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Notes on books and travel.

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.
Colorado Wilderness, Foodie Books, Iranian Poetry, Automats & More: Endnotes 27 November
Colorado Wilderness, Foodie Books, Iranian Poetry, Automats & More: Endnotes 27 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got why Lagos might be a must-visit, a look at Mary Wollstonecraft, Russia's Road of Bones, the benefits of board games, and more.
Two Dramatically and Delightfully Different Stories to Celebrate Thanksgiving
Two Dramatically and Delightfully Different Stories to Celebrate Thanksgiving
Readers' choice: A charming story about the joy and disaster of family togetherness — or a spooky novel about Thanksgiving weekend in an empty dorm with a Ouija board and group of misfits. Both are tasty options.
Nigerian Jollof Rice and Fried Plantains Inspired by the Novel 'Butter Honey Pig Bread'
Nigerian Jollof Rice and Fried Plantains Inspired by the Novel 'Butter Honey Pig Bread'
Jollof rice is a delicious staple of Nigerian cuisine. Seasoned with tomatoes, red pepper, and chiles, it's simultaneously spicy, sweet, complex, and comforting — much like the heroines of 'Butter Honey Pig Bread.'
5 Books Set in Nigeria That We Love
5 Books Set in Nigeria That We Love
Although Nigeria and its capital (mega)city of Lagos seem like the ideal place for more extroverted travelers, the books set in this West African country tell gripping, moving stories of humanity, hope, and family.
13 Instagrammers That Showcase the Food, Fashion, Fun, and Culture of Nigeria
13 Instagrammers That Showcase the Food, Fashion, Fun, and Culture of Nigeria
The energy of Nigeria is infectious and undeniable. It's a long way to travel IRL, but you can take a virtual trip to its street markets, fashion shows, and book clubs in Lagos and beyond via these stunning photos.
Dark Hedges, Flash Fiction, Victorian Slang, Bookshop Love & More: Endnotes 20 November
Dark Hedges, Flash Fiction, Victorian Slang, Bookshop Love & More: Endnotes 20 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a touching graphic novel, Peruvian soul food, classic cocktails, Irish libraries, posh locations from 'The Crown,' and more.
Visit 1899 NYC for an Unusual & Tender Immigrant Story in 'The Golem and the Jinni'
Visit 1899 NYC for an Unusual & Tender Immigrant Story in 'The Golem and the Jinni'
This weekend, escape to turn-of-the-century New York and meet two unlikely new friends: a Jewish golem from Poland and an Arab jin from Egypt. Their history divides them; their adventures will bring them together.
Nigerian Suya Inspired by the Memoir 'Looking for Transwonderland'
Nigerian Suya Inspired by the Memoir 'Looking for Transwonderland'
Fact: Meat-on-a-stick is always the best meat. In Nigeria, skewered meat is called suya. Seasoned with garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and peanuts, it's street food you can make at home.
Two Lyrical and Moving Poems From Nigerian Poets That Will Change Your Outlook
Two Lyrical and Moving Poems From Nigerian Poets That Will Change Your Outlook
Poetry can cut to the heart of an issue like no other art form. It's both personal and universal, a way to shine a light on issues and how we relate to each other. Here are two works from Nigerian poets that we love.
SSoP Podcast Ep. 19 — Nigeria: Jollof Rice, Nigerian Pidgin, and So Much Hustle
SSoP Podcast Ep. 19 — Nigeria: Jollof Rice, Nigerian Pidgin, and So Much Hustle
Nigeria embodies contrasts: colorful tribal culture and the tragedy of slavery, stunning natural beauty and the megacity of Lagos, Christianity and Islam, sweet puff puffs and habanero peppers. One constant: hustle.
Australian Library, Street Cats, Literary Translators & More: Endnotes 13 November
Australian Library, Street Cats, Literary Translators & More: Endnotes 13 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Rebecca filming spots, the Staunch Book Prize, surprising travel facts, the art of noticing, romance novels panel, and more.
Walk the Cobbled Streets and Possibly Haunted Hallways of Brussels in 'Villette'
Walk the Cobbled Streets and Possibly Haunted Hallways of Brussels in 'Villette'
This is a challenging and odd Victorian novel by Charlotte Brontë. But if you invest in it a bit, it will pay you back in spades with atmosphere, vivid descriptions of Brussels, and an ending you'll never forget.
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