SHunter364@aol.com
I'd like to visit Scotland. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series is what inspired me.
Lindiver@aol.com
I read lots of books about England. Who can remember all the names of them? They ranged from the required books in school to mystery novels and the like. I finally visited it and felt right at home. It was everything I expected it to be.
JaPoulton@aol.com
Setting is important. I don't like murder mysteries taking place in Florida for some reason. Love English village settings with poison pen letters and a nice vicar. Find them very relaxing.
NFrazelle@aol.com
Ireland. Thanks to Maeve Binchy...Tara Road and Scarlett Feather of late. Her earlier works as well. English Countryside... R. Pilcher, P. George, M. Grimes et. al. China --- any Marco Polo work. I would like to revisit many places/locals to see things from a different prospective. Many movies portray areas well; of late, Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, Message in a Bottle) A Walk To Remember was filmed in Wilmington, NC. The filming took place within an area 1/2 mile to 35 miles around the area. Great "travelogue" of eastern NC! His latest book, A Bend in the Road looks like instant movie material.
Mkri100@aol.com
Ireland --- because of author Diana Gabaldon
MintyFreshKitty@aol.com
The place I would like to visit isn't a real country. It's the Territories from The Talisman and Black House by Stephen King. It's a lot cleaner and quieter compared to this world. But reading books by Maeve Binchy makes me want to go to Ireland.
Omiabucket@aol.com
ITALY --- UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN FRANCES MAYES.
MsBGibson@aol.com
China --- Good Earth by Pearl Buck.
Tea4g@aol.com
Ireland. Tara Road by Maeve Benchy.
VEELEE8@aol.com
Sarum prompted a trip to England with emphasis on cathedrals --- particularly Salisbury.
MRJ1234@aol.com
I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT JAPAN. THE NOVEL THAT INSPIRED THIS DESIRE WAS SHOGUN BY JAMES CLAVELL.
Backfence@aol.com
The places I would most like to visit are twofold: 1) England and Scotland after reading The World of Rosamunde Pilcher, and subsequently all of her other books, and 2) the Yorkshire dales having read all of James Herriot's books a hundred times over.
JStjohn357@aol.com
I usually love anything I find that's set in England. It just makes me want to sit down with a cup of tea, a scone and actually enjoy a dark, rainy day! I think my favorite author, or anyway the person who usually makes me want to move to an interesting, quiet little English village is Rosamunde Pilcher.
Pecsan114@aol.com
Many years ago I read Green Dolphin Street and fell in love with New Zealand. After reading The Thorn Birds I knew I had to see Australia. Now --- nearing retirement --- I have been saving forever to take my dream trip --- two months in Australia and New Zealand. Two more years to wait and read those guide books!
MSmith2957@aol.com
The book(s) that come to mind for me are Tara Road and Scarlett Feather by Maeve Binchy whose books are set in Ireland. The way that she describes everything makes the reader easily visualize the rolling hills and throughout countryside and hear the Irish brogue in your head when you read what the characters are saying. I now hope that one day I will have the opportunity to visit some of the landmarks she has mentioned in her books. Any book by her gives you this feeling.
RKCKSYST@aol.com
Oh, wow --- I read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (and of course all those which follow!) and knew I must see Scotland someday. I haven't been there yet, but can say that reading her books have definitely planted this intense desire for place in my bosom!!!
kelly.kelly@verizon.net
Easy...Italy!
The Hills of Tuscany: A New Life in An Old Land, Ferenc Mate
A Tuscan Childhood, Kinta Beevor
Italian Fever, Valerie Martin
A Valley in Italy: The Many Seasons of a Villa in Umbria, Lisa St. Aubin de Teran
Under The Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes (also Bella Tuscany)
Italian Neighbors, Tim Parks
Within Tuscany, Matthew Spender
Shoemaker of Dreams, the Autobiography of Salvatore Ferragamo
Innocence, Penelope Fitzgerald
D.H Lawrence
dbelk105@adelphia.net
Ireland! All of Maeve Binchy's books have made me want to see it for myself.
Nannykaul51@aol.com
Edward Rutherford's "Sarum" made me long to visit England.
Petercraigroy@aol.com
Morocco....Mitchener's The Drifter's.
CShank1246@aol.com
I want to go to the Alexandria of Durrell's Alexandria Quartet, or the Scotland of Gabaldon's Ourlander and meet Jamie.
RubyJ29@aol.com
I've wanted to visit Iceland since I read Njal's Saga.
NGroves@aol.com
I would like to visit Great Britain. It has such a tremendous literary history that you could spend a lifetime tracing sites related to famous authors, characters, and stories. Imagine seeing the places where Shakespeare and Dickens wrote, or the "moors" where the Brontes set their novels. England is also the birthplace of the Arthurian saga, which interests me, and I'd like to see the sites that may correspond with the legendary events of that immortal story. And how about touring the places that J. K. Rowling adapted for her Harry Potter novels? Of course, there's not really a platform 9 3/4, but she did have a particular train station in mind when she chose a place for the departure gate for Hogwarts. A book lover's tour of Britain could be extensive indeed.
Sportmom61@aol.com
I would love to visit Ireland. The three book series Nora Roberts wrote, brought the images of Ireland to life for me. Her vivid portrayals of the lush countryside and its people made me feel like I was able to see it by closing my eyes! Thanks Nora for the lovely vacation!
MDRick@aol.com
Gosh. The world is so huge it's difficult to choose just one place books have influenced me to want to be. Because of Robert Graves I would love to retire in Majorca (Spain). Most of my favorite reads though, take place in either England or NEW England. Now that I consider the question...the world does get smaller when you read, doesn't it!
wales34@hotmail.com
Hi, Here's a small sampling of books about Great Britain. England:
Q's Legacy and 84 Charing Cross Road, both by Helene Hanff. Both explore a love of books.
William Wordsworth: Selected Poetry --- beautiful details of the Lake District
London on the Thames by Blake Erlich --- a wonderful history of the Thames River
Three Men in a Boat: Jerome Jerome - a classic, fun filled trip on the Thames
Offshore by Penelope Fitzgerald --- incredible detailed descriptions about barge people on Battersea Reach.
Traveller in Little Things by W. H. Hudson --- charming essays
A Month in the Country by J. L. Carr --- a quiet story of a painting uncovered in a church ceiling
AldenJR4@earthlink.net
Ever since reading The Old Patagonian Express by Paul Theroux and In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin, I have wanted to visit the beautiful but desolate end of the South American continent.
pippagriffin@earthlink.net
Book --- Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher, along with her earlier books (September, Shell Seekers, Coming Home). Long to go to Scotland and also visit Cornwall in UK. Can imagine living there so easily....
PAKAB@aol.com
I would like to visit Ireland. My inspiration is all books by Maeve Binchy.
burnzy@att.net
The country I'd love to visit is Scotland, mostly because of the Outlander series by Gabaldon.
Teyaekeo@aol.com
I'd love to go to England and Australia after reading all of Dick Francis's books. So seldom do I find myself "being there" based on descriptions. The details add so much to the story.
HOSTBKPGMUNCA@aol.com
New Zealand, after reading Paul Theroux's The Happy Isles of Oceania.
Snowflakesue60@aol.com
Hi, dying to visit Ireland. I have all of Maeve Binchy's books in my collection. Great Irish lady, she is my age and is happy-go-lucky like most of the Irish are.
Twot9228@aol.com
England! Agatha Christie, Jane Austin, Remains of the Day, Howards End, Room With a View, Middlemarch, Mill on the Floss, and just about every book I've read of the English countryside. I would love to take the road trip from Remains of the Day!
lgettle@iserv.net
Ireland and Scotland. Many authors have written books with settings in these countries.
PJSanborn@aol.com
England --- Cornwall especially. Victoria Holt and Rosamunde Pilcher are the authors who most inspired me to want to go there.
Keepfly@aol.com
I recently flew into Las Vegas and was interested in the land and color of the dessert around that area. Are there any books on the geology in that area? Thanks.
NCBengt@aol.com
Egypt...The Memoirs of Cleopatra and The Red Tent
London...Elizabeth l
France...Joan of Arc
Ireland and Scotland...Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles
VABryden@aol.com
Ireland! Does it just have to be one book? Beginning with TRINITY many years ago, the Leon Uris books, then Jack Higgins books laid the groundwork for my husband and I both wanting to visit --- which we did a year ago. I have enjoyed all the Maeve Binchy books, many of the Nora Roberts books with an Irish setting, and the Andrew Greeley Irish series. This week's find was a couple hilarious little books by Irish author Brendan O'Carroll --- THE MAMMY and THE CHISELLERS --- I need to find the 3rd in this trilogy. They all make me want to travel there again....
CLMTT75@aol.com
I would like to visit England again. I have enjoyed Rosamunde Pilcher's books, especially The Shell Seekers. Perhaps I associate with her age, as I also am in my 70s. I always "visit" England while reading her books.
polarbear90@attbi.com
India. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth.
jmathias2244@comcast.net
After reading and rereading Winston Graham's Poldark series, I have always wanted to see Cornwall. But I would prefer to see at as it looked in the 1700s-1800s. After reading and rereading The Time Machine maybe it will someday be possible.
PCPOLEN@kcc.usda.gov
Kansas City, MO, or Athens, Greece.
Msalvato@utmb.edu
I would like to visit Japan after reading "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden. It is the best story I have read in a long time. I would not only like to visit Japan for the scenery, which I am sure is beautiful, but also to experience their culture. I found it very mysterious and fascinating.
Caliauds@aol.com
I read A Year in Provence and it makes me long to visit the area and live there for a while.
sharhaas@charter.net
I love books that are older than I am and several years stumbled onto the books by Elizabeth Goudge. Written in the 1940s, they possess a quality that is hard to explain but also contain a strong plot and wonderful characters. One of her books, Green Dolphin Street, takes place in New Zealand. Since reading this book I have embarked on a mission to learn everything I can about the country and hope someday to at least, travel there and at best, to live there!
CMulligan@mspcommunications.com
Funny how this question made me realize that most of the destinations I have traveled to I chose after having read about them.
But out of all of the authors who have contributed me being a travelholic, I'm most grateful to Salmon Rushdie. It was after reading Midnight's Children that I decided that the best way to find out what a rickshaw looks and feels like is to head straight to the Indian subcontinent. And so I went, with Rushdie's magical tale of a newborn national identity and a child handcuffed to history tucked fast in my rucksack.
And just as the novel can spark one's interest in a culture or a place, it can fill the void of places where we long to return. After spending several months in India and feeling a bit lost back in the U. S. of A., I've boarded Rohinton Mistry's "A Fine Balance," for a chance to return to that magical place without having to even get on a plane.
Laddypup@aol.com
Venice, Italy. That is the place that I am inspired to go see. I read Anne Rice's book "Cry To Heaven." Her descriptions of Italy are so vivid and detailed that I thought I was actually there. I could "feel" it surrounding me as I read.
Padredon@aol.com
River Town presented life is interior China, far from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Bejeng.
jlharver@yahoo.com
"Tara Road" (and many other books) by Maeve Binchy have encouraged me to travel to Ireland (which I will be doing this September)! I have also been reading some of Elizabeth George's mysteries set in Britain. "In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner" and "Deception on His Mind" among others, have sparked by interest in traveling to London and all over Britain.
SBoyle6827@aol.com
The descriptive talents of Phyllis Whitney, made me want to see several of the locals of her books. I miss seeing her books come out. Tony Hillerman made me want to see the Southwest, with his descriptions of the Navajo Indian reservation area. That is one area, I have never visited and he made it sound very beautiful...
Tess1RN@aol.com
What country would I like to visit based on reading a book taking place there? Where do I begin?
Scotland -- Diana Gabaldon's time travel series, starting withOutlander.
Italy, Tuscany -- Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayer
France, Provence -- Chocolat and other books by Joanne Harris
Prince Edward Island, Canada -- Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
Newfoundland, Canada -- The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx
England in general -- any Agatha Christie novel
Switzerland -- Heidi by Johanna Spyri
BillKD4EKZ@aol.com
The Channel Islands as described in several novels by Jack Higgins.
DianaB53@aol.com
The country I would most like to visit is Ireland. The book that inspired me was Angela's Ashes and 'Tis. I realize at the time it was a very poor country, but I still want to visit! The book transported me in more ways than one, both were fabulous!
Jeaneebnee@aol.com
I would love to visit Japan. I read "Shogun" many years ago and was "enticed" to go to Japan but never have...yet!
Bjglu@aol.com
Got to be Peter Mayle's books on Tuscany!
Msunc@aol.com
The descriptions of family life and of the magnificent scenery in Italy as presented by Adriana Trigiani in her book "BIG CHERRY HOLLER" were so enticing that I cant wait to experience Italy for myself.
LFL676@aol.com
My favorite setting is right here in the United States, and that is New Orleans. When a book is set in New Orleans, it is sure to have my attention. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Anne Rice's novels, Confederacy of Dunces and many more. No matter the author, their love for this area shows and sparks my interest all the time.
VALAITISH@aol.com
The books by Southern authors Pat Conroy and Anne Rivers Siddons makes me want to visit more of the South in the United States, particularly South Carolina. It's evident that they have a great love of the land and the way they describe it makes it sound very romantic, yet earthy.
NoelWillis@aol.com
I would love to visit Paris. I have enjoyed all of the Maigret stories over the years.
Lynscho@aol.com
A city in our own USA --- the city in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil!
KTBug931@aol.com
Ever since I read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, I wanted to visit England. And in 2000, I did (and it was everything I imagined)!
welshchef2@aol.com
Any Ian Rankin book makes me want to go to Scotland.
Sheltie729@aol.com
My most favorite book which made me want to travel to another country is Jill Conway's Road to Corain, her autobiography about growing up in Australia.
ATESSL@aol.com
A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle. And when I did visit there, it was every bit as charming as he portrayed it to be.
Mardwells@aol.com
I read/listened to the audio book SLOW WALTZ IN CEDAR BEND read by author James Waller. I have wanted to go to India ever since. His story, his voice, it all became so real and so beautiful. I must go.
Slavinjl@comcast.net
I've have wanted to visit the southern coast of Spain after reading James Michener's "The Drifters" while I was in college!!!
Graham2124@aol.com
I would love to return to Scotland. I was stationed there in the 1960s while in the US Air Force. Since then, I have read many books that are about or take place in Scotland. They include: the Diana Gabaldon "Outlander" series, "William Wallace, Brave Heart" by James Mackay, "Rob Roy MacGregor, His Life and Times" by W. H. Murray, "Rob Roy" by Sir Walter Scott, "A History of Scotland" by Rosalind Mitchison and "Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles" by Margaret George, among others. I haven't been back to Scotland since leaving in 1967, but am planning a trip in 2003.
jgravino@optonline.net
I would like to visit England and Scotland (but probably will only get as far as Nova Scotia). When I read Outlander the lush descriptions really evoked a sense of the place. Then Dragonfly in Amber continued it. Every time I read a Diana Gabaldon book it renews my wish to visit these places.
wvmama1@aol.com
I had never been interested in visiting Italy. That is until I readEnchanted April by Elizabeth von Armin and then "discovered"Under the Tuscan Sun by Francis Mayes. So I'd visit Italy if I could live in the villa in Enchanted April or have the money to live in Tuscany.
fivehundredpoundoldlady@hotmail.com
I read the book Up Country by Nelson DeMille and it made me wish that I could visit Vietnam. The description that is given of Vietnam is very clear. I think if I did visit Vietnam I wouldn't need a guide, I would just need a copy of Up Country.
Dccj2@aol.com
I had a burning desire to travel in France because of M. F. K. Fisher's works such as Long Ago in France, As They Were, and The Physiology of Taste. Her lovingly penned descriptions of the gastronomical delights of France and the sometimes charming ways of its people made it seem a-not-to-miss destination. I have been and I will return.
Annabelle973@aol.com
Two places come to mind, but both are in the United States. One is Charleston, South Carolina, because of Pat Conroy's wonderful books, Prince of Tides and Beach Music. The other place I've wanted to visit is Savannah, Georgia, since reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I had always wanted to visit Prince Edward Island, ever since I read Anne of Green Gables and the other books in that series. My husband and I went there in about l984, and it was just as beautiful as I had always thought it would be.
