Can you guess which land we selected based upon these interesting facts from Hey Explorer?
The Red Bull energy drink was created there in 1987.
And the daredevil who made headlines in 2012 when he jumped from the stratosphere to Earth as part of a Red Bull campaign was also from this country!
The snow globe was accidentally invented there while someone was trying to improve the lightbulb.
It’s famous for its coffeehouses & a favorite drink there is basically a liquid coffee cake—black coffee topped with whipped cream and sugar.
A common way to say goodbye there is “Bussi, Baba” meaning “kisses, bye-bye”.
Its athletes have won more than double the number of medals in the Winter Olympic Games than the Summer Olympics.
It’s a landlocked country but has a very famous river.
Legend has it that its flag was invented after a famous battle when someone’s white coat was drenched with blood. He removed his belt leaving a broad white stripe against the red background.
So what country are we reading next?
Well, if you enjoy flags, you’ll have realized from that last fact that we’ll be reading Austria next!
Before we get to your book suggestions, here’s an authentic cookbook from one of Austria’s leading chefs who has since moved to the US.
Free with Kindle Unlimited
“Join one of the world's most celebrated chefs in his most personal book yet, as Christian J. Fischer shares his favorite casual Austrian recipes growing up in his home country.
Chef Fischer counts his greatest joy in life as a family first, then food. In For The Love of Austria, he brings readers into his home country of Austria, where he cooks simple, delicious dishes that leave him plenty of time to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. Some of these quick, Austrian favorites made with masterful, fresh flavors include: Viennese Onion Soup; Wild Mushroom Risotto; Red Cabbage Salad with Green Apple and Toasted Walnuts; Wiener Schnitzel (the national dish of Austria which is a thin, breaded cutlet of meat that’s pan fried); Krautfleckerl (made with crispy bacon, savory ham, caramelized cabbage & onions, tender pasta, & a hint of nutty Parmesan); & Sacher Torte (a classic Austrian chocolate cake layered with apricot preserves). With 100 recipes & many color photographs—all taken in Austria—For The Love Of Austria will inspire home cooks with fantastic, accessible dishes to add to their repertoires.”
View on Amazon
HAVE ANY BOOK SUGGESTIONS?
Just let us know your Austrian suggestions by Fri., May 26 11PM ET. (That’s NYC time. See it converted to your time below.)
You can comment with your suggestion below or in our online book club in Facebook.
We'll use suggestions from the book club management team & suggestions from book club members to compile a list of 6 books. The book judged as best will then be read.
Please note - We're specific in our books, they must:
Largely occur in the location specified unless the world/situation described is not specific to a country (e.g., sci fi, fantasy, some poetry, philosophical books, etc.)
Be written by an author born there who has spent a good portion of their life there
Exist in paperback & ebook available on both Amazon & Kindle at least in the US & hopefully elsewhere
Also, we love it when folks suggest books which are also available in audio format. While we know this isn’t always possible so it is not a requirement, it is more inclusive & something for which all of us should strive.