Whether it's non-fiction or fantasy, a local's insights or an outsider's perspective, reading a book about your next destination is the perfect way to prepare for an upcoming trip.

These books about different countries are great for brushing up on local history, getting a grasp on the social and political landscape, and gleaning practical tips to enrich your travel experience.

I asked a group of travel writers to recommend the one book they think people should read before visiting their home country.

Some of the novels on this list illuminate the dark corners tourists often don't get to see; others are lighthearted reads that will help you better understand a place's cultural peculiarities.

If you're planning to visit one of these destinations in the future, listen to a local's advice and make these books part of your pre-travel ritual.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Books about different cultures & faraway places

Australia

Ask an Aussie what you should read before heading Down Under and most will point you to Tracks, a travelogue that casts the Outback in a starring role, or maybe Rabbit Proof Fence, which explores race relations through the lens of the Stolen Generation.

If you want an introduction to Australia's laconic, laid-back side, Johnno by local author David Malouf is a lesser-known novel set in my hometown of Brisbane. The story follows two adolescent boys growing up in Brissie during the 1940s and 50s. A coming-of-age story at heart, the characters' lives follow an arc that's all too familiar to those of us who grew up in Brisbane: High school, alcohol-fuelled university days, and finally an escape to a more cultured existence in Europe.

The author's descriptions of iconic Brisbane scenes – the Botanical Gardens and river precinct, pubs and clubs (some of which are still operating today), and the long-lost tramway – are nostalgia-fuelled incantations that bring the city of my parents' generation to life. In its own way, Johnno is a celebration of humble Brisbane – a place that always plays third fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne.

Read & recommended by the editor, who was born in (and still calls) Australia home.

Buy this book: Johnno by David Malouf on Amazon.

Canada

The Inconvenient Indian is a personal look at what it means to be 'Indian' in today's world. It examines the relationship between the Canadian and North American First Nations people from the 15th century through to today.

Both a historical retelling and a look at the way pop culture shapes our understandings of indigenous identity, the book covers historical Canadian policy towards the First Nations, and debunks the falsehoods of Indian savagery and White heroism. At times it's a hard read (although King injects his wit, too). Nonetheless, it's an important book if you want to understand the history on which Canada, as it's known today, was built.

The author shows that the history of the First Nations isn't a straight line, but rather a circle. The same dynamics are played out over and over again, but at the heart of the conflict is the land.

Reading this book will give you an insight into some of the conflicts that occur today between the First Nations and white Canadians. For those travelling to British Columbia in particular, it will help explain why many of the road signs are in the Tsilhqot'in language – one way BC is attempting to work towards a better relationship with the First Nations.

Read & recommended by Hannah, That Adventurer, who has been living in Vancouver for the last three years as a permanent resident of Canada.

Buy this book: The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King on Amazon.

Cuba

Next Year In Havana is a combination historical novel and love story that describes the life of Elisa, a wealthy Havana socialite before the Cuban revolution of 1959.

Her life was all sheltered debutante parties, chiffon dresses and country clubs before she fell in love with a man who is a secret and passionate revolutionary, a man familiar with all aspects of Cuba from the high life to the abject poverty.

Come the revolution, Elisa and her family are forced to leave their beloved Cuba and idyllic way of life. As the country begins to crumble, the protagonist grows up quickly and adapts to a new life in the United States. But she never forgets her cherished country and her first love.

The novel describes pre-Revolution Havana and, via a visit back home years later, contrasts it with the modern-day capital and all its challenges. The author accurately reflects the spirit of the Cuban people and shows what makes modern-day Cuba intriguing, bewitching and beautiful.

Read & recommended by Talek, Travels With Talek, who was born into a Cuban family and lived in Havana for many years.

Buy this book: Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton on Amazon.

Scotland

While the book Trainspotting offers quite a 'unique' look at Scotland, predominantly through the eyes of heroin users, its impact on Scottish tourism should not be scoffed at. Even VisitScotland came around to its charms by not only accepting but also jumping on the back of T2 marketing, the second Trainspotting movie adapted from the sequel, Porno.

This infamous novel by Irvine Welsh (pronounced Ir-vin) not only shines a light on the darker side of life for a minority of Scots in the 1990s, but it also brought about a multi-award winning movie, with a banging soundtrack and incredible cast featuring Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Jonny Lee Miller (Elementary) and Harry Potter's Moaning Myrtle, Shirley Henderson.

Trainspotting is dark, there's no doubt about that. The plot consists of a group of friends who have one thing in common, a love for skag, AKA heroin. Mark, AKA Rentboy, arguable the main character, starts the narrative. The plot then follows the lives of the young Scots as they find drugs, enjoy drugs, attempt to kick the habit, relapse and everything in between.

The story is set in Leith, which is now a gentrified area of Scotland's capital that should be on every Edinburgh itinerary for its restaurants, bars and weekend market.

The tone of the book has hints of humour, because that's what you can expect from Scottish people. Culturally, Scots like to have 'banter' and are proud of it. A characteristic we are less proud of is pessimism, which also runs throughout the book, as is to be expected when jobs are lost, friends pass, and relationships break down.

If you can decipher the phonetically written Scots language and you enjoy Trainspotting, also check out Skagboys, which is the prequel, and Porno, the sequel. This book is not for people who are easily offended. The key theme is drugs, there's death, it's shocking, and there is a lot of swearing.

Read & recommended by Gemma, Two Scots Abroad, who is Scotland born and bred.

Buy this book: Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh on Amazon.

Italy

My Brilliant Friend is the first in a series of four novels by Italian writer Elena Ferrante. Though the first volume is set in Naples, the other novels show other parts of the country, especially Milan and Pisa.

This is not your stereotypical book about Italy. It will not give the reader the romanticised version of the country where life appears to be peaceful and placid. The main characters, Lenù, the primary voice in the book, and Lila, her best friend yet her fiercest enemy, live in an impoverished neighbourhood in Naples where they have to deal with criminality, discrimination against women, violence, and many other issues.

Through these books, the reader learns about the daily struggles of life in Italy first in the 1950s, then throughout the 20th century. The author writes in a compelling way that keeps the reader glued to the page, wanting to know what will happen next. Once you've started, you just can't help but read the entire series.

Read & recommended by Claudia, My Adventures Across The World, who was born and raised in Italy.

Buy this book: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante on Amazon.

Portugal

The Portuguese was written by a British foreign correspondent journalist who has lived in Lisbon for many years and is married to a Portuguese woman. He, therefore, has a unique perspective on the culture as both an insider and an outsider.

The book is part history and part anecdotal stories about Portuguese people. The author weaves these together very well. Through this novel, you will learn about the Age of Discovery, the earthquake that destroyed Lisbon in 1755, and the decades-long dictatorship of António Salazar. It's not a dry history book, though, but rather written in a conversational style that's easy to read.

While this is not a guide book that talks about the must-visit monuments in the country, it's nevertheless a must-read for anyone visiting Portugal. The attitudes and behaviours of people that you encounter on your trip will make much more sense if you've read the book beforehand. It's sure to enrich your experiences in Lisbon and elsewhere.

Read & recommended by Wendy, The Nomadic Vegan, who has lived in Portugal for the past three-plus years.

Buy this book: The Portuguese: A Modern History by Barry Hatton on Amazon.

United States

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic American novel. Published in 1960, it illuminates the American South and issues of race that are still embedded in society today. For American school students, To Kill a Mockingbird is required reading. For travellers to the USA, the novel contains vital insights.

The story is told in the voice of Scout, a young girl who witnesses her widowed father's hopeless court fight to prove the innocence of a black man unjustly accused of rape. Meanwhile, Scout and her brother, Jem, have many adventures and their lives intersect with their neighbour, Boo Radley. In the USA, you often hear people on the street refer to dilapidated houses colloquially as 'Boo Radley houses' – this is part of the cultural legacy of Lee's book.

To Kill a Mockingbird won Lee the Pulitzer Prize and was, until recently, her only published work. In 2015, just before her death a year later, a second book was published that's said to be a sequel – but some critics believe it to be the first draft of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Having grown up in the country's north with a mother from the American South, To Kill a Mockingbird was a formative book for me and reflects something painfully essential about American history and culture.

Read & recommended by Cate, Sacred Wanderings, who was born and raised in the USA.

Buy this book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee on Amazon.

Brazil

Any traveller visiting South America should read Peter Robb's seductive synthesis of one of his greatest fascinations – Brazil.

In A Death in Brazil, the author combines his own memories of living in Brazil with history and culture to delve into the past and present of the nation. This book about Brazil is a cross between travelogue, investigative journalism, and that classic Brazilian telenovela.

Robb seeks to understand the dangers and passions that coexist in Brazil and embarks on a journey through the different regions of the country, encountering centuries of history, good food, and music. He discusses Brazil in a way the 8pm news never will, giving space to multi-sided stories about the complex problems and pleasures we all have heard about.

Reading this book before you travel to Brazil will deepen your understanding of the country's turbulent soul and open up your eyes to our origins and traditions. It's a dense and heavy read, but it's also very sentimental.

Read & recommended by Bruna, I Heart Brazil, who was born and raised in Brazil.

Buy this book: A Death in Brazil by Peter Robb on Amazon.

India

Nine Lives by William Dalrymple is a collection of nine stories about nine individuals from different corners of India.

India is a country with an incredible range of languages, cultures, festivals, traditions and people. This book delves into the diversity that Indian is known for. The nine stories represent nine different paths the protagonists have chosen for themselves, each one totally unique.

The first story is about a Jain nun who embraces death by starving herself slowly (this is, in fact, a ritualistic tradition). Then there is the story of a lower caste Theyyam dancer who is considered the reincarnation of Hindu God, Vishnu. There are other interesting tales of a lady from Tarapith who practices tantric traditions, and a Tibetan monk who joined the Indian army to fight against the Chinese but ended up fighting against Pakistan.

The book gives an interesting cultural insight into varied ways of life and takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the traditional festivals and culture of India. This will definitely give you a better understanding of the idiosyncrasies of Indian life that is so different to Western ways. Importantly, this book will prepare you for the culture shock that usually comes with visiting India for the first time.

Read & recommended by Amrita, Tale of 2 Backpackers, who was born, and still lives, in India.

Buy this book: Nine Lives by William Dalrymple on Amazon.

Russia

A Gentleman in Moscow, a novel by Amor Towles, is one of the best books written about Russia by a foreigner – and this is my personal opinion as a Russian. It covers several decades of 20th-century history without being boring.

Though it starts close to the time of the October Revolution, the book also gives you a sneak peek into life in czarist Russia, including everyday culture, food, traditions, etc. Most importantly, the author paints a realistic picture of what a mysterious 'Russian soul' really is.

A Gentleman in Moscow has all the elements of an epic novel: Tragedy, love, mystery, sacrifice, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The most unusual aspect of the book is that pretty much all the action takes place within the iconic Metropol Hotel in Moscow, where the protagonist is kept under house arrest for many years.

I promise that if you pick up this book, you won't be able to put it down until you have read it through to the end. I strongly recommend reading it before travelling to Russia. When you're in Moscow, visit Etnomir park to learn more about the culture, history and traditions of the nation alluded to in the novel.

Read & recommended by Tatiana, Family Road Trip Guru, who was born and raised in Russia.

Buy this book: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles on Amazon.

Sweden

Modern Day Vikings is a deep-dive into Swedish culture and history, and basically serves as a practical guide to interacting with the Swedes. This book is great for travellers who want to learn more about Swedish culture and connect with locals.

Swedes are often described as shy, cold, and not very social in general. However, that's a truth with modification. As a Swede myself, I think it really depends – it certainly helps if you have something in common or a standard topic to talk about.

This book combines humour with more serious topics and explains everything in a way that is easy for a non-Swede to follow. Moreover, it explains the meaning of cultural terms such as Lagom, Jantelagen, and general Swedish customs that are unknown to most foreigners.

The various topics uncover some of the most interesting facts about Sweden. This book is a great read for travellers who want to understand Swedes on a deeper level.

Read & recommended by Alex, Swedish Nomad, who was born and raised in Sweden.

Buy this book: Modern Day Vikings by Christina Johansson Robinowitz and Lisa Werner Carr on Amazon.

South Africa

Is there any more famous South African than the esteemed Nelson Mandela? 'Madiba', as he was affectionately known to friends, family and an entire nation, was a statesman; a consummate professional and politician that led the country with kindness and compassion.

Long Walk to Freedom is his autobiography and stands as must-read literature for anyone wanting to visit South Africa or know more about the 'Rainbow Nation'. Chronicling Mandela's life from humble beginnings, it tells the tale of how he overcame the apartheid system of oppression, vividly outlining his early days in a local tribe, his years as a law clerk in Johannesburg, and his role in the underground resistance that eventually culminated in his imprisonment on the notorious Robben Island and later Pollsmoor Prison.

Much of the book tells the story of Mandela's 27-year-plus incarceration, with the closing chapters referencing his political renaissance as he looked to take over as President of South Africa after his release in 1990.

Long Walk to Freedom was also turned into a biographical film back in 2013, but it's the book, a memoir of one of the most iconic men of his time, that truly captures the essence of Madiba.

Read & recommended by Lee, The Travel Scribes, who was born in South Africa.

Buy this book: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela on Amazon.

China

'Heavenly Bastard in the Sky, what a witty read about normal life in modern China!' That's how Fenfang, the protagonist of 20 Fragments of a Ravenous Youth, would describe this book.

Fenfang leaves her boring village out in the sticks for the bright lights of Beijing at the age of 17. With no skills other than a knack for harvesting sweet potatoes, Fenfang dreams of making it in the film industry. But with no connections, she only gets non-speaking roles such as Woman Walking Over Bridge or Woman Pouring Tea.

Fenfang's coming of age is told in 20 seemingly random fragments, each conveyed in a raw, yet charming and witty way. The book moves as fast as the city around her is changing.

But this is more than just the tale of a village girl trying to make it in Beijing. Intertwined with Fenfang's story, Xiaolu Guo casually injects social commentary on what life is like in modern-day China under the Communist Party, especially for women. In one fragment, the police raid Fenfang's apartment simply because her neighbours complained that she's not behaving like an unmarried Chinese girl should.

Don't miss reading this highly entertaining book either before or after you visit China. Once you've finished 20 Fragments of a Ravenous Youth, you'll have some understanding of life under the Party, and you'll undoubtedly be able to spot the Fenfangs of the world trying to shed their rural inferiority in the bright lights of Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing, and the like.

Read & recommended by DeWet, Museum of Wander, who has been living in China for the past three years.

Buy this book: 20 Fragments of a Ravenous Youth by Xiaolu Guo on Amazon.

France

If there's one thing I love about my country, it's the culture. For other nationalities, understanding the French can be a challenge. And no matter where you go in the world, everyone always has an opinion on us! Sometimes good, sometimes bad. There are so many stereotypes surrounding the French.

If you'd like to take up the challenge of understanding the French, Talk to the Snail by Stephen Clarke is the perfect read. Clarke is a British author who spent most of his adult life in France. He spent years studying our culture and after publishing a series of best-selling novels (A Year in the Merde, Merde Actually and Merde Happens), he came up with an extremely funny guide for understanding France and its people.

In Talk to the Snail, Clarke gives us his Ten Commandments for Living with the French. You will discover how to go to the doctor in France, how to deal with french bureaucracy, how to get served in a restaurant, language tips, and more. This absolutely hilarious book is a very useful guide practical for anyone planning to visit France.

Read & recommended by Pauline, BeeLoved City, who was born and bred in France.

Buy this book: Talk to the Snail by Stephen Clarke on Amazon.

Germany

The Tin Drum is a novel that earned its author, German writer Günter Grass, the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1999. It can be viewed as a historical novel, but above all, it paints a picture of Germany at a critical time in the nation's history.

The book tells about the life of Oscar, a mentally handicapped boy living in Gdansk, Poland during the Second World War. Although he is only three years old, he knows that he does not like the adult world. The anarchic Oscar passionately protests against fanatical Nazis and their cowardly followers by beating his tin drum.

The book is a worthwhile read for anyone who's is planning a trip to Germany and wants to have a little bit more background knowledge than the average visitor. No novel has shaped Germany like The Tin Drum. After reading it, you will perceive the country and its charms through different eyes.

Read & recommended by Clemens, Travellers Archive, who was born in Germany.

Buy this book: The Tin Drum by Günter Grass on Amazon.

Belgium

The Sorrow of Belgium tells the story of Louis Seynave, a Flemish schoolboy growing up in an influential German-minded family during WWII. He tries to escape from his daily life by creating fantasies, but sometimes loses touch with reality (as does the reader, at times).

The novel is a Bildungsroman; the first part (The Sorrow) tells you about Louis's childhood and the second part (Of Belgium) reveals more about his youth and his drive to escape his life by becoming a writer.

Hugo Claus is one of the greatest authors in Flemish/Dutch literature and The Sorrow of Belgium is considered his best work. Protagonist Louis is believed to be the writer's alter-ego as Hugo himself grew up in a Flemish nationalist family and had to deal with the aftermath of collaboration in post-war Belgium, too. The book gives you insight into daily life during WWII in Flanders. It paints a not-so-nice portrait of the Flemish collaborationism and fascism during those times and its repercussions in the years to follow.

When visiting Belgium, it's beneficial to have this kind of insight into Flemish history and character of its people, especially since WWII-related monuments are some of the country's top sights.

On top of that, the current extreme-right gulf that's passing through Europe and Belgium makes The Sorrow of Belgium, unfortunately, more relevant than ever.

Read & recommended by Babs, Next Stop Belgium, who was born in Belgium and has lived there all her life.

Buy this book: The Sorrow of Belgium by Hugo Claus on Amazon.

Malaysia

Kampung Boy is an iconic graphic novel by Malaysian cartoonist, Lat. The book draws on Lat's experience growing up in a newly-independent Malaysia in a small village in the northern state of Perak. The sequel, Town Boy, follows his move to Ipoh as a teenager, where he encounters the more multicultural face of the country.

Although a land of long history, the Malaysia that a traveller meets today has only truly existed since the peninsula gained independence from British colonial rule. The lens of the cartoonist's early life prepares the traveller to appreciate the cultural roots of Malaysia's heartland, which is not easily observed in towns and cities due to the British policy of 'divide and rule'. Along the way, the reader becomes acquainted with local industries such as tin mining, the country's looming modernisation, and the pathos of change.

Its down-to-earth narration of the lives of ordinary Malaysians, 'Manglish' and all, is a great introduction to the character of the people, and the soul of the country.

Read & recommended by Teja, Teja on the Horizon, who was born and raised in Malaysia.

Buy this book: Kampung Boy by Lat on Amazon.

Singapore

Ever wondered what life in Singapore is really like? Crazy Rich Asians is a lighthearted, romantic novel that introduces contemporary Singapore to the Western world.

The story revolves around a middle-class Asian American named Rachel Chu and her relationship with one of Singapore's most eligible bachelors, Nick Young. In the novel, Rachel is unknowingly thrown into the world of extravagance and luxury when she travels to Singapore to meet Nick's family, who happens to be one of Asia's wealthiest.

While travelling to Singapore doesn't come with a guarantee that you'll rub elbows with wealthy socialites, Crazy Rich Asians is a great introduction to life in the nation. Scenes from the book take place in some of Singapore's best hawker centeres and dining establishments, serving as a great guide for enthusiastic foodies.

The best part of the book, however, is the use and explanation of 'Singlish'. Crazy Rich Asians includes a colourful array of the most important Singlish terms that will definitely come in handy during your trip (don't worry, the book also provides definitions to accompany each term).

Read & recommended by Clare, Driving Me Nomad, who was born and raised in Singapore.

Buy this book: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan on Amazon.

Greece

Those who intend to visit the island of Crete any time soon should consider grabbing a copy of one of Greece's modern classics. Zorba the Greek is a fictional book by Cretan author, Nikos Kazantzakis, who was born in the island's capital, Heraklion, in 1883. He is considered one of the most remarkable Greek writers of all time.

The story, mostly set on Crete island, is a celebration of what really matters in life. Zorba the Greek is an account of the friendship between an old Cretan man, Alexis Zorbas, and a younger intellectual and businessman. They meet on their way to the island and the novel follows the adventures they experience working together.

The story sheds light on the dynamics between two very different characters while teaching the reader more than one valuable lesson about enjoying life to its fullest, especially the simple things that really count, including passion and true friendship.

Zorba the Greek is a great read for those times when we seek comfort. It's a poetic instrument that makes reader question what life is really all about. Importantly, it offers readers a unique way to approach the local culture and to understand the profound respect for life that shapes the Cretan character.

Read & recommended by Gabi, The Tiny Book, who has lived on the island of Crete for the past four years.

Buy this book: Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis on Amazon.

Ireland

The epic Ulysses by James Joyce is not only one of the best novels ever written, it's possibly also the most beautiful homage to a city and a country.

The story in this 732-page book takes place over the course of a single day (June 16, 1904) and mainly follows one character, Leopold Bloom, through the streets of Dublin. Joyce became famous for the stream of consciousness writing technique, which allows the reader to get inside the head of the character.

Bloom is an 'ordinary' man thinking ordinary thoughts and doing ordinary things. Yet, this is exactly where the beauty of the book lies. Through him, we get to know so much about life and culture at the turn of the century in Dublin and Ireland. This book is so meticulously written that Joyce once said, "If the city [Dublin] one day suddenly disappeared from the earth, it could be reconstructed out of [this] book."

Reading Ulysses makes you want to visit Dublin and walk the streets that Bloom wanders. If you're lucky enough to find yourself in Dublin on June 16, you can partake in Bloomsday, the annual festivity that celebrates Joyce and his book.

Read & recommended by Nils, Let's Go Ireland, who has lived in Ireland for three-and-a-half years and was a tour guide for the James Joyce Centre in Dublin.

Buy this book: Ulysses by James Joyce on Amazon.

Botswana

With over 20 books in the series, the wonderful stories of Mma Ramotswe, the founder of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, are a must-read before your visit to Botswana.

Set in the capital, Gaborone, the books follow the life of Mma Ramotswe as she solves a series of crimes, puzzles and conundrums with the help of her trusty sidekick Mma Makutsi.

For visitors, Botswana is often typified as a luxury safari destination (which it is) – but it has so much more to offer. These books will teach you about life in one of Africa's most prosperous and peaceful nations. As you travel with Mma Ramotswe around the countryside, you'll come to appreciate the pace of life and traditions the author depicts.

When you visit Botswana, remember to keep an eye out for the landmarks and towns mentioned in the books – they are all real places! And have a pot of rooibos tea, it's very popular, as you will discover.

Read & recommended by Tracy, Tracy's Travels in Time, who lived and worked in Botswana in the 1990s.

Buy these books: The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith on Amazon.

Thailand

Published in 1996, The Beach is a novel set in Thailand that tells the story of Richard, a young backpacker in search of a legendary paradise island unspoiled by tourism.

The adventure starts in Bangkok, where the protagonist finds himself in possession of a hand-drawn map to Eden. In Southern Thailand, Richard manages to find the idyllic island and joins the small backpacker community that lives there. Gradually, he starts to realise that the tropical Eden has plenty of the same problems as the outside world: Rivalries, tensions, drug lords, and Richard himself, who eventually loses touch with reality.

It's often said that visiting Thailand and not reading The Beach is like visiting the Louvre and not seeing Mona Lisa. The book (and the movie version) was such a hit that it boosted Thailand tourism for decades while making some places like Khao San Road and Maya Bay emblematic of the country and the backpacking way of life.

Read & recommended by Slavi, Global Castaway, who was born in Europe but spent years working and travelling around Thailand to the point where he considers The Land of Smiles his second home. He has read The Beach four times.

Buy this book: The Beach by Alex Garland on Amazon.

The Philippines

Written by Filipino national artist F. Sionil Jose, Mass celebrates Philippine society. The book is set in the year 1972, yet the atmosphere still reflects the country's feel today.

The main character, Pepe, starts life as a simple youngster from a poor provincial village. When he moves to the capital city of Manila and enters into a new world, the simple kid must become smarter – smart enough to survive everyday hardship.

Mass reflects the country's inequality. It shows how wealthy people get what they want in just a simple snap while the poorest work themselves to death to earn enough for just one meal. And yet, they're always smiling.

I am recommending this book because it shows we are the people who believe hope is always on its way. I believe only Filipinos have the ability to smile and laugh even on the edge of calamity, in spite of the hardships of life. Reading this novel, you'll start to understand why Filipinos giggle even in the midst of the worst typhoon.

Read & recommended by Elsa, Travelling Quote, who was born in the Philippines.

Buy this book: Mass by F. Sionil Jose on Amazon.

England

American author Bill Bryson lived in the UK for many years, and wrote Notes from a Small Island after a trip he made around the country before returning to the US.

It's a hilarious account of a trip mostly accomplished using public transport. He covers everywhere from London to John O'Groats in Scotland, via the West Country of England and parts of Wales.

Notes from a Small Island is worth reading for Bryson's humorous anecdotes on the places he visits and the ways of the British, including the strict observation of queues. He looks on the Brits as a self-effacing bunch of eccentrics, and he's pretty self-deprecating himself, which is possibly why he warms to them as much as he does.

One of the funniest sections of the book is his account of his journey from Llandudno in North Wales to Porthmadog, two hours apart via two journeys, with a change required at the grey slate quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

He arrives at Blaenau (on time) only to learn that the only connecting train of the day has already departed, five minutes earlier as scheduled. His rapid descent into despair is hilarious, albeit short-lived, as he eventually makes good his escape in a taxi.

Read & recommended by David, Delve into Europe, who was born in the UK.

Buy this book: Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson on Amazon.

The Netherlands

I think everyone should read Tulip Fever before travelling to the Netherlands – not only because it's a story about how the tulip became the Netherlands' national flower, but also because it captures a key time in the country's history.

Set in the 1630s when the Dutch were considered leaders in world travel, trade and art, Tulip Fever tells the story of one household in Amsterdam. Developing and overlapping relationships play out, while outside the doors of their canal mansion house, the country is gripped by tulip mania, as this newly arrived flower becomes the nation's must-have commodity.

One of my favourite books set in Amsterdam, Tulip Fever captures the layout and atmosphere of the city at this time, arguably the peak of its golden age. The obsession with the tulip will make any wannabe visitor to the Netherlands eager to see the country's striped flower fields and experience a bit of tulip fever themselves.

Read & recommended by Frankie, As the Bird flies, who has lived in Amsterdam for seven years.

Buy this book: Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach on Amazon.

New Zealand

Once Were Warriors is not an easy read. But it's an important book to New Zealand and is often studied in the classroom, even 20 years after its release in 1990.

Focused on domestic violence, the book centres around one Maori family, the Hekes, and reflects the reality of how many families live.

When you travel to New Zealand, you'll be exposed to Maori culture (Rotorua has some awesome Maori experiences). Tourist experiences always encourage you to see the positive side of a new culture, which is great – but they never paint a full picture. It's often what we don't see that matters most, and as much as I love my country, it's certainly not the utopia many visitors are led to believe.

Once Were Warriors is a powerful story and a book your should read before you visit New Zealand.

Read & recommended by Jub, Chur New Zealand, who was born and raised in NZ.

Buy this book: Once Were Warriors by Alan Duff on Amazon.

The Former USSR

There are many books about the Soviet Union and how it formed. However, I find that often the collapse of the USSR and its aftermath is often forgotten about. Lawrence Scott Sheets' book Eight Pieces of Empire delves into the collapse of the giant empire and the disarray it caused as the effects rippled through the former republics.

The book looks at eight different regions of the Soviet Union, from just before the collapse to years after and how each one came through the turmoil. Sheets spent years living and working as a foreign journalist and witnessed the fallout of the collapse first-hand.

While Ukraine dealt with nuclear fallout at Chernobyl, other areas broke out into war as borders formed and traditional cultures emerged. Needless to say, this book has a strong emphasis on what happened in the Caucasus.

While much of the focus during this time was on the republics themselves, the average citizens went through an incredible amount of anguish as the oppressive regime collapsed. Some found new economic freedoms and looked towards the West, while others fell into a political vacuum where new tyrants emerged and enforced a different type of oppression.

Sheets' personal accounts and writing style make the book enthralling and a real page-turner for someone who's interested in the history of the Soviet Union. Reading it, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the pain that those who lived through the collapse and subsequent events went through.

Read & recommended by Megan, Megan Starr, who has travelled extensively through the former USSR and currently lives in Armenia.

Buy this book: Eight Pieces of Empire by Lawrence Scott Sheets on Amazon.

What are your favourite books about different cultures? What should people read before they visit your home country?

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25 books about different countries and cultures to read before you travel – as recommended by local writers.
25 books about different countries and cultures to read before you travel – as recommended by local writers.