The best short story books to make you dream about travelling

While I first discovered Stephen Fry's wit and humor through the Bones TV series, I was delighted to learn that he is also an accomplished author. And, while I don't know much about Greek mythology, his book Mythos welcomes readers with open arms and requires no prior knowledge of the subject.

Ancient Greek heroes' world has never sounded more appealing or approachable. Stephen Fry injects his trademark wit into the world of mythology, and it provides an engaging retelling of Greek myths, sprinkled with a touch of anachronistic language for added amusement, which tickled my funny bone.

Stephen Fry's Mythos helped me overcome a narrow view of traditional tales by providing multiple interpretations and perspectives.

Even though I may not be able to visit Italy anytime soon, I decided to go there in spirit.

This book was chosen because it contains a diverse range of literary talents from all walks of life in Italy (poets, musicians, teachers, scientists, and even politicians). Each short story was told in a lively Italian voice. This collection spoke to me about everything that is Italy: landscapes, passions, food, and the country's turbulent political life.

After diving into the first pages, I was immediately transported into the narratives, completely forgetting that I was reading a translation. I was captivated by the stories themselves, a testament to their masterful storytelling. This is a fascinating anthology for readers interested in learning more about Italian culture.

I'd heard a lot about Norse myths on social media recently, but I was unfamiliar with them. 

The idea of Gaiman weaving his narrative magic through the tapestry of these ancient tales intrigued me, and it surely made for an exciting read.

Even if you're unfamiliar with Norse mythology (as I was), this retelling will awe you with the strangeness and wonder of these ancient tales. Norse Mythology is more than a book; it's an invitation to a hypnotic world inhabited by gods, giants, undead goats, betrayals, a mischievous squirrel, elves, dwarves, and Valkyries.

This collection is an enthralling journey through a selection of Norse myths, narrated with Neil Gaiman's trademark wit and simplicity.

My home country, Romania, is a stone's throw from Turkey (or Türkiye), and its history has been heavily influenced by the Ottoman Empire. I yearned to read something with Turkish aromas and flavors.

Something as aromatic as Turkish delight and as rich as coffee.

This collection of short stories and poems is about the people who live there. It's a walk in the shoes of its common folk, with their hopes and flaws.

Read this collection of books to stroll through Istanbul's bustling streets, maybe stop for Turkish coffee, or embark on a short train ride or a blue cruise in the turquoise waters of Turkey's four seas, the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Sea of Marmara, and (my childhood favorite), the Black Sea.

When researching historical fiction, one often falls down many rabbit holes. One such gap led me to China, where printing technology was in use 150 years before Gutenberg was born.

These short stories, woven from the tapestry of ancient Eastern folklore, offer both entertainment and profound insights. They not only provide a rich education in Eastern literature, but they also highlight the timeless truth that humanity's essence remains constant, whether in the East or West, regardless of era.

People's daily lives are fraught with mysteries and uncertainties that transcend geographical boundaries. While the distinct Eastern cultural prism through which these shared human experiences are filtered, provides a beguiling and enthralling perspective.

This anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in Asian short stories.