The Rules

So what's the plan?

Well, I'll need a list of countries... that seemed easy enough, until I found this response to "How many countries are in the world?":

"Depending on who you ask, the total number of countries on Earth ranges anywhere between 193 to 237. This is ultimately because there are a lot of disputed zones and nations that hold either full or partial sovereignty around the world." - https://www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/how-many-countries-are-there

I didn't think too hard about this, but looked at a few other "Read the World" challenges and the consensus seems to be that there are 195 countries in the world. It is the number recognized by the United Nations, and includes all of its member states plus 2 non-member observer states.

I don't plan to do the countries in any particular order, so hopefully crippling indecision won't slow me down. However, finding the "perfect" book for each country might!

When I decided to undertake this challenge, I had done no research whatsoever. Of course, I was aware that some countries wouldn't have as much published or wouldn't have English translations available (sadly the only language I speak/read). The book that inspired this project kind of fell into my lap. I happened to own a paperback copy that I decided to bring on a trip. It just so happened to be a great and well-written story, set in Spain, by an author raised in Spain. After a great deal of research in an attempt to choose my next read, I realize I need to focus on these 3 criteria, be a little bit flexible and just pick ONE!