December Reading Around the World Challenge: Countries That Start with U, V, W, X, Y, & Z

December Reading Around the World Challenge: Countries That Start with U, V, W, X, Y, & Z

Dec 8, 2025by Susie Kirk

Read Around the World: December Challenge from U to Z

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 December, the prize is a $40 dinner for two at Texas Roadhouse. Entries also count toward the year-end Kindle Paperwhite drawing. 

Entries can be submitted in person at either the Laman or Argenta Library locations, or online at: 
https://nlrlibrary.org/communityresources/readingchallenge 

December’s Theme: Countries That Start with U, V, W, X, Y, & Z 

This month’s challenge includes countries such as the United States, Uruguay, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. These stories explore identity, resilience, culture, and the power of human connection. Here are some recommended reads to help you complete the December challenge: 

Set in the USA, author from USA, available physically and digitally 
A charming and heartfelt novel about love, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Emily Henry weaves humor, emotion, and relatable characters into a story that celebrates the joy and complexity of everyday life. 

Set in the UK, available physically and digitally 
A lyrical and deeply moving historical novel imagining Shakespeare’s son’s life. Through grief, family bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit, O’Farrell delivers a story that is intimate, vivid, and unforgettable. 

Author from Uruguay, available physically 
A darkly funny and inventive exploration of memory, identity, and human desire. Trias crafts a quirky, engaging story that mixes humor and insight, revealing the complexity of human relationships in unexpected ways. 

Author from Vietnam, available physically and digitally 
This Pulitzer Prize-winning political thriller follows a double agent during the Vietnam War. Nguyen delivers a sharp, provocative, and suspenseful story that examines loyalty, identity, and morality with precision and heart. 

Set in Zimbabwe, author from Zimbabwe, available physically and digitally 
An uplifting and poignant story of resilience in the face of adversity. Tavengerwei captures hope, courage, and the power of human connection in a narrative that is both inspiring and deeply moving. 

 


Whether you dive into the humor and heart of an American story, explore the landscapes and history of Uruguay and Vietnam, or connect with Zimbabwean culture, December’s challenge offers something for every reader. Grab a book or film, submit your entry, and experience the joy of discovering new perspectives, voices, and stories from around the world.