blog

Notes on books and travel.

What is Going on at the Eerie Blackwood School in the YA Classic 'Down a Dark Hall'?!
What is Going on at the Eerie Blackwood School in the YA Classic 'Down a Dark Hall'?!
An isolated school, a frustrated and misunderstood teenager, a rash of unsettling and inexplicable experiences. This novel from Louis Duncan, the queen of YA horror, is a timely, thrilling tale for readers of any age.
A Colorful Moroccan Salad Platter Inspired by the Crime Novel 'The Godmother'
A Colorful Moroccan Salad Platter Inspired by the Crime Novel 'The Godmother'
Look, if you're a strong woman ready to step into a man's world like our heroine Patience, you're gonna need to eat your veggies. These vibrant recipes from North Africa make getting vitamins and minerals a treat.
13 Must-Read Books If You Wish You Were in Paris Right Now
13 Must-Read Books If You Wish You Were in Paris Right Now
We've said it before, but it bears repeating: Paris is always a good idea. That's why we're recommending 13 books that are like a magic portal to Paris. Wouldn't you enjoy a virtual trip to the city by the Seine?
The Historic Librairie Galignani is our Favorite English-Language Bookshop in Paris
The Historic Librairie Galignani is our Favorite English-Language Bookshop in Paris
This landmark bookshop, run by the Galignani family since 1801, has a colorful history. After you take in the fine art at the Louvre, visit Librairie Galignani to pick up a great book for reading time at the café.
Egypt Oasis, Postcard Stories, Glamping, Travel Guide Love & More: Endnotes 28 August
Egypt Oasis, Postcard Stories, Glamping, Travel Guide Love & More: Endnotes 28 August
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we’ve got why fiction makes good leaders, novels about weather, Darwin200, a 16th-century book ring, 1970s Paris, Sonnet 18, and more.
Enjoy a Sinister, Sun-drenched Holiday in the South of France with 'The Vacation'
Enjoy a Sinister, Sun-drenched Holiday in the South of France with 'The Vacation'
It's one last blast of summer with this twisty novel of a perfect French holiday gone horribly, delightfully wrong. You'll feel the relentless sunshine glint on the pages as you careen to the very satisfying ending.
Eating Our Way Through Paris, Plus a Recipe for a French Potato Chip & Chive Omelet
Eating Our Way Through Paris, Plus a Recipe for a French Potato Chip & Chive Omelet
This is a love letter to the unforgettable meals we've eaten in Paris — and we share a recipe for a dish that perfectly captures the high-low spirit of French cuisine. Great ingredients + imagination = pure pleasure.
9 Must-Follow Instagram Accounts That Will Transport You To Paris
9 Must-Follow Instagram Accounts That Will Transport You To Paris
These Instagrammers go beyond the typical postcard shots to share the extraordinary and everyday happenings in Paris. From cafés in the rain to sun shining on the Seine, you'll be transported there in an instant.
SSoP Podcast Episode 13 — Paris: It's Always a Good Idea
SSoP Podcast Episode 13 — Paris: It's Always a Good Idea
In this new episode of our podcast, we make our case for why we so strongly believe that Paris is always a good idea. A few hints: Eiffel Tower, walks by the Seine, fresh-from-the-oven baguettes, and oh, yeah! culture.
Homes in Classic Lit, Venice, Library Heist, '50s Air Travel & More: Endnotes 21 August
Homes in Classic Lit, Venice, Library Heist, '50s Air Travel & More: Endnotes 21 August
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got book fountains, the pleasure of re-reading, weird tourist attractions, fancy Malaysian cakes, a new word-nerd podcast & more.
Spurn Convention and Solve a Mystery with the Brontë Sisters in 'The Vanished Bride'
Spurn Convention and Solve a Mystery with the Brontë Sisters in 'The Vanished Bride'
Imagine a world where the Brontë sisters take a break from writing their groundbreaking novels and set out across the moors to solve a murder mystery. Then rejoice, because author Bella Ellis has created that world.
The Strong Sense of Place Podcast: Season Two Launches 24 August
The Strong Sense of Place Podcast: Season Two Launches 24 August
There's just one week until we all get to take a virtual trip to Paris together. Get ready for talk of baguettes, dramatic history, and so many great books. Until then, check out the rest of the stops in Season 2.
Seven Gothic Signs, Private Libraries, Vintage Suspended Train & More: Endnotes 14 August
Seven Gothic Signs, Private Libraries, Vintage Suspended Train & More: Endnotes 14 August
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got American towns that feel European, Accidentally Wes Anderson, stretches for readers, competition for the Eiffel Tower & more.
It's a Glam and Deadly Caper in Cabo San Lucas with 'Fields' Guide to Abduction'
It's a Glam and Deadly Caper in Cabo San Lucas with 'Fields' Guide to Abduction'
Poppy Fields thought her trip to Mexico would be the break she needs to heal her broken heart. Sunshine and cocktails: What could go wrong? But Poppy finds more trouble than she bargained for on the beaches of Baja.
8 Novels Set in Private Schools That Will Make You Glad You're a Grownup
8 Novels Set in Private Schools That Will Make You Glad You're a Grownup
Private schools can be like a psychology experiment about what happens when you jam x-number of kids into an enclosed environment and crank up the stress. It's agony for the characters, and such good fun for us.
Japanese Pizza Toast, Authors' Homes, How Books Got Cheap & More: Endnotes 07 August
Japanese Pizza Toast, Authors' Homes, How Books Got Cheap & More: Endnotes 07 August
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got the joy of estivating, Erin Morgenstern's book recs, Mexican cookbooks, behind the scenes at '70s Zoom, bookshop magic & more.
Run Away to a Small College Town with the Romantic Dramedy 'The Way Men Act'
Run Away to a Small College Town with the Romantic Dramedy 'The Way Men Act'
What's a former popular girl supposed to do when she doesn't conquer the world as she planned? Our heroine Melinda LeBlanc heads back to her hometown of Harrow to lick her wounds, regroup, and give it another go.
14 Inspiring and Imaginative Instagram Accounts to Take You Around the World
14 Inspiring and Imaginative Instagram Accounts to Take You Around the World
It's never a bad time to gaze on beautiful historical libraries, unusual bookshops, archival photos, or travel pics that transport you to somewhere else in an instant. These Instagram accounts inspire our imaginations.
Vintage Library Pics, the Agatha Christie of Mexico, Staycationing & More: Endnotes 31 July
Vintage Library Pics, the Agatha Christie of Mexico, Staycationing & More: Endnotes 31 July
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got an interview with Lee Child, buildings shaped like food, travel books by authors of color, amazing movie theaters, and more.
Take a Road Trip to Wyoming & Montana to Solve a Thrilling Cold Case with 'Celine'
Take a Road Trip to Wyoming & Montana to Solve a Thrilling Cold Case with 'Celine'
This page-turning novel features two unforgettable heroines and a taut cold case — plus family secrets, crushing tragedy, and a clarion call for hope — set against the majestic landscape of Yellowstone National Park.
Let's Take a Virtual Walk in Colorful Garden Displays Around the World
Let's Take a Virtual Walk in Colorful Garden Displays Around the World
Whether it's formal French-style, a wild-and-wooly English garden, or something else all-together, a botanical garden is a lovely place to take a stroll, have a sit, look at the clouds, or get lost in a great book.
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.