LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
by Nelson Mandela
South Africa, non-fiction
Nelson Mandela’s iconic autobiography details the former South African president’s childhood, examines the complexities of Apartheid and documents his 27 years in prison. An uplifting and moving read.

BREATH
by Tim Winton
Australia, fiction
An ode to Aussie beach culture, Tim Winton’s evocative novel is set on the rugged, isolated coast of Western Australia. Two thrill-seeking boys cross paths with veteran big-wave surfer Sando, and push their surfing—and themselves—to extremes.

LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE
by Laura Esquivel
Mexico, fiction
An intoxicating fusion of food, family and magical realism, Like Water for Chocolate follows a young girl, Tita, who is in love with Pedro, but bound by her mother’s commitment to the family tradition. As the youngest daughter, Tita cannot marry, and must take care of her mother until she dies. Heartbroken, Tita expresses herself through food. Set in Mexico, it’s an enchanting read.

ARABIAN SANDS
by Wilfred Thesiger
Middle East, non-fiction
Wilfred Thesiger’s Arabian Sands helped define the travel writing genre—today, it’s a classic, described as one of the greatest adventure books of all time. Thesiger, a wealthy Englishman, travelled across the Empty Quarter of the Abar-bian Peninsula between 1945 and 1950, exploring the culture and heritage of the Bedu people. A fascinating journey to another world.

Wanderlust in Words