Episode Summary: Ep 466 "New Stamps for Your Literary Passport"
In Episode 466 of What Should I Read Next?, host Anne Bogel welcomes her recurrent guests Mel Juwan and Dave Humphries, the creative minds behind the podcast Strong Sense of Place. This episode delves into the symbiotic relationship between literature and travel, offering listeners a curated literary journey across various global destinations.
Introduction to Mel Juwan and Dave Humphries
The episode kicks off with Anne reintroducing Mel and Dave, highlighting their enduring friendship and collaborative ventures. Mel reminisces about their first online connection and how their mutual love for travel and literature blossomed into the Strong Sense of Place podcast.
Mel Juwan [04:20]: "We hadn't yet travel bonded in Scotland like we did not that long thereafter."
Understanding Strong Sense of Place
Dave provides an overview of their podcast's inception in January 2020, emphasizing its mission to explore destinations through the books that best capture their essence. They discuss the diverse range of genres they cover, ensuring that each destination is portrayed with depth and authenticity.
Dave Humphries [08:45]: "It's a show about how humans everywhere have compelling stories."
Book Recommendations by Destination
1. Scotland [20:20 - 25:20]
Anne recommends "Haunted Voices", an anthology of 27 Gothic stories from Scotland. This collection, available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats, melds contemporary Scottish storytellers with archival recordings from past decades, creating an immersive auditory experience.
Anne Bogle [22:19]: “It can get a little like, spooky... you have to read along with the ebook version.”
2. Spain [26:07 - 40:40]
Dave suggests "The Ladies in Waiting" by Santiago Garcia and Javier Olivares, a graphic novel that offers an insightful exploration of Velázquez’s masterpiece Las Meninas. Anne adds "Labyrinth of the Spirits" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, the concluding novel in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series, set against the backdrop of Barcelona and Madrid during and after World War II.
Dave Humphries [27:00]: "Las Meninas is one of the great paintings in the history of art... It teaches you about Velazquez and his time."
Anne Bogle [30:01]: “It just puts you right in these cities at a time when passions were running high.”
3. Amusement Parks [33:20 - 37:26]
Inspired by a family trip to Tivoli in Copenhagen, Mel expresses interest in books set in amusement parks. Dave recommends "How Play Made the Modern World" by Steven Johnson, a nonfiction work tracing how play and delight have driven historical advancements. He also suggests "Curious Toys" by Elizabeth Hand, a murder mystery set in a Chicago amusement park in 1910, blending historical context with dark carnival vibes.
Dave Humphries [36:26]: “It highlights delight and play as a critical, significant part of life.”
4. New Orleans [37:26 - 40:40]
Dave offers a trio of recommendations:
- "Turkey and the Wolf" by Mason Hereford: A cookbook celebrating humble, unpretentious dishes crafted with love.
- "The Ballad of Perilous Graves" by Alex Jennings: A fantasy novel intertwining New Orleans' myths with rich storytelling.
- "Nine Lives, Death and Life in New Orleans" by Dan Baum: A nonfiction biography of nine residents navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy and Hurricane Katrina.
Dave Humphries [39:37]: “It makes you feel like you lived in New Orleans.”
5. Japan [40:57 - 43:31]
Anne recommends "The Great Passage" by Shion Miura, a heartwarming novel about a team dedicated to compiling a massive dictionary. The story delves into the nuances of language and the deep personal relationships formed in the process.
Anne Bogle [42:20]: “It really explores the depth of our relationship with language...”
6. Prague [50:57 - 54:58]
For Prague enthusiasts, Anne suggests "The Trick" by Emmanuel Bergman—a novel that intertwines an 11-year-old boy’s quest with historical flashbacks to WWII Prague. Dave adds "The Wall" by Peter Siss, a children's picture book that poignantly portrays life in Prague during the Communist era through the eyes of a child.
Dave Humphries [54:42]: "It broadens your understanding of life in Central and Eastern Europe."
7. Maine [45:50 - 48:10]
Dave recommends "The Stranger in the Woods" by Michael Finkel, a nonfiction account of a man who lived alone in the Maine woods for 27 years. Anne complements this with "Almost Maine" by John Cariani, a magical realist novel composed of vignettes set during a night illuminated by the northern lights in a small Maine town.
Dave Humphries [46:12]: “He was a hermit for 27 years...”
Anne Bogle [50:00]: “It's almost like a workplace story...”
8. Manor Houses [55:00 - 59:18]
Anne introduces "The Shooting Party" by Isabel Colgate, a 1981 novel that inspired the film "Gosford Park." This book delves into the dynamics between affluent guests and their servants in a manor house setting, focusing more on character relationships than the central murder mystery. Additionally, she recommends "The Power and the Glory" by Adrian Tinneswood, a historical exploration of country houses.
Anne Bogle [56:16]: “It makes me want to use the word droll.”
Upcoming Manor House Weekend [59:18 - 61:22]
Mel and Dave share exciting news about their forthcoming Manor House Weekend at Trevor Hall in North Wales. The Edwardian mansion, owned by former rock show promoters Lewis and Louise Parker, serves as a perfect blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. The event promises a variety of activities, including cocktail and tea parties, book clubs, a fancy dinner, and a magician’s seance.
Anne Bogle [59:18]: “It's an Edwardian mansion with 10 bedrooms... it's both modern and a nod to the past.”
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Anne, Mel, and Dave expressing their enthusiasm for the shared literary and travel experiences. They encourage listeners to explore the recommended books to enrich their own journeys and announce ways to stay connected through their respective podcasts and social media platforms.
Anne Bogle [63:04]: “Sign up for strongsenseofplace.com/signup and then it will magically show up in your inbox like magic.”
Key Takeaways
- Strong Sense of Place intertwines literature with travel, providing immersive literary experiences tied to specific destinations.
- The recommended books span a variety of genres, ensuring there's something for every reader's taste.
- Hosting events like the Manor House Weekend exemplifies the podcast's commitment to fostering community and experiential learning through literature.
Listeners are encouraged to explore the curated book selections to embark on their own literary voyages, enhancing both their reading and traveling experiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Anne Bogle [22:19]: “It can get a little like, spooky... you have to read along with the ebook version.”
- Dave Humphries [54:42]: "It broadens your understanding of life in Central and Eastern Europe."
- Anne Bogle [56:16]: “It makes me want to use the word droll.”
Resources:
- Strong Sense of Place Website: strongsenseofplace.com
- What Should I Read Next? Podcast: whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com
- Recommended Books and Show Notes: Available on the podcast's website.
This summary captures the essence of Episode 466, highlighting the key discussions, book recommendations, and the seamless blend of literature with travel that Anne, Mel, and Dave advocate for their listeners.