Hello from Holly, What Should I Read Next media production specialist! Typically I’m behind the scenes making sure each episode lands nicely in your podcast player and that our show notes pages have all the right links, but today I’m excited to share some links of my own.
While I’ve been traveling internationally over the last year (and contributing some global reading recommendations through our Literary Tourism posts and the recent podcast conversation with Dana), right now I’m writing to you from sunny Arizona, where my husband and I are visiting family: this weekend, we’re hoping to visit an olive farm and meet up with some friends we haven’t seen in ages. I’m also planning to make some progress on my current book club read and finish writing the latest entry in my travel blog.
Today’s links reflect my varied interests, from Xennial nostalgia to the wild spaces and fantastical worlds I love to explore on the page (and in real life!). I hope one (or more) of these links might be just what you’re looking for this weekend.
My favorite finds from around the web:
The Hugo Awards Are Facing Yet Another Controversy. (Gizmodo) I’ve been following this closely: this article gives a good summary of what’s happened. I admire Kuang’s response, as well as Xiran Jay Zhao’s efforts to bring light to this misstep on the part of the 2023 World Science Fiction Convention.
The Dolls of Our Lives. (Culture Study) As an eldest daughter and proud Kirsten, this piece by the excellent WSIRN alum Anne Helen Petersen introduced me to the Dolls of Our Lives podcast, which I subsequently enjoyed binge-listening over the past few weeks. My sister (a Samantha) and I recently passed on our American Girl dolls to her young daughters, so the timing of this walk down memory lane—through a modern lens—was perfect.
The Winterkeeper: A lifetime spent protecting Yellowstone National Park. (The Guardian) I loved watching this short film about the winter caretaker at Yellowstone National Park, which reminded me of an older article about the couple who watched over Glacier National Park’s Many Glacier Hotel. If you love a good snowed-in winter story, either of these real-life tales will whet your appetite!
I discovered Lemon, Lime, and Bitters—a barely-alcoholic cocktail (omit the bitters for a mocktail)—in Australia and picked up the ingredients to make my own based on this recipe on Epicurious. It’s refreshing, not too sweet, and easy to make when you feel like drinking something fancy, but not indulgent.
5 Books About Regretting That Cult You Joined. (Reactor) If some people are true crime junkies, my cultural indulgence media of choice is cults. I’m bookmarking this list (which includes my favorite book of 2023!) for my TBR selections.
I have fine hair that’s easily damaged, so I’ve been eyeing the Dyson and Shark hair dryers for a while without pulling the trigger. When I discovered the Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer, which is half the price point of the Dyson and claims to leave hair more hydrated, stronger, and smoother than a traditional blow dryer, I rolled the dice and bought one. So far, I’m loving it!
Interview with Rebecca Ross (Ruthless Vows). (The Fantasy Hive) Between her Elements of Cadence duology and her recent Letters of Enchantment duology, Ross is now on my auto-read list, and I loved reading more about how she crafts her stories in this recent interview.
If you travel internationally often (or even occasionally) and have any Apple devices, this World Travel Adapter Kit is a game-changer. It’s been one of the most valuable items I’ve packed over our past year of round-the-world, carry-on-only travel.
YA Isn’t Just for Young Adults. (The Millions) In case you need any encouragement to reach for the latest YA hits (or backlist favorites), I loved this reminder that YA is for any reader.
Book Review: How our roads have become an Invasive Species. (Adventure Journal) I’ve learned a lot about urban design from Anne’s recommendations on WSIRN, but I’ve always been curious about how our roads interact with the wild, and how our efforts at managing this intersection actually work. Case in point: in Australia, we saw ropes strung across highways to allow Koalas to cross, and in Montana, we’ve seen elevated highway crossing for game: despite both these efforts (and no doubt more), no solution seems perfect. I loved author Goldfarb’s earlier work Eager and look forward to picking up this new pick.
Don’t miss these posts:
10 contemporary love stories for bibliophiles. These bookish love stories will sweep you away.
Buy the flowers. There’s never been a better time.
101 powerful books to celebrate Black History all year long. February is Black History Month! I hope this list helps broaden your TBR throughout the year.
Have a good weekend!
About the author
Holly Wielkoszewski is our What Should I Read Next Media Production Specialist. Her go-to genres are Fantasy and Sci-Fi. You can find Holly on Instagram @hollyfromthebigsky.
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Loved that link to the article about Glacier! I live near & visit the Canadian side all the time – Waterton National Park. Just as beautiful and far less busy than Glacier. In the summer, people come in by bus from Glacier to visit for the day. Great hiking trails and a nice little town to stroll around in. The touristy part of the town mostly closes down over the winter, including the big old hotel – The Prince of Wales. A few businesses stay open for year-round residents, and the Parks Canada staff, RCMP detachment, etc.
Pat, I love Waterton! My husband and I lived near Flathead Lake for a few years (and I have family in the area so I’ve visited my whole life) and making the drive up to Waterton is always a favorite. Some day I hope to do the park to park hike! Glad you enjoyed the article. 😁
This is always my favorite post of the week! The Dyson is spendy but worth it, and I’ve heard it goes on sale during Sephora’s annual sale. Looking forward to reading your travel blog!
Thanks Lisa! 😁
Our state recently completed a tunnel under the highway to allow mountain lions and other wildlife to cross. They also installed cameras to monitor usage. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/mountain-lion-highway-17-wildlife-tunnel/3410366/?amp=1
Just last week they captured a photo of a female with two cubs using the tunnel. I love that we are finally figuring out how to live with nature.
Jus
How cool to see the wildlife camera images, Teresa!
On topic of specially constructed wild-life crossings: Many outside of Los Angeles may have heard of puma known as P-22 after his death early last year. Los Angeles Public Library system hosted “Celebration of life” for him, as well as other tributes (see link below), and even issued limited-edition LAPL library card featuring the “Hollywood” celebrity cougar. (Search http://www.lapl.org website for keyword P-22)
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County published fascinating & informative guide book titled Wild LA : explore the amazing nature in and around Los Angeles which can enlighten those who think the city of LA is merely freeways.
How P-22 United Our City: Love Letters to LA’s Favorite Cat
How P-22 United Our City: Love Letters to LA’s Favorite Cat
This program features personal stories by various individuals who made a connection with P-22 and understand the…
Hi Holly, welcome to Arizona! I know the olive farm you’re referring to–be sure to do the tour (even the indoor session is interesting and fun) and be sure to get the meatballs if you stay for lunch. Have a great time–this is definitely the time of year to visit here!
Oh and come back next month for the Tucson Festival of Books. Mother Jones calls it “Burning Man for book lovers.” It’s such fun!
Thanks so much for the recommendation, Laurie! The Tucson Festival of Books is definitely on my someday list.
Thank you for the recommendation on the Zuvi hair dryer. Did you find it easy to use, and did it help with your damaged hair? I’m finding my hair thinning as I age—it’s not what it once was and very upsetting! I use a crappy dryer right now so I’m tempted to give this one a try, but want to be sure it’s worth it with that price tag.
Hey Chrissie! I’ve been using it about a month so far and my hair is happy. (I’ve also been loving the Act + Acre line.) I don’t know if there’s enough time to give a full report yet, but I feel like it’s resulting in softer and less frizzy hair than I’ve had before. I hope that helps! (Plus it’s so so quiet!)
Hi Holly. Interested to know – which of the cult books was one of your favorite books of 2023?
Some Desperate Glory. It was phenomenal!!
Love when others discover lemon, lime and bitters. I’m an Aussie living in London and share it for the non-drinkers regularly. 😁
Kate, it’s so good!!
I love hearing from Holly and the rest of the team… helping Anne when she needs it most. GREAT job!
Thanks Annie 😀
Yes! YA Books are not just for Young Adults! I’m over 65 and usually read cozy mysteries, I love the “Pages & Co. The Bookwanderers” series by Anna James (which is a cozy mystery, of sorts), and I plan to check out a couple other YA books/series’, too. I have no kids/grands/nieces-nephews-&-kids to pass them on to, either; these are just for me. Enjoy!