

Strong Sense of Place | Travel Through Books
Melissa & Dave
One lifetime is too short to visit everywhere and meet everyone. That‘s why we love books with a strong sense of place — they let us travel the world in our imagination. In each episode of our Strong Sense of Place podcast, we explore one destination and talk about what makes that place different from everywhere else. Then we recommend five books that took us to that place on the page. Every other week, we share The Library of Lost Time, a mini-pod that features two new books and our Distraction of the Week. We‘re on a trip around the globe, one great read at a time. Please join us!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 27, 2023 • 16min
LoLT: What is Gothic? and Two New Books
In this show, we’re excited about two books: The Murders at Fleat House by Lucinda Riley and Starter Villain by John Scalzi. Then Mel explains what she means when she says the magic word ‘Gothic.’LinksThe Murders at Fleat House by Lucinda RileyStarter Villain by John ScalziOur review of Well-Schooled in Murder by Elizabeth GeorgeWhat is Goth?Gothic Literature: Basics of the Genre & Key ElementsGothic: An Illustrated History by Roger LuckhurstYouTube: Tristan and the ClassicsVideo: Gothic Literature — Teach Yourself CourseVideo: 8 Aspects of Gothic BooksTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Oct 20, 2023 • 9min
LoLT: Best Public Libraries and Two New Books
In this episode, we’re excited about two books: The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope by José Andrés and I Love Russia: Reporting from a Lost Country by Elena Kostyuchenko. Then Dave shares his enthusiasm for the Best New Public Library of the Year.LinksThe World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope by José AndrésI Love Russia: Reporting from a Lost Country by Elena KostyuchenkoWorld Central Kitchen websiteWorld Central Kitchen’s Chicken Chili Verde recipe‘You May Have Been Poisoned’: How an Independent Russian Journalist Became a Target2023 Nominees for Public Library of the YearBarcelona Library Named Best New Public Library in the WorldJay-Z limited edition library cardsTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Oct 13, 2023 • 18min
LoLT: Cookbooks with a Strong Sense of Place and Two New Books
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: The Pale House Devil by Richard Kadrey and Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos, and The Washington Post by Martin Baron. Then Anne Bogel from the What Should I Read Next? podcast shares a delicious reading habit.LinksThe Pale House Devil by Richard KadreyThe Dead Take the A Train by Richard KadreySandman Slim series by Richard KadreyThe Pale House Devil: Excerpt and Cover RevealCollision of Power: Trump, Bezos, and the Washington Post by Martin BaronWhat Should I Read Next? podcast with Anne BogelAnne’s Modern Mrs. Darcy websiteAnne Bogel on Instagram and TwitterWhat Should I Read Next? on Instagram and TwitterAlison Roman’s cookbooks and SubstackThe Joy of Cooking by Irma S. RombauerWell Fed: Paleo Recipes for People Who Love To Eat by Melissa JoulwanMastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia ChildKoshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew by Michael W. TwittyJerusalem: A Cookbook by Yotam OttolenghiThai Street Food: Authentic Recipes, Vibrant Traditions by David ThompsonTurkey and The Wolf: Flavor Trippin’ in New Orleans by Mason Hereford12 Inspiring Cookbooks That Will Transport You Around the WorldTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Oct 6, 2023 • 13min
LoLT: The Food & Fashion Exhibit and Two New Books
In this episode, we’re excited about two books: A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand and Murder Most Royal by S.J. Bennett. Then Mel talks about the delicious show Food & Fashion at the Museum at FIT.LinksA Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth HandThe Haunting of Hill House by Shirley JacksonHow the Haunting of Hill House Rewrote Horror’s RulesCurious Toys by Elizabeth HandSSoP Podcast — Amusement Parks: Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!Murder Most Royal by SJ BennettThe Windsor Knot by SJ BennettA Three Dog Problem (UK) / All the Queen’s Men (US) by SJ BennettThe Museum at FITThe Museum at FIT online archiveFood and Fashion by Melissa Marra-Alvarez & Elizabeth WayExhibit — Ballerina: Fashion’s Modern MuseExhibit — Paris, Capital of FashionExhibit — The Corset: Fashioning the BodyExhibit — Gothic: Dark GlamourExhibit — A Queer History of Fashion: From the Closet to the CatwalkTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Sep 29, 2023 • 12min
LoLT: Playing with Connections and Two New Books
In this show, we’re excited about two books — Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig and The Secret Hours by Mick Herron. Then Craig from Overdue Podcast shares why he loves the game Connections.LinksBlack River Orchard by Chuck WendigChuck Wendig’s website Terrible MindsChuck Wendig’s book tour scheduleWanderers by Chuck WendigThe Book of Accidents by Chuck WendigStar Wars: Aftermath by Chuck WendigThe Secret Hours by Mick HerronSlow Horses series by Mick HerronVideo: Slow Horses trailerConnections on New York Times GamesThe New York Times Finds a Match With the Word Game ConnectionsListen to the Overdue PodcastTwitter: Overdue PodcastTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Sep 22, 2023 • 9min
LoLT: The Hermanus Whale Festival and Two New Books
In this show, we get excited about two books — Pockets by Hannah Carlson and Roaming by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki. Then Dave tells us the best way to see whales in South Africa.LinksPockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close by Hannah CarlsonRoaming by Jillian Tamaki & Mariko TamakiThis One Summer by Jillian Tamaki & Mariko TamakiWhat Should I Read Next podcast: Strong Sense of SummerHow the Humble Pocket Came to Signify Feminist LiberationTake a look at the art in RoamingHermanus Whale Festival30 Best Things to do in HermanusVideo: Why Everyone Wants to Visit HermanusSeeing Whales for the First Time in HermanusHermanus Whale Festival: The Only Eco-Marine Festival in the WorldWhale-watchers and animal lovers, the Hermanus Whale Festival is hereVideo: Hermanus - South AfricaSouth Africa Street FoodTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Sep 15, 2023 • 12min
LoLT: ‘The Wheel of Time’ and Two New Books
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison and The Tao of the Backup Catcher by Tim Brown and Erik Kratz. Then Andrew, from the (excellent) Overdue Podcast, makes his case for the Amazon adaptation of The Wheel of Time.Links
Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison
Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison
Hear Dave talk about Rachel Harrison’s book Such Sharp Teeth
The Tao of the Backup Catcher: Playing Baseball for the Love of the Game by Tim Brown and Erik Kratz
Rollergirl: Totally True Tales From The Track by Melissa Joulwan
10 Reasons Why The Wheel Of Time Has Been Hailed As A Masterpiece
How to Read The Wheel of Time Books in Order
What to Know About The Wheel of Time Books Before Watching the Amazon Prime Series
Video: The Wheel of Time Season 1 trailer
Video: The Wheel of Time Season 2 trailer
The Wheel of Time on Amazon
Listen to the Overdue Podcast
Twitter: Overdue Podcast, Andrew, Craig
Overdue episode: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Overdue episode: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Overdue episode: Where Are The Children? by Mary Higgins Clark
Transcript of this episode.
The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Sep 8, 2023 • 11min
LoLT: Award-Nominated Nonfiction and Two New Books
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: the cookbook ‘Portico’ by Leah Koenig and ‘The Square of Sevens’ by Laura Shepherd-Robinson. Then Dave shares highlights from the nominees for a renowned nonfiction prize.Links
Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome’s Jewish Kitchen by Leah Koenig
Website for cookbook author Lean Koenig
Leah Koenig’s cookbooks
The Food of Rome’s Longstanding Jewish Community Gets Its Due
The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
Time’s Echo: The Second World War, the Holocaust, and the Music of Remembrance by Jeremy Eichler
The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn’t Food_ by Chris Van Tulleken
Transcript of this episode.
The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Sep 1, 2023 • 13min
LoLT: The Great Philly Cheesesteak Debate and Two New Books
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 up the delicious story of the Philadelphia cheesesteak. Links
Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias
Podcast episode — Costa Rica: Cloud Forests, Coffee, and Capuchin Monkeys.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride
The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride
Pat’s King of Steaks
Geno’s Steaks
Pat’s vs. Geno’s Philly’s Cheesesteak Debate
Everything You Knew About the Pat’s-Geno’s Rivalry Is a Lie
Video: Pat’s vs. Geno’s: Philly Cheesesteak War!
Video: Dr. Phil - Cheesesteak Wars
Serious Eats: The Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia
Jim’s South Street
Tony Luke’s
McNally’s Tavern Chestnut Hill
Paesano’s Philly Style
Transcript of this episode
The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
Our site
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25, 2023 • 11min
LoLT: Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Two New Books
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: ‘The Continental Affair’ by Christine Mangan and ‘The Quickening’ by Elizabeth Rush. Then Dave explains why you should put the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on your must-visit list. Links
The Continental Affair by Christine Mangan
The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth by Elizabeth Rush
Our review of Christine Mangan’s Tangerine
A refreshing Moroccan orange salad inspired by the book
Palace of the Drowned by Christine Mangan]
The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White
Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore by Elizabeth Rush
Visit the website for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Wikipedia: Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Guardian editorial on the Fringe
Chriskirkpatrickmas: A Boy Band Christmas Musical Review
Edinburgh Fringe Musicals: A Bedside View of Marriage, Covid Diaries, and Shamilton!
Edinburgh Fringe 2023 Week One Roundup: Capote, Wilde and a Lovesick Angler
Georgie Grier Offered Support After One Person Attends Her Edinburgh Show
Transcript of this episode
The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
Our site
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Patreon
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices