Top Ten Tuesday Fifty Nine

Top Ten Books set outside of the US

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature/ meme hosted by The Broke and Bookish.  This weeks topic is one I was looking forward to as it really made me think how many of the books I read are set in the US, as straight away I only had a very narrow list of books.  I'm also really excited then to find some new recommendations for books that have different settings as now I know so little of what I read does have a uniquer setting, I really do want to try and find some new books with set in a few more interesting places.  And so, enjoy! 

1) The Midnight Palace by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - Calcutta, India - 

If you want an amazing story in a different country with a little bit of history thrown in, this one is perfect.  Not only is it beautifully written, as all of his books are, but it also includes an really unique ghost story, mystery storyline that is a little different.

2) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - Germany -

If you want an amazing historical fiction that takes place outside of the US, then this one is definitely one to pick up.  It is the most amazing story that is so beautifully written and narrated and I can't honestly can't recommend this book enough to pretty much anyone who is a big reader of historical fiction, or even to anyone who's not.

3) A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - England - 

This is one of my most recent reads that I loved, and is definitely a great book that is set outside of the US, even if its not your usual travel-esque book or isn't set in an exotic location.  It's such a beautiful story and is also quite a quick read, and I honestly believe this one deserves all of hype, awards and great reviews it gets.

4) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon - England - 

This one is perfect if you want a bit of a different story set outside of the US but with almost no emphasis on that fact.  It's such a moving story that follows an incredibile main character and is definitely a good one to try if you're looking for a book that's not your everyday story.

5) The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig - Hawaii - 

This book is perfect for anyone who loves books including travel and exotic places, as not only is the majority of it set in Hawaii, but it as it follows a crew of time travels aboard a pirate ship, the story can also transport you to other destinations as well.

6) Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - Paris - 

By now, I feel as though almost everyone has read, and loved this book, but if somehow you have yet to pick this one up then its a perfect one for anyone looking for a little escapism as this one transports you to Paris.  Not only does it have an absolutely stunning setting, but it is also a really cute little romance with some great friendships as well.

7) The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith - 

This one is a little different to some of the others, as it doesn't take place in one main setting outside of the US, but instead sees one of the main characters travelling around the world to different gorgeous settings throughout the book.  Okay, so some of this does take place in the US, but I still think this is a great one for anyone who loves books that transport you to another place as it does take you to some great places even if some parts are still set in the US.

8) Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher - England - 

Another one here set in England, and another great story for anyone looking for a book that isn't focused on the setting or set too exotic but is still outside of the US.  The story follows 'Zoe' as she writes letters to a man on death row in her need to confess to a dark secret, and so has a unique format and a great storyline that will draw you in and captivate you throughout.

9) The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne - Germany - 

Finally, here is another amazing historical fiction novel set during the Second World War, and is one so many people have read and loved because of its amazingly sad and touching storyline.  It is such an beautifully told story and if you have yet to read it then definitely pick it up and discover this spectacular tale.

What are some of your favourite books set outside of the US?  Have you read any of these - what did you think?

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