Strong Sense of Place | Travel Through Books

Mexico is an inspired background for stories that explore the joy (and challenges) of family and the magic of everyday experiences.In this episode, we discuss two wildly different family sagas. One is set during the Mexican Revolution and infused with magical realism; the other travels back-and-forth in time from contemporary Mexico City to the 1940s and '50s. We also recommended a moving coming-of-age story set in Chicago and Mexico, a detailed history of chocolate (!), and an un-put-downable beach read.For more on the books we recommend, plus the other cool stuff we discuss, visit show notes at http://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2020-01-23-mexico/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rooted in tradition and family, the culture of Japan provides rich fodder for stories that grab hold of you and won’t let go.In this episode, we take a deep dive into WWII-era Japan with a family saga and a nonfiction manga comic — both populated by unforgettable characters, sweeping historical events, and big feelings. We’ve also got a culture guide to all things geeky, a workplace-romantic comedy about making a dictionary, and a slim novel with a mighty impact.We also chat with award-winning graphic novelist Tillie Walden about her extended stay in Japan and manga, the Japanese comics form that made her fall in love with comics.For more on the books we recommend, plus the other cool stuff we discuss and more on our guest Tillie Walden, visit show notes at http://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2020-01-22-japan/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a restaurant kitchen, the chef is the ultimate authority, a figure that can inspire fear, rebelliousness, and a cult of personality. But it's not only the kitchen boss that makes restaurants a hotbed for excellent stories.In this episode, the books we share will introduce you to relatable and loveable characters. The settings include a Chinese restaurant in Maryland, a Lebanese café in Los Angeles, the last night at a Red Lobster in Connecticut, and a fine-dining experience with an unforgettable waiter in Oslo, Norway. We also get into the nitty-gritty of restaurant life with a nonfiction book — written by an accountant (!) — that's surprisingly compelling.For more on the books we recommend, plus the other cool stuff we discuss, visit show notes at http://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2020-01-21-restaurant/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, home of the world's best beer, stunning architecture, and oh, yeah: ancient secrets.In this episode, we've got two books that transported us directly into communist territory during the Cold War, crime stories that explore the shadowy side of Prague, a fresh look at two Czech heroes of WWII, and more — all of which hit us right in our feelings.We also chat with travel writer Mark Baker. He's lived in Prague for more than 20 years and gives us the inside story on the city's bookshops, spies, and ghosts.For more on the books we recommend, plus the other cool stuff we talk about and info about our guest Mark Baker, visit show notes at http://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2020-01-20-prague Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A well-told story can transport you to places you've never been.And if you enjoy books and travel, you will love our podcast Strong Sense of Place.We're Mel and Dave. Every two weeks, we get curious about one destination and discuss five great books that took us there on the page.We start with an overview of what makes that place different than anywhere else on Earth. And then we tackle a round of 'Two Truths and a Lie' to explore stories behind that place. But the heart of the show is our book recommendations.We share why we love each title — with NO SPOILERS.Each episode is a new bookish adventure. Take an imaginary trek with us through Iceland, sip Ouzo in Athens, or virtually ride the rails on an epic train adventure.The Strong Sense of Place show drops every other Monday.On Fridays, we release a mini-episode we call 'The Library of Lost Time.' We tell you about two new books we think belong on your TBR. And we share a Distraction of the Week. That's something reading- or travel-related we think will delight you.Strong Sense of Place was recommended on Book Riot and featured in Apple's Top 10 podcasts for the Arts.If you love books and travel, come with us.Listen to Strong Sense of Place on your favorite app or visit strongsenseofplace.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices