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Notes on books and travel.

This is What You Need to Know About Mary Kingsbury, the First School Librarian
This is What You Need to Know About Mary Kingsbury, the First School Librarian
Mary Kingsbury was the first professional school librarian in American history. She started as a teacher in Latin, math, geography, and zoology — not bad for a girl who's father thought she didn't need an education.
Eat Like a Popeiian, How to Read a Novel, Railway Dining Cars & More: Endnotes 03 January
Eat Like a Popeiian, How to Read a Novel, Railway Dining Cars & More: Endnotes 03 January
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a crash course on Emily Dickinson, jobs at a Scottish castle, tipping etiquette, the romance of the railroad dining car, and more.
Relax in the Sun and Sand of Cape Cod with 'Isabel's Bed'
Relax in the Sun and Sand of Cape Cod with 'Isabel's Bed'
This weekend, we recommend a getaway to fabulous Cape Cod... playground of the rich, famous, and infamous. You'll stroll on broad beaches, wade in the bracing water, relax in a glass palace — and fall in love.
Mole Meatballs Inspired by 'Like Water for Chocolate'
Mole Meatballs Inspired by 'Like Water for Chocolate'
The pages of 'Like Water for Chocolate' burn with the various ways humans can love each other: passionately, platonically, painfully — and food is a full-fledged character in this lush, satisfying family saga.
8 Novels That Celebrate the Culture and the Beaches of Mexico
8 Novels That Celebrate the Culture and the Beaches of Mexico
Tropical coasts, lush jungles, ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins, majestic colonial architecture, fresh margaritas — Mexico is an inspired background for all kinds of stories about sun, fun, friendship, and family.
7 Literary Toasts to Ring in the New Year
7 Literary Toasts to Ring in the New Year
Raise a glass — or a teacup — to your near and dear at midnight and ring in the new year with these inspiring words from celebrated authors. Wishing you and yours a very happy, healthy year filled with books and adventure.
The Adventuresses’ Club, NYE in Prague, How Books Save Lives & More: Endnotes 27 December
The Adventuresses’ Club, NYE in Prague, How Books Save Lives & More: Endnotes 27 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a Phryne Fisher fan convention, the best places for 2020 travel, fast food around the world, how to be a better reader, and much more.
Ring in the New Year at an Isolated Scottish Lodge with 'The Hunting Party'
Ring in the New Year at an Isolated Scottish Lodge with 'The Hunting Party'
How idyllic! A group of old friends from Oxford gather in a remote hunting lodge in Scotland to relax by the fire, drink bubbly, and reconnect. Then their New Year's Eve celebration goes horribly, fabulously wrong.
Gyoza Meatballs Inspired by 'The Great Passage'
Gyoza Meatballs Inspired by 'The Great Passage'
These tender pork meatballs are packed with umami — like gyoza without the noodle-wrapper. Dig into them while you read this lovely, poignant novel of love, friendship, and the power of words in Japan.
Who Needs a Love Hotel When There's a Book Hotel? Meet Book and Bed Tokyo
Who Needs a Love Hotel When There's a Book Hotel? Meet Book and Bed Tokyo
Pssst... how'd you like to sleep INSIDE a bookshelf?! That's exactly what you'll get to do at Book and Bed Tokyo, a collection of six hostels devoted to reading (and a little bit of sleeping).
Welcome Yule with 'The Shortest Day' by Susan Cooper
Welcome Yule with 'The Shortest Day' by Susan Cooper
The shortest day, the longest night, the transition to deep midwinter — the winter solstice is a powerful date on the calendar. This moving poem by British author Susan Cooper captures its magic. Welcome, Yule!
Travel checklist, secrets of Betty Crocker, fictional librarians & More: Endnotes 20 December
Travel checklist, secrets of Betty Crocker, fictional librarians & More: Endnotes 20 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got breakfast in 24 countries, a snowy train ride, 50 fictional librarians, Neal Gaiman reading 'A Christmas Carol,' and much more.
See the Barren Beauty of Antarctica and Gaze at the Stars in 'The Comet Seekers'
See the Barren Beauty of Antarctica and Gaze at the Stars in 'The Comet Seekers'
This weekend, visit Antarctica, France, and Ireland with two unforgettable people who traveled through space and time to find each other. It's a tender, poignant reminder to befriend your ghosts and look at the sky.
Russian Teacakes from 'Betty Crocker's Cooky Book'
Russian Teacakes from 'Betty Crocker's Cooky Book'
Russian Teacakes are like butter bombs of happiness. The original recipe in this classic cookbook is the hands-down, best-ever holiday cookie. If you've never tried these fluffy white puffs of joy, now is the time.
Waterstones in Bradford, UK is a Cathedral of Books
Waterstones in Bradford, UK is a Cathedral of Books
The Waterstones in Bradford, England is a cathedral of books. You can browse the stacks of carefully curated books under soaring ceilings and stained glass windows, then enjoy a cuppa in the balcony café.
Two Delightfully Different Books to Fill You With Christmas Spirit
Two Delightfully Different Books to Fill You With Christmas Spirit
Holiday choice: A charming coming-of-age story in snowy Philadelphia, or eerie stories starring Krampus, the Christmas-y demon who drags bad children to the underworld. Or both! 'Cause what good is nice without naughty?!
Swing Dancing in Istanbul, Airport Secrets, Krampus & More: Endnotes 13 December
Swing Dancing in Istanbul, Airport Secrets, Krampus & More: Endnotes 13 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a wintery short story, Kelly Clarkson on travel, holiday sleep tips, the best notebooks, delightful holiday fiction, and much more.
Spend Christmas Eve in Cozy Pajamas with a Box of Chocolates and a New Book with Book Flood
Spend Christmas Eve in Cozy Pajamas with a Box of Chocolates and a New Book with Book Flood
The island nation of Iceland has much to recommend it: breathtaking scenery, the creamiest yogurt, friendly inhabitants, amazing seafood, and a charming holiday tradition: the Christmas Book Flood called Jólabókaflóðið.
Roasted Carrot-Caraway Soup Inspired by 'Where the Wild Things Are'
Roasted Carrot-Caraway Soup Inspired by 'Where the Wild Things Are'
Being crowned king of the wild things and dancing at the wild rumpus can be exhausting. This comforting soup will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma to restore your spirits and make you happy to be at home.
Treat Yourself to the Ultimate Bookish Staycation: Plan a 'Reading Day'
Treat Yourself to the Ultimate Bookish Staycation: Plan a 'Reading Day'
Imagine it: a day devoted to reading one great book. Squishy clothes, comfort food, and page after page of an utterly involving story. You can make it happen with just a little prep work; we'll show you how.
Literary Introverts, Travel & Empathy, New Library Podcast & More: Endnotes 06 December
Literary Introverts, Travel & Empathy, New Library Podcast & More: Endnotes 06 December
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a beautiful bookish poem, writing for 'The Paris Review,' the ways English is a funny language, nautical phrases, and more.
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