Southeast Asian Classics
Influential literature from across Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam.
Often overshadowed by East Asian lit, these works are rich and diverse in theme, style, philosophical and religious influence, folklore and indigenous wisdom.
Iโve tried to include at least one historical work (mid-20th century and earlier) and one modern classic from each country. Works listed by country in the comments!
Recs welcome as always :)






Learning World History Through Fiction!
This list brings together fiction from around the world that documents significant historical events or periods of time. Titles in this list aren't necessarily "historical fiction" but do have an important historical element to them.
I find fiction is an easy media to help educate me about world history I never learned in school. These titles aim to bring to light historical events that may not be taught in schools!
As always, I'm open to any and all suggestions! ๐ค






Roots before branches
Fictional stories about families spanning across multiple generations. Books that focus on the life of a matriarch or patriarch (roots) and continue along their blood lines (branches) in an epic tale. Please feel free to recommend any fictional stories that fit within this description.






Asian Authors
An on-going attempt to track Asian authors in my Interested/TBR (and hopefully Finished) categories. Books are generally fiction/lit fic/fantasy with some memoirs. Authors span West to East Asia, the Asian diaspora, and mixed-race folx.






timeless fiction from ESEAsian authors
east & south east asian literary fiction beyond murakami.
timeless modern classics โ 20th century onwards โ exploring universal themes like identity, morality and society.
these books capture elements of the uniquely beautiful symbolism, tones and rhythms that characterise asian languages and culture.
very much open to recs for expansion. (one book per author, typically their most renowned)






reading around the world: asia
a comprehensive list of books from each country in asia including books I want to read and have read! some countries have multiple books listed, but for starters each will have at least 1.






Generational Healing โค๏ธโ๐ฉน (BIPOC Authors)
Multigenerational family/chosen family narratives! Books with multiple POVs from different generations within communities.






Other than world wars
This is a list for novels about wars other than World Wars I & II. It is intended to expand oneโs knowledge about conflicts often ignored due to the eurocentrism and whiteness of the publishing industry (and how those conflicts are often the result of western actions). Please feel free to recommend books!






Historical Fiction Baby
Great historical fiction books - learn about the past and places with a dramatic and meaningful personal tale.






travel the world through these books
a list of books that catapult you right into a different historical & cultural context and part of the world because of how vivid the writing is.






Multi-generational books
The intricate connections between past, present and future are explored through multiple generations. They offer fascinating insights into history and complex family dynamics.






Vietnamese Voices Beyond Borders
Books by Vietnamese authors, offering diverse perspectives shaped by migration, history, and life beyond national borders.






read around the world
Books to fulfill you reading around the world challenge. Ideally, the author is from the country they are writing about. Bonus points if itโs translated!






Narratives of Nations
A list of books set across different countries (mainly for the historical fiction globe trotters)






Reading around the world
Just a list of books I've read from around the world, hoping others will find it useful.






The Alternate Cute-munity Book List
The books that were considered for @littleleggies book club. Please check books for content warnings, as many have significant triggers.






One book from every country - Asia edition
Reading and exploring






I belong in the countryside ๐ป๐ก
Novels set in the countryside, which are comfy, connected, scenic and feels like home, you wish to live thereโค๏ธ( I'm trying to collect stories from across the world, let me know your favourites, I'm happy to add as well)






Set in Vietnam
Fiction books set in Vietnam






Dayton Literary Peace Prize
The Dayton Literary Peace Prize, inaugurated in 2006, is the first and only annual U.S. literary award recognizing the power of the written word to promote peace. The Dayton Literary Peace Prize invites nominations in adult fiction and nonfiction books published within the past year that have led readers to a better understanding of other cultures, peoples, religions, and political points of view.
fiction edition finalists





