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!

The Great Philly Cheesesteak Debate and Two New Books — 01 September 2023

In this episode, we're excited about two new books — Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride — then Mel serves the story of the Philadelphia cheesesteak.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Two New Books — 25 August 2023

In this episode, we're excited about two books — The Continental Affair by Christine Mangan and The Quickening by Elizabeth Rush — then Dave explains why to put the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on your must-visit list.

The Long Now Foundation and Two New Books — 11 August 2023

In this episode, we're excited about two new compelling books — The Bookbinder by Pip Williams and Tabula Rasa, Vol 1 by John McPhee — then Dave tells us about the fascinating work of the Long Now Foundation.

Remembering the Concorde and Two New Books — 04 August 2023

In this episode, we're excited about two books — Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman Moreno-Garcia and Speech Team: A Novel by Tim Murphy — then Mel gets nostalgic about Concorde and those zippy flights across the Atlantic.

Phantom Islands and Two New Books — 21 July 2023

In this episode, we're excited about two new books — Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen — then Dave shares a fascinating art project about phantom islands.

A Sneaky Socialite and Two New Books — 07 July 2023

In this episode, we get excited about two new books for summer — The Only One Left by Riley Sager and The Art Thief by Michael Finkel — then Dave shares the amazing story of the gilded age socialite Ida Wood.

Postcard Pen Pals and Two New Books — 30 June 2023

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — 100 Places to See After You Die by Ken Jennings and What the Dead Know by Barbara Butcher — then Mel gets enthusiastic about postcards from around the world.

A Celebration of the Big Bang and Two New Books — 23 June 2023

In this episode, we get excited about two new books for reading fun — Return to Valetto by Dominic Smith and National Dish by Anya von Bremzen — then Dave shares a delightful poem about wonder by Reina del Cid.

The Literary Fun of '80 Days' and Two New Books — 16 June 2023

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — Unpacking for Greece by Sally Jane Smith and Europe by Train by DK Eyewitness — then Mel gets excited about adaptations of Around the World in 80 Days.

Shakespeare's First Folio and Two New Books — 09 June 2023

In this episode, we get excited about two new books for reading fun — The Power of Saying No by Vanessa Patrick and Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum — then Dave shares fun facts about Shakespeare's First Folio.

1917 Pulitzer Prize and Two New Books — 02 June 2023

In this episode, we get excited about The Tumbling Girl by Bridget Walsh and The West: A New History in Fourteen Lives by Naoíse Mac Sweeney, then Mel shares highlights of the first Pulitzer Prize winners in 1917.

Literary Street in Vilnius and Two New Books — 19 May 2023

In this episode, we get excited about two books — Tasting History by Max Miller and This Isn't Going to End Well by Daniel Wallace — then Mel transports us to a street in Vilnius, Lithuania that's made for book lovers.

Jeremy Anderberg Recommends Shepherd.com and Two New Books — 12 May 2023

In this episode, we get excited about two new books — The Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin and The Partisan by Patrick Worrall — then guest Jeremy Anderberg shares a fun website to find great new-to-you titles.

The Forty Elephants Girl Gang and Two New Books — 05 May 2023

In this episode, we get excited about two books — a dysfunctional family novel and a memoir from a beloved American poet — then Dave tells the tale of remarkable women involved in the London's criminal underworld.

How to Find Your Favorite Poems and Two New Books — 28 April 2023

In this episode, we get excited about two books — a historical novel about the first lady Pinkerton detective and an epic nonfiction sea adventure — then Mel shares tips for getting great poetry into your life.