Taking a few smaller trips. One is to Saratoga, NY. My dad’s sister (and my last living aunt/uncle) is celebrating her 90th birthday. Her wish is for as many family members possible to gather at the Saratoga racetrack and place lots of $2 bets for her! My dad would have loved this. He had a lot of adventures there.
…on a side note, I am not a fan of racing, but I am a fan of my aunt, so I will go and celebrate her. 🙂
What an awesome trip! That sounds like the setup for a novel, and I love it.
Have you ever read any of the Dick Francis mysteries? They're all set in England (and steeplechase, but flat racing), but they might help get in the mood for a race? You could start with Odds Against or The Edge — two of my faves (I've read almost all of them; Francis is such a good writer.)
April, if you're a Louise Penny fan you should try to get to Knowlton -- it's an easy one hour drive from Montreal and is the home of Three Pines. There's a tour and you can visit the bookstore. It's a very pretty village with nice restaurants and boutiques. If you're visiting in October you can even go to the Knowlton literary festival, where Louise Penny will be interviewing Ann Cleeves! https://www.knowltonliteraryfestival.ca/coming-events
For me it's all about the food, so Montreal bagels (which are like Krispy Kreme donuts in that they are best when warm), smoked meat, and poutine. Yep, I'm all about the really fancy stuff 🤣
We have a Norway episode coming out on August 2. Will that be in time? I've only read one book so far for the show, but it was a good one: The Bell in the Lake by Lars Mytting. It's historical fiction about a village and its stave church. Fascinating stuff about the church and LOTS OF DRAMA! Also, if you like crime novels, the Jo Nesbo books are solidly good. —Mel
We will have just left, so perfect! I just looked up The Bell in the Lake and the library doesn’t have that but does have another book by the same author. I’ll have to look on Amazon.
The book Popular Music From Vittula by Mikael Niemi was a standout and has been really popular with our audience, but we genuinely loved all the books we recomemnded. I still think about The Stockholm Octavo (kind of quirky historical fiction).
We're doing Norway later this summer, but I've only read one book. It was a good one: The Bell in the Lake by Lars Mytting. It's historical fiction about a village and its stave church. Fascinating stuff about the church and LOTS OF DRAMA! Also, if you like crime novels, the Jo Nesbo books are solidly good. —Mel
Thanks for the recs! I won’t have a chance to read them before we depart next week, but perhaps when I get home I’ll continue the vacation vibes with some books set in Sweden and Norway.
Sometimes I think it's even more fun to read a book after the trip because you have more context and you can remember your awesome adventures. Happy travels! —Mel
Per Petterson is an excellent author from Oslo. His stuff is a bit dark and not at all vacationy, though. I have read "I Curse the River of Time" and "Out Stealing Horses". Highly recommended, but not bright and sunny.
I'm heading to London and Cornwall. Cornwall has been on my bucket list since I read Nightfall by Joan Aiken in middle school, and I've read a good number more gothic mysteries set in Cornwall since, but I'm always looking for more.
If you like mysteries the Maisie Donns series by Jacquline Winspear is great, especially on Audio. The book starts in London. It is set before WWI so not only gives a strong sense of place but also a strong sense of the time period. The series starts with Maisie as a child…she grows up in the first book. The rest of the series, she is an adult. We started listening to this series on road trips. We are eagerly planning our next road trip to listen to the next in the series. There are 18 books in the series. We are only 8 books into the series, can’t wait to read the next one.
I was looking at the premise for the novel and saw that is is the last in the series. It is so sad. However, this article (thanks for sharing) makes it seem comforting in a bittersweet way. Luckily I have many more books to go in this series.
One of my favorite authors/series is Elizabeth George's Inspector Lynley books. You can read them in order to get the full effect, but you don't have to. Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley is also an Earl (!), and in A Suitable Vengeance, he returns to his big ol' family pile in Cornwall to introduce his fiance to his mother. It's one of my faves in the series. If you read and like that one, then you might also move on to Careless in Red, which comes later in the chronology. Bu to me, A Suitable Vengeance is classic Elizabeth George. —Mel
Leaving in 2 days to camp by the ocean right by Freeport, Maine! I’ve read a lot of Maine books, but please share any of your Maine recommendations please - I’m eager to find something new :-)
The book that's really stayed with me from that show is Almost, Maine by John Cariani. It's about a small town where unusual things start happening when the Northern Lights start flashing in the sky. It's like if the movie Amelie was a set in Maine and had an ensemble cast instead of one heroine. I loved it and still think of it often. And/but all the books int hat episode are great!
John Hodgman has a very funny book called "Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches" which takes place in Maine much of the time. It's a humorous retelling of his family vacations growing up, and how he is convinced that the beaches of Main are going to kill him. Also how being an adult changes things and how he just kinda has to accept this.
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters tells a less-often told story set in Maine. Fascinating! Also, most of Elizabeth Stroudt’s books take place in Maine, I don’t think I’ve read all of her yet, but she’s prolific.
If you’re into food writing / memoirs, check out Finding Freedom by Erin French, chef and restauranteur of The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine. And other food writing: https://www.bonappetit.com/location/maine
And if you want something short, since you’re leaving soon, try Stephen King’s Colorado Kid. Despite the title, it absolutely takes place in Maine. I loved the audio version. It’s whimsical, not scary.
Enjoy Maine - Freeport will be busy! There is a lesser known state park in Freeport called Wolfe’s Neck. If you enjoy being outside, it’s worth a visit. Brunswick - 7 miles from Freeport is a lovely college town, too. Have fun!
Have you read Christina Baker Kline? A Piece of the World takes place in Cushing, about an hour from Freeport. I also read and liked Desire Lines (which has strong sense of Bangor:)
I'm headed to Alaska on a cruise and then the Seattle and Portand areas for about a week after the cruise. I've gotten lots of Alaska and Seattle book recommendations, but I don't have any for the Portland area. When I booked the cruise I also signed up for a couple travel/cruise blogs, so I've gotten some good tips from them. If anyone has any book recommendations for the Portland area, preferably fiction, and/or any "must know" cruise tips, I'd love any and all. Thanks!
My biggest book recommendation for Portland is to go to Powell's Books when you are there. It has everything. And the people there will be able to direct you to books that take place in Portland.
Also, a cruise tip: if you forget to bring Dramamine for sea sickness, the consierge (sp?) always has some to hand out. Cruise people do not like the look of sea sick customers.
I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve heard good things about Wildwood by Colin Meloy (yes, the lead singer of The Decemberists!). It’s a middle grade portal fantasy novel set in Portland. The natural beauty of Portland features prominently throughout the story. Hope you have a great trip!!
Hi from WA! I moved to the PNW from CA during the pandemic and did a ton of reading in order to get to know my new home (since I couldn't explore much in person in 2020 haha). The top two that I would recommend for a fun summer read that has a strong sense of place: 1) The Cold Millions by Jess Walters-- fast-paced historical fiction set in Spokane that really captures the sense of place. 2) Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple-- contemporary fiction, epistolary structure, fun & frothy, and full of sharp observations of contemporary life in Seattle, tech bros, cool artists, ultra-rich yuppies, quirky hippies. I'd also recommend: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet by Jamie Ford; Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer Holm; What Comes After by Joanne Tompkins; Snow Falling on Ceders by David Guterson.
Love Love Lurve Bernadette - I'm afraid to watch the movie, I loved the book so much. Somehow I forgot it was set in Seattle! May need to re-read that before I go. Thank you!
I believe most, if not all, of Jamie Ford's books are set in the Seattle area, and there are several. A Sudden Light by Garth Stein is set in Seattle. Unfurled by Michelle Ballet-Jones looks like the Seattle area. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a YA set in Seattle. Onions in the Stew by Betty Macdonald is set on an island in Puget Sound area. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson set on an island north of Puget Sound.
I haven't read any of these yet, but I culled these from other book bloggers "Pacific Northwest" blog posts. These were the ones that interested me the most. Hope this helps. :)
Thank you! I've read Snow Falling on Cedars and it's wonderful. Will look into all of the others you shared - haven't heard of any of them, which is always exciting! I have heard of Jamie Ford but haven't read anything by him (yet). :)
Native Portlander here. If you want a couple of good novels that describe the Portland’s hardscrabble roots I’d recommend Trask by Don Berry and Sometimes a Great Notion by Kesey. Even though you’ll be here on a beautiful sunny day, imagine early Portland with plank sidewalks and lots of “characters”. (Fun fact - if you visit Toledo, OR on the coast there are still locals around who remember having beers with Paul Newman when he was in town filming Sometimes a Great Notion).
I’m going to Montreal & Quebec City this fall - & I found an author (Lesley Crewe) who is from Montreal & now lives in Cape Breton. Recipe for a Good Life is one you might check out.
I love both of those cities. Have a great time! If you can, try to visit Montmorency Falls right outside the city. There’s a pedestrian suspension bridge over them -beautiful.
Fall on your knees -- Ann Marie Macdonald. The Glace Bay Miner's Museum by Sheldon Currie -- they made a terrific movie out of it called Margaret's Museum and starring Helena Bonham Carter. If you like short stories, Alistair Macleod's As Birds Bring Forth the Sun are very evocative!
I'll be Amtrak-ing it up the USA West Coast, starting in LA and stopping in San Francisco/Oakland, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver BC to stay with family. Then I'll be going to Canmore (near Banff) and Yellowknife, hopefully to see the Northern Lights. This trip has been a long time coming, so very excited!
What an absolute delight!! I’m from a town on the Central Coast (San Luis Obispo) and went to college in San Diego, and always took Amtrak Pacific Surfliner back and forth from home and school when I was a student. Such a beautiful ride!
I am taking my wife and kids on a two week trip to Italy. This is to celebrate my retirement from the Navy after 24 years. We plan to visit Venice, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento. We are very excited. Not sure if I will do much reading on the trip.
That's such a fantastic itinerary! I hope you all hace a wonderful time. What a great way to celebrate the start of your next life chapter. I love it!
My husband Dave and I are going to Venice for a few days in July, and I can't wait. Wandering around the little alleys and over tiny bridges is so much fun. I like to imagine someone swooping around a corner in one of those Venetian masks and a big hooded cloak. —Mel
I loved Venice when I traveled there many years ago. Would love to go back. If you are into Fantasy, I just read the second book in the Invisible Library series by Genevieve Cogman. The second book is called The Masked City and is set in an alternate Venice. It gives all those vibes of masked people and gondolas. (I would recommend reading the series in order though so that you understand what the Librarian for The Library does and who the characters are.) I’m really enjoying this series.
When in Rome: A Journal of Life in the Vatican City by Robert J. Hutchinson is a great pre-Rome read. It's a little dated by now, I'm sure, but the author's descriptions of how Rome works - the Vatican, tourism, etc - are all helpful. He writes humorously; this does not read like a travel guide. He includes some fantastic off-the-beaten-path locations to visit as well, which I made great use of when I was in Rome.
I highly recommend the Baltic countries, especially in light of current political events. The major cities of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are all very accessible by bus and each country has its own unique charms.
I have a conference in Boston, so I will be extending the beginning and end of the trip to visit family and friends. As for tips, the Kindle is undoubtedly the best travel companion. Hundreds of books at your fingertips. I'll have to consider if I have any other tips!
You might need to go all kids book in Boston and read McClosky's "Make Way for the Ducklings", then go see the statue of the ducklings in the Boston Public Gardens. There are other statues of literary figures in the park as well. Our local bookstore gave us this book when my oldest son was born, and we had the opportunity to take him to see the real ducks when he was two. He mostly wanted to sit on them.
For grownup reads, The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro, and there is the old school Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (I think it takes place in Boston...it's been a while since I read it).
We're spending a month in Hawaii. This feels like the last summer that both of our teens will be jobless and willing to spend a month away from their friends. Excited to read lots of books and relax.
I highly recommend HULA by Jasmine Iolani Hakes— multi-generational family story, strong female leads, engaging voice & POV, sharp and funny observations, lots of history and politics woven in without ever being heavy handed.
I'm going to Iceland and Greenland! (On a cruise.) Very excited!! I want to take with me a book set in Iceland. I'm looking for something on the lighter side, something to relax with, nothing gritty or graphic. I have a few books I'm reading before I go, but any ideas would be great!
The Museum of Whales You Will Never See: And Other Excursions to Iceland's Most Unusual Museums by Kendra Greene is fantastic. It's non-fiction, which makes it even better. There are, apparently, a lot of strange little museums in Iceland, and after reading this book, I wish to see all of them.
I recently read Reykjavik by Ragnar Jonasson. It’s a missing persons mystery. I thought it was a good book but it might not be what you are looking for at this time.
Thanks for replying! I'm currently very much enjoying Dave's rec How Iceland Changed the World, and The Island is waiting on my nightstand. I will look into that author.
Hey, Blake! I know you're a Patron. Just in case you didn't remember... I did a post about all the places we ate in Spain when we were there. Might want to take a look? https://www.patreon.com/posts/photos-stories-78680442 We had the best hot chocolate! And tapas! And... everything ;-) —Mel
No vacations for us this summer since we are relocating to Ottawa. I'm looking forward to exploring our new city, especially the parks, libraries, and museums. I'm always open to travel and book recommendations.
We have a beach vacation in Maine that involves only family, sun, food and books. I have already started the pile of books! Headed to London (been many times) and Liverpool (never been). Ideas for UK?!
Summer in Maine is so iconic. Hope you have a great time! (Have you listened to our Maine episode?)
Um... we have lots of London and England recommendations. The best place to start is our Destination pages - they list all the books and our podcast and other UK stuff!
Of course I have listened to every episode! I read the Maine books last year. I already booked the British Library tour and created a reading list that my travel companions may or may not read! Thanks!
YAY! So excited for you that you're going on the British Library tour. It's very cool! And it looks like they're slowly, steadily recovering from their cyberattack. Phew.
Taking a few smaller trips. One is to Saratoga, NY. My dad’s sister (and my last living aunt/uncle) is celebrating her 90th birthday. Her wish is for as many family members possible to gather at the Saratoga racetrack and place lots of $2 bets for her! My dad would have loved this. He had a lot of adventures there.
…on a side note, I am not a fan of racing, but I am a fan of my aunt, so I will go and celebrate her. 🙂
What an awesome trip! That sounds like the setup for a novel, and I love it.
Have you ever read any of the Dick Francis mysteries? They're all set in England (and steeplechase, but flat racing), but they might help get in the mood for a race? You could start with Odds Against or The Edge — two of my faves (I've read almost all of them; Francis is such a good writer.)
Also, have you read The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff? That's another great book with a totally different vibe, set in Cooperstown, which isn't too far from Saratoga. https://strongsenseofplace.com/books/the_monsters_of_templeton_groff/ —Mel
What a lovely family adventure! Hopefully you can bet on a horse named "Sassy Lady" or similar and she'll beat the odds!
She is the youngest of 6-so she was nicknamed Babe (and she kind of was.) - hoping for a horse with a name along those lines.
You must report back!
This story just gets better and better. —Mel
Going to Montreal & Quebec City (in the fall) - anything I need to check out or make sure I do? (Of course I’ve read all of Inspector Gamache!)
Ooooh, can I also recommend the book 'The Dishwasher' by Stephane Larue? https://strongsenseofplace.com/books/the_dishwasher_larue/ It's a coming-of-age story set in the restaurants of Montreal. I thought it was really good. —Mel
April, if you're a Louise Penny fan you should try to get to Knowlton -- it's an easy one hour drive from Montreal and is the home of Three Pines. There's a tour and you can visit the bookstore. It's a very pretty village with nice restaurants and boutiques. If you're visiting in October you can even go to the Knowlton literary festival, where Louise Penny will be interviewing Ann Cleeves! https://www.knowltonliteraryfestival.ca/coming-events
Oh, also Barney's Version by Mordechai Richler -- great Montreal book!
For me it's all about the food, so Montreal bagels (which are like Krispy Kreme donuts in that they are best when warm), smoked meat, and poutine. Yep, I'm all about the really fancy stuff 🤣
Gonna be in Oslo, Norway for a month this summer. Very excited about that!
We have a Norway episode coming out on August 2. Will that be in time? I've only read one book so far for the show, but it was a good one: The Bell in the Lake by Lars Mytting. It's historical fiction about a village and its stave church. Fascinating stuff about the church and LOTS OF DRAMA! Also, if you like crime novels, the Jo Nesbo books are solidly good. —Mel
We will have just left, so perfect! I just looked up The Bell in the Lake and the library doesn’t have that but does have another book by the same author. I’ll have to look on Amazon.
Love Jo Nesbo!
I’m also headed to Oslo and Stockholm - next week!
Have a fantastic time! We did an episode on Sweden, if you want to listen and get in the mood!
podcast: https://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2020-04-13-sweden/
transcript: https://strongsenseofplace.com/transcriptions/10_sweden
The book Popular Music From Vittula by Mikael Niemi was a standout and has been really popular with our audience, but we genuinely loved all the books we recomemnded. I still think about The Stockholm Octavo (kind of quirky historical fiction).
We're doing Norway later this summer, but I've only read one book. It was a good one: The Bell in the Lake by Lars Mytting. It's historical fiction about a village and its stave church. Fascinating stuff about the church and LOTS OF DRAMA! Also, if you like crime novels, the Jo Nesbo books are solidly good. —Mel
Thanks for the recs! I won’t have a chance to read them before we depart next week, but perhaps when I get home I’ll continue the vacation vibes with some books set in Sweden and Norway.
Sometimes I think it's even more fun to read a book after the trip because you have more context and you can remember your awesome adventures. Happy travels! —Mel
I’m envious! I love summers in Scandinavia
I’m excited!
Ooh! Lots of daylight-lovely!
Per Petterson is an excellent author from Oslo. His stuff is a bit dark and not at all vacationy, though. I have read "I Curse the River of Time" and "Out Stealing Horses". Highly recommended, but not bright and sunny.
I'm heading to London and Cornwall. Cornwall has been on my bucket list since I read Nightfall by Joan Aiken in middle school, and I've read a good number more gothic mysteries set in Cornwall since, but I'm always looking for more.
Daphne du Maurier embodies Cornwall to me - if you want something quick, The Birds is a short story set there (and we talk about the story a bit here: https://thenovelteapod.substack.com/p/the-birds-and-the-books)
But also, a lot of her books are set there, including Rebecca, The House on the Strand, Jamaica Inn, and so many more. Looks like it's even on the Cornwall tourism website! https://www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/insider-recommendations/daphne-du-maurier-s-cornwall
Such good recs! —Mel
If you like mysteries the Maisie Donns series by Jacquline Winspear is great, especially on Audio. The book starts in London. It is set before WWI so not only gives a strong sense of place but also a strong sense of the time period. The series starts with Maisie as a child…she grows up in the first book. The rest of the series, she is an adult. We started listening to this series on road trips. We are eagerly planning our next road trip to listen to the next in the series. There are 18 books in the series. We are only 8 books into the series, can’t wait to read the next one.
This is such a good suggestion. Those books are great! Did you seen this WaPo article about the series coming to an end?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2024/06/03/maisie-dobbs-jacqueline-winspear-comfort-book/
I was looking at the premise for the novel and saw that is is the last in the series. It is so sad. However, this article (thanks for sharing) makes it seem comforting in a bittersweet way. Luckily I have many more books to go in this series.
One of my favorite authors/series is Elizabeth George's Inspector Lynley books. You can read them in order to get the full effect, but you don't have to. Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley is also an Earl (!), and in A Suitable Vengeance, he returns to his big ol' family pile in Cornwall to introduce his fiance to his mother. It's one of my faves in the series. If you read and like that one, then you might also move on to Careless in Red, which comes later in the chronology. Bu to me, A Suitable Vengeance is classic Elizabeth George. —Mel
Leaving in 2 days to camp by the ocean right by Freeport, Maine! I’ve read a lot of Maine books, but please share any of your Maine recommendations please - I’m eager to find something new :-)
We did a podcast episode about Maine — might get you in the mood! https://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2023-05-15-maine/
The book that's really stayed with me from that show is Almost, Maine by John Cariani. It's about a small town where unusual things start happening when the Northern Lights start flashing in the sky. It's like if the movie Amelie was a set in Maine and had an ensemble cast instead of one heroine. I loved it and still think of it often. And/but all the books int hat episode are great!
If you're in the mood for a crime novel, CrimeReads just published this roundup of five books set in Maine. https://crimereads.com/five-great-books-about-maine-from-thomas-e-ricks/
Have a fantastic time. That sounds dreamy! —Mel
Thank you thank you! Will listen to the podcast episode on my walk this morning :-)
YAY! We're going on a walk together :-) —Mel
John Hodgman has a very funny book called "Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches" which takes place in Maine much of the time. It's a humorous retelling of his family vacations growing up, and how he is convinced that the beaches of Main are going to kill him. Also how being an adult changes things and how he just kinda has to accept this.
YES! Dave read that for our Maine episode, and he loved it so much. —Mel
Love that recommendation - thank you Emily!
Not a book rec, but Mainely Custard (rt 1, Freeport) is delicious! So is Maine Beer Co, also in Freeport. Really good pizza, and beer, of course.
YAY for Mainely Custard - what a win of a recommendation!
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters tells a less-often told story set in Maine. Fascinating! Also, most of Elizabeth Stroudt’s books take place in Maine, I don’t think I’ve read all of her yet, but she’s prolific.
If you’re into food writing / memoirs, check out Finding Freedom by Erin French, chef and restauranteur of The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine. And other food writing: https://www.bonappetit.com/location/maine
I read this on my flight home - thank you so much for the recommendation, Alicia! I absolutely adored it :-)
I’m so glad!!! Hooray for a perfect plane read 💛✨
And if you want something short, since you’re leaving soon, try Stephen King’s Colorado Kid. Despite the title, it absolutely takes place in Maine. I loved the audio version. It’s whimsical, not scary.
Oooooh, Colorado is one of my very favorite places, so the title combined with the fact that it’s set in Maine makes it a sure bet!
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Wrong season, but it will evoke the wild days of Colonial Maine.
Thank you so much!
Enjoy Maine - Freeport will be busy! There is a lesser known state park in Freeport called Wolfe’s Neck. If you enjoy being outside, it’s worth a visit. Brunswick - 7 miles from Freeport is a lovely college town, too. Have fun!
We’re actually camping at Wolfe’s Neck - yay!! Happy to hear it’s great :-)
Have you read Christina Baker Kline? A Piece of the World takes place in Cushing, about an hour from Freeport. I also read and liked Desire Lines (which has strong sense of Bangor:)
Oooh, thank you! I haven’t read either of these :-)
I'm headed to Alaska on a cruise and then the Seattle and Portand areas for about a week after the cruise. I've gotten lots of Alaska and Seattle book recommendations, but I don't have any for the Portland area. When I booked the cruise I also signed up for a couple travel/cruise blogs, so I've gotten some good tips from them. If anyone has any book recommendations for the Portland area, preferably fiction, and/or any "must know" cruise tips, I'd love any and all. Thanks!
My biggest book recommendation for Portland is to go to Powell's Books when you are there. It has everything. And the people there will be able to direct you to books that take place in Portland.
Also the Multnomah County Library offers these 34 suggestions: https://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/list/share/114633184/153965431
Such a good idea! Local recommendations and BOOKSTORE! —Mel
I am planning on going to Powell's Books, and I can't wait. Thanks for the link to the library's list of Portland's recommendations.
Also, a cruise tip: if you forget to bring Dramamine for sea sickness, the consierge (sp?) always has some to hand out. Cruise people do not like the look of sea sick customers.
I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve heard good things about Wildwood by Colin Meloy (yes, the lead singer of The Decemberists!). It’s a middle grade portal fantasy novel set in Portland. The natural beauty of Portland features prominently throughout the story. Hope you have a great trip!!
I read this series and had no idea who the author was. Very cool.
Thanks, Liz. I appreciate the recommendation. :)
Going to Seattle later this month and will take any Seattle book recs you've got!
Hi from WA! I moved to the PNW from CA during the pandemic and did a ton of reading in order to get to know my new home (since I couldn't explore much in person in 2020 haha). The top two that I would recommend for a fun summer read that has a strong sense of place: 1) The Cold Millions by Jess Walters-- fast-paced historical fiction set in Spokane that really captures the sense of place. 2) Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple-- contemporary fiction, epistolary structure, fun & frothy, and full of sharp observations of contemporary life in Seattle, tech bros, cool artists, ultra-rich yuppies, quirky hippies. I'd also recommend: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet by Jamie Ford; Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer Holm; What Comes After by Joanne Tompkins; Snow Falling on Ceders by David Guterson.
Love Love Lurve Bernadette - I'm afraid to watch the movie, I loved the book so much. Somehow I forgot it was set in Seattle! May need to re-read that before I go. Thank you!
I believe most, if not all, of Jamie Ford's books are set in the Seattle area, and there are several. A Sudden Light by Garth Stein is set in Seattle. Unfurled by Michelle Ballet-Jones looks like the Seattle area. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a YA set in Seattle. Onions in the Stew by Betty Macdonald is set on an island in Puget Sound area. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson set on an island north of Puget Sound.
I haven't read any of these yet, but I culled these from other book bloggers "Pacific Northwest" blog posts. These were the ones that interested me the most. Hope this helps. :)
Thank you! I've read Snow Falling on Cedars and it's wonderful. Will look into all of the others you shared - haven't heard of any of them, which is always exciting! I have heard of Jamie Ford but haven't read anything by him (yet). :)
When I moved to the state, I worked from these lists from the Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/a-new-to-seattle-reading-list-the-fiction-essentials/ ... https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/a-new-to-seattle-reading-list-part-2-the-nonfiction-edition/
Ooooh, this is going to be super helpful for our Seattle episode. Thank you!
Native Portlander here. If you want a couple of good novels that describe the Portland’s hardscrabble roots I’d recommend Trask by Don Berry and Sometimes a Great Notion by Kesey. Even though you’ll be here on a beautiful sunny day, imagine early Portland with plank sidewalks and lots of “characters”. (Fun fact - if you visit Toledo, OR on the coast there are still locals around who remember having beers with Paul Newman when he was in town filming Sometimes a Great Notion).
I've added both to my list. Thanks for the recs!
Don’t sleep on the Portland donut scene! My favs are Top Pot and Blue Star, but of course Voodoo Donuts is iconic https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-donuts-portland-oregon
Donut intel might be the best intel.
Oh, Yum! I haven't met a donut yet that I don't want to try. Thanks!
I’m going to Cape Breton. I know Mel recommended Crow by Amy Spurway (in the Maritimes episode) but what other books are there?
I’m going to Montreal & Quebec City this fall - & I found an author (Lesley Crewe) who is from Montreal & now lives in Cape Breton. Recipe for a Good Life is one you might check out.
I love both of those cities. Have a great time! If you can, try to visit Montmorency Falls right outside the city. There’s a pedestrian suspension bridge over them -beautiful.
Thanks April!
We’ll be in Annapolis Royal in the fall. We love Cape Breton. Check out the lunchtime ceilidh at the Gaelic college in St Ann’s.
Fall on your knees -- Ann Marie Macdonald. The Glace Bay Miner's Museum by Sheldon Currie -- they made a terrific movie out of it called Margaret's Museum and starring Helena Bonham Carter. If you like short stories, Alistair Macleod's As Birds Bring Forth the Sun are very evocative!
Have the best time! We still have that whole area on our 'someday' list! —Mel
Thank you! And if you end up passing through Downeast Maine on your way there, let me know!
I'll be Amtrak-ing it up the USA West Coast, starting in LA and stopping in San Francisco/Oakland, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver BC to stay with family. Then I'll be going to Canmore (near Banff) and Yellowknife, hopefully to see the Northern Lights. This trip has been a long time coming, so very excited!
I'm so excited for you, Sally! What an adventure! —Mel
Train rides across the west coast/PNW always sounded so attractive. what a grand itinerary! Have a wonderful voyage!
Thank you Christine - I'm an Australian and haven't been to the Americas since 2001, so it's going to be quite an adventure.
What an absolute delight!! I’m from a town on the Central Coast (San Luis Obispo) and went to college in San Diego, and always took Amtrak Pacific Surfliner back and forth from home and school when I was a student. Such a beautiful ride!
And coincidentally, I live in a region called the Central Coast on the east coast of NSW, Australia!
I am taking my wife and kids on a two week trip to Italy. This is to celebrate my retirement from the Navy after 24 years. We plan to visit Venice, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento. We are very excited. Not sure if I will do much reading on the trip.
That's such a fantastic itinerary! I hope you all hace a wonderful time. What a great way to celebrate the start of your next life chapter. I love it!
My husband Dave and I are going to Venice for a few days in July, and I can't wait. Wandering around the little alleys and over tiny bridges is so much fun. I like to imagine someone swooping around a corner in one of those Venetian masks and a big hooded cloak. —Mel
I loved Venice when I traveled there many years ago. Would love to go back. If you are into Fantasy, I just read the second book in the Invisible Library series by Genevieve Cogman. The second book is called The Masked City and is set in an alternate Venice. It gives all those vibes of masked people and gondolas. (I would recommend reading the series in order though so that you understand what the Librarian for The Library does and who the characters are.) I’m really enjoying this series.
Oh, fun! Thank you for the recommendation! I've been curious about that series. This might be the nudge I need!
When in Rome: A Journal of Life in the Vatican City by Robert J. Hutchinson is a great pre-Rome read. It's a little dated by now, I'm sure, but the author's descriptions of how Rome works - the Vatican, tourism, etc - are all helpful. He writes humorously; this does not read like a travel guide. He includes some fantastic off-the-beaten-path locations to visit as well, which I made great use of when I was in Rome.
I highly recommend the Baltic countries, especially in light of current political events. The major cities of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are all very accessible by bus and each country has its own unique charms.
I’ve only been to Tallinn in Estonia and I agree, it’s wonderful! We took a very fun medieval walking tour there last year.
I have a conference in Boston, so I will be extending the beginning and end of the trip to visit family and friends. As for tips, the Kindle is undoubtedly the best travel companion. Hundreds of books at your fingertips. I'll have to consider if I have any other tips!
You might need to go all kids book in Boston and read McClosky's "Make Way for the Ducklings", then go see the statue of the ducklings in the Boston Public Gardens. There are other statues of literary figures in the park as well. Our local bookstore gave us this book when my oldest son was born, and we had the opportunity to take him to see the real ducks when he was two. He mostly wanted to sit on them.
For grownup reads, The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro, and there is the old school Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (I think it takes place in Boston...it's been a while since I read it).
Anything related to The Scarlet Letter usually takes place in Salem, MA, which is outside of Boston proper.
I read and loved The Boston Girl by Anita Diamonte on my trip to Boston a few years ago.
We're spending a month in Hawaii. This feels like the last summer that both of our teens will be jobless and willing to spend a month away from their friends. Excited to read lots of books and relax.
Fantastic! Are you a piña colada person? Or a mai tai person? OMG. Are you going to a luau?!
Have you heard our Hawaii episode? Lots of good book recs. https://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2022-08-01-hawaii/ —Mel
I recently read Sharks In the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn. Very strong sense of place and traditional plus modern culture in Hawaii.
I highly recommend HULA by Jasmine Iolani Hakes— multi-generational family story, strong female leads, engaging voice & POV, sharp and funny observations, lots of history and politics woven in without ever being heavy handed.
I'm going to Iceland and Greenland! (On a cruise.) Very excited!! I want to take with me a book set in Iceland. I'm looking for something on the lighter side, something to relax with, nothing gritty or graphic. I have a few books I'm reading before I go, but any ideas would be great!
PS I love Tuesday Tea!
The Museum of Whales You Will Never See: And Other Excursions to Iceland's Most Unusual Museums by Kendra Greene is fantastic. It's non-fiction, which makes it even better. There are, apparently, a lot of strange little museums in Iceland, and after reading this book, I wish to see all of them.
Thanks! I've seen a few odd museums in my research. That book sounds interesting.
This book is absurdly interesting!!
I recently read Reykjavik by Ragnar Jonasson. It’s a missing persons mystery. I thought it was a good book but it might not be what you are looking for at this time.
Thanks!
We did an Iceland episode with lots of fun book recommendations - but I'm worried all the novels I picked are kinda dark.
podcast - https://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2022-04-25-iceland/
transcript - https://strongsenseofplace.com/transcriptions/33_iceland_transcript
I *think* the books by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir are a bit lighter. My reading buddy Ellen read them and loved them. 'Miss Iceland' might be a good place to start? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48637765-miss-iceland —Mel
Thanks for replying! I'm currently very much enjoying Dave's rec How Iceland Changed the World, and The Island is waiting on my nightstand. I will look into that author.
Dave will be so glad to read this comment! —Mel
Spain!! I can’t wait. I already hit up several recommendations from the Spain episode to get in the right mindset
Hey, Blake! I know you're a Patron. Just in case you didn't remember... I did a post about all the places we ate in Spain when we were there. Might want to take a look? https://www.patreon.com/posts/photos-stories-78680442 We had the best hot chocolate! And tapas! And... everything ;-) —Mel
Don't know if you have any interest in the Camino de Santiago, but Walking With Sam was a great book about this pilgrimage.
I have always wanted to walk at least part of it— on my bucket list for sure. I’ll have to add that to my tbr. Thanks!
No vacations for us this summer since we are relocating to Ottawa. I'm looking forward to exploring our new city, especially the parks, libraries, and museums. I'm always open to travel and book recommendations.
Oooh, big changes are afoot! Wishing you all the best on our move and getting settled in your new home!
We have a beach vacation in Maine that involves only family, sun, food and books. I have already started the pile of books! Headed to London (been many times) and Liverpool (never been). Ideas for UK?!
Summer in Maine is so iconic. Hope you have a great time! (Have you listened to our Maine episode?)
Um... we have lots of London and England recommendations. The best place to start is our Destination pages - they list all the books and our podcast and other UK stuff!
London -https://strongsenseofplace.com/destinations/london/
England - https://strongsenseofplace.com/destinations/england/ —Mel
Of course I have listened to every episode! I read the Maine books last year. I already booked the British Library tour and created a reading list that my travel companions may or may not read! Thanks!
YAY! So excited for you that you're going on the British Library tour. It's very cool! And it looks like they're slowly, steadily recovering from their cyberattack. Phew.