blog

Notes on books and travel.

Crime Fashion, Jollof Rice, Bridgerton Locales, Hogmanay & More: Endnotes 01 January
Crime Fashion, Jollof Rice, Bridgerton Locales, Hogmanay & More: Endnotes 01 January
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a challenging literary quiz, a daring photography feat, new Agatha Christie documentaries, Pierre Cardin's vision, and more.
Ring in the New Year at a Glamorous Costume Party with 'The Snow Ball'
Ring in the New Year at a Glamorous Costume Party with 'The Snow Ball'
This slim novel is a scintillating, titillating celebration of the breathlessness, devil-may-care sensibility, and desperate optimism of New Year's Eve. Put on a mile-high wig, grab a mask, and prepare to be seduced.
Our 11 Most Popular Blog Posts of the Notable Year That Was 2020
Our 11 Most Popular Blog Posts of the Notable Year That Was 2020
It's always enlightening to look back on the year that was to see which posts got the most reads and shares. As usual, the list of our top posts of 2020 is full of surprises: Edward Gorey! Devil's Bible! Manor Houses!
Two Beautiful Christmas Poems to Make Your Day Merry and Bright
Two Beautiful Christmas Poems to Make Your Day Merry and Bright
We're wearing red sweaters, drinking eggnog, eating cookies, and generally making merry because it not now, when?! And amidst all the noshing and noel-ing, we want to share two sweet poems that celebrate the season.
Riding the Rails from Keighley to Haworth on a Vintage Steam Train
Riding the Rails from Keighley to Haworth on a Vintage Steam Train
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a heritage railway that runs through Brontë country from Keighley to Haworth to Oxenhope, passing through lush, green countryside under the watchful eye of sweet-faced sheep.
Treat Yourself to a Virtual Ride Aboard Some of the World's Most Luxurious Trains
Treat Yourself to a Virtual Ride Aboard Some of the World's Most Luxurious Trains
Train travel is the best travel, and these luxury trains prove it! From Canada to Japan, Europe to Peru, and beyond, here are some of the poshest cars on the rails, chugging through the world's most beautiful scenery.
SSoP Podcast: A Mini-Episode to Wish You Holiday Cheer and a Happy New Year
SSoP Podcast: A Mini-Episode to Wish You Holiday Cheer and a Happy New Year
In this mini-episode, we talk about traditions from around the world that we've added to our own holiday celebrations, including cookies, pubs, potato salad, and the Icelandic Book Flood, then we share a Yule poem.
Finnish Reindeer, US-vs-UK Covers, a New Phryne Fisher & More: Endnotes 18 December
Finnish Reindeer, US-vs-UK Covers, a New Phryne Fisher & More: Endnotes 18 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got an Orient Express pop-up exhibit, a new museum podcast, Hercule Poirot's Christmas, 13 unusual holiday traditions, and more.
Romp Through Russian Folklore and History with a Fiery Heroine in 'Deathless'
Romp Through Russian Folklore and History with a Fiery Heroine in 'Deathless'
This beautifully odd novel is not a holiday story, but it's perfect for this time of year. A mashup of Russian folklore, fantasy, and history, it features a cast of unforgettable characters led by our heroine Marya.
Homemade English Muffins Inspired by the Novel 'The Dining Car'
Homemade English Muffins Inspired by the Novel 'The Dining Car'
Forget everything you know about English muffins. These homemade muffins are yeasty, light, and riddled with oh-so-irresistible nooks and crannies. And bonus: They're super-easy to make. Break out the butter and jam!
SSoP Podcast Ep. 21 — Trains: Better Than Planes and Cars. Fight Me.
SSoP Podcast Ep. 21 — Trains: Better Than Planes and Cars. Fight Me.
All aboard for a fascinating virtual journey on train tracks. In this episode, we explore train history and proclaim trains the best mode of transportation, then we share books we love that put us right on the rails.
Bergen Norway, Reading Beowulf, Krampus, Gingerbread & More: Endnotes 11 December
Bergen Norway, Reading Beowulf, Krampus, Gingerbread & More: Endnotes 11 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got the Bermuda Triangle legend, favorite dishes and desserts from around the world, the homes in Sherlock's mysteries, and more.
Meet the Dignified and Heartbroken Hero of the Novel 'Last Night at the Lobster'
Meet the Dignified and Heartbroken Hero of the Novel 'Last Night at the Lobster'
It's just four days until Christmas, and it's Manny's last night working at the Red Lobster that's the center of his life. This quiet story is vast in its emotional scope and sense of place — sweet, sad, and dignified.
Peruvian Lomo Saltado Inspired by the Memoir 'Turn Right at Machu Picchu'
Peruvian Lomo Saltado Inspired by the Memoir 'Turn Right at Machu Picchu'
The stir-fry dish known as Lomo Saltado is the perfect representation of Peru's fusion cuisine where East meets West, a flavorful, savory recipe that combines Peruvian chile peppers and pisco with Chinese soy sauce.
It's the 2020 Strong Sense of Place 'Get Merry' Christmas Goodies Post
It's the 2020 Strong Sense of Place 'Get Merry' Christmas Goodies Post
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring... except the book lovers hoping to find a comfy chair, a cozy and compelling read, a cup of hot cocoa, and a plate of cookies.
8 Instagrammers That Capture the Mystical Beauty and Luscious Food of Peru
8 Instagrammers That Capture the Mystical Beauty and Luscious Food of Peru
Feast your eyes on Peru's colorful, vibrant fusion cuisine and the mind-boggling beauty of its scenery. From Pacific beaches to the tippy-top of the Andean mountains, Peru is a destination to fuel your imagination.
Icelandic Horses, Best Food Books, Literary London, New Scrooge & More: Endnotes 04 December
Icelandic Horses, Best Food Books, Literary London, New Scrooge & More: Endnotes 04 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got illuminated manuscripts, the etymology of wuthering, amazing trompe l'oeil, a foodie comic, a Murakami playlist, and more.
6 Great Books Set in Peru That We Love
6 Great Books Set in Peru That We Love
Dare you to not be enchanted by all that Peru has to offer. Friendly people, Incan ruins perched on mist-shrouded mountaintops, irresistible fusion cuisine, beaches and jungles and colonial architecture. And llamas.
Visit 1703 London and Be Dazzled by the Artifacts in 'The Cabinets of Barnaby Mayne'
Visit 1703 London and Be Dazzled by the Artifacts in 'The Cabinets of Barnaby Mayne'
Escape to 18th-century London and meet Cecily, our intrepid heroine who's curious about the world of botany and solving a murder in equal measure. Yes, she's a bit of a troublemaker, in the very best, charming way.
Snack Like a Peruvian with Crispy Andean Popcorn and a Smooth Pisco Sour
Snack Like a Peruvian with Crispy Andean Popcorn and a Smooth Pisco Sour
Forget corn chips and margaritas! We're about to upgrade your snack time with irresistibly crunchy-salty corn from Peru, washed down with a tangy, zingy pisco sour. This is snacking, Peruvian-style. Cheers to you!
SSoP Podcast Ep. 20 — Peru: Andes Adventures, Fusion Food, and Piles of Gold
SSoP Podcast Ep. 20 — Peru: Andes Adventures, Fusion Food, and Piles of Gold
With adorable alpacas, astonishing Inca ruins, and irresistible cuisine, Peru is a wonderland for travelers. In this episode, we dig into history and culture, then recommend great books for your armchair travel.
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.