Hello fellow book lovers! I’m excited to be back to share another roundup of internet curiosities and some of the long reads (and life hacks) I’ve been loving lately.
This week’s spring equinox has me diving even deeper into my outdoor hobbies as the days get longer and warmer. I started a new adventure narrative book, and I’ve been using Google Lens to identify the blossoming plants around me here in the New Mexico desert. I’d love to hear whether the spring equinox (or the fall, if you’re reading this from the southern hemisphere) has put any new books on your reading list right now.
Today’s round-up of links includes a funny take on eclipse mania and a recipe I’m loving right now, among other minor delights. I hope it helps put you in a weekend frame of mind.
My favorite finds from around the web:
A World of Interiors – The Wild Shores of Whale Song Shack. (Rewild co.) I have many areas of interest and skills, but interior design has never been something I’ve considered myself good at. When I read this intimate conversation with the owners of my all-time-favorite AirBnB, it re-immersed me in this magical place and made me start dreaming about the thoughtful design of our own future home here in New Mexico.
Related: I’ve been reading a book I picked up in Tasmania, Apple Island Wife by Fiona Stocker, so mentally I’m very much back on that island right now.
How Foraging Taught Me Middle-Aged Self-Acceptance. (Outside) As I mentioned in today’s conversation with Shannan over on Patreon, I’ve been re-listening to Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass lately. While many turn to birding in mid-life (or so the memes tell us), I’ve fallen hard for foraging, tree identification, and native plant knowledge. I appreciated the perspective in this article.
Science Fiction and Fantasy that is fabulous on audiobook. (MMD) Team member Brigid shares 17 audiobook experiences that will carry you away.
My love of merino wool is well known. With the cool spring mornings and evenings of the New Mexico desert, I’m getting more wear than anticipated out of my beloved Kari Traa base layers. Spring is a great time to buy merino at a discounted price. This brand, founded by a three-time Olympic medalist, has never let me down in terms of warmth or quality.
Santa Fe International Literary Festival. Anne’s recent mention of WSIRN #354: Book festivals for beginners reminded me to check into upcoming festivals in my new state, and just in time. I’m excited to attend this festival this May, especially since I learned that Jesmyn Ward, Lynsey Addario, Tommy Orange, and John Vaillant (among others) will be there!
Hungry Women. (Pocket Observatory) This article is about folktales, hunger, gender, writing, war, and Cheetos, and it’s one of my favorite longer reads of recent. I think you might like it, too.
When my old bluetooth headphones recently played their last podcast, I decided to try out the Shokz Bone Conduction headset—recommended by my husband, who’s had a pair for years. Not only is the sound quality amazing, I love the open-ear design that allows me to hear what’s happening around me (and yet not be distracted from what I’m listening to.) If you’re a walker or a runner (or a swimmer—they make a waterproof version, too), these are a great option. (Anne uses these, too!)
Stephen King, Shakespeare, and Many Writers Agree: Eclipses Are Doom. (Atlas Obscura) If you’re not planning to make a trip to see the upcoming Eclipse, this article suggests a few books to immerse yourself in a fictional version of the experience.
I have always had a strange aversion to using a slow cooker, but in the past month I’ve embraced mine with a newfound fervor. This recipe for Vegetarian Chili Mac (Kristine’s Kitchen) has been on frequent repeat in our house lately: I suggest adding some fried onions on top for a little extra crunch. (Do you have a favorite vegetarian crockpot recipe? I would love to hear about it.)
Bookish Death Cleaning: On What We Keep, and What It Means. (Reactor) As a proud owner of books I know I’ll probably never actually read, I entirely resonate with the author’s assertion that her unread books are her “nostalgia, for better or worse, for having been the person who read some of these books, and the person who dreamed of reading others.”
3 Body Problem: Game of Thrones creators on why they swapped dragons for aliens. (BBC.com) I am very much looking forward to watching this adaptation of Cixin Liu’s series.
Don’t miss these posts:
15 recommended reads for those who dream of traveling to Paris. Whether you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to read books set there or simply looking for some armchair travel, this list is full of ideas!
11 books that are better in the spring. These books have themes that coincide with earth’s bursting to life after a long, cold winter: books about renewal and rebirth, about second chances and making things new.
12 evocative nonfiction and fiction books by poets. Some poets write more than poetry!
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.
15 comments
I’m going to make that slow cooker recipe next week! Sounds really good. I love my slow cooker – it is so handy when we have visitors. We can be out all day and then come home to a ready-to-eat meal. I’ve been looking for recipes for when we have vegetarians visiting – this sounds perfect.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we have!
Hi Holly! Thanks for the great wrap up today and for the Hungry Women essay. I wasn’t familiar with Meg Conley’s site, Pocket Observatory. The writing is superb!
I can’t recall how I first discovered her writing, but she’s one of my must read authors these days. Glad to introduce you!
Great roundup! I particularly appreciate the introduction to Outside magazine, via the foraging article; I started reading that story and got sucked into several more!
Outside consistently has great reads. I’m glad you found some articles that captured your attention!
Waving from ABQ!
Hello Caroline! So happy to be a new resident of your beautiful state.
I love this lentil stew from Bob’s Red Mill that is perfect for a slow cooker! https://www.bobsredmill.com/recipes/how-to-make/jacobs-lentil-stew/
And thumbs up for your headphone choice! I started using those years ago because my ear holes are too small for regular ear pods, and I’ve loved them since because of the reasons you shared – so much safer!
Ooh, I love a good lentil stew. I’ll try this one, thanks Katie!
Also waving from ABQ!
Yay, hello!
The Whale Song Shack article was such a sensorial delight! Thank you for sharing – now I want to visit!
Nicole, I can’t recommend it enough. It was one of the most magical stays I’ve ever enjoyed.
Can confirm on the Shokz headset–you’ll LOVE it!