What’s in store for your weekend? I’m hoping to wrap piles of presents (because international travel has seriously reshuffled my December to-do list), and—because wrapping and watching go together—we’re planning on watching this classic movie that we haven’t seen in at least five years.
My favorite finds from around the web:
• Want to enjoy more of your holiday season? Remove these 10 things. “In our desire to make the most of it, we begin to lose sight of the true joy of the season.”
• I have forgotten how to read. “When we become cynical readers – when we read in the disjointed, goal-oriented way that online life encourages – we stop exercising our attention.”
• Trader Joe’s new gelato is very special, and more helpful reviews.
• How to talk to people, according to Terry Gross. “The beauty in opening with ‘tell me about yourself’ is that it allows you to start a conversation without the fear that you’re going to inadvertently make someone uncomfortable or self-conscious.”
• The Open Book in Wigtown, Scotland. “When you rent the flat for a week, you also run the bookstore…. We fell in love with the idea of being bookshop keepers in a town by the sea.”
The countdown is on (plus a sale):
As of right this second, I’d Rather Be Reading is still 50% off—that’s just $7.49—at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in hardcover. This sale was a huge surprise to me, and I have no idea why or for how long so I wouldn’t wait. This beautiful book would make a wonderful, versatile gift for so many people on your list. Get yours here.
As of right now, the I’d Rather Be Reading ebook is currently $2.99 (discounted from $8.52) on both platforms. That “one day” sale on Wednesday was supposed to end nearly two days ago so snatch it before the price bounces back up. Get yours here.
By December 9: order your personalized copies of I’d Rather Be Reading or Reading People in the Modern Mrs Darcy shop. (The deadline is early because I’m leaving the country.) I’ll personalize the book any way you’d like—just leave a note in the order section. Click here to visit the shop.
By December 16: last day to order from the MMD shop for guaranteed Christmas delivery. My team can ship out signed copies of both my books until this date, along with your journals, book darts, and journal kits. (Gift memberships and still-on-sale classes are available instantly, whenever you need them.)
Favorite Instagram:
The library is looking quite festive these days. (Follow me on Instagram @annebogel.)
On the blog:
One year ago: 20 Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winners to read to complete your Reading Challenge. “This category provides a shortcut for readers wishing to choose to read books that will endure—books that make you think, that have staying power, that readers will still be reading and discussing in ten years, or thirty, or a hundred.”
Two years ago: The Modern Mrs. Darcy 2016 gift guide for book lovers. “Dear readers, I didn’t intend to make this list so long, but there’s so much good bookish stuff out there this year that I couldn’t help myself.”
Three years ago: The life-changing magic of reimagining our relationship with work. “We do need some autonomy and discretion to be happy at work—even if it’s only in our minds—but the rest? It’s up to us.”
Four years ago: How to make a book page wreath, and more book art ideas. “All you need is a book (or several, if you’re using skinny paperbacks), a stapler, a foam board or wreath, and a glue gun.”
Five years ago: In praise of the handwritten note (holiday edition). “Since letter writing is a vanishing art, I’m wondering if I’m the only one who looks forward to handwritten notes in their Christmas cards.”
On the podcast:
One year ago: Episode 109: Reading slumps are the worst
Two years ago: Episode 56: There’s nothing like a book shop at the holidays
Have a great weekend!
12 comments
Oh my gosh. The Trader Joe’s piece is hilarious!
Haha, love that trader joe’s piece! I actually hate the conversation opener of ‘tell me about yourself’- the times i’ve been on receiving end of it, I literally have no idea what to say. Are they looking for some kind of history? work info? where I live in the city? It’s way too opened ended, and I have no info from the person who asked it what sort of common ground we might have that I should start with. I haven’t seen anyone else really handle it well, either. I hope that writer follows up with a piece on “what to say when someone asks you the dreaded, ‘so tell me about yourself….’ “
Good list this week!
Just used my hard earned* digital credits for the eBook on Amazon!
*by delaying Amazon delivery
Two things.
1. I have been picturing Terry Gross wrong for DECADES. Holy smokes.
2. The comments on the Joshua Becker post were fascinating. I had no idea minimalism was a thing with retirees.
Anne, you didn’t mention bringing a Jenny Colgan book to Scotland! I know you treat yourself to fun romance on occasion! I just got Christmas on the Island in the mail and cannot wait to curl up by the fire with it.
I forgot that not everyone around here knew that was a given! We’re reading The Bookshop on the Corner for December book club so of course Colgan is coming along. 🙂
Have a gorgeous and memorable Scottish escape and bring back wonderful titles for us. I love Scotland and her authors!
The origami dresses listed in this post: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/book-page-wreath-art-christmas/ are ADORABLE!!! Also, can you tell me about the couch pictured in that post?
The couch is from Haverty’s but as of two years ago they didn’t currently carry it. You can see more photos on this post, and I share a few more details in that comments section.
I loved the Trader Joe’s article too! Didn’t expect it, but laughing out loud (and my house is quiet for the night, oops!). Talenti was my first thought when I saw that gelato…
Have a wonderful AND relaxing trip.