What’s in store for your weekend? The heat wave finally came for us here in Louisville, but that’s not going to stop us from going to a kids’ dance recital (can’t wait), brunching with friends (who are moving away, alas) and trying out a new restaurant here in town. And reading, of course, starting with this October release. (I’m at 60%, woohoo!)
I hope you have something to look forward to these next few days, that you can escape the heat if needed, 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:
On Parisian café culture and the joys of being a regular. (MMD) Reflections on café life and changing routines, inspired by a recent trip to France and Spain.
Reading Well. (The Map Is Mostly Water substack) There are so many gems in this essay about the reading life. “Reading is letting someone else model the world for you.”
Barack Obama Releases Summer 2023 Reading List. (Kirkus) I always love seeing this list. (One of these titles popped up on the podcast this week!)
Why Did 488 Golden Retrievers Gather in Scotland? (The New York Times gift link) The photos are instant joy.
Get a free trial + 6 additional free products from Curology right now (up to $52 value) + free shipping when you sign up. Curology has been part of my every-other-night skincare routine for several years now; it’s been an easy introduction to retinol for me. (If you try it, remember to use that sunscreen!)
The Story Behind the Lost Tribe, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival’s Most Fashionable Band. (Vogue) So cool! This piece is the perfect companion to Sarah Dass’s 2023 MMD Summer Reading Guide pick When the Vibe Is Right.
Children’s Author Becomes a ‘Loudmouth’ for Banned Books. (Publishers Weekly) Leah Johnson is not only a talented author, she now owns a bookstore in Indianapolis!
For when you AREN’T going to Europe this summer. (Alison Roman substack) This made me giggle and made me want to whip up an Aperol Spritz and European-ish happy hour dinner.
I predictably turn to dresses on the hottest days of summer: This v-neck sleeveless linen dress from American Giant is perfect for our current hundred-degree heat index. (AG is a longtime WSIRN sponsor; if you listen, you’ve likely heard me talk about the slub tees I adore! Use the code DARCY to save 20% on your first order.)
The Wild Story of Manuka, the World’s Most Coveted Honey. (Afar) I learned about Manuka honey in January 2020 when I had a horrible cough while recording my Don’t Overthink It audiobook (looking back, it’s hard to believe I could even leave the house with a cough in early 2020!) The audio pros at the studio brought me spoonfuls of this stuff so I would sound okay. (It worked!)
The Murderer Who Helped Make the Oxford English Dictionary. (Mental Floss) What a tragic history. Simon Winchester’s book-length treatment of this history was the first audiobook I remember reading and loving. Will and I listened while painting our kitchen way back in 2000!
Explore floral cover design with these 10 novels. (MMD) A deep dive into the trend of floral cover designs. (These comments are fabulous!)
It’s felt too hot to bother with makeup: lately I’m finding myself swiping on this bright red lip gloss from Westman Atelier and heading out the door.
Before the Bake Off Was Great and British, It Was Pillsbury. (TASTE) It was even televised, with hosts like Alex Trebek and Phylicia Rashad.
25 of Our Most Interesting Geography Facts. (Interesting Facts) Which fact most surprised you?
On What Should I Read Next:
Audiobooks for the longest flight of your life. I talk to a twenty-something reader about books for a big adventure: she’s moving from New Zealand to Michigan in August: what midwestern books should she read next?
In our Patreon community: A new episode of Mini Matchmaking dropped this morning!
From our archives:
33 historical fiction books avid readers can’t get enough of. Are you looking for historical fiction that will transport you to a different time? This list has you covered!
8 workout staples that make getting fit a little more fun. Fun workout attire really makes a difference!
10 novels by Black authors with heart, humor, and supremely satisfying endings.
Have a great weekend!
8 comments
Happy Weekend, Anne and MMD team. I listened to the Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast, Wiser than Me, with author Amy Tan. Highly recommend it for the weekend!
I loved The Ten Thousand Doors of January, so I hit the pre-order button for Starling House! Picked up The Wager and Yellow Face at my library so I’ll be reading them this weekend and getting in a good hike. Happy Weekend!
Wow, it sounds like you have a wonderful weekend in store—enjoy!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the episode recommendation.
For Midwestern books I didn’t see already mentioned, I suggest she read Goodbye Columbus by Philip Roth and Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano.
Which brand of Manuka Honey do you buy and where?
I cannot wrap my head around Asia being bigger than the moon!
Thank you for the Vogue article about Carnival costumes! I just finished When The Vibe is Right on audio and I loved it:)