Travel Through Books: Exploring New Worlds on National Read a Book Day

 

We can’t wait for National Read a Book Day, and what better way to celebrate than by starting a literary journey that takes us to extraordinary places! Whether you're a globetrotter at heart or a lover of magical realms, books have the power to whisk us away to new worlds with a flick of a page!

Let’s put on our adventure hats and get ready to travel — from the comfort of our couches, of course! Be prepared to explore far-off destinations and mystical realms as we discover the amazing adventures and wonders that await in the pages of these incredible stories!

Books Around The World

Destination: Ecuador

The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Huges was featured in our “Cocoa Deception” book box. This exciting box also contained FOUR gifts that bring this novel to life, a signed bookplate, and a letter from the author.

Puri, deeply connected to her father's love for chocolate, inherits a cocoa plantation in Vinces, Ecuador, after his passing. Alongside her husband Cristóbal, she sets off for a new life, but their journey turns tragic when Cristóbal is mistakenly killed by an assassin. To protect herself, Puri disguises herself as her late husband and explores her father's estate.

In 1920s Ecuador, she uncovers hidden siblings, romances, and dark family secrets while being drawn to a mysterious figure and searching for the assassin who still threatens her. This captivating tale blends familial intrigue and historical detail, perfect for fans of Julia Alvarez and Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Destination: Romania

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys is a story of courage, conviction, and resilience. This historical thriller is the story of a young man's determination to expose the truth and fight for freedom in Romania in 1989. 

Amidst Nicolae Ceausescu's oppressive dictatorship, seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a poet but is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. Faced with betrayal or subversion, Cristian risks everything to reveal the regime's secrets and inspire change. 

 

Destination: Haiti

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maritza Moulite and Maika Moulite is perfect for young adult readers eager for a heartwarming and adventurous journey. The story follows Alaine Beauparlant as she travels to Haiti, a country she has heard about all her life but never visited. 

Amidst Haiti's rich history and resilient people, Alaine uncovers family secrets, including a generational curse her mother has kept hidden. As she navigates these revelations, Alaine also works for her aunt's nonprofit and encounters a charming intern. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Haiti, this novel is a delightful exploration of self-discovery, family, and cultural heritage.

Destination: Nigeria

The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Daré 

As Jenna Bush Hager from The Today Show said, “It will break your heart and then put it back together again!” This inspiring and unforgettable story follows Adunni, a teenage girl in a rural Nigerian village who dreams of getting an education to find her "louding voice" and speak up for herself. 

Adunni's unwavering spirit and determination to overcome poverty and fight for her dreams despite huge obstacles is deeply inspiring. Her journey of resilience and hope serves as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable spirit of young women who refuse to be silenced. 

 

Destination: Malaysia

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho 

Although this story does have some fantasy elements, it takes place in modern-day Malaysia. It is the ideal pick for those of you who love stories about family, identity, and cultural heritage. This unique blend of fantasy, adventure, and LGBTQ+ representation follows Jessamyn Teoh, a closeted and jobless young woman moving back to Malaysia with her parents. When she starts hearing her estranged grandmother's voice in her head, Jess discovers Ah Ma is a spirit medium for the Black Water Sister deity. 

Forced to help her grandmother settle a score, Jess is drawn into a world of gods, ghosts, and family secrets. Balancing her own life and her grandmother's demands, Jess must navigate dangerous spirits and reclaim control over her destiny. 

Destination: Africa

The Leopard Behind the Moon by Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev is the perfect blend of an African setting with a touch of magic! Our July 2023 “Village of Magic” box featured a hardcover edition of this exciting book ideal for your tween, plus THREE incredible gifts that brought this wonderful novel to life!

No one knows what lies beyond the magical village door, but Ezomo is determined to find out. Ezomo’s village has three strict laws: never go to The Valley, never go out at night, and never open the magical door. When Ezomo encounters the leopard believed to have killed his father, he and his friends break these rules to chase it. As they venture beyond the village boundaries, they uncover the true history of their home and learn why the cautionary tales exist.

 

Destination: Hungary

This Rebel Heart by Katherine Locke was featured in our April 2023 Young Adult box, “Light In The Dark,” which also included three stunning gifts that brought this powerful novel to life!

Nestled in Budapest, a river of magic shielded Csilla's family during WWII. However, the Communist regime's rise brought tragedy, including her parents' murder by Soviet forces. Csilla, burdened with secrets about her father's past, lives in hiding, planning her escape from an ungrateful homeland. 

Her plans are disrupted when her parents receive a posthumous pardon, thrusting them into the spotlight. With protests and whispers of revolution in Hungary, Csilla must decide whether to fight for her country's redemption or seek safety elsewhere.

Fantasy Worlds 

Destination: Oceanic Time Travel

The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig is the perfect read for anyone craving epic adventures, rich cultural exploration, and a dash of romance. This enchanting story follows Nix, the daughter of a time traveler, as she journeys across the globe and through centuries aboard her father's ship. 

From modern-day New York City to nineteenth-century Hawaii, Nix has seen it all. But when her father discovers a map that could change the past and save Nix's mother, her very existence is at risk. Filled with wit, adventure, and a multicultural cast, this novel is perfect for fans of fantasy, history, and coming-of-age stories.

Destination: Orïsha

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi is the first in the Legacy of Orïsha series. The third book was released recently, and this series is back on the NYT Bestseller list after a few years away! 

This captivating tale follows Zélie Adebola, who remembers when the land of Orïsha was alive with magic. After a ruthless king orders the eradication of magic, leaving Zélie without her mother and her people without hope, she seizes a chance to restore magic and challenge the monarchy. 

Joined by a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit the crown prince determined to destroy magic forever. Amidst danger and rebellion, Zélie grapples with her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy. Perfect for readers drawn to self-discovery, rebellion, and the enemies-to-lovers trope.

Destination: A Secret World

This one is for fans of young adult fantasy who crave stories about identity, belonging, and self-discovery. Lobizona follows Manuela Azul, an undocumented immigrant from Argentina living in Miami. When her protective bubble bursts, Manu's life is turned upside down as she uncovers the truth about her heritage and her father's criminal past. 

Guided by a mysterious Z emblem, Manu discovers a hidden world of Argentine folklore where seventh daughters are brujas and seventh sons are lobizones, werewolves. As she delves into her identity and cultural heritage, Manu learns that her very existence is considered illegal. 

 

Destination: Kingdom of Chandela

Our “Bonds & Betrayals” Young Adult box features Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra, plus four gifts that brought this incredible fantasy novel to life! 

In the kingdom of Chandela, Katyani is bound to protect and advise Crown Prince Ayan. Raised in the royal family, she's the best guardswoman of the Garuda. When assassination attempts threaten the royals, Katyani, Ayan, and his cousin Bhairav are sent to the gurukul of Acharya Mahavir for training. Katyani finds herself clashing with Daksh, the Acharya's son, whose penetrating gaze unnerves her.

Their training is cut short when a sudden tragedy in Chandela shatters Katyani's world. Alone in a land filled with monsters, she must uncover secrets from her past to save those she loves and forge her own destiny. This gripping story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for identity in a richly woven fantasy world.

Destination: Alternate Tang Dynasty China

The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker was featured in our October 2023 Young Adult box, “The Wicked Apothecary,” which included 4 gifts that brought this haunting historical fantasy to life!

Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist to provide for her family by creating alchemical gold and gems. Trapped in her impoverished village in southern China, she practices illegal alchemy, resurrecting the dead for a price.

When she finally gets the chance to take the imperial exams, Zilan travels to the capital to compete against the best alchemists. Her reputation for raising the dead follows her, attracting the attention of the Crown Prince, who suspects an assassination attempt.

As Zilan's success grows, she becomes entangled in the dangerous political games of the royal family. Monsters lurk within the palace walls, and secrets from Zilan's past threaten to catch up with her.

 

 

Armchair Travels!

We would love to hear about your armchair travels and which ones were your favorites. Let us know if you have any recommendations we can add to our list! 

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we are always amazed at how books allow you to experience different places, meet new people, and become part of the story. We cheer our protagonists on from the side, we can see the landscape, inhale the smells, and hear the sounds of the city. Books allow our imaginations to soar while we have the adventure of a lifetime—yes, all from the safety of our armchair!

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