October Reading Around the World Challenge: Countries That Start With "S"
The Reading Around the World Challenge from the North Little Rock Public Library System is your passport to a year of global stories. Each month, we feature countries based on a letter or group of letters. Your challenge is simple: read a book or watch a movie that is set in, about, or by an author from one of that month’s featured countries.
Each month you participate, you can submit an entry form to be included in a prize drawing for a gift card to a local restaurant or a voucher for classes at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. At the end of the year, all monthly entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader.
Entries can be submitted in person at either the Laman or Argenta Library locations, or online at:
👉 https://nlrlibrary.org/communityresources/readingchallenge
October’s Theme: Countries That Start with S
This month, we are traveling to South Korea, Senegal, Samoa, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka. From magical dreamscapes to powerful memoirs, these stories showcase identity, resilience, imagination, and history. If you are looking for your next read, here are five recommendations to help you complete the October Reading Challenge:
The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
Author from South Korea
In this enchanting bestseller, dreams are something you can buy. Miye Lee’s whimsical story blends fantasy and philosophy, offering readers a heartwarming tale about hope, healing, and the power of imagination.
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Author visits Senegal
A powerful collection that reflects on culture, legacy, and global Black identity. Coates’s perspective reaches across borders, with connections to Senegal that deepen the global lens of his writing.
Loud by Drew Afualo
Author is Samoan
Known for her unapologetic voice and fearless social commentary, Drew Afualo’s memoir is bold, sharp, and inspiring. It highlights Samoan identity and her journey as a creator, advocate, and outspoken cultural figure.
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
Author visits Sierra Leone
In this moving nonfiction work, John Green documents his travels and reflections, including impactful time spent in Sierra Leone. His storytelling blends humor and humanity with reflections on illness, hope, and connection.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
Set in Sri Lanka
Winner of the Booker Prize, this magical and darkly humorous novel follows a war photographer navigating the afterlife. Set against Sri Lanka’s violent history, it is a stunning exploration of politics, memory, and survival.
How to Participate in the October Reading Challenge
Choose any book or film that fits this month’s theme and submit your entry by October 31. Each participation counts toward the monthly prize drawing for a local restaurant gift card or Innovation Hub class voucher, as well as the year-end Kindle Paperwhite giveaway.
Discover new authors, explore diverse cultures, and join us in celebrating the power of global storytelling this October.