a lifestyle blog for book lovers

Links I love and what’s on my nightstand.

Favorite finds from around the web:

• 30 signs you follow too many fashion bloggers on instagram. “You start wondering why your workspace never has things like fresh-cut flowers, charming patisserie, a single opened lipstick, a poignant book, sunglasses, and 32 pretty candles.”

The 25 books every woman should read, by Lisa Simpson. Why Lisa Simpson? “Take this as proof: when we asked her what classic books can teach us about the world, she said, “That any man playing Mr Darcy is incredibly cool.” See? So smart.” Seriously, this is a great list—even if I only got 9 out of 25.

6 reasons I don’t get author autographs. “I almost never get books signed, even though I truly love the opportunity to sign my book for other people. I love writers. I love talking with writers. I love drinking with writers. I love hearing writers. I don’t love their signatures as much. It’s just true.”

The Burrow from Harry Potter for sale: An imaginative real estate agent appraises Ron Weasley’s home. “This price for The Burrow would get you the house and the surrounding property—though, I can’t guarantee any gnomes, chickens, or a ghoul in the attic. You’ll probably have to pay a bit more for those.”

What I’m reading this week:

The Circle by Dave Eggers. I read this one in just a few days, even though it’s pushing 500 pages. It’s interesting how widely opinions diverge among my readerly friends for this cautionary tale.

The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money by Ron Lieber. Will stole this one from me and read it in just a few days. I’m catching up, but I already know it will shape our household discussions about kids and money.

• I’m listening to Call the Midwife: a Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth (read by Nicola Barber). Holy smokes, I’m glad you all warned me about this one! I’m enjoying it, but if you hadn’t told me otherwise I would still be expecting a quaint book about sweet little babies, plus some mild medical drama. I just finished a heavy chapter about prostitution. I still haven’t seen the show but the book makes me want to dive right in.

blind date with a book

On the blog:

13 things I’ve learned in 30 months of Stitch Fix (aka my best Stitch Fix tips). I haven’t written about Stitch Fix in a looong time. I (finally) answering a frequent reader question: Do you still use Stitch Fix, and are you still happy with it?

I went on a blind date with a book. When I walked into my local bookstore and saw books wrapped in brown paper, bearing cryptic descriptions written in Sharpie (plus scribbled pink hearts) I couldn’t resist.

The controversial ending(s) of Still Alice. Before Still Alice became a runaway bestseller, it was a self-published novel—with a completely different ending. Why Lisa Genova rewrote the ending, and how that affects people’s feelings about the book.

Have a great weekend!

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16 comments

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  1. Lisa R.e says:

    The entire freshman class at my daughter’s university – regardless of major – had to read “The Circle” for freshman English. She hated it and thought it was poorly written. My husband read it to see what it was about, and he was ambivalent about it. The school gushes over it for its message for our times. I completely see why there are diverging opinions!

  2. Cora says:

    The Circle! That is a book I would be hesitant to recommend because of some of the content, but I absolutely loved it! It still haunts me. I borrowed it from the library, but I think about it so much I may need to go back and buy it.

  3. Dana says:

    Oh I love Lisa Simpson’s reading list! I haven’t watched the Simpsons in years, but it brought me back and reminded me why she was my favorite character.

  4. Sarah R says:

    I can’t wait for your review on The Circle. I bought a copy for 50 cents from the library’s used books sale and it’s on my (long) list to be read.

    Lisa Simpson’s reading list is perfect!

  5. Jess says:

    The 25 must read books were interesting. I generally question anyone who suggests that Donna Tartt’s book are “must read”. I confess, she has moments of brilliance in all of her books, but overall, I consistently find myself feeling meh about them, and so surprised that they keep popping up on so many people’s lists.

  6. Jennifer says:

    I had to go back to see what I rated The Circle. Two stars. But I do find myself thinking about it quite often. I think if it was condensed down to half the size, it could have been much better. I tend to think that about most big books. Ha.

  7. Ashley says:

    The new season of Call the Midwife is getting ready to premiere! Set your DVR and binge watch the first seasons with a box of Kleenex.

  8. I recommended The Circle to my friends. I did find it tedious at times, but I thought it was a story worthy of discussion. It was eye opening to see what author Dave Eggers saw as the natural progression of a society ruled by social media, and it did trigger a bit of change in how we manage technology with our children.

  9. reb says:

    I’m working on the second Call the Midwife audiobook right now (“Shadows of the Workhouse”) and I think Nicola Barber may just be one of my favorite audiobook narrators ever. 🙂

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