blog

Notes on books and travel.

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.
SSoP Podcast Episode 30 — Egypt: Ancient Antiquities, Fiery Djinn, and the Lure of the Nile
SSoP Podcast Episode 30 — Egypt: Ancient Antiquities, Fiery Djinn, and the Lure of the Nile
There's plenty to unearth when you get curious about Egypt: the pharaohs and their Great Pyramids, the majestic Nile river, secrets buried under the sands of time. In our show, we explore all of that and more.
Cartagena, Literary Burns, Svalbard Sunset, Em-Dash Love & More: Endnotes 05 November
Cartagena, Literary Burns, Svalbard Sunset, Em-Dash Love & More: Endnotes 05 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got foodie manga, armchair vs. IRL travel, bots reading audiobooks, the tasty history of baklava, Simon Le Bon on travel, and more.
Enjoy a Spoof of Gothic Tropes with Jane Austen's 'Northanger Abbey'
Enjoy a Spoof of Gothic Tropes with Jane Austen's 'Northanger Abbey'
Sure, you could read a novel that takes the Gothic tropes seriously: shadowy manor house, unexplained bumps in the night, dark-as-pitch family secrets. Or you can revel in Austen's tongue-in-cheek approach instead.
Easy Five-Ingredient Stovetop Naan Inspired by 'The Dressmaker of Khair Khana'
Easy Five-Ingredient Stovetop Naan Inspired by 'The Dressmaker of Khair Khana'
Bread is often more than food. Yes, it's physical sustenance. But it can also be a symbol of comfort, prosperity, or warm hospitality — we literally break bread with others to connect and form bonds of friendship.
A Powerful, Evocative Poem: 'But Not an Afghan Woman' by Roya
A Powerful, Evocative Poem: 'But Not an Afghan Woman' by Roya
This work by Afghan poet Roya cuts to the bone with sharp imagery and four simple words: Not an Afghan woman. It's a plea and a protest and — most of all — an assertion of self-worth that shouts in quiet phrases.
Halloween Treats, Old English Insults, Hans Holbein & More: Endnotes 29 October
Halloween Treats, Old English Insults, Hans Holbein & More: Endnotes 29 October
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Wes Anderson films ranked, the origin of 'a dark and story night,' an island where walrus sing, Moby Dick Big Read, and more.
Ride the Rails in the Canadian Rockies with the Dick Francis Mystery 'The Edge'
Ride the Rails in the Canadian Rockies with the Dick Francis Mystery 'The Edge'
This mystery novel is the perfect entry into the works of beloved author Dick Francis: a salt-of-the-earth hero, a deliciously dastardly villain, the thrill of horse racing, a touch of romance, and grand adventure.
SSoP Podcast Episode 29 — Afghanistan: Poppies, Tribalism, and the Taliban
SSoP Podcast Episode 29 — Afghanistan: Poppies, Tribalism, and the Taliban
We usually focus our show on destinations you'd like to visit. Afghanistan is likely not one of those places. But with the withdrawal of the US military, now is a good time to be empathetic and curious about Afghans.
our mission

Strong Sense of Place is a website and podcast dedicated to literary travel and books we love. Reading good books increases empathy. Empathy is good for all of us and the amazing world we inhabit.

our patreon

Strong Sense of Place is a listener-supported podcast. If you like the work we do, you can help make it happen by joining our Patreon! That'll unlock bonus content for you, too — including Mel's secret book reviews and Dave's behind-the-scenes notes for the latest Two Truths and a Lie.

get our newsletter

Join our Substack to get our FREE newsletter with podcast updates and behind-the-scenes info — and join in fun chats about books and travel with other lovely readers.

no spoilers. ever.

We'll share enough detail to help you decide if a book is for you, but we'll never ruin plot twists or give away the ending.

super-cool reading fun
reading atlas

This 30-page Reading Atlas takes you around the world with dozens of excellent books and gorgeous travel photos. Get your free copy when you subscribe to our newsletter.

get our newsletter
Sign up for our free Substack!
follow us

Content on this site is ©2024 by Smudge Publishing, unless otherwise noted. Peace be with you, person who reads the small type.