Category Archives: Uncategorized

A sad farewell

Anyone who has visited Japan over the last 25 years has likely used the very helpful and convenient Suica transit card. Like most things in contemporary Japan, the Suica comes with a cute mascot. The epitome of kawaii culture, JR East’s cuddly … Continue reading

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Oh, the places we’ll go

More than three decades after Dr Seuss’s death, the beloved children’s author (real name Theodor Geisel) is set to publish a “new” book next summer. Titled Sing the 50 United States!, the never-before-seen manuscript was discovered earlier this year in … Continue reading

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The poem I didn’t write

The Poem I Didn’t Write, by Raymond Carver Here is the poem I was going to write earlier, but didn’t because I heard you stirring. I was thinking again about that first morning in Zurich. How we woke up before … Continue reading

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Travel Opens The Mind

For a More Creative Brain, Travel. “New sounds, smells, language, tastes, sensations, and sights spark different synapses in the brain and may have the potential to revitalize the mind.” Writers and thinkers have long felt the creative benefits of international travel. … Continue reading

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Do Literary Prizes Really Matter

Flesh by David Szalay was named the winner of the Booker Prize 2025 at a ceremony in London on Monday. Szalay receives £50,000 and a trophy, which was presented to him by last year’s winner, Samantha Harvey. I suppose that it’s time … Continue reading

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Do Not Seize The Day

 

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Lit Box

Regular visitors to TBTP know that I have an inordinate interest in vending machines, especially when they dispense books. I recently heard about a cool new one at the entrance of Western Market in downtown Washington D.C. What makes this … Continue reading

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Chat Europe

I admit that I’m an unrepentant Europhile, so I really like this clever and informative new project from the EU.  “ChatEurope is the first chatbot dedicated to European news. Launched by 15 European partners, this project includes a unique news … Continue reading

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Everything You Need to Know About Self-Publishing

Longtime readers of TBTP pages are aware of my sporadic career as a freelance author. During the olden days of the 20th century, I published a number of travel books and nonfiction reference books, but eventually gave up the struggle … Continue reading

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Bookstore Tourism

I don’t usually promote expensive coffee table books, but I just found this beauty which is a new New York Times 2025 Holiday Gift Guide selection. Bookstores of the World : The Ultimate Around-the-World Tour for Bibliophiles and Bookshop Lovers would make … Continue reading

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