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Top Ten Settings I'd Like to See More Of

I like the creativity of this week's Top Ten Tuesday as it's not something I've really thought about a lot. Unlike some people, I don't generally pick books based on setting (though I do based on historical period). A well-evoked setting, however, can really enhance a great book and even salvage a not-so-great book. So, here goes.

1. Boston

When I read The Art Forger this past year, seeing some of my former haunts in print just warmed the cockles of my heart. If I can't move back to Boston right now, at least I can read about it!

2. Chicago

I should probably learn a little more about the city I'm in now. Maybe I can visit the sights in books and then follow up in real life if they sound fun!

3. Washington D.C.

It's the city I've lived closest to most of my life and yet I read relatively few books set there. The only two I can think of in recent memory are The School of Night, which is partially set in D.C., and of course All the President's Men.

4. Baltimore

What are some great books set in Baltimore? It's my hometown and yet I can't think of anything. I should probably remedy that.

5. Candyland/Chocolate World

This is the setting that both sets of third and fourth graders I taught last summer came up with for their play. It's obviously got an ingrained popularity and yet I don't see many (adult) books set there. What about the perils of living in a home you can eat? Does everything rot? Is it magically maintained? Does anyone ever go hungry? Is everyone sick of sugar? Does anyone have teeth? Clearly, lots of potential here.

6. Israel

Ok, this is more because I've heard of a lot of great authors coming out of Israel lately and I want to read their books (a.k.a. The People of Forever Are Not Afraid and To the End of the Land are both on my TBR list).

7. Scotland

I really want to go to Scotland and especially to Edinburgh. Maybe I should find some books to stave off those cravings (or whet them further...).

8. Pluto

You know, Mars gets all the glory. I can think of so many books that take place on Mars and even one on Venus and one on one of Saturn's moons, but nothing on poor Pluto.

9. Middle Earth

Come on. You knew this was coming. I really need to get cracking on the post-Silmarillion Tolkien oeuvre.

10. Mallorea

Can't wait to finish the tour of Eddings' universe.

Comments

Sarah said…
Ooooo candy land, good thinking! I would read that :)
lillylilac said…
Good list, I'd love to read a story that takes place on Pluto.
Anonymous said…
Laura Lippman writes books set in Baltimore. I haven't ready any, but the librarian in me could not resist the challenge! http://wp.me/pzUn5-1nQ
Ashley said…
A setting in Baltimore would be great!! Great list :)

My TTT @The Quiet Concert
Angela said…
I love visiting Chicago. I'm only about an hour and a half north and my daughter and I occasionally take road trips down. It's always a blast!

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