At Books and Bao, you’ll find recommendations for diverse literature — from queer writers to books in translation — as well as unique travel guides, delicious culinary experiences, tattoo guides, and manga recommendations.
Cultural & Literary Travel
Explore the most beautiful heritage buildings and historic and artistic places worldwide with curiosity and heart.
A Native Angeleno’s Guide to the Best 9 Bookstores in LA
While film and television may dominate the city, Los Angeles…
Gladstone’s Library: The Hotel Library in Wales You Have to Visit
Hidden in a quaint village by the name of Hawarden…
Read more of our cultural and literary travel pieces.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow”
Latest Book Reviews and Lists
Read Books and Bao’s reviews of translated literature,
author spotlights, essays, and translator interviews to discover something
new.
10 Kafkaesque Novels to Mess with Your Mind
The concept of the “kafkaesque” is often poorly defined and…
16 Unmissable Fantasy Books by Women
The women of fantasy are always pushing the boundaries of…
10 Transgressive Books by Weird Women
This is the era of the weird woman! Sad girls…
14 Must-Read Japanese Mystery Novels (Honkaku)
It’s often the great European and American mystery writers of…
Browse more book lists and reviews.
” If you want to know a country, read its writers”
Food and Drink
Discover delicious foods, food guides, and the best bars
and restaurants around the world.
Japanese Damascus Kitchen Knives: Everything You Need to Know
Japanese Damascus kitchen knives are not just functional instruments; these…
11 Types of Japanese Tea & How to Brew Them (+ Tea Culture Books)
Delve into the fascinating history of tea in Japan, the…
Read Our Latest Food and Drink Articles
” I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.”
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Our Philosophy: Diverse Stories & Wanderlust
At Books and Bao, we believe that stories have no borders. Reading translated literature opens a window into different minds, cultures, and landscapes, fostering empathy and connecting us all globally.
Connecting Through Translated Works
Translated literature makes up only a tiny fraction of published works in English-speaking nations, yet it holds the keys to understanding perspectives that are often overlooked. By reviewing and spotlighting indie translations—from Japanese magical realism to contemporary Latin American thriller authors—we aim to make international literature accessible and exciting for everyone.
The Art of Literary Wanderlust
Every place has its own story, written by local authors who live and breathe its history. Our travel guides don't just point you to standard tourist traps; they invite you to explore the literary heritage of a city. Whether it's visiting historic hotel libraries in Wales, browsing independent bookshops in Tokyo, or walking in the footsteps of your favorite writers in Edinburgh, we connect literature with place.