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Notes on books and travel.

SSoP Podcast Episode 08 — Russia: Revolution, Hope, and Vodka
SSoP Podcast Episode 08 — Russia: Revolution, Hope, and Vodka
From its landscape and architecture to revolutions and historical figures, everything about Russia seems larger-than-life. In this episode, we discuss five great reads that transported us to Russia, past and present.
Giant Pandas, Why Read Fiction, Earl Grey, Magical Treehouses & More: Endnotes 13 March
Giant Pandas, Why Read Fiction, Earl Grey, Magical Treehouses & More: Endnotes 13 March
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got bawdy royal scandals, inspiring travel journals, a journey on the Silk Road, how to get away with (fictional) murder, and more.
It's Moxie, Mayhem, and Murder in Victorian London with 'A Murderous Relation'
It's Moxie, Mayhem, and Murder in Victorian London with 'A Murderous Relation'
London, 1888. So posh, polite, and perilous. Go undercover with Veronica Speedwell and her partner Stoker as they try to avert royal embarrassment, dodge flying bullets, thwart Jack the Ripper, and flirt up a storm.
6 Books That Will Transport You to the Deserts and Medinas of Morocco
6 Books That Will Transport You to the Deserts and Medinas of Morocco
Have you ever daydreamed about riding a camel across the Sahara with the wind in your hair? Or strolling through the market in the old town of Marrakech? These six books will take you there asap, no passport required.
Milan Canals, 1-Sheet Zines, Mobile Libraries, Map Secrets & More: Endnotes 06 March
Milan Canals, 1-Sheet Zines, Mobile Libraries, Map Secrets & More: Endnotes 06 March
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got intrepid heroines of classic lit, oral storytelling around the world, overhead bin rage, grocery store tourism, and more.
Gaze on the Arno and Visit the Italian Countryside with the novel 'A Room with a View'
Gaze on the Arno and Visit the Italian Countryside with the novel 'A Room with a View'
This weekend, we recommend a getaway to the warm sunshine and stunning sights of Florence with Lucy Honeychurch, a heroine who would take the world by storm, if she could only get out of her 19th-century muddle.
Moroccan El Minzah Orange Salad Inspired by the Novel 'Tangerine'
Moroccan El Minzah Orange Salad Inspired by the Novel 'Tangerine'
This colorful salad combines sweet oranges, cool fennel and mint, and salty olives for a taste that's bold and a little exotic. It's a tribute to 'Tangerine,' a taut noir thriller set in 1950s Tangier, Morocco.
The Intricate Design and Moroccan Tradition of Henna Tattoos
The Intricate Design and Moroccan Tradition of Henna Tattoos
For centuries, women have been adorning their bodies with delicate, colorful henna tattoos to mark significant events in their lives. We take a look at the origin of this art and share tips for you to try it yourself.
SSoP Podcast Episode 07 — Morocco: Couscous, Camels, and the Kasbah
SSoP Podcast Episode 07 — Morocco: Couscous, Camels, and the Kasbah
The breathtaking scenery and raucous markets of Morocco can seem like something conjured from a dream. In this episode, we share the books that transported us to this special place and talk Moroccan food with MarocMama.
Tea in Lit, International Lipreading, Drawing Room Drama & More: Endnotes 28 February
Tea in Lit, International Lipreading, Drawing Room Drama & More: Endnotes 28 February
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got the history of the drawing room, the scoop on jet lag, underwater photography, books Erik Larson loves, Taco Bell poetry, and more.
Explore the Tropical Jungle and Try Not to Get Chomped with 'Jurassic Park'
Explore the Tropical Jungle and Try Not to Get Chomped with 'Jurassic Park'
This weekend, we recommend a getaway to the lush landscape of Costa Rica: glorious sunshine, azure-blue water, and dazzling foliage. Pay no attention to the many ravenous, angry dinosaurs roaming the jungle.
The Delightful and Diabolical World of Edward Gorey
The Delightful and Diabolical World of Edward Gorey
In honor of what would have been American artist Edward Gorey's 95th birthday, we invite you to creep into his gleefully macabre world of Victorian manor houses, elegant characters, with plenty of murder and mayhem.
Novels in Translation, Nevada Road Trips, Nautical Terms & More: Endnotes 21 February
Novels in Translation, Nevada Road Trips, Nautical Terms & More: Endnotes 21 February
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got the Phyrne Fisher movie, mid-century Gothic novels, Miss Havisham, Indian root bridges, the downside of solo travel, and more.
Walk on the Beach and Confront Your Fears with Stephen King's 'Joyland'
Walk on the Beach and Confront Your Fears with Stephen King's 'Joyland'
This story has the ideal elements for a King horror tale — a creepy carny, a haunted ride, a fortune teller, and an unsolved murder — it's really a coming-of-age story that captures that breathless ache of summer.
Sing a Song of the Sailor: Everything You Need to Know About Sea Shanties
Sing a Song of the Sailor: Everything You Need to Know About Sea Shanties
Once you've heard a crew singing 'Roll the Old Chariot,' you'll not forget it. Sea shanties are infectious — and they served an important function aboard ship. We've got the backstory on this charming nautical art form.
A Classic Tom Collins Cocktail Inspired by 'The Last Cruise'
A Classic Tom Collins Cocktail Inspired by 'The Last Cruise'
The Tom Collins is the ultimate highball, a combo of gin, simple syrup, lemon, and bubbly water. This classic is effervescent and refreshing — the ideal go-along for a literary thriller set on a retro luxury liner.
Chart a Course for Adventure: 8 Thrilling Books Set on the Sea
Chart a Course for Adventure: 8 Thrilling Books Set on the Sea
It's anchors aweigh on these literary voyages that promise excitement of both the physical and emotional variety. You'll meet a lady pirate, a WWII freighter captain, the passengers of a luxury liner, Ishmael, and more.
SSoP Podcast Episode 06 — The Sea: Tales of Poets and Pirates
SSoP Podcast Episode 06 — The Sea: Tales of Poets and Pirates
From a luxury cruise to battered warships and open seas to exotic ports, the ocean is a compelling setting for stories of big adventure, quiet moments, human vs. nature, and the drama sparked by close quarters aboard ship.
The Librarian-Spy, Chocolate Sorcery, Miami Beach Colors & More: Endnotes 14 February
The Librarian-Spy, Chocolate Sorcery, Miami Beach Colors & More: Endnotes 14 February
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a global landmarks quiz, the logic of spoken English, delightful old book illustrations, high-stakes hotel security, and more.
Take a World Tour (and Fall in Love) with a Charming Author in the Novel 'Less'
Take a World Tour (and Fall in Love) with a Charming Author in the Novel 'Less'
Arthur Less is a medium-successful author with an OK life. But he's turning 50, his ex-boyfriend's in love — and Arthur is invited to the wedding. He does the only reasonable thing: he takes a trip around the world.
Wigtown Postcards: What It's Like to Run a Bookshop in Scotland's National Book Town
Wigtown Postcards: What It's Like to Run a Bookshop in Scotland's National Book Town
It's a readers' paradise: buttery scones and shortbread and tea, a windy landscape with the scent of the sea, and bookshops. Oh, the bookshops! Every genre, new and used, and a bookstore cat. What else could you need?
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