What are you up to this weekend? I’m looking forward to time outdoors because we’re finally enjoying a break from the heat and humidity where I live. I haven’t been able to read much this week—back to school season is relentless, am I right?—so I’m hoping to spend some quality time with my current book-in-progress as well.
I hope you have something to look forward to this weekend, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend state 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.
How to read like a novelist. (quite useless) On reading for the purpose of learning how to write aesthetic fiction—or for developing a rich interior life.
I’m not ignoring your message – I’m overwhelmed by the tyranny of being reachable. (The Guardian) “In today’s culture, your responsiveness equals your worth. It’s a proxy for your love, your professionalism, your care.”
Everything you need to know about Fall Book Preview this fall. (MMD) Fall is going to be lit(erary)!
I just noticed that Madewell’s Labor Day sale started early: get an extra 40% off sale items. This makes for a GREAT deal on some of their very good bags, including several I own and adore: check out their Essential Bucket Tote, Handwoven Cane Tote, Essential Curve Shoulder Bag, and many more styles. There are lots more clothing and accessory deals to be had if you know what you’re looking for!
The Diplomat Season 3 Trailer & Release Date Revealed: Kate Investigates New President. (ScreenRant) Coming October 16! Will and I LOVED the first two seasons and found it through your recommendations. (Thank you!) But we need a show in the meantime: what should we watch next?
The Otherworldly Ambitions of R. F. Kuang. (The New Yorker) Compelling profile of Kuang’s life and novels.
Fancy Sexy Little Non-Alcoholic Drinks I Love. (Earl Earl by Lauren Pantin) I haven’t been drinking since early last year, and am always on the lookout for fun and interesting drinks that aren’t Diet Coke, Spindrift, or tonic with lots of lime. (If you have more good ones to try, please share in comments!)
I ended up with a bottle of Color Wow’s Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-frizz Treatment; my hopes weren’t high because my fine and thick hair is PICKY about product but I have been using it for a couple of months now and I love it. Also available at Ulta.
Our team’s best books of summer. (What Should I Read Next?) TBR inspiration! And such fun conversations.
What Happened When I Tried to Replace Myself with ChatGPT in My English Classroom. (Literary Hub) Fascinating! And worth reading to the end. “It was this line of thinking that led me to conduct an experiment in my English classroom…. Rather than taking an “abstinence-only” approach to AI, I decided to put the central, existential question to them directly: was it still necessary or valuable to learn to write? The choice would be theirs. We would look at the evidence, and at the end of the semester, they would decide by vote whether A.I. could replace me. What could go wrong?”
What I’ve been reading lately: the new and the notable. (MMD) Short and sweet book reviews of what I’ve been reading lately.
The Very Best Cookie Delivery Services for When You Need Sugar Directly at Your Doorstep. (Bon Appétit) This was fun to peruse, but I’m sending homemade cookies to my college students this weekend. (These!)
Puzzle Me a Mystery: Solve the Puzzle to Find the Killer. (CrimeReads) “When I tell people I’m writing a mystery series that features jigsaw puzzles, the reactions fall into two categories….” I enjoyed this list of mysteries in which puzzles feature prominently in the plot.
Life In Elastic, It’s Fantastic. (Bustle) “Though the arc of American fashion is long, it bends toward comfort.”
7 tips for book club success from a group that’s been going for decades. (Washington Post) “One of the original rules of this group was: ‘We all seem to agree that by the end of an evening, we don’t all have to like a book any better, but we want to understand it more.’”
She ditched New York for Paris at the age of 79 and says it’s the best decision she’s ever made. (CNN Travel) An inspiration! And an interesting look at the practicalities involved in a big international move.
Don’t miss these posts:
7 memoirs read by the author. There’s something special about hearing a memoir brought to life in the author’s own voice.
Get ready to set the mood for a cozy season. It’s time to replenish my candle stash.
20 notable novels featuring family secrets. Stories built around family secrets make irresistible reads!
Have a great weekend!