the library of lost time!

Every week: two new books and an irresistible distraction.

Sure, you have important things to do. But it takes just a 10 minutes or so to learn about two upcoming book releases and something fascinating about the world.

The Library of Lost Time is a weekly podcast where we share two new book releases at the top of our TBR, then celebrate a fun book- or travel-related distraction.

Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to visit your local library and your independent bookstore to lose some time yourself!

Tips for Memorable Travel and Two New Books — 28 February 2025
Tips for Memorable Travel and Two New Books — 28 February 2025
We get excited about two new books: How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel by Kate Jackson and The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Kune. Then Dave shares Kevin Kelly's tips for memorable travel experiences.
The Best Croissant in Paris and Two New Books — 21 February 2025
The Best Croissant in Paris and Two New Books — 21 February 2025
We get excited about two new books: quirky love story The Watermark by Sam Mills and Lorne, the SNL founders' bio, by Susan Morrison. Then Mel shares the buttery story of the best croissants in Paris.
A Special Poem for Valentine's Day and Two New Books — 14 February 2025
A Special Poem for Valentine's Day and Two New Books — 14 February 2025
We get excited about two new books: Every Tom, Dick & Harry by Elinor Lipman and On the Hippie Trail by travel godfather Rick Steves. Then Dave shares a sweet poem about the good stuff: love and dogs.
Grammy-Nominated Audiobooks and Two New Books — 31 January 2025
Grammy-Nominated Audiobooks and Two New Books — 31 January 2025
We get excited about two new books: Cold Kitchen by Caroline Eden and Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor. Then Dave shares his enthusiasm for the 2025 Grammy nominees for best audiobook recordings.
Tips for Reading Long Novels and Two Great Books — 24 January 2025
Tips for Reading Long Novels and Two Great Books — 24 January 2025
We get excited about two new books for your TBR: The Power and the Glory by Adrian Tinniswood and Playworld: A Novel by Adam Ross. Then Mel shares her reading and loving doorstopper novels of 500+ pages.
Graphic Novels for Newbies and Two Great Books — 13 December 2024
Graphic Novels for Newbies and Two Great Books — 13 December 2024
We get excited about two festive holiday books: Gifts from the Kitchen by Kristine Kidd A Christmas Cornucopia by Mark Forsyth. Then Dave recommends entertaining, accessible graphic novels for newbies.
Dave's Board Game Recs and Two New Books — 06 December 2024
Dave's Board Game Recs and Two New Books — 06 December 2024
We get excited about two new books: A Lively Midwinter Murder by Katy Watson and The Way by Cary Groner. Then Dave recommends fun boardgames to play with your friends and family this holiday season.
Adorable Cozy Games and Three New Books — 22 November 2024
Adorable Cozy Games and Three New Books — 22 November 2024
We get excited about three new books: Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris, The Starlets by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne, and Darkly by Marisha Pessl. Then Dave makes the case for playing cozy games.
Sandwich Designer of the Year and Two New Books — 15 November 2024
Sandwich Designer of the Year and Two New Books — 15 November 2024
We get excited about two new books: the Rivals audiobook read by Georgia Tennant and the King Arthur Flour Big Book of Bread. Then Mel shares her extreme enthusiasm for sandwiches and The Sammies Awards.
An Absinthe Caper and Two New Books — 01 November 2024
An Absinthe Caper and Two New Books — 01 November 2024
We get excited about two new books for your TBR: The Absinthe Forger by Evan Rail and The Notebook by Roland Allen. Then author Evan Rail shares his enthusiasm for fountain pens and special inks.
Accidentally Wes Anderson and Two New Books — 18 October 2024
Accidentally Wes Anderson and Two New Books — 18 October 2024
We get excited about two books: Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures by Wally & Amanda Koval and Polostan by Neal Stephenson. Then Wally & Amanda from Accidentally Wes Anderson recommend a fun hotline.
History Extra Halloween Podcasts and Two New Books — 04 October 2024
History Extra Halloween Podcasts and Two New Books — 04 October 2024
We get excited about two books: The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel and Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham. Then Mel recommends the History Extra podcast for your Spooky Season storytelling needs.
World's Best Art Detective and Two New Books — 20 September 2024
World's Best Art Detective and Two New Books — 20 September 2024
We get excited about two books: So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison and The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts by Louis Bayard. Then Dave shares the exploits of the world's greatest art detective.
Delightful Walking Tours and Two New Books — 06 September 2024
Delightful Walking Tours and Two New Books — 06 September 2024
We get excited about two books: The Bookseller of Venice by Giovanni Montanaro and Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner. Then Mel recommends the immersive, interactive walking tours from Secret City Trails.
sharing is caring!

Wanna help us spread the word? If you like this page, please share with your friends.

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 ©2025 by Smudge Publishing, unless otherwise noted. Peace be with you, person who reads the small type.