What are you up to this weekend? My big plans are to help my daughter move into her college dorm: cue all the big feelings!
I hope you have something to look forward to these next few days, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend frame of mind.
My favorite finds from around the web:
I offer gift links for articles whenever possible (you may still need to create an account with the publication); if there’s no gift link and you’re not a subscriber, check to see if your library carries the publication or use a bookmarking service.
If I Were 50 Again, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do Differently. (The Blooming Era) “Heads up: 50 is not old! But it is undervalued. Let me explain. It’s when those body whispers become full on nudges. When your people-pleasing tolerance shrinks faster than your estrogen levels. When the idea of “reinvention” starts sounding less like an overly used word and more like a great idea.”
‘Comp’ titles – what are they, why do we use them, and how to find yours… (The Honest Editor) “Each comp should tell the reader something: either a hint at the genre or tone, the format, the characterisation, the readership, or the plot.”
I made Sally’s Perfect Peach Crisp for our daughter’s last night in town before leaving for college and it was divine.
Jason Mott Is Living the Dream. (Publishers Weekly) I loved learning more about his approach to People Like Us, which is featured in the 2025 Summer Reading Guide.
NPR does a lot of stories about books, authors and publishing. Does this approach meet the needs of people in the audience? (NPR) Fascinating to read about the many ways NPR approaches its book coverage. It was fun to see WSIRN alum Andrew Limbong‘s take!
The Cities Offering Thousands of Dollars to Convince Workers to Move. (The Wall Street Journal) “What began as an experiment during the pandemic to lure people back to small towns and cities in the American heartland is, about five years later, becoming a widespread strategy.”
I’ve been wearing Madewell’s white Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jeans on repeat during these back-to-school days.
Louisa May Alcott’s Utopian Feminist Workplace Novel. (The New Yorker) This lesser known Alcott novel sounds intriguing.
At this summer camp run by grandmas, kids learn cooking skills and life advice. (AP News) Golly this sounds life-giving to all involved. “Isolation and loneliness is something that seniors are challenged with, and they love having younger people around them.”
Six Books to Read Before You Get to the Airport. (The Atlantic gift link) “The six books below explain the art and science of piloting, and riding in, aircraft from a range of perspectives: poetic and technical, celebratory and cautionary. Together, they elucidate the marvel that is the contemporary air-transport system and bring to life the remarkable people whose struggles and triumphs brought it to fruition.”
How to decorate a kitchen that you’ll love working in. (Ina Garten | Barefoot Contessa) “If you display dishes and trays that you actually use and love, your kitchen feels alive.” Does it hurt that the hook is about books? You know it doesn’t!
It’s sweltering where I am this weekend, but I happened to notice that Anthro is fully restocked on this happy fall floral sweater from Maeve. I fell in love with it last winter and then had a very difficult time tracking down my size (but it was worth the trouble). If you want one, don’t sleep on it!
Which American Girl doll had the best clothes? (I Have Great Taste) This made me giggle!
The Satisfaction of sinking into a good book. (What Should I Read Next?) I especially love the conversation around cutting through the clamor of (often empty) endorsements in order to find books that are actually worth your reading time.
At 17, Hannah Cairo Solved a Major Math Mystery. (Quanta Magazine) “It’s not that anyone ever said sophisticated math problems can’t be solved by teenagers who haven’t finished high school. But the odds of such a result would have seemed long. Yet a paper posted on February 10 left the math world by turns stunned, delighted and ready to welcome a bold new talent into its midst.”
Don’t miss these posts:
14 recommended reads for those traveling to Japan. For anyone planning a trip to Japan or looking for some armchair travel.
School supplies for grown-ups. I get more excited about back-to-school shopping than my kids—and not for the reason you think.
22 atmospheric gothic novels for a darker reading mood. If you’re looking for a spooky-but-not-scary read, try a gothic novel!
Restart your life with these 12 nonfiction titles. This is a great time of year to give yourself a fresh start or adopt a new habit or routine.
Have a great weekend!