Endnotes 21 February: Antarctic Penguins, Public Libraries, Louvre, Favorite Words & More
Plus, a delicious episode of The Library of Lost Time
Hello, friends!
Fun fact: There are an estimated 44 million penguins in Antarctica.
According to the World Population Review, the next highest concentration is in Chile, with 13 million. So if Mr. Popper’s Penguins was one of your favorite kid’s books, you should maybe head to Antarctica.
There are eight penguin species on the snowy continent — and here are the tips you need to go visit them. This post explains what to expect on your Antarctic adventures; this one shares everything you need to know. And AFAR magazine reveals 11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Traveling to Antarctica.
Need more inspiration? How about this?
Endnotes: 21 February
If you only click one link today, please make it this one. It’s a call to action to notice the cool/sweet/special small moments in your life and to write about them — to create a personal encyclopedia of ordinary life.
On a recent episode of The Library of Lost Time, I recommended Elinor Lipman’s new book Every Tom, Dick & Harry. If you’re a fan of her work too, treat yourself to this interview from Nerd Daily and a previous chat with her about some of her favorite bookish experiences.
Last week’s Endnotes included a photo of the (beautiful) University of Michigan Law Library. In response, we heard from friend-of-SSoP Lisa D who said this: ‘I love the library list link. Just wanted to share how proud I am of our local library here in Missoula, Montana. It was named the Public Library of the Year in 2022 - World’s Best. It’s stunning, inside and out, with big windows and areas where there’s something for everyone.’ She wasn’t overstating; the Missoula Public Library is awesome. For more on fantastic public libraries, check out this episode of The Library of Lost Time.
We were so happy to join Anne Bogel on her podcast What Should I Read Next? to recommend books set in destinations she’s eager to visit.
Thinks the Louvre is too overwhelming, too crowded, too too? This deep dive into the best way to visit might change your mind.
Whoa. Do you know about Luna Luna? It’s a carnival of magical artworks, including a Ferris wheel designed by Jean-Michel
Basquiat, a carousel by Keith Haring, and installations by Salvador DalÃ, David Hockney, and Roy Lichtenstein. You can explore this wonderland at The Shed in New York City’s Central Park until 16 March.
One hundred percent yes to red carpet outfits as books:
I think you’ll love these little love notes to favorite words.
Aw. The Couples Who Found Love in Bookshops. ‘… Jess decided to send Patrick a parcel of 20 books, complete with annotations. “My form of saying I love you was These are my favourite books.’
Friends, there’s a new roller skating rink in Brooklyn called Xanadu. ’The roller-rink-slash-music-venue is decked out in ‘90s patterns, neon lights, and a long bar that separates booths from the skating floor itself. The rental skates are purple and seafoam suede… A few people even whiz by on Rollerblades.’
Whelp, I just added the stunning seaside town of Monte Argentario (Italy)to my must-visit list.
Where to start with Zora Neale Hurston, the author of Their Eyes Were Watching God.
I found this quiz about synonyms pretty challenging. I got 12/15.
New Episode of The Library of Lost Time
In each mini-podcast episode, we discuss two books at the top of our TBR, then share a fun book- or travel-related distraction. Get all the episodes and books galore here.
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 Morrison. Then Mel shares the buttery story of the best croissants in Paris.
listen + show notes | transcript
This was almost my favorite LoLT episode ever! I adored the story of your manic, epic, continent-spanning quest for the Holy Croissant. It truly brightened my day.
I was late for a Zoom meeting today b/c I stood outside my house away from the computer, listening to discover if you found a worthy croissant in Paris. And was so satisfied when on your last day you bit into the almond croissant that exploded all over you. Neighbours probably wondered why I stood there laughing and clapping my hands. Great story! Thanks so much for sharing