Links I love

Interesting reads and favorite things for your weekend

What are you up to this weekend? I’m hoping to enjoy a trusty selection of fall favorites: a long walk with Daisy in crisp autumn morning air, raking (just a few) leaves, and baking something that makes my entire home smell like cinnamon and cloves.

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.

65 Essential Children’s Books. (The Atlantic gift link) “No single trait unifies the works below, but each represents a feat of artistry, voice, or complexity that we found exceptional. They are the kinds of books that will be cherished well into the future, worn from use and perhaps replaced more than once.”

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Coffee Drinker in 2025. (Wall Street Journal gift link) “Roasted coffee prices at the grocery store are up 22% in the past year, more than any other item tracked by the government. Prices at some coffee shops are going up too. $10 latte, anyone?”

I intended to tell you about Anthropologie’s Beauty Advent Calendar (my verdict after purchase: good but not great, but perhaps great if you like scents—especially vanillas), but then I got lost in their 2026 calendar offerings: puzzle countdowns from Anthro and Joy LaForme and The New Yorker! This stationery calendar with Papier and this Meri Meri charm bracelet calendar. And did we know Michael Storrings made a wall calendar?

What I’ve been reading lately: the new and the notable. (MMD) I finished three hefty doorstoppers this month!

How to have an analog fall. (Keepsake) Opting for physical media, watching movies instead of rewatching television, never going anywhere without paper and pen? I’m here for it.

25 Classic Murder Mystery Books to Read This Autumn. (Town & Country) ‘Tis the season.

Last weekend Will made the All the Spices Cake from Yossy Arefi’s Snacking Cakes and it was fabulous; this Yossy recipe from NYT Cooking (gift link) isn’t an exact match but it’s darn close!

Keri Russell’s Emotional Transparency Has Anchored Three Decades of TV. (The New Yorker) I loved this profile. Will and I can’t wait to watch The Diplomat season 3 that just came out last night.

8 Regional Chilis That Define America — and Where to Try Them. (Food & Wine) Which regional style is your favorite?

The Pushkin job: unmasking the thieves behind an international rare books heist. (The Guardian) “Libraries just aren’t used to thinking of themselves as targets for major crime.”

Away just brought back their most requested color of all time: blush pink. I’ve had my original pink carry on for going on ten years and people in my house know I still say “gosh I love my suitcase” every time I travel.

Books that feel like your favorite comfort tv shows. (What Should I Read Next?) So relatable right now.

How Diane Keaton Invented Her Singular Style: Audacious, Gutsy and Independent. (The Hollywood Reporter) “Keaton “had a completely different idea of what the image of stardom should be — she wanted to be a relatable person first, a star second.'”

Where writers write: 12 Booker Prize 2025 nominees share their writing spots. (Wallpaper*) “Just like the variety of the longlist, the spaces range from the mundane to the monastic. There are kitchen tables, laptops open amongst the charming chaos of daily life, and desks appropriately equipped with the tools of the job, from laptop stands to ergonomic office chairs.”

Sweatshirts you’ll want to wear all fall and winter. (MMD) Everybody loves sweater weather, but sweatshirts are the unsung heroes of cozy season. These are a few of my faves.

Don’t miss these posts:

12 classics on audiobook. A tried-and-true method for reading classics.

6 tips to help you tackle a classic novel. There’s no need to be intimidated!

31 spooky (but not too scary) books for your fall reading list. If you hate horror but are still up for a spine-chilling read, this is the list for you.

Have a great weekend!

5 comments

  1. Lois says:

    Thank you for the 25 classic murder mysteries – a couple are new to me, I don’t know how I’ve missed them.

  2. Anna says:

    Thank you for the How to Have an Analog Fall link. “Reading a paperback and letting it get kind of bent and beat up in your bag (using things is good! It’s okay for things to be imperfect!)” Swoon 🙂

  3. Dennis MItton says:

    Thanks for the Keri Russell link. I knew almost nothing about her. But now, as an adult + actor, I will watch her on almost anything. She’s tough and emotional and transparent and absolutely steals whatever scene she graces.

  4. Marilyn says:

    This group of “links” is so enjoyable, thanks for all of them ! Love the article on versions of chili in the US, (on top of spaghetti ??), the Pushkin book heist, the so interesting photos of authors writing nooks, having an analog Fall – what a great idea, am going to try this as much as possible. And Diane Keaton… geez, I was young when I started watching her.
    Always appreciate the backlist of book suggestions for classics, spooky reads, etc. . I love reading the “links” every weekend with a large cup of coffee! I don’t know who puts these all together, but thank WSIRN !!

Comments are closed.

We appreciate a good conversation in the comments section. Whether we’re talking about books or life, differing opinions can enrich a discussion when they’re offered for the purpose of greater connection and deeper understanding, which we whole-heartedly support. We have begun holding all comments for moderation and manually approving them (learn more). My team and I will not approve comments that are hurtful or intended to shame members of this community, particularly if they are left by first-time commenters. We have zero tolerance for hate speech or bigotry of any kind. Remember that there are real people on the other side of the screen. We’re grateful our community of readers is characterized by kindness, curiosity, and thoughtfulness. Thank you for helping us keep it that way.

a gateway

to reliable joy this summer

Our 15th Summer Reading Guide is coming May 14th.  Pre-order now and plan to join us on May 14th for Unboxing—the best book party of the year!

Buckle Up!

It’s almost time for the Summer Reading Guide. Order now and plan to join us on May 15th for Unboxing—the best book party of the year!

summer reading starts May 16th

Grab your Summer Reading Guide and join us for the best book party of the year!