blog

Notes on books and travel.

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.
Persian Jeweled Rice Inspired by the Memoir 'Searching for Hassan'
Persian Jeweled Rice Inspired by the Memoir 'Searching for Hassan'
This traditional rice dish is a feast for the eyes, glistening with spice-infused butter and gem-colored fruits. It's a celebration of hope and life and family, a delicious way to bring a taste of Persia to your table.
The Beautiful Words and Rebellious Spirit of Iranian Poet Forugh Farrokhzad
The Beautiful Words and Rebellious Spirit of Iranian Poet Forugh Farrokhzad
Burning with an intelligence and a rebelliousness that couldn't be contained, Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad poured her passion into words that have inspired readers for decades. Fierce, feminist, and gone too soon.
11 Instagrammers That Showcase the Natural Beauty, Architecture, and Culture of Iran
11 Instagrammers That Showcase the Natural Beauty, Architecture, and Culture of Iran
These Instagrammers are busting up stereotypes the rest of the world might have about Iran. City spires, colorful deserts, vibrant food, and striking fashion, these Instagram accounts showcase everyday life in Iran.
Banff Springs Hotel, Bookshop Cats, Galápagos Library & More: Endnotes 06 November
Banff Springs Hotel, Bookshop Cats, Galápagos Library & More: Endnotes 06 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Persian soup, the romance of regional airport diners, colorful Mexico and Estonia, the secret world of diary hunters, and more.
Tokyo is a Sinister Setting for the Twisty Thriller 'The Devotion of Suspect X'
Tokyo is a Sinister Setting for the Twisty Thriller 'The Devotion of Suspect X'
This can't-put-it-down book is an exhilarating cat-and-mouse game. We know who did it! Now we're watching the culprit try to outplay the intelligent detectives who are on his tail. Deliciously, painfully suspenseful.
Persian Kabob Koobideh Inspired by the Novel 'Darius the Great is Not Okay'
Persian Kabob Koobideh Inspired by the Novel 'Darius the Great is Not Okay'
We can all agree that meat on a stick surpasses every other kind of meat. This recipe for Persian kabobs is easy to make and will transport you into the world of Darius, a teenager who's yet to recognize his greatness.
5 Great Books Set in Afghanistan That Deepened Our Understanding
5 Great Books Set in Afghanistan That Deepened Our Understanding
Afghanistan is most likely not at the top of your travel list, but it's a fascinating country that deserves our attention and empathy. Dive into its rich history, stunningly beautiful terrain, and warrior heart.
SSoP Podcast Ep. 18 — Iran: Revolution, Poetry, Storytelling, and Spices
SSoP Podcast Ep. 18 — Iran: Revolution, Poetry, Storytelling, and Spices
Iran, formerly known as Persia, has a turbulent history and a fascinating present. In this episode, we get curious about the culture (food! poetry! storytelling!) and explore the impact of the 1979 Revolution.
Day of the Dead, Literary Destinations, Budapest Inspiration & More: Endnotes 30 October
Day of the Dead, Literary Destinations, Budapest Inspiration & More: Endnotes 30 October
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Jane Austen-related news, a new online comic set in Beirut, a dramatic cliffside hotel in Colombia, Halloween links, and more.
Take the Train to Transylvania to Re-Enact the Romance and Drama of 'Dracula'
Take the Train to Transylvania to Re-Enact the Romance and Drama of 'Dracula'
This weekend, indulge in all things Dracula. Read the novel! Listen to the audio dramatization! Put on the play! Along the way, you'll armchair travel to Romania, Hungary, Whitby, London, and more with a fanged friend.
Pumpkin-Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Inspired by the Novel 'Small Spaces'
Pumpkin-Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Inspired by the Novel 'Small Spaces'
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a rite of passage at Halloween time, and this recipe elevates the seasonal standard to something truly spectacular. The perfect crunchy go-along to this delightfully creepy horror novel.
TripFiction Recommends Books Set in Vienna, Bangkok, Jaipur, Berlin, Florence & More
TripFiction Recommends Books Set in Vienna, Bangkok, Jaipur, Berlin, Florence & More
Tina Hartas founded TripFiction because she knows, as we do, that reading books set in far-flung locales is a lovely way to armchair travel and prep for real-world adventure. Here are her top picks for great books.
6 Short Story Collections That Are Appropriately Eerie for Halloween
6 Short Story Collections That Are Appropriately Eerie for Halloween
These brilliant short story collections are brimming with delightfully eerie tales of ghosts, goblins, demons, witches, vampires, and the other dark things that come to visit us in the nightmare deep of the night.
Père Lachaise, the Real Manderley, Mary Shelley, Postcard Art & More: Endnotes 23 October
Père Lachaise, the Real Manderley, Mary Shelley, Postcard Art & More: Endnotes 23 October
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got writing books by hand, authors' fave destinations, room service love, the art of translation, free horror audiobooks, and more.
Travel to Styria and Be Seduced by the Perilously Alluring 'Carmilla'
Travel to Styria and Be Seduced by the Perilously Alluring 'Carmilla'
Oh, Carmilla! She's beautiful and slinky and, perhaps, not as innocent as she seems. Which makes this vampire story a suspenseful, atmospheric romp through dark bedrooms, chilly drawing rooms, and misty mountains.
Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling Inspired by 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'
Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling Inspired by 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'
In addition to social-climbing tendencies, scarecrow-like appearance, and ability to annoy the dead and undead, Ichabod Crane is also known for gluttony. With a sweet-and-spicy cake like this, who can blame him?!
Speak to the Spirit World with 'Haunted Houses' by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Speak to the Spirit World with 'Haunted Houses' by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The poet's atmospheric poem blurs the divide between memories and haunting. He casts the 'harmless phantoms' — who glide by our sides and sit at our fires — as silent visitors, forging our connection to the beyond.
SSoP Podcast Ep. 17 — Halloween: Costumed Revelry, Voices From Beyond, and YAY, Candy!
SSoP Podcast Ep. 17 — Halloween: Costumed Revelry, Voices From Beyond, and YAY, Candy!
In this episode, we revel in that delicious tingle up the back of the neck, courtesy of the undead, that reminds us we're alive. Plus, candy, bonfires, costumes, and books. SO MANY BOOKS that celebrate Halloween.
Hindu Holymen, Dark Academia, Storytelling Fests, Secret Language & More: Endnotes 16 October
Hindu Holymen, Dark Academia, Storytelling Fests, Secret Language & More: Endnotes 16 October
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got bad bunnies of medieval art, spooky reads, retro water-skiing witches, a forest jukebox, a secret language for crooks, and more.
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.