Spain Archives -

Home
About Us
Armchair Travels
- Travel Related Reads
- Inspiring Book Lists
Book Reviews
Travel
- Literary Travel
- Boutique Stays
Bookworm Lifestyle

Sorry, no posts were found

You can also find us on social media:

Meet Tam & Paul

Hi! I'm Tam, a self-confessed, caffeine-fueled bookworm writing about all things literature-related whilst Paul's passion for photography means we never miss a great photo opportunity. Together we blog about a luxury lifestyle designed to induce wanderlust in everyone!

Want to receive our latest book reviews, updates on literary destinations and how to create a bookish lifestyle?

Search for your next read & support Local Bookshops:

January 2021
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31

« Dec

Find Us on Instagram

Have you read any of the Inspector Morse series by

Have you read any of the Inspector Morse series by Colin Dexter?
Set around Oxford, this murder series gives great insights into the city and surrounding area.
Obviously at present, travelling around the UK is a big no-no but that doesn't mean we cannot travel from the comfort of our own armchair.
If you fancy a trip to Oxford, we have curated a wonderful list of books that will transport you to the collegiate city of spires.
Whether you enjoy historical fiction, crime thrillers or non-fictional travelogues, each and every book provides you with a unique perspective into the well-known British city.
QOTD: Have you read any books set in or around Oxford that you would recommend?

It's finally here! To celebrate the start of 2021

Who is excited for the books being published in 20

Who is excited for the books being published in 2021? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️
If all books are as good as this one I think we could all be in for a really wonderful year of reading.
The Captive by @deborahleighoconnor
is an attention-grabbing thriller, that saw me fly through the pages. I simply needed to know what happened.
>>>>>>>>>>>>Synopsis >>>>>>>>>>>>
Hannah knows the cage intimately. Small, the size of a shopping mall parking space. A bed, a basin, a table and chair. A hatch ans metal drawer through which to exchange food and other items.
Then there's him. Always there on the edges of her vision, no matter how hard she tries to block him out.
Every day, the same thoughts run through Hannah's mind:
What if he speaks to me?
What if he hurts me?
What if he gets out?
----------------------------------------------------------------
The biggest problem with a book like this though... You are always left with a book hangover that you can't shift for days.
Out in the 7th Jan this is one to order now!
I am so grateful to Clare at @bonnierbooks_uk for gifting me an advanced copy of this book, it really did finish my year on a high.
I was also nominated by @gntx towards the end of 2020 to share with you all a picture of a #coffeeandagoodbook and I can't think of a better way to start 2021.

Unsure what to get the #bookworm in your life for

Unsure what to get the #bookworm in your life for #Christmas? 🎁 🎄
@yoshigoods have a wide range of bookish gifts to suit all. From handbags and purses, to glass cases, keyrings and pencil cases, their wide selection is bound to appeal to the majority.
They have a selection of goods like those seen here which were kindly #gifted by #yoshi, for travel junkies, while another will appeal to classic book lovers. There is also a green fingered book collection and a selection of items paying homage to Shakespeare.
@yoshigoods definitely know how to cater to the bookworm lifestyle!
There is still time to place orders for Christmas so what are you waiting for? 🎅

London, the week before Christmas, 2007. You ofte

London, the week before Christmas, 2007.
You often hear about the lives of complete strangers being entwined in someway, but they may never even be aware of it.
This is one such story.
In just seven days, Sebastian Faulks tale tracks the lives of seven characters: a hedge fund manager trying to bring off the biggest trade of his career; a professional footballer recently arrived from Poland; a young lawyer with little work and too much time to speculate; a student who has been led astray by Islamist theory; a hack book-reviewer; a schoolboy hooked on skunk and reality TV; and a Tube driver whose Circle Line train joins these and countless other lives together in a daily loop.
It is a novel that pieces together the complex patterns and crossings of modern urban life, and the group is forced, one by one, to confront the true nature of the world they inhabit, whether they want to or not.
-
-
-
-
-
#bookblogger #booklover #bookworm #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #booksgrammer #bookish #readmorebooks #booksgramuk #bookstagrammersunite #bookaholic #readinglife #keepreading #igbooks #igreads #literaryfiction #fiction #UK #London #amreading #bookcommunity #booklifestyle #bookclub

QOTD: Do you enjoy reading historical non-fiction?

QOTD: Do you enjoy reading historical non-fiction?
'The Five' by @hallierubenhold is perhaps one of the best non-fictional books I have ever read.
Looking into the lives of the five women presumed murdered at the hands of Jack the Ripper, this is an insightful, well researched publication that will leave you feeling both perturbed and frustrated.
It is upsetting to think that the lives of five women have been brushed aside, while the person accused of killing them has risen in noriety and is now a name that everyone, young and old, is familiar with.
There is also a common misconception that each of these women were outcast by society because of their night-time pursuits as prostitutes; an assumption highly challenged in this book.
The research element to create such an insightful account must have been all-consuming but completely worthwhile. Not only has @hallierubenhold created one of the most comprehensive narratives highlighting who these women actually were, she has provided an eye-opening narrative about what life would have been like for women in general during the Victorian era.
Have you read 'The Five'?

🍁COMPETITION TIME🍁 (#gifted) Thank you to

🍁COMPETITION TIME🍁
(#gifted)
Thank you to both @granta_magazine and @tandemcollectiveuk for sending me this beautiful copy of the latest issue of #Granta magazine.
Granta magazine, founded by Cambridge students back in 1889 and out quarterly, focuses on nature including serious pieces on environmental topics as well as amazing photographical articles, poems, literary fiction and memoirs.
If you want to win a year's subscription of Granta magazine for yourself as well as a bundle of granta nature books, this is the competition for you!
❇️🍂How To Enter🍂❇️
- Submit a mini natured inspired instagram essay 🌿 (video, story or graphic grid post) on a nature - focused topic of your choice.
Be as creative as you like, the prompt is flexible to allow for this.
- Tag @tandemcollectiveuk and @granta_magazine in all entries.
-Use the hashtag #GrantaSecondNature
-Entry open to the UK only.
- All accounts must be public.
-The competition runs from Monday 23rs Nov until Wednesday 2nd Dec.
- The competition will be judged by @isabella.tree, author of 'Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm', as well as being Guest Editor of this Granta issue.
✴️ Please note: this is not a paid sponsorship and is in no way affiliated with Instagram. ✴️

QOTD: Do you ever feel like everyone else around y

QOTD: Do you ever feel like everyone else around you is succeeding while you are failing?
'Failosophy' by @elizabday is perhaps one of the most eye-opening books I have ever read. Her ideas are not new, in fact, I found myself nodding along in agreement with most of what she was saying.
It's in this book that Elizabeth Day brings together the lessons she has learned, through a variety of different sources, sharing with us her 7 principles of failure.
Within these pages you will find practical, reassuring and inspirational words to help guide you through whatever life throws at you. From failing exams, relationship break ups, career setbacks, dips in confidence to surviving loss, 'Failosophy' recognises that failure is a part of everyone's life.
Elizabeth wants us to acknowledge this failure and then turn it into a success. 🎉
"The ability to admit failures is always an expression of strength" (David Baddiel) 💪
Have you read any of Elizabeth Day's books? Would you recommend them?
_________________________________________
-
-
-
#motivational #motivationalreads #selfcare #selfdevelopment #amreading #booksofinstragram #nonfictionnovember #nonfictionbooks #nonfiction #bookish #bookblogger #booklover #bookworm #booksonsuccess #igbooks #igreads #personalgrowth #bookstagram #booksgrammer #readinglife #keepreading #readmorebooks #booksgramuk #inspiration

"The Art of Non-Conformity is not just a book; it'

"The Art of Non-Conformity is not just a book; it's a beloved companion for those who know that life is an adventure worth exploring." (pg4)
When I saw the title of this Chris Guillebeau book (@193countries) I instantly knew I had to read it.
I have never been one to conform and have always wanted to live my life the way I chose rather than being dictated to by social norms.
This is a book about supporting you to set your own goals and live your own life, it highlights that we each need to think for ourselves rather than following the crowd. As a child we are always told by parents ironically not to follow the crowd (e.g. If so-and-so put their head in the oven would you follow suit? No? Well then, think for yourself, do what you want to do!). Yet, as soon as we become adults, society deems that it is only acceptable to follow the crowd.
This book provides guidance on how to live a different life and why we need to think differently in order to succeed. Once we do that, we will break away from the norm and live the unconventional life we dream of.
"You don't have to live your life the way other people expect you to."
Of course, I am not saying that a conventional life is wrong, I am just saying it is not for everyone.
QOTD: Are you living the life you want? How would you change it if you could?
I changed my life nearly 7 years ago now. I quit my full-time successful job in finance working each and every day in the city for a job in Italy running campsites 🇮🇹 🏕️. Two very different jobs. At the time I was concerned I had made the wrong choice, moving away from home, giving up my house 🏠and my secure job 💰 for what is essentially a contracted role for a limited amount of time each year.
Do I regret it? No. It has opened my eyes to a different life and for that I will alwayd be thankful. Now it's time to reflect on my more personal goals and how I am going to achieve them. 🎉🎉🎉
________________________________________
-
-
-
-
-
#bookblogger #nonfictionnovember #nonfiction #nonfictionbooks #selfhelp #motivation #livelifetothefullest #booksgramuk #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammersunite #bookstagram #bookish #bookworm #bookbloggersofinstagram

With lockdown looming, there is no better time to

With lockdown looming, there is no better time to start focusing on what you want to achieve in 2021.
November is going to be tough, not only are we going to have limitations put upon us in terms of movement, the nights are drawing in and the weather forecast is not looking great. ☔☔☔
However, rather than focusing on what we can't change, let's use this time wisely and think about what we want to achieve in the future.
Today, I revisited a book I read a few years ago by @richardbranson. For me, he is someone I admire because when others told him he couldn't, he believed he could. When people continue to put you down or say or can't achieve something it is so easy to start believing it, but he didn't let the negativity get to him.
That's something I still need to work on and if I am going to succeed with my personal goals I need to learn to ignore those around me that constantly put me down.
If you ignore the naysayers, it is then only your attitude and personal perception that can become a problem. If you therefore start telling yourself you can, then surely you will! 💪🏆
QOTD: Who do you admire? What do you want to achieve before the end of 2020?
_________________________________________
-
-
-
#nonfiction #nonfictionbooks #nonfictionnovember #inspiration #booksofinstagram #readmorebooks #booksgramuk #bookstagrammersunite #bookaholic #bookblogger #bookbloggersofinstagram #readinglife #entrepreneurmindset #businessgoals #bookish #bookcommunity #bookworm #GIRLBOSS #girlbosslife #bookstagrammer #booknerd #successmindset

QOTD: Do you have a favourite country you like to

QOTD: Do you have a favourite country you like to visit?
For the past 5 years we have been very fortunate and have worked in Italy. During this time we have lived in Lake Garda, Cavallino-Treporti near Venice and Orbetello in Tuscany.
We have also travelled extensively across the country, from Veneto to Puglia, Abruzzo to Calabria and across to Sicily, learning more about each region as we go.
From the food to the changes in language each area is different, but perhaps more than anywhere this is most notable in Sicily.
'Borges in Sicily' published by @hauspublishing sees Alejandro Luque travel the island with his friends, following in the footsteps of the great writer from Argentina.
There are places he enjoys, places he has a love-hate relationship with and places that he intends never to visit again. On occasion he also seems to disagree with Borges, a man he greatly admires.
What I absolutely love about this #travelogue though is that Luque does not simply include superficial descriptions of the areas he visits. He adds in further insights into the history and culture of the island as well as highlighting some epic literary talents along the way.
'Borges in Sicily' can be read from the comfort of your own armchair or as a reference guide while on your trip.
If you are planning a visit to Sicily in the future and want to understand more about the country and its people, this is essential reading.

With the news that we are about to head into anoth

With the news that we are about to head into another lockdown here in the UK, there has never been a better time to kick yourself up the backside and do something you always wanted to do. Whether it is start your own business, develop a new skill or grow stronger in someway, this is surely the time.
QOTD: What are your plans for this month?
I first read #GIRLBOSS back in 2015 when Sophia Amoruso had already emassed quite a fortune from her business, Nasty Gal. The online fashion business developed after she began selling on ebay from her bedroom and became so popular that by 2012 she employed more than 200 staff to help with the workload.
In 2016 @forbes named her one of the richest self - made women and she has even had a @netflix series made highlighting her story and success.
Things haven't always been smooth sailing though and by the autumn of 2016 Nasty Gal was filing for bankruptcy.
@sophiaamoruso was not to be beaten however and has since developed Girlboss Media, a digital company that creates editorial content, videos, and podcasts aimed at a female audience.
She has been quoted as saying:
"I don't want to be a poster child for failure, but a lot of people want to know how I got back up.
It doesn't mean that you need to go hide; it means that you learn and do better."
Let's learn from the first lockdown. Let's make November the most productive month of 2020 and do something that will see us strive forward in 2021.
Unsure where to start? Can I suggest starting with this practical and aspirational workbook. It is filled with tips, doodles and fill-in-the-blanks designed to help all women out there become their best selves.
You may just find a passion for something new or turn your big dreams into a reality. What could be more motivating than that? 🤷‍♀️

QOTD: what is your favourite Stephen King novel to

QOTD: what is your favourite Stephen King novel to read for #Halloween? 🦇 🎃👻
I have never actually read 'Carrie' before (🙈) so have decided to pick it up for this year's spooky read.
Also, on a side note, how big is this blueberry muffin. Since being back in the UK we have indulged on all the things we struggle to find in Italy and I have to say this is possibly the largest breakfast cake I have ever eaten. Now to go for a nice long walk in the countryside to burn it off. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Do you seek out reading nooks when travelling? I

Do you seek out reading nooks when travelling?
I love exploring new countries and whenever possible I like make sure that the accommodation we stay in also offers something special.
During a trip to Morocco a few years ago we found this beautiful riad in Fez, Riad Laayoun. Not only did it have some of the most colourful zellij tiles I have ever seen, the detailed carvings in the wooden beams highlighted just how talented the local craftsmen are.
For me however, part of the enjoyment in travelling is returning to a place of comfort each evening where I can relax in a quiet space alone for a while with a really good book.
Riad Laayoun did not disappoint.
On warmer evenings I could take my book up to the private roof terrace, soak up the atmosphere from the souks below and relax into the piles of colourful cushions spread out across the large sofas, while on chiller nights this particular reading nook that looked out over the covered courtyard was definitely the place for me.

During our recent visit to @villa_otium in Volterr

During our recent visit to @villa_otium in Volterra, Tuscany I couldn't help but notice all of the different books floating around, in corners, on shelves and even in the corridors.
Some I flicked through, but deep down I knew I would struggle to read anything more than a sentence or two because my Italian really isn't strong enough to read a whole book.
Can you read in more than one language?

Let's talk bookish accessories! Would you wear a

Let's talk bookish accessories!
Would you wear a necklace, bracelet or earrings that looked like this?
Bibliophile accessories are becoming more and more popular and it's not unusual to see craft and arty shops catering for bookworms now.
From jewellery to t-shirts and dresses, it seems that the world has finally realised that a love of literature doesn't stop when we close the book.

Villa Otium in Volterra is one of the quirkiest fa

Villa Otium in Volterra is one of the quirkiest farm houses we have stayed in this year. I love the fact that each of the rooms were filled to bursting with trinkets, lamps, pictures and books.
Discovering new books when travelling is so rewarding, I enjoy finding titles left behind by those that have visited before us, and whilst my Italian might still not be strong enough to read one of these titles without the help of a dictionary and a serious amount of patience on my part, it didn't stop me flicking through the pages looking for paragraphs I could understand.
Have you ever picked up a book left behind while travelling? Did you go on to leave it somewhere for others in turn to pick up?

Is there anything more spooky than a Raven? Do y

Is there anything more spooky than a Raven?
Do you associate the bird's dark plumage and its croaking call with loss and deadly omens or are you more optimistic and see the raven as a symbol of prophecy and insight? (of course that too may have dismissal outcomes).
Walking around Volterra, Italy my eyes were automatically drawn to this shop window, clearly getting ready for All Hallows Eve; a day where people will be celebrating the the dead across the world.
It was while looking through the window of this little patisserie that the final paragraph of Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem came to me:
" And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting,
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted—nevermore!"
In preparation for the most frightening night of the year, share with me, what spooky books are you planning to read?

Volterra is a walled town close to Florence in Tu

Volterra is a walled town close to Florence in Tuscany, Italy. In the Twlight Series by Stephanie Meyer, it is the ancient Italian city where the Volturi reside, a family of Royal Vampires, and is first mentioned in 'New Moon'.
The central Palazzo dei Priori is where the citizens celebrate Saint Marcus Day in 'New Moon' and features medieval frescoes and a bell tower with expansive views.
Volterra also has a Cathedral and is well known because of the nearby remains of the Etruscan Acropolis.
With the publication of Stephanie Meyer's latest novel, 'Midnight Sun', which retells the Twlight story from Edward Cullen's perspective, a day trip to look around this hilltop town dating back to the 8th century BC, is a must.
It isn't the first time this town has been mentioned in literature however. You will also find references to Volterra in 'Horatius', a poem by Lord Macaulay, Stendhal's 'On Love', and also in 'Chimaira' and 'The Ancient Curse' by the Italian author Valerio Massimo Manfredi.

Banned Book Week may have ended but that doesn't m

Banned Book Week may have ended but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy one of the many novels that have been a source of contention over the years.
I frequently get asked: why are books banned?
Books are normally banned because a country or government feels that they need to censor the material.
Over the years books have been challenged because they contain content of a sexual, racial, political, religious or morally questionable nature.
Banned books highlight the emotive nature of reading. Some countries, or even areas within are country, are stricter than others on the reading material they allow people to be exposed to.
For example, in Britain we were never challenged if we wanted to read Harry Potter, however in certain US States and the UAE this popular series was banned because it challenged certain religious values. There were also concerns over the fact that spells were contained within its pages and that there was potential for evil spirits to be raised.
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger is one of the most challenged books of all times and for various different reasons.
The challenges generally begin with Holden's frequent use of vulgar language; other reasons includes sexual references, blasphemy, undermining of family values and moral codes, encouragement of rebellion, and promotion of drinking, smoking, lying, promiscuity, and sexual abuse.
Have you read any banned books?

Update your skills, unleash your potential

Recently Read:

Surviving The Killing Fields: The Cambodian Odyssey Of Haing S. Ngor

Pretty Guilty Women

How to Be Perfect

Feather and Claw

The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas

Bruges-La-Morte

The Silent Patient

Who Did You Tell?

Stay Up with Hugo Best

Sleeping Beauties

In Xanadu: A Quest

How Not to Travel the World: Adventures of a Disaster-Prone Backpacker

The Last House Guest

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure

What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding

Whisper Network

Tamason's favorite books »

Search for…

Archives

Archives

©TravellingBookJunkie (2021)

Enjoying the blog? Please take a moment to subscribe and share. Help us grow!