Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme
created by The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic:
Top Ten Books on My Winter TBR
As I was compiling my list for this week's theme something occurred to me. While I've always been a very character-focused reader, I never realized quite how much characters take the focus above all else for me - even setting. Because even though there are some settings listed here that I truly do want to visit (I'm looking at you, Scotland), more often than not it's the characters that I want to spend time with. So here are my picks for bookish setting I want to visit - sometimes as big as a entire country, sometimes as specific as a store. And off we go...
As I was compiling my list for this week's theme something occurred to me. While I've always been a very character-focused reader, I never realized quite how much characters take the focus above all else for me - even setting. Because even though there are some settings listed here that I truly do want to visit (I'm looking at you, Scotland), more often than not it's the characters that I want to spend time with. So here are my picks for bookish setting I want to visit - sometimes as big as a entire country, sometimes as specific as a store. And off we go...
Imperial Russia: The Crown's Game
I've long had a fascination with Russia - the history, the culture, the language. The Crown's Game did a phenomenal job of bringing Imperial Russia to life.
I've long had a fascination with Russia - the history, the culture, the language. The Crown's Game did a phenomenal job of bringing Imperial Russia to life.
Rosemary Beach, FL: The Rosemary Beach series
So here's the first case of it being more about the people I want to visit and the setting just happens to be Rosemary Beach. Because, despite being a native Floridian, I don't especially like the beach. But I'd make an exception to hang out with Rush, Blaire and all the rest.
So here's the first case of it being more about the people I want to visit and the setting just happens to be Rosemary Beach. Because, despite being a native Floridian, I don't especially like the beach. But I'd make an exception to hang out with Rush, Blaire and all the rest.
Velaris: A Court of Mist and Fury
This pick combines the perfect blend of setting and characters. Because I would love to see the City of Starlight and stroll through its streets. At the same time I could hang out with Rhys and Feyre, Cassian and Azriel, Mor and Amren. Perfection.
Scotland: Outlander
It's been almost 20 years since I first read Outlander and it ignited an interest in Scotland that has continued all these years. If I visited it would be fun to see Castle Leoch and Lallybroch (assuming they really existed) and then finish off in modern-day Edingburgh.
Scotland: Outlander
It's been almost 20 years since I first read Outlander and it ignited an interest in Scotland that has continued all these years. If I visited it would be fun to see Castle Leoch and Lallybroch (assuming they really existed) and then finish off in modern-day Edingburgh.
The Palace in Illéa: The Selection series
Not a fan of the caste system that was in place, or the rebel attacks... but I'd be all for visiting the royal palace. The women's room, the gardens, the overall opulence - and a tour by Maxon.
Not a fan of the caste system that was in place, or the rebel attacks... but I'd be all for visiting the royal palace. The women's room, the gardens, the overall opulence - and a tour by Maxon.
New Orleans: The Wicked trilogy
Considering it's actually within driving distance, I'm surprised I've never visited New Orleans. It seems a lot more interesting if I could go and hang out with Ivy and Ren. And of course eat beignets with Tink.
Considering it's actually within driving distance, I'm surprised I've never visited New Orleans. It seems a lot more interesting if I could go and hang out with Ivy and Ren. And of course eat beignets with Tink.
Denver: The Marked Men series
Okay, no offense to anyone who lives in Denver but I can't say I've ever had a burning desire to visit. But I definitely would like to hang with the Marked gang and since they're in Denver... so be it. I want to visit the tattoo shop(s) and see Rule and Nash and Rowdy at work. I want to go to The Bar and see Rome and Asa. And I totally want to have a girls night out with Shaw, Saint, Cora, Ayden and Royal (Salem isn't invited to my girls night LOL).
Okay, no offense to anyone who lives in Denver but I can't say I've ever had a burning desire to visit. But I definitely would like to hang with the Marked gang and since they're in Denver... so be it. I want to visit the tattoo shop(s) and see Rule and Nash and Rowdy at work. I want to go to The Bar and see Rome and Asa. And I totally want to have a girls night out with Shaw, Saint, Cora, Ayden and Royal (Salem isn't invited to my girls night LOL).
Barbary Lane, San Francisco: Tales of the City series
I have so much love for this series and such nostalgia for the unforgettable characters. I want to visit 28 Barbary Lane and spend time with all the inhabitants there: Michael (Mouse) Tolliver, Mary Ann, Mrs. Madrigal, Mona, Brian and all the rest.
I have so much love for this series and such nostalgia for the unforgettable characters. I want to visit 28 Barbary Lane and spend time with all the inhabitants there: Michael (Mouse) Tolliver, Mary Ann, Mrs. Madrigal, Mona, Brian and all the rest.
Philadelphia: The Addicted series
Not gonna lie - this one is all about the characters. Philly is just the backdrop for my favorite contemporary series of all time. I'd go anywhere to spend time with these complicated, flawed, amazing people.
Not gonna lie - this one is all about the characters. Philly is just the backdrop for my favorite contemporary series of all time. I'd go anywhere to spend time with these complicated, flawed, amazing people.
Howling Good Reads: The Others series
While I find the world Anne Bishop created in The Others series fascinating, it's also filled with danger so not really a place I'd want to visit. But I'd make an exception for the Lakeside Courtyard and Howling Good Reads. Running into Simon Wolfgard and Vladimir Sanguinati while browsing for a book? Hanging out with Meg at the liaison's office? Getting something to eat from Tess at A Little Bite? Yes, please!
While I find the world Anne Bishop created in The Others series fascinating, it's also filled with danger so not really a place I'd want to visit. But I'd make an exception for the Lakeside Courtyard and Howling Good Reads. Running into Simon Wolfgard and Vladimir Sanguinati while browsing for a book? Hanging out with Meg at the liaison's office? Getting something to eat from Tess at A Little Bite? Yes, please!
What bookish setting tops your list?
