Happy Friday, readers! We had a great Halloween but this morning we are cold and tired. (Also, I love seeing trick-or-treaters but I’m in the middle of a good book and I couldn’t read much of it last night!) I hope you had a great night and have a wonderful weekend ahead of you.
I’m looking forward to seeing readers in Huntsville this coming Thursday! It’s going to be a fun night of conversation and I’m even doing a mini version of What Should I Read Next? with one guest in the audience. The event is co-hosted by The Snail on the Wall and Rocket City Mom Virtual Book Club and you can get tickets right here.
My favorite finds from around the web:
- Lightfoot’s decision to eliminate library fines triggers 240% increase in book returns. We’re watching this trend with interest here at MMD/WSIRN HQ.
- How darling is this new 2020 literary heroine calendar?
- Our go-to comfort food lately: Cast Iron Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Drop Biscuits.
- I’m super excited about my friend Mel Joulwan’s new site Strong Sense of Place! Check it out.
- Under the Covers: The Design Stories Behind Bestselling Romances. It’s so interesting to hear more about the process and see how trends have changed over the years.
- Hat season is upon us and it’s hard to be sad when the offerings are as cute as this pearl-ribbed beanie. Or this pom-pom hat.
- The Halloween of my dreams. This short 2004 essay remains the best thing I’ve ever read about Halloween. But I’m not kidding: grab the tissues, this will ruin your mascara.
- I had the best time talking to Hope Writers on Tuesday. (It got real deep, real fast, which surprised me a little—but I was ready to TALK.) If you don’t know this community for aspiring writers, check it out here.
Favorite Instagram:
My favorite color is October. Follow me on Instagram @annebogel.
On the blog:
One year ago: 15 absorbing nonfiction books to inspire your inner scientist. Whether you prefer nonfiction about space, technology, medicine, or the environment—there’s something here for your TBR.
Two years ago: 4 easy gifts for the men in your life. In case you want to get started on your holiday shopping.
Three years ago: Are you a plotter or a pantser? They say there are two types of novelists.
Four years ago: 7 underrated memoirs that deserve a place on your TBR list.
Five years ago: On showing up. “When people are hurting, we need to be there for them, even if we can’t “fix” anything for them.” I’m quite fond of this old essay.
On What Should I Read Next:
This week’s guest has a particular soft spot for anything that could might be called spooky. Whether it’s thrilling suspense, witchy fantasy, or outright horror, she’s here for it.
Have a great weekend!
17 comments
When I moved to Denver 18 months ago, any Denver Public Library fines were waived if the patron was a senior. A short six or so months later, a new policy began: all Denver Public Library fines were waived. I personally feel very motivated to get those overdue books back now that no fines are assessed. Seems almost a matter of honor, especially when there is another patron waiting for the book. If a book is overdue, DPL sends out a cute email which tugs at your heartstrings and your conscience.
DPL doesn’t have fines anymore??? I totally assumed I was still incurring occasional fines when a book was a day or two late, but was still well under the $5 limit!
The thing I don’t understand is why the books were returned BECAUSE they eliminated fines. Why would one hold onto the book when they could drop it at the library even if they didn’t have the money to pay the fines?
I was wondering that same thing. Holding on to the book longer just increases the fine amount. Their logic baffles me as well.
I don’t know how it works in Chicago, but here in Louisville the fine is not assessed until the book is returned.
At my library they don’t have fines but you can’t check out any books until your overdue books are in. I wonder if Chicago has something like that?
My local library recently went fine free! I am also interested in watching this trend roll out, and it’s great to see large and small (and those in between) libraries embrace this trend.
https://www.ifpl.org/idaho-falls-library-goes-fine-free/
I remember reading the Halloween essay before, and it was just as powerful this time. As my husband is currently fighting stage 4 cancer, and all the treatments and trials are not working, I know he looks ahead knowing he won’t be there for the grandchildren’s graduations, weddings. And it makes me sad to think of those things without him. That article reminds us to remember what’s most important.
Oh Debi as a cancer survivor and a former oncology nurse my heart goes out to you. What a wild ride you are on dear. I will pray as sonn as I finish typing this. I had the same reaction to the Halloween piece
Hi Debi,
Just wanted to say how sorry I am. My husband died of esophageal cancer 6 years ago so I am familiar with this difficult road you’re on. I’m sorry your family has to go through this.
Debi, my heart goes out to you and yours. I’m sending lots of sincere love your way.
I can’t wait to try the chicken pot pie recipe
Your conversation with Mel Joulwan is one of my very favorites on your podcast. I love her book choices, her writing, and her cookbooks. I am super excited about her blog, its many book suggestions, and her upcoming podcast! Thank you, Anne!
Our library went fine free earlier this year, and as someone who has racked up some pretty impressive fines in the past, it makes me feel a bit like I’m not paying my fair share. But the Chicago article helps me understand the reasoning behind it. Glad to hear the city is working to promote access to libraries.
And that Halloween essay? Heartbreaking. 🙁
Fine amnesties sound a good idea but wouldnt complete fine free policies just encourage people to hold onto books? Which would then impact all the other readers who want the book but can’t get it ?
The chicken pot pie recipe was delicious! Bookmarked it.
When we lived in SoCal, the last Friday of the month was fine free. So if I had overdue books I would hold on to them until the last Friday and turn them in. I really liked having that option. 🙂