This has been an unusual week around here: I took most of the week off work for a cluster of appointments and to attend to personal matters that needed my attention, which happened to coincide with election week here in the U.S. I’m grateful that the relative quiet has given me a little space to process what’s happening personally and on the larger scale this week.
My hope is that for you, these next few days may offer you a bit of whatever it is you happen to need right now. I always say I put together this collection with an eye toward interesting reads and my favorite things: I hope you find something interesting—and maybe perhaps even a future favorite?—here as well.
May your weekend be filled with grace, peace, rest, and good books.
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 service like Pocket.
In Tumultuous Times, Readers Turn to ‘Healing Fiction.’ (New York Times gift link) Think: Before the Coffee Gets Cold. “This is the biggest translation boom we’ve had in a while.”
25 beautiful and engaging jigsaw puzzles for the winter days. (MMD) Favorite puzzles to give as gifts or stock your games cabinet. Bonus: I’m working this one right now.
Once Halloween was over and we turned the clocks back we pulled out all the candles and throw blankets and baked up our first batch of Extra-Bold Chex Mix, with many more to follow this season. (Instead of microwaving, I baked it at 300° for about 45 minutes, stirring regularly. I like it crispy!)
12 funny mysteries to brighten your day. (MMD) A list of whodunits that will make you grin, chuckle, or even laugh out loud.
How to host a cozy reader retreat. (What Should I Read Next?) If you like cozy vibes and/or cozy reads, this one’s for you.
18 mocktails for Thanksgiving. (Town & Country) This would have caught my eye for Thanksgivings past, but even more so now because last winter I stopped drinking. I like how most of these aren’t complicated but they’re still more interesting than seltzer + juice.
10 New Audiobooks for Fall 2024. (The Millions) I’m an AudioFile magazine fan; here their pros recommend ten of fall’s best.
Scot gets dream job as lighthouse keeper on remote Australian island. (BBC) What a gig! Would you love it or hate it? “Landing the lighthouse keeper and island caretaker job means he is now spending six months of the year there – one month on and one month off – with a colony of penguins for company.”
What Is Gothic Fiction? (Publishers Weekly) “The term gothic was first applied to fiction in the mid-18th century, and to this day conjures brooding atmospheres, crumbling mansions, and tormented characters. Beyond the eerie tropes, it’s a genre steeped in secrets that are begging to be uncovered.”
16 Quick Things You Can Do to Beautify Your Bedroom. (Martha Stewart Living) These photos were so soothing to browse through.
Why Close Reading is An Essential Part of Literary Translation. (LitHub) “But while writing as a translator is pretty much the same as writing like anyone else, reading as a translator is different from just reading.” This piece is fascinating and highly recommended for those who often read translated works.
I took a bucket list train ride through the Canadian Rockies and here’s what it was really like. (Time Out) This is a dream trip for Will. (I’d be happy to come along!)
Obsessed with Dolly Alderton? These are the other books to add to your reading list. (Russh) This caught my eye because I just listened to Everything I Know About Love on audio. Alderton “has made a name for herself for her relatable, witty explorations of love, friendship, and the messy beauty of adulthood, capturing the universal nuances of modern life with warmth and humour.”
Don’t miss these posts:
Branch out into a new genre with these literary fiction reads. There’s no need to be intimidated by literary fiction!
My kitchen must-haves. The tools that help me create great meals that don’t take all day.
16 recommended reads for those traveling to Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply looking for some armchair travel, we’ve got you covered!
Have a great weekend!