faq

We’ve got answers.

What do you mean by Strong Sense of Place?

For us, a book with a strong sense of place tranports us to a particular location and time. It’s rich with atmosphere, and the location is integral to the story: the action could only happen in that place and that time. We want to see the sights, hear the sounds, smell the smells, and taste the food, alongside compelling characters and gripping stories.

Which genres of books do you cover?

We love all genres of books, so long as they embody a strong sense of place. Our recommendations include literary fiction, sci-fi and fantasy, cookbooks, childrens’ book, graphic novels, mysteries and thrillers, as well as all manner of nonfiction, like memoirs, unusual travel guides, biographies, and narrative nonfiction.

How can I get my book on your blog or podcast?

We love to hear about books that might not be on our radar! Please email recommendations here.

Will you be a guest on my podcast?

Probably; we love talking about books and travel with other people who love talking about books and travel. Please email to start the conversation.

Can I be a guest on your podcast?

We love to talk to all kinds of bookish people! If you’re associated with a library, bookshop, or literary-related café, hotel, museum, or some-such, let us know about it! Just email with the details.

How do I recommend a book or destination to you?

If you have good ideas, we want to know about them! You can use this form to send us your recommendations.

How can I review your podcast in Apple Podcasts?

We are very grateful for your review of our podcast! Your rating and review can help other people find Strong Sense of Place.

On iPhone/iPad
Download the Apple Podcasts App and launch it. Tap the Search tab (you will need to do this even if Strong Sense of Place is already listed in your app). Enter ‘Strong Sense of Place’ and tap the blue Search button at the bottom right. Tap the Strong Sense of Place cover image, then scroll to the bottom. Tap the stars to leave a rating, then tap ‘Write a Review’ to leave your review. Tap submit, and you’re done! Thank you from the bottom of our bookish hearts.

On Windows/Mac
Visit the Strong Sense of Place landing page on Apple Podcasts. Click ‘Listen on Apple Podcasts.’ (Select OPEN PODCASTS if you get a prompt.) To subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, click the PLUS BUTTON on the right. Then scroll toward the bottom of the page: You can click the stars to rate the show, then click ‘Write a Review,’ to leave your review. Hit submit, and you’re done! Congratulations and thank you! You are an awesome human.

How can I follow to your podcast in Apple Podcasts?

On iPhone/iPad
Download the Apple Podcasts App and launch it. Tap the Search tab (you will need to do this even if Strong Sense of Place is already listed in your app). Enter ‘Strong Sense of Place’ and tap the blue Search button at the bottom right. Tap the Strong Sense of Place cover image. At the top right is a plus sign, tap the plus and you’ll follow our show so you never miss an episode.

On Windows/Mac
Visit the Strong Sense of Place landing page on Apple Podcasts. Click ‘Listen on Apple Podcasts.’ (Select OPEN PODCASTS if you get a prompt.) To subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode, click the PLUS BUTTON on the right.

Do you travel to all the literary landmarks you recommend?

That would be amazing! But no, sadly, we don’t visit all of the literary landmarks that we recommend. But when we do travel, we always include historical libraries, bookshops, literary cafés, and bookish museums in our itinerary so we can share our first-hand experiences with you.

How do you choose your destinations?

We’re very committed to reading as diversely as we can, so each season, we make sure to select at least one destination from each continent to ensure a broad mix of cultures and stories. We’ve also compiled research on the most-visited spots around the globe so we can share information about destinations that you’re likely to include in your travels.

How do you decide which books to feature in your podcast?

It’s pretty simple: We only feature the books we love. Before each season of the podcast, we research books set in our selected destinations and create a lengthy reading list of possibilities. Then we start reading. We try to include books in various genres and from local authors so we’re accurate in our representation and can appeal to a wide range of readers.

How do you find time to read all the books?

We read All The Time: at meals, before bed, in snippets during the day, on our phones while waiting in line, with audiobooks on our daily walks. If you, like most people, would like to find more time in your day to read, our number one tip is to consider ebooks and audiobooks. You can read ebooks on your mobile via a free app so every line and waiting in the car moment can become a reading moment — and with audiobooks, you can listen while you’re tackling other stuff like cleaning, walking, knitting — or, as in David’s case, drawing.

Do you have a newsletter?

We have two newsletters to keep you informed about everything that’s happening in our world of books and travel. Get details and subscribe here.

How can I get in touch with Strong Sense of Place?

The romantics inside us wish you could send us a telegram, but email to mel@strongsenseofplace.com will have to do. Or use this handy contact form.

How do you pick the book for Weekend Getaway?

This feature is really fun for us! We usually draw from either a book we’re currenlty reading and loving — or browse through our archive of previously adored books to find one that suits the season or our mood at the moment.

Do you accept advertising on Strong Sense of Place? Who can I talk to about that?

We accept advertising from brands and people who align with our mission and whom we think would be of interest and/or benefit to our readers. We can create content and advertising that meets both of our needs, and we’d love to talk to you about the possibilities. Please email us.

Print books or kindle? Discuss.

We adore bookshops and libraries and stacks of books and giant hardcovers and perfectly broken-in paperbacks, and the satisfaction of turning the final page on a gripping story. But we also have immense affection for our Kindles which allow us to live in Europe and travel the world, while still having access to the complete canon of English-language books. Plus, Melissa is an unabashed highlighter, and Kindle lets her annotate text to her heart’s content — and the Kindle’s built-in light makes it so easy to enjoy a reading break in the middle of the night. The world is best with both options.

Should I go to Paris?

Yes; Paris is always a good idea.