Try a new blog: A Year of Reading the World

The other day I stumbled on this wonderful blog by Ann Morgan: A Year of Reading the World.

year-of-reading-the-world-2

The first post I read: Tips for reading outside your comfort zone. It’s terrific!

I needed this. I’ve often thought about the randomness of my reading choices. I’m satisfied with my reading habits, yet it’s unnerving to realise what a miniscule sample of the world’s published books I even hear about, let alone read. I particularly like novels in translation from any country, but I also read novels recommended by friends, novels shortlisted for major literary prizes and novels by authors who have pleased me in the past. The nerd in me yearns for a reading list that is structured—by me, not by anyone else. I know, incompatible goals, ay?

The quest to read a book from every country

Ann Morgan’s “Year of” began with an epiphany and became a phenomenon. Her blog has 35,500 followers, with good reason.

TED talk: My year reading a book from every country in the world

If you’re a reader, I think you’ll be delighted by what Ann Morgan has to say, both in her TED talk and in her blog.

Oh, and one more thing. When Ann Morgan gives advice on blogging, let us prick up our ears and listen.

 

5 thoughts on “Try a new blog: A Year of Reading the World

  1. Elizabeth says:

    When I first started blogging I determined to read a novel from each country where a reader had seen my writing. Sadly I eventually gave it up as the list got too long and I failed to find a book from some places. Thanks for the link to her page.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      What a goal! You might be able to complete it now.

      1. Elizabeth says:

        LOL. But what about Montenegro!

  2. alison41 says:

    I followed Ann Morgan’s blog whilst she was in process of writing her book Reading the World – I went quite mad and bought a copy. Her blog & book certainly encouraged me to read translated writers from around the world, that I wouldn’t otherwise have known about. Highly recommended to readers, who long for ‘something different’.

    1. Rachel McAlpine says:

      Then you were way ahead of me! She is inspirational,isn’t she?

%d bloggers like this: