Are you dreaming of spring like I am? This weekend we’re anticipating some warmer days (after we started last weekend in the single digits), and I’m looking forward to getting outside! Maybe I’ll even do some front porch reading.
I hope this collection of interesting reads and eye-catching things puts you in that weekend frame of mind.
My favorite finds from around the web:
- The world’s most misunderstood novel. “If he embodies the potential of the American Dream, then he also illustrates its limitations: here is a man, let’s not forget, whose end is destined to be as pointless as it is violent.”
- Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny Team Up on New Thriller. This was not the book news I was expecting to read this week.
- I love my American Giant classic hoodies, and their new limited edition colors are dreamy. Use the code READ to get 15% off your first order.
- How Brit Bennett and Riverhead Books Leaned into a Bestseller. Their efforts certainly worked!
- We Are Saying It With Flowers. Loudly and Repeatedly. This is a twist on our #buytheflowers and it makes complete sense.
- Kazuo Ishiguro: ‘AI, gene-editing, big data … I worry we are not in control of these things any more’. Great interview.
- ‘Barefoot Contessa’: Ina Garten’s All-Time Favorite Weeknight Dinner Recipe Is Surprisingly Easy. I felt so affirmed—I’ve been making this for years!
- Announcing The Underland, a Modern Gothic Fairytale From Alix E. Harrow. Looking forward to this one!
- Beyond Burned Out. “Burnout is severe today, but the seeds were planted before Covid-19 hit — even then, many workers were already experiencing high levels of it. The pandemic was simply an accelerant.” (This article reminded me of Anne Helen Petersen’s book Can’t Even, which I thoroughly enjoyed.)
- 2021 Audie Award® Finalists. See any favorites?
Don’t miss these posts:
- Get hooked on a new mystery series with these 10 addicting audiobooks. These addicting, well-written procedurals are worth using up a monthly audiobook credit or placing a hold in your library’s audiobook app.
- When family therapy is worth it: 5 myths about counseling, plus my 5 favorite things about it. If you’ve been thinking about getting counseling for yourself or your relationships, I hope this will help nudge you to follow through.
Have a great weekend!
23 comments
The news about Louise Penny teaming with Hillary has inclined me to stop reading her forever, sad to say.
Not me, I am actually excited to see what they put together – Louise Penny is great but her books have become somewhat predictable. Two strong women and long-time friends to boot!
I agree totally. Looking forward to reading it! I’ve gotten a bit tired of her books recently and it’s made me sad to say that. This made me want to read this one to see if it gets me started again.
I’m sad to say I haven’t even read the latest Penny novel because I too, wasn’t excited about another one, after being addicted to them for a long time. But I get her monthly newsletter and she and Hillary are very good friends (she writes about her and their adventures all the time). So I wasn’t too surprised at this news, and will be interested to see what they come up with. Kinda like Bill co-authored a fiction book with someone, but I can’t think of who now because I didn’t read it.
Bill’s book was with James Patterson. I don’t typically read a lot of Patterson but did read the one he wrote with Bill Clinton and very much enjoyed it.
I look forward to purchasing the Hillary Clinton/Louise Penny book.
This will be the first Penny I’ll pick up since the 5th Gamache book.
Not me! I think it is great. I will be exciting to see what this collaboration dreams up!
I have to agree…. Sounds like the book will just be a platform for a rant about everything Hillary Clinton disagrees with and despises about Trump/Conservatives/Republicans, etc., disguised as a novel. I’m not a fan of people espousing their political views in novels; Jodi Picoult has done this with some of her more recent books and I find it very annoying. Even though I love Louise Penny’s Gamache series I definitely will pass on this book.
I completely agree, Sandra!
I agree. It will end up on garage sale tables for a quarter.
I am thrilled about this collaboration. Don’t let politics affect your reading life! Louise Penny is a great author and Hillary Clinton is a great woman.
If it is a political fiction/mystery I won’t read it (because less politics is better than more as far as I am concerned).
I admit that I haven’t enjoyed the last couple of Penny books, but everyone is allowed a miss or two. Maybe she’s in a rut.
So excited to try that chicken! Looks so delicious.
So excited for the Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny thriller!
Loved the article on Gatsby — thank you for sharing!
That Ina Garten recipe has me feeling pretty affirmed too 🙂 A version of that dish has definitely become a staple of mine.
The Ina Garten Parmesan Chicken recipe has been a summer staple at our house for several years now. So delish and not terribly time consuming or difficult. Got my mom and my sister hooked on it also!
“The Underland” is not coming out until Winter 2023.
Hopefully that means Jan-Feb 2023, and not late December 2023! It looks fascinating!
The article about sending flowers was just beautiful and very thoughtful. I think we all need to show more love more often, not necessarily flowers, sometimes sending a card to show that you are thinking of someone will make their day. It is the very act of caring which counts. x
I love all that you post. I am especially looking forward to Louise Penny and Hilary Clinton’s new book. Louise Penny is one of my favourite authors and I am truly sorry Hilary Clinton didn’t become President. Thank you for letting us know about the book. I hadn’t heard about it.
I just wanted to alert you to a virtual book festival starting in March. There are many author presentations and also activities for teens and children. It looks interesting with varied programs. Information is www. Readfest.org . You have such a great following I thought many of them would be interested
Great links, again, Anne. I am definitely going to try the chicken this week! The Gatsby article inspires me to try again with that novel, and maybe read “Nick” also. I have never finished The Great Gatsby because I just found it (the characters) too annoying. Have tried several times over the years.
And flowers! I have sent birthday flowers a few times lately, something I have never done in the past. They have been a hit each time. The nearest Trader Joes to me is an hour away, but I do buy myself a little bunch of something everytime I manage to get there. Just basic self care!
We moved to our current location almost 11 years ago and I *still* miss Trader Joe’s SO much! Really wish we had one. The flowers were also one of my favorites at TJ’s when we lived near one.