Strong Sense of Place | Travel Through Books
Episodes
Join Us for a Bookish Weekend at a Manor House in Wales
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This is a special episode of Strong Sense of Place in which we announce that we’re doing it again — we’re taking a group of readers back to Tr...
Christmas: May Your Heart Be Light
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, it really does feel like Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Give us the fairy lights, colored baubles, fresh smell of pine, ...
That Time We Rented a Manor House in Wales
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In October 2025, we took over Trevor Hall — a Georgian manor house in Llangollen, Wales — with forty members of the Strong Sense of Place communit...
Wales: Castle Ruins, Moody Skies, and Stories by the Fire
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We recently spent three weeks in North Wales, and TBH, we left a big part of our hearts in Cymru. From the mystical borderlands to the rugged coastlin...
Ep 17 — Halloween: Costumed Revelry, Voices From Beyond, and YAY, Candy! [ repost from 2020 ]
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re currently visiting Wales with bookish friends for our Readers Weekend at Trevor Hall. But since Halloween is coming, we thought you might like...
LoLT: What is Gothic? [re-post]
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re currently tucked up in a manor house in Wales with a slew of bookish friends for our Readers Weekend at Trevor Hall. Since it’s Spooky Seaso...
Halloween: About 31% More Gothic than Normal
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In no particular order, here is an incomplete list of some awesome things about Spooky Season: bats, witches, vampires, scary ghost stories, sad ghost...
Manor House: The Fall of the House of… Almost Everyone, Really
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For most people, home represents comfort, safety, maybe family. It’s the place where you can be yourself — and where you keep all your stuff. Fo...
Baseball Diamond: Root, Root, Root for the Home Team
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s nothing else quite like a night at the ballpark, especially when the light and temperature hit just right. The air is soft, the crowd is gen...
Museums: A Gathering of Muses, A Clutch of Curators [re-post]
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Museums are where we put our best stuff. An item might belong in a museum if it’s rare, expensive, irreplaceable, or so ordinary and beloved it beco...
National Parks: Go Outside and Touch Grass
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The National Park System (NPS) is a national treasure. US National Parks represent just about every type of feature and wildlife you can imagine. And ...
Portugal: Storytelling, Surfing, and Ineffable Saudade
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Snuggled up next to Spain on the Iberian Peninsula and perched on the westernmost edge of Europe, Portugal has a long love affair with the sea. The Ag...
LoLT: The Twisty Tale of Salt Water Taffy and Two New Books
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Aftertaste: A Novel by Daria Lavelle and Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls. The...
SSoP Podcast Season 7: Announcing Our Fun-Filled Destinations
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re delighted to announce that Season 7 of the Strong Sense of Place podcast kicks off on Friday, 30 May! We’ve put together an itinerary of th...
LoLT: The American Writers Museum and Two New Books
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune and My Friends: A Novel by Fredrik Backman. Then Dave tal...
LoLT: The Pen America Awards and Two New Books
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig and I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney. ...
LoLT: The Uncensored Library and Two New Books
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Exit Zero: Stories by Marie-Helene Bertino and The Pretender: A Novel by Jo Harkin. Then Mel ...
LoLT: Putting Names to Nature and Two New Books
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Perspective(s): A Novel by Laurent Binet and The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer. Then Dave...
Replay: A Mini-Episode With Answers to Questions from Our Audience
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We have a slew of new listeners — hello, new book friends! — so we’re sharing this episode from 2020 in which we answered questions about how we...
LoLT: The Witches of Scotland Tartan and Two New Books
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory and The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones. The...
LoLT: The Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival and Two New Books
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about fun new books: The Expert of Subtle Revisions by Kirsten Menger-Anderson and On Air: The Triumph and Tumult o...
LoLT: The Joy of Lying on the Floor and Two New Books
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about fun new books: The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue and The Antidote by Karen Russell. Then Mel explains why y...
LoLT: The ‘Order Up’ Word Game and Two New Books
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about three new books: The Café with No Name by Robert Seethaler & Katy Derbyshire (translation) and The Dream Hot...
LoLT: Tips for Memorable Travel and Two New Books
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: How to Survive a Classic Crime Novel by Kate Jackson and The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klun...
LoLT: The Best Croissant in Paris and Two New Books
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: The Watermark by Sam Mills and Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morr...
LoLT: A Special Poem for Valentine’s Day and Two New Books
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Every Tom, Dick & Harry by Elinor Lipman and On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and th...
LoLT: Grammy-Nominated Audiobook and Two Great Books
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: Cold Kitchen: A Year of Culinary Travelsby Caroline Eden and Death of the Author by Nnedi Okor...
LoLT: Tips for Reading Long Novels and Two Great Books
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: The Power and the Glory: The Country House Before the Great War by Adrian Tinniswood and Playw...
Join Us for an IRL Manor House Weekend in Wales!
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spend a bookish weekend with us in a country manor house! For centuries, nobles and ne'er-do-wells have gathered on country estates for a bit of leis...
LoLT: Graphic Novels for Newbies and Two Great Books
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about three books: Gifts from the Kitchen by Kristine Kidd and A Christmas Cornucopia: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Y...
LoLT: Dave’s Board Game Recs and Two New Books
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two new books: A Lively Midwinter Murder by Katy Watson and The Way by Cary Groner. Then Dave recommends fun...
Home for the Holidays [ repost ]
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s our November tradition! This week, we’re replaying a special Thanksgiving episode of our show. ==== We know you don’t all celebrate the Ame...
LoLT: Adorable Cozy Games and Three New Books
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about three books: Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris, The Starlets by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne, and Darkly by...
LoLT: Sandwich Designer of the Year and Two New Books
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We'd love to hear from you! -- Take our survey at strongsenseofplace.com/survey. In this episode, we get excited about two books: the audiobook versio...
Seattle: City of Superlatives
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hello! Please take our end-of-the-season survey at http://strongsenseofplace.com/survey! We'd love to hear from you. Seattle is a mashup of water and ...
LoLT: An Absinthe Caper and Two New Books
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Absinthe Forger by Evan Rail and The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen...
Cemetery: Celebrate Life, Honor the Dead.
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Graveyards, cemeteries, ossuaries, and crypts — all places of reverence where the living can pay their respects to those who’ve crossed over befor...
LoLT: Accidentally Wes Anderson and Two New Books
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures by Wally & Amanda Koval and Polostan by Neal Stephenson. Then W...
Brazil: Sugarloaf, Samba, and Sao Paulo
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you think a trip to Brazil is an invitation to the best party ever, you are correct! Colorful, sizzling, breathtakingly beautiful, and populated wi...
LoLT: History Extra Halloween Podcasts and Two New Books
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel and Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham. Then Mel recommends ...
Saudi Arabia: Old Ways and New Directions (?)
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, a sea of sand (95% of the country is desert) that holds 17% of the world’s petroleum r...
LoLT: World’s Best Art Detective and Two New Books
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison and The Wildes by Louis Bayard. Then Dave shares the exploits of the...
Detective Agency: Discrete Inquiries, Mysteries Solved
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fictional detectives are some of the most beloved characters in print and on-screen. It’s easy to relate to someone with an overblown sense of justi...
LoLT: Delightful Walking Tours and Two New Books
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Bookseller of Venice by Giovanni Montanaro (translator: Edward Williams) and _ Creation Lake_ ...
Panama: Jump Back, What’s That Sound?
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Central American country of Panama is like a stretched-out letter S, lying on its side to soak up the sun — with the Pacific and the Caribbean s...
LoLT: Morgan Richter Recommends Batman and Two New Books
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Divide: A Novel by Morgan Richter and Mina’s Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa, Stephen B. Snyder (tr...
Norway: Vikings, Bears, Boats, and Bergen
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, Norway has cities that are well worth a visit — Hallo, Oslo! Hei, Bergen! God morgen, Tromsø! — but nature is right there at every moment. W...
LoLT: Postcard Pen Pals and Two New Books
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re on our summer holiday so we’re replaying this popular episode of The Library of Lost Time. We’re back next week with a new episode of Stro...
Paris: It’s Always a Good Idea
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re on summer holiday! In honor of the Olympics taking place in Paris right now, please enjoy this replay of our Paris episode. Paris: It’s Alwa...
LoLT: The Lost Tomb of Genghis Khan and Two New Books
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran and Navola by Paolo Bacigalupi. Then Dave del...
Mongolia: Under the Eternal Blue Sky
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If we say ‘Mongolia,’ and you imagine an eagle hunter on horseback silhouetted against an endless blue sky and vast open plains, you are not wrong...
LoLT: The ‘Pack One Bag’ Podcast and Two New Books
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: A Season for That by Steve Hoffman and The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. Then Mel explains why s...
Outer Space: We Are All Made of Stars
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As you read these words and listen to our podcast, we’re all riding on a ball about 8000 miles (13,000 km) across. Our rotating disco ball in space ...
LoLT: Three Great Stories About India and Two New Books
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: A Super Upsetting Cookbook about Sandwiches by Tyler Kord and Good Material by Dolly Alderton. Th...
India: The Continent Masquerading as a Country
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
India seems committed to being over-the-top in the best way possible. It’s colorful, noisy, crowded, vast, deeply historic, spiritual, vibrantly mod...
LoLT: Immersive Storytelling with the Chaos League and Two New Books
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart and Hip-Hop is History by Quest Love. Then Mel delves into the im...
New York City: NO! SLEEP! TILL BROOKLYN!
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is New York City the world capital of… everything? It’s sure putting up a good effort. We could talk about how the New York Stock Exchange started...
LoLT: A Neat Trick For Managing Your Library and Two New Books
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis and The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Then Dave shares...
France: Mostly Here for the Butter
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to people in the know, there are two Frances: Paris and the rest of the (alluring, picturesque) country. In this episode, we’re celebratin...
Our Top 10 Books from the First Five Seasons of Strong Sense of Place
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Since we launched Strong Sense of Place in 2020, we’ve produced five seasons — 56 episodes — of the show. We’ve also shared our affection for ...
The 2024 ‘Ask Us Anything’ Episode: In Which We Answer Audience Questions
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We recently invited our audience to ask us anything, and we got excellent questions in return. The queries ran the gamut from ‘What literary theme p...
SSoP Podcast Season 6: Announcing 12 Fascinating Destinations
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Season 6 of the Strong Sense of Place podcast starts 24 May! We’ve put together an itinerary of 12 thrilling destinations with a journey to every re...
LoLT: The Magic of Music Discovery and Two New Books
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench & Brendan O’Hea and The Demon of Unrest: A ...
LoLT: Amy Tector’s Poetry Habit and Two New Books
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: Honor the Dead by Amy Tector and Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne. Then, our special guest aut...
LoLT: The Currywurst Story & Two New Books (replay)
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: ‘Cold People’ by Tom Rob Smith and ‘Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Tran...
LoLT: Inspiring Brontë Stories and Two New Books
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin and Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles. Then M...
LoLT: Immersive Theater and Two New Books
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited two new books: The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft and Why We Remember: The Science of Memory and How It...
LoLT: Rambutan Restaurant London and Two New Books
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Morningside by Téa Obreht and James by Percival Everett. Then Mel tells us about an unforget...
LoLT: The Forty Elephants Girl Gang and Two New Books — 05 May 2023
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a replay of an episode featuring Dinner Party by Sarah Gilmartin and You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith. Then Dave tells ...
LoLT: Stanfords Travel Bookshop and Two New Books
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: Piglet by Lottie Hazell and Local: A Search for Nearby Nature and Wildness by Alastair Humph...
LoLT: Mel’s Shakespeare Project and Two New Books
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two books: Lives of the Monster Dogs by Kirsten Bakis and Transient and Strange by Nell Greenfieldboyce. Th...
LoLT: Chicken Soup Manifesto and Two New Books
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about new books on our TBRs: The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai and Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange....
LoLT: 2024’s Unmissable Events and Two New Books
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about new books: Strawberry Fields by Patrick D. Joyce and The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden. Dave shar...
LoLT: A Valentine’s Day Poem and Two New Books
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about new books on our TBRs: Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson and Fall Through by Nate P...
LoLT: Judith Viorst & Alexander and Two New Books
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: Broughtupsy by Christina Cooke and The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B. Miller. Then Mel ...
LoLT: Namibia Cam and Two New Books
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about new books: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett and Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. Then Mel...
LoLT: Planet Word and Two New Books
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about new books: The Fury by Alex Michaelides and Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook. Then Dave rec...
LoLT: New Podcast Recommendations and Two New Books
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about new books: The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan and Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. Then Mel...
LoLT: The British Library Hack and Two New Books
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer and North Woods by Daniel Mason. Then Dave shares th...
LoLT: Reading Resolutions and Two Great Books
29 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: Empty Theater by Jac Jemc and Yellowfaceby R.F. Kuang. Then we discuss great reading resolutions f...
LoLT: (Fun) Christmas To-Do List and Two New Books
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two great books: One Woman Show by Christine Coulson and To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoos...
LoLT: Celebrating Crustmas and Two New Books
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: This Is Christmas, Song by Song by Annie Zaleski and The Bathysphere Book by Brad Fox. Then Mel g...
LoLT: Best Books of 2022 & New Books
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about three books: ‘The Christmas Party’ by Georgette Heyer, ‘The Christmas Murder Game’ by Alexandra Benedict...
LoLT: Tabletop Game Recommendations and Two New Books
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer and The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez. Then Dave recommends three g...
A Mini-Episode to Wish You A Cozy and Happy Thanksgiving
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We know you don’t all celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving, but it’s never a bad idea to express gratitude and devote a day to being coz...
LoLT: Proper British Beavers and Two New Books
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two books: The Three Dahlias by Katy Watson and World Within a Song by Jeff Tweedy. Then Carrie from The P...
LoLT: Wes Anderson Shorts and Two New Books
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two books: The Future by Naomi Alderman and Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by James Sturm & Joe Sutphin....
LoLT: Slow Travel Videos and Two New Books
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two books: What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez and The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett & Sha...
LoLT: What is Gothic? and Two New Books
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
LoLT: Best Public Libraries and Two New Books
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two books: The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope by José Andrés and I Love Ru...
LoLT: Cookbooks with a Strong Sense of Place and Two New Books
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Washingt...
LoLT: The Food & Fashion Exhibit and Two New Books
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
LoLT: Playing with Connections and Two New Books
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Overdu...
LoLT: The Hermanus Whale Festival and Two New Books
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
LoLT: ‘The Wheel of Time’ and Two New Books
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
LoLT: Award-Nominated Nonfiction and Two New Books
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: the cookbook ‘Portico’ by Leah Koenig and ‘The Square of Sevens’ by Laura Shepherd-Robin...
LoLT: The Great Philly Cheesesteak Debate and Two New Books
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ja...
LoLT: Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Two New Books
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: ‘The Continental Affair’ by Christine Mangan and ‘The Quickening’ by Elizabeth Rush. The...
LoLT: The Long Now Foundation and Two New Books
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books — ‘The Bookbinder’ by Pip Williams and ‘Tabula Rasa, Vol 1’ by John McPhee — then Dav...
LoLT: Remembering the Concorde and Two New Books
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re excited about two books — ‘Ms. Demeanor’ by Elinor Lipman Moreno-Garcia and ‘Speech Team: A Novel’ By Tim Murphy —...