Recs if you like Closely Watched Trains...
Classic Literature around the World
The intention of this list is to highlight classic literature from around the World. This is excluding the USA and UK from this list because they get enough attention. (Just kidding but also... not 🤭)
Curated by the PB community from 🔗this PB club post please check out this club post for the original recommendation and any possible additions that I haven't added to the list.
Any suggestions welcome! I am special requesting suggestions from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. As long as the book is considered classic literature in your country, I want to hear about it!
Pitch Black Comedy
"Turn me over, I'm done on this side!" —St. Lawrence, whilst roasting on a spit
Gallows humor, black comedy, l'humour noir — whatever you call it, this is the place for it. This list includes André Breton's seminal anthology of dark humor, a number of the works excerpted in this anthology, and beyond. You can find a link to the complete contents of Breton's anthology in the comments.
Want more weird humor? Check out my list Nitpicky Neuroticism (Comedy Edition)!
Czech books and classics
The best Czech books translated to english
1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die
I tried to find the latest version (2026).
Around the World in Fiction
Criterion Films Based on Novels
Because good movies appreciate good stories first. Adding more to this all the time!
Penguin Archive - 90 years of Penguin books
90 classic titles celebrating 90 years of Penguin books. No particular order as there is no need. I will try and input the actual cover. This is such an amazing collection of works from literally 90 authors, the perfect way to try new genres and find your next fave author.
Totalitarian Kitsch
Books giving Bohemia/Czechia. History, Nazis, and the absurd. Occasionally silly.
