Happy Friday, readers! Around here, the forecast says we’ll have perfect weather for reading inside, hiding from the heat. (Thanks to all the heat, I’ve been thinking about this blog post ALL THE TIME.)
I just finished two lousy books in a row and my weekend goal is to break that streak. I hope you have a great weekend ahead of you!
My favorite finds from around the web:
- A black girl’s reading list: 10 books to inspire and challenge. So many great books included here!
- Five reasons English speakers struggle to learn foreign languages. “When it comes to language, politeness is always there but, in some languages, it is a little more in your face.” This may be about Britons but it applies to Americans just as much. (Thanks to the well-read Mel Joulwan for the link!)
- I pre-ordered Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove’s forthcoming release Revolution Of Values: Reclaiming Public Faith for the Common Good. His work has been incredibly meaningful to my family this year as we wrestle through the mess we find ourselves in as a culture, and what our small role in finding our way out might be. I’m also intrigued by his super-simple launch team.
- Americans Shouldn’t Have to Drive, but the Law Insists on It. “Just as telling as what activities the law regulates is whose interests it seeks to protect.”
- Allow This Man Who Lives Every Day as a Regency Dandy to Inspire Your Wildest Clothing Choices. This dapper gent is definitely inspiring! Fun fact: I got to meet him a few years ago when he was in town for the Jane Austen Festival.
- Open Shelf included What Should I Read Next on its Podcasts for book lovers list!
Favorite Instagram:
First haul from The Peach Truck! We’re putting them to good use; thanks for all the ideas. (Follow me on Instagram @annebogel.)
On the blog:
One year ago: 20 absorbing doorstop novels for your summer reading list. The perfect list for those of you who prefer a good, LONG book.
Two years ago: The perfect summer reading for every Myers-Briggs personality type.
Three years ago: A few things I’m loving these days. It’s always fun to revisit a post like this and see what was bringing me joy then and how often those things still bring my joy today.
Four years ago: I took my 8-year-old to the tattoo parlor and here’s how it went.
Five years ago: What to wear when it’s stinkin’ hot out. It’s unfortunately that time.
On What Should I Read Next:
This week’s new episode features a mother-daughter duo, the second in our show’s history! It’s a good one.
On One Great Book:
Don’t miss today’s brand-new episode of my new show One Great Book, where each week I pull one standout selection off my personal bookshelves and tell you all about it, in ten minutes or less.
Have a great weekend!
14 comments
Anne, I’m curious what other titles by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove you have enjoyed? I’m interested in the new book, but would like to take a look at his other work in the meantime.
Loved the language article – FASCINATING!
I know his latest book is called Reconstructing the Gospel . It’s on my TBR but I haven’t actually read it yet.
I’ve only read Reconstructing the Gospel, but what I REALLY loved was the series of talks he gave here in Louisville last spring. The way he unpacks religion and politics BLEW MY MIND.
Please don’t squeeze your peaches!!!!!!! That only bruises them and ensures your future peachy unhappiness. If you gently lift it and sniff the stem end, you can smell if it’s ready. I mean, my sniffer doesn’t work well, but when the smell is overwhemingly peachy, it’s ready to go. I can tell when lifting it gently if it’s rock-hard without squeezing, and it won’t smell good if it’s rock-hard anyway. Sorry, I have, erm, opinions about peach etiquette.
What were those lousy books? I want to avoid them!
Yes, I want to know, too!
One is literary fiction that flew well under the radar; I’ll save it for quick lit next month with more explanation. The other doesn’t come out till 2020.
I’m going through a dry spell with my books too. I returned 3 library books unread out of 4 I checked out. I really tried, giving each a good 100 pages or more to convince me but it got so that I just couldn’t pick them up anymore. I checked out 4 more and I hope they will turn out better. Thank goodness for libraries!
Sending good readerly vibes for those next for books. And yes, thank goodness for libraries!
That article on cars and driving sure was an eye opener! I would love to see some public transportation options in rural places (there are NONE here, not even Uber or taxis, it’s cars or nothing.) I hate seeing all the railroad tracks pulled up, so wasteful and sad.
Why would you “finish” lousy books–I’m 63 years old, love your writing and don’t finish lousy books–my life is too short!
If I had known they were going to be lousy, I wouldn’t have! They’d been recommended by readers with taste much like mine and I kept waiting for them to turn around. Alas!
Thank you for the heads up on the Wilson-Hartgrove book. It seems to be a much needed message in these days and I wouldn’t have been aware without this post.
I heard him speak in person last spring and I can’t say enough good things about those events.