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Notes on books and travel.

SSoP Podcast Episode 32 — Greece: Gyros, Heroes, Philosophy, and Phyllo
SSoP Podcast Episode 32 — Greece: Gyros, Heroes, Philosophy, and Phyllo
There's almost too much to love about Greece. Fascinating history that changed Western civilization? Yes. Enchanting beaches and crystal blue water? Check. Amazing food, music, and art, to feed your soul? Definitely.
Prague, Best Graphic Lit, Newsletter Boom, Ice Sculptures & More: Endnotes 17 December
Prague, Best Graphic Lit, Newsletter Boom, Ice Sculptures & More: Endnotes 17 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a bunch of adorable penguins, the true story of 'The Lottery,' Q&A with 7 literary translators, famous architecture, and more.
Sugared Cranberries Inspired by the Charming Christmas Mystery 'The Dead of Winter'
Sugared Cranberries Inspired by the Charming Christmas Mystery 'The Dead of Winter'
Nothing says 'holiday revelry' like the tangy flavor of cranberries and a little bit of murder under the Christmas tree. Snuggle up with this charming homage to golden-age crime novels and berry delicious recipe.
Norwegian Xmas, Mythical Creatures, Snowball Art, Reindeer & More: Endnotes 10 December
Norwegian Xmas, Mythical Creatures, Snowball Art, Reindeer & More: Endnotes 10 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got the int'l phonetic alphabet, Christmas movie locations you can visit, Rochester's Garbage Plate, Dali holiday cards, and more.
Coming-of-Age in Modern Russia and Small-Town Louisiana with 'Lights All Night Long'
Coming-of-Age in Modern Russia and Small-Town Louisiana with 'Lights All Night Long'
The theme of brotherhood looms large in Russian literature. This murder-mystery mashed-up with a coming-of-age has vividly rendered settings in Russia and Louisiana — a gripping thriller with a bedrock of emotion.
Forest Mushroom Soup Inspired by the Novel 'The Bear and the Nightingale'
Forest Mushroom Soup Inspired by the Novel 'The Bear and the Nightingale'
You don't have to be tucked inside a fairy tale house in a dark forest to enjoy this hearty, garlicky mushroom soup — but it's fun to pretend. Let the snow fall. Let the ghosts romp. Just sip your soup and enjoy.
The Sweet Poignancy and Optimism of Robert Frost's Poem 'Birches'
The Sweet Poignancy and Optimism of Robert Frost's Poem 'Birches'
In this free verse poem from 1914, Robert Frost takes us into the birch forests of New England — to marvel at the way the branches bend but don't break, to appreciate climbing and swinging free above the Earth.
Hannukkah, NPR Best Books, Em-Dash Love, Glacier Express Train & More: Endnotes 03 December
Hannukkah, NPR Best Books, Em-Dash Love, Glacier Express Train & More: Endnotes 03 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a Q&A with Louise Erdrich, whimsical surrealist illustrations, the Wordle game, Jane Austen lectures from Cambridge, and more.
Go on the Hunt for a Killer in the Swedish Forest in the Twisty Thriller 'Dark Pines'
Go on the Hunt for a Killer in the Swedish Forest in the Twisty Thriller 'Dark Pines'
Our heroine Tuva could break up her workday as a reporter by celebrating fika, the Swedish coffee break built around pastries and good friends. Instead, she goes tromping in the woods after a serial killer. Oh, Tuva!'
Sweet and Salty Grain-Free Granola Inspired by 'The True Story of Hansel and Gretel'
Sweet and Salty Grain-Free Granola Inspired by 'The True Story of Hansel and Gretel'
Yes, you could forage for nuts and berries in the woods. Or, instead, you might whip up a batch of this homemade granola and take that on your next hike. It's sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, and eminently shareable.
Visit a Beautiful Forest in the Poem 'The Way Through the Woods' by Rudyard Kipling
Visit a Beautiful Forest in the Poem 'The Way Through the Woods' by Rudyard Kipling
In this short but powerful poem from 1910, Rudyard Kipling takes us on a walk through a forest populated with badgers and otters and doves. There is misty solitude and cool night air. Go, take a walk in the woods.
SSoP Podcast Episode 31 — The Forest: Meet a Witch, Climb a Tree
SSoP Podcast Episode 31 — The Forest: Meet a Witch, Climb a Tree
Oh! A walk in the woods! There are berries to eat and trees to climb. You could catch a glimpse of a fuzzy rabbit or a majestic stag. You might also run afoul of a witch, be chased by a bear, or get lost forever.
Border Collies, a New Library Pod, Stroopwafels, Santa History & More: Endnotes 26 November
Border Collies, a New Library Pod, Stroopwafels, Santa History & More: Endnotes 26 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got an anti-ableist glossary, Maurice Sendak's identity, holiday Hershey candy, the Library of Congress Cooking Club, and more.
Central Park, Christmas Markets, 24 Book Genres, Perfect Gravy & More: Endnotes 19 November
Central Park, Christmas Markets, 24 Book Genres, Perfect Gravy & More: Endnotes 19 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Goodreads Best Books voting, the history of small talk, Christmas murder mysteries, behind-the-scenes at a museum, and more.
Get Lost in the Pulitzer Prize-Winning American Classic 'So Big' by Edna Ferber
Get Lost in the Pulitzer Prize-Winning American Classic 'So Big' by Edna Ferber
The plot points of this epic American novel can be quite sad, but the experience of reading it is a life-affirming one, mostly because our heroine Selina Peake — hardy farmer, believer in beauty — will not be daunted.
Egyptian Ful Medames Inspired by the Novel 'The Last Watchman of Old Cairo'
Egyptian Ful Medames Inspired by the Novel 'The Last Watchman of Old Cairo'
Shake up your breakfast routine with this savory, comforting recipe from ancient Egypt. Tender fava beans are simmered with fragrant cumin, then dressed up with colorful additions and warm, yeasty pita on the side.
10 Inspiring Instagram Accounts That Will Make You Want To Visit Egypt Right Now
10 Inspiring Instagram Accounts That Will Make You Want To Visit Egypt Right Now
Indulge in travel inspiration to explore Egypt, past and present: the colorful urban landscapes of Cairo and Alexandra, ancient ruins amid caramel-colored sand, glowing golden antiquities and gem-encrusted jewels.
Golden Monkeys, Great Audiobooks, Columbo, Faberge Eggs & More: Endnotes 12 November
Golden Monkeys, Great Audiobooks, Columbo, Faberge Eggs & More: Endnotes 12 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got short stories about a 6-foot baguette, a fall reading horoscope, new UNESCO gastronomy cities, amazing street art, and more.
It's Gourmet Food and Danger in the Desert with Eric Peterson's 'Sunshine Chief'
It's Gourmet Food and Danger in the Desert with Eric Peterson's 'Sunshine Chief'
What's tastier than a twisty murder mystery set in the world of gourmet cuisine? This lighthearted cozy features an endearing found family, sunny desert scenery, vintage train cars, and lots of ice-cold bubbly.
6 Great Books Set in Egypt That We Love
6 Great Books Set in Egypt That We Love
Take a virtual trip to Egypt with a fantasy about the djinn, a guide to ancient Egyptian antiquities, a novel about sisters navigating the Arab Spring, and two fictional approaches to history that cast a spell.
Egyptian Koshari Inspired by the Novel 'A Pure Heart' by Rajia Hassib
Egyptian Koshari Inspired by the Novel 'A Pure Heart' by Rajia Hassib
Street food is the best food; we won't be convinced otherwise. With this recipe, you can bring koshari — a.k.a., amazing Egyptian street food, into your kitchen. Carby goodness, spicy tomato sauce, fried onions... YES.
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