“Maybe happiness is this: not feeling that you should be elsewhere, doing something else, being someone else.”
Books have the unique power to transport us to places we’ve never been and introduce us to new cultures far removed from our own. Through their pages, we can stroll through the bustling streets of Tokyo, taste the spices of an Indian marketplace or feel the warm embrace of a quaint Italian village – all without leaving the comfort of our favourite reading nook. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller looking to relive past adventures or a curious reader eager to explore new horizons, stories about different cultures can be a window to the world, offering both insight and inspiration. Which is why, from novels set in foreign lands to thought-provoking tales that delve into the heart of a people’s way of life, we here at What We Reading thought we would compile some of the best travel books about different cultures and exotic locales!
The Geography Of Bliss – Eric Weiner
Our first stop on our list of books about different cultures is Eric Weiner’s The Geography of Bliss, a witty and insightful exploration of happiness around the world. As a self-proclaimed grump and NPR contributor, Weiner embarks on an epic journey to uncover what makes people happy in various parts of the world.
From the famously content citizens of Bhutan, where Gross National Happiness is prioritised, to the free-spirited, coffee-loving Dutch and even the tight-knit tradition-rich Icelanders, Weiner delves into the cultural, societal and psychological factors that shape happiness. Blending humour, personal anecdotes and keen observation, he offers a fascinating look at how diverse societies define and pursue joy.
Check Out These Joyful Books For Living A Happier Life
Walking The Nile – Levison Wood
Spanning over four thousand miles and six countries, Levison Wood’s Walking the Nile chronicles the daring journey of this British explorer’s efforts to become the first person to walk the entire length of the Nile River. Wood’s expedition takes readers through the diverse landscapes of East Africa, from dense jungles to arid deserts, and introduces them to new cultures and communities along the way.
The narrative captures both the region’s awe-inspiring beauty and the harsh realities of its challenges, including political unrest, wildlife dangers, and physical exhaustion. With candid storytelling, Wood shares his encounters with locals, presenting a deeply human perspective on life within one of the world’s most historically significant regions.
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The Silk Roads: A New History Of The World – Peter Frankopan
Unlike other books on the Silk Roads, Peter Frankopan shifts the spotlight from West to East in his sweeping narrative. In The Silk Roads, Frankopan redefines our understanding of global history through the lens of the ancient trade routes that connected different cultures. He highlights these routes’ role as the heart of cultural exchange, commerce, and innovation for centuries.
From the rise of ancient empires to the spread of religions, concepts, and technologies, this is one of the best books about cultures and for revealing the ways in which these routes shaped the world we live in today. It also delves into the impact of these connections on modern geopolitics, showcasing their enduring relevance in the vibrant histories and cultures of Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
Check Out The Best Books About Turning Points In History
When Broken Glass Floats – Chanrithy Him
When Broken Glass Floats is a harrowing memoir of survival during Cambodia’s infamous Khmer Rouge regime by Chanrithy Him. The title, taken from the Cambodian proverb symbolising resilience, reflects the author’s journey through unimaginable atrocities. Chanrithy recounts her childhood experiences of forced labour, starvation and loss as her family struggles to endure the brutal genocide that ripped the country apart.
With vivid detail and poignant honesty, she describes the deep cultural traditions that sustained her and the heartbreak that came from witnessing her world crumble. Despite the harrowing scenes, the book offers a glimmer of hope, highlighting the strength of the human spirit, and the enduring ties of family. Both a personal story and a cultural testament, When Broken Glass Floats is essential for those looking to learn about survival, heritage and the imprint of historical trauma.
Check Out The Best Books About Cambodia
Freshwater – Akwaeke Emezi
Akwaeke Emezi’s Freshwater opens with a Nigerian woman named Ada whose mind is inhabited by ogbanje – Igbo spirits believed to disrupt human lives. As Ada grows, these voices mould her existence, offering both protection and turmoil throughout her life. Emezi weaves Igbo cosmology with a modern narrative, weaving a multi-layered story that examines the complexities of being and belonging.
Freshwater challenges traditional views of identity, presenting a protagonist who exists between worlds – spiritual, cultural and physical. With lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Emezi’s work is one of the most beautiful fiction books about other cultures that invites readers into an intricate and emotional landscape, offering a profound journey that both transports and transforms.
A Cook’s Tour – Anthony Bourdain
Renowned and infamous for his sharp wit and fearless exploration of food, Anthony Bourdain offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cultures, people and stories that shape some of the world’s most fascinating dishes in A Cook’s Tour. On the hunt for the perfect meal, he travels from street food stalls in Vietnam to luxurious dining rooms in France.
Bourdain’s journey is as much about the places he visits as it is about the meals he savours once he is there. Through his humorous and candid storytelling, he explores the intersection of food and culture, offering an unfiltered look at life around the globe. A Cook’s Tour is not just a book for food lovers but for anyone keen to understand the heart and soul of diverse cultures through the lens of their culinary traditions.
Under The Tuscan Sun – Frances Mayes
Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun is a heartwarming memoir that immerses readers in the beauty and charm of Italian culture. When Mayes impulsively buys and renovates a dilapidated villa in the Tuscan countryside, her life is transformed in unexpected ways. Through vivid descriptions of the rolling hills, rustic villages and mouthwatering cuisines, she shares her journey of embracing the slower pace and rich traditions that come with rural Italy.
Alongside tales of renovating the villa, Mayes reflects on personal growth, the warmth of local friendships and the joy of savouring life’s most simple pleasures. Blending travel, food and self-discovery, Under the Tuscan Sun is an evocative celebration of the Italian way of life, perfect for anyone dreaming of a cultural escape jam-packed with beauty and inspiration.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
