Weekly Book Recs 10-2025: Books That Take You Around The World
- Apollo Imperium
- Mar 7
- 4 min read
WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week
Hey, loves! With spring break just around the corner, it’s time to let your imagination take you on a journey. This week’s book recs are all about wanderlust—stories that transport you to breathtaking locations and immerse you in different cultures. Whether you’re dreaming of exotic escapes or cozying up at home, these books will satisfy your travel cravings. Let’s pack our (imaginary) bags and dive into these must-read travel-inspired books that take you around the world!! 🌍📚
1. The Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier
Rating: 4.6/5
Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophy
Vibes: European Escape, Self-Discovery, Historical Depth
Main Characters: Raimund Gregorius
What It’s About:A Swiss professor’s mundane life changes when he impulsively abandons his routine and takes a train to Lisbon, driven by an enigmatic book that leads him to uncover a Portuguese writer’s story.
Review:This book is the ultimate European escape. It’s introspective, beautifully written, and packed with rich descriptions of Lisbon’s streets and history. Raimund’s journey of self-discovery is as moving as the landscapes he explores. Perfect for anyone who loves thoughtful, soul-searching reads with a touch of wanderlust.
2. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Memoir, Travel, Self-Discovery
Vibes: Global Adventure, Healing, Life Lessons
Main Characters: Elizabeth Gilbert
What It’s About:Gilbert recounts her year-long journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia after a difficult divorce. She indulges in food, seeks spiritual enlightenment, and finds balance in her life.
Review:Love it or not, this memoir is iconic for a reason. Gilbert’s voice is raw and relatable, and her adventures are inspiring. Whether you’re drawn to the food in Italy, the spirituality in India, or the romance in Bali, this book takes you on a personal journey that feels deeply universal.
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Rating: 4.7/5
Genre: Fiction, Philosophy
Vibes: Mystical Journey, Inspirational, Desert Adventure
Main Characters: Santiago
What It’s About:Santiago, a shepherd from Spain, embarks on a quest to find a hidden treasure in the Egyptian desert, learning profound life lessons along the way.
Review:This book is like a spiritual roadmap for life disguised as a simple yet powerful story. Coelho’s descriptions of the desert are breathtaking, and Santiago’s journey feels both personal and universal. If you want a book that combines wanderlust with wisdom, this one’s a must.
4. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Rating: 4.6/5
Genre: Historical Fiction
Vibes: Parisian Charm, WWII History, Literary Love
Main Characters: Odile, Lily
What It’s About:Set in Paris during World War II, this dual-timeline story follows Odile, a librarian at the American Library, and Lily, a teenager in Montana decades later, as their lives become intertwined.
Review:For anyone who dreams of walking the streets of Paris, this book is a literary delight. The descriptions of Paris during wartime are vivid and haunting, and the power of books as a source of connection and resilience is beautifully portrayed. It’s heartfelt, moving, and oh-so-Parisian.
5. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Rating: 4.7/5
Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure
Vibes: Indian Chaos, Redemption, Found Family
Main Characters: Lin, Prabaker, Karla
What It’s About:Lin, an escaped convict from Australia, builds a new life in the bustling, chaotic world of Bombay, finding love, friendship, and purpose amidst the city’s vibrant culture.
Review:This book is a love letter to Bombay. The rich descriptions of the city’s sights, smells, and sounds are so immersive, and Lin’s journey is deeply emotional. It’s a long read, but every page is packed with adventure, introspection, and heart. If you want a book that makes you feel like you’ve traveled to India, this is it.
6. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Rating: 4.8/5
Genre: Historical Fiction, Family Saga
Vibes: Korean Culture, Generational Struggles, Immigrant Story
Main Characters: Sunja, Isak, Hansu
What It’s About:A sweeping family saga spanning generations, Pachinko follows Sunja, a Korean woman who immigrates to Japan in the early 1900s, and her family as they navigate cultural challenges, love, and survival.
Review:This book is both epic and intimate, with stunning portrayals of Korean and Japanese culture. Lee’s writing brings every scene to life, and Sunja’s story is deeply moving. If you’re looking for a book that takes you across time and borders with profound emotional depth, this one is unforgettable.
Which of these wanderlust-worthy books is taking you on your next literary escape? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me in your #WanderlustReads posts @apolloimperium! 🌍📚
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