Marais, Xmas Comic, Krampus, Fictional Detectives, Cookies & More: Endnotes 16 December

Every Friday, we celebrate the weekend — and all the reading and relaxing and daydreaming time ahead — with Melissa's favorite book- and travel-related links of the week. Why work when you can read fun stuff?!

This post is part of our Endnotes series.

Can’t you just about smell the sugar wafting out of the bakery above? It’s the Boulangerie Murciano at 16 rue des Rosiers (street of the rosebushes) in le Marais, the Jewish quarter of Paris. Murciano has been on this spot since 1909, and The Telegraph named it one of the best bakeries in Paris. Step through the iconic blue door to order at the counter, where you’ll find both kosher Ashkenazi and French pastries. Word on the street is that the apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and almond croissant are the way to go. After, you can wander the medieval cobblestones of rue des Rosiers and take in the fountain in Place des Vosges (Dave’s favorite park in the world), stop into the public garden Jardin des Rosiers–Joseph Migneret to travel back in time, take a peek at the pink facade of the Hammam Aqua Saint Paul (which offered soothing soaks starting in 1863), and end your stroll with falafel at L’As du Falafel (my favorite sandwich in the world). Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish friends everywhere!

• As a former NaNoWriMo participant, I could relate to this essay: Could my book be as bad as I imagined?: My verdict on the novel I wrote in a month. ‘One thing I’ve learned from reading the novel back is that I will never let anyone read it again, including myself.’

• When Dorian Gray offers skincare and life advice.

• Gemma Correll’s comics are super-cute and insightful. I asked for this book for Christmas.

• This brief glimpse of dresses made from spun glass is fascinating. ‘In 1893, The New York Times anticipated that glass dresses would be the latest luxury fad that year, but was ultimately proven wrong as the frocks were neither comfortable nor structurally sound.’

• Atlas Obscura asks and answers the important question: What is Krampus? (If you love Krampus like I love Krampus, please treat yourself to this story collection.)

• 10 Literary Games that’ll Make Great Holiday Gifts.

• Who knew the details of maple syrup production were so compelling? Inside Quebec’s Great, Multi-Million-Dollar Maple-Syrup Heist. ‘Nearly 540,000 gallons of syrup was stolen — 12.5 percent of the reserve — with a street value of $13.4 million.’

• Sorta related? Why the Great Molasses Flood Was So Deadly.

• This polar bear carving is amazing. Click through to see the full photo.

• Tor Books invites you to take this Severely Unmoored Winter Holiday Quiz. (The questions are really fun!)

• From NPR: Photos of Christmas around the world.

• Are you one of the people who fell in love with the novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow? The author Gabrielle Zevin created a playlist for the book.

• Remember Maureen Johnson’s delightful book Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village? She’s back!

• Whew. This brings up feelings: How the Pandemic Affected Our Approach to Reading and Interpretation of Books

• A handful of excellent mystery writers want to introduce you to their favorite fictional detectives.

• Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book is a long-time staple in our house, but these recipes for Christmas cookies from Food & Wine and Emiko Davies (author of the gorgeous Venice cookbook Cinnamon and Salt) caught my eye.

New Episode of The Library of Lost Time

In each mini-podcast episode, we discuss two books at the top of our TBR, then share a fun book- or travel-related distraction. Get all the episodes and books galore here.

In this episode, we get excited about two new books: The Family Game by Catherine Steadman and The Explorer’s Library: Books That Inspire Wonder by Atlas Obscura. Then Mel discusses The Big Read book club led by writer Jeremy Anderberg. [transcript]

Links

• The Family Game by Catherine Steadman

• The Explorer’s Library: Books That Inspire Wonder by Atlas Obscura

• Atlas Obscura

• Gastro Obscura

• Read More Books newsletter by Jeremy Anderberg

• The Big Read book club — 2023 reading schedule

• Get 20% off your first year of The Big Read

• Follow Jeremy Anderberg on Instagram

May your days be merry and bright.

Top image courtesy of Simona Sergi/Unsplash.