This has been an unusual week around here: I took most of the week off work for a cluster of appointments and to attend to personal matters that needed my attention, which happened to coincide with election week here in the U.S. I’m grateful that the relative quiet has given me a little space to process what’s happening personally and on the larger scale this week.
My hope is that for you, these next few days may offer you a bit of whatever it is you happen to need right now. I always say I put together this collection with an eye toward interesting reads and my favorite things: I hope you find something interesting—and maybe perhaps even a future favorite?—here as well.
May your weekend be filled with grace, peace, rest, and good books.
My favorite finds from around the web:
I offer gift links for articles whenever possible (you may still need to create an account with the publication); if there’s no gift link and you’re not a subscriber, check to see if your library carries the publication or use a service like Pocket.
In Tumultuous Times, Readers Turn to ‘Healing Fiction.’ (New York Times gift link) Think: Before the Coffee Gets Cold. “This is the biggest translation boom we’ve had in a while.”
25 beautiful and engaging jigsaw puzzles for the winter days. (MMD) Favorite puzzles to give as gifts or stock your games cabinet. Bonus: I’m working this one right now.
Once Halloween was over and we turned the clocks back we pulled out all the candles and throw blankets and baked up our first batch of Extra-Bold Chex Mix, with many more to follow this season. (Instead of microwaving, I baked it at 300° for about 45 minutes, stirring regularly. I like it crispy!)
12 funny mysteries to brighten your day. (MMD) A list of whodunits that will make you grin, chuckle, or even laugh out loud.
How to host a cozy reader retreat. (What Should I Read Next?) If you like cozy vibes and/or cozy reads, this one’s for you.
18 mocktails for Thanksgiving. (Town & Country) This would have caught my eye for Thanksgivings past, but even more so now because last winter I stopped drinking. I like how most of these aren’t complicated but they’re still more interesting than seltzer + juice.
10 New Audiobooks for Fall 2024. (The Millions) I’m an AudioFile magazine fan; here their pros recommend ten of fall’s best.
Scot gets dream job as lighthouse keeper on remote Australian island. (BBC) What a gig! Would you love it or hate it? “Landing the lighthouse keeper and island caretaker job means he is now spending six months of the year there – one month on and one month off – with a colony of penguins for company.”
What Is Gothic Fiction? (Publishers Weekly) “The term gothic was first applied to fiction in the mid-18th century, and to this day conjures brooding atmospheres, crumbling mansions, and tormented characters. Beyond the eerie tropes, it’s a genre steeped in secrets that are begging to be uncovered.”
16 Quick Things You Can Do to Beautify Your Bedroom. (Martha Stewart Living) These photos were so soothing to browse through.
Why Close Reading is An Essential Part of Literary Translation. (LitHub) “But while writing as a translator is pretty much the same as writing like anyone else, reading as a translator is different from just reading.” This piece is fascinating and highly recommended for those who often read translated works.
I took a bucket list train ride through the Canadian Rockies and here’s what it was really like. (Time Out) This is a dream trip for Will. (I’d be happy to come along!)
Obsessed with Dolly Alderton? These are the other books to add to your reading list. (Russh) This caught my eye because I just listened to Everything I Know About Love on audio. Alderton “has made a name for herself for her relatable, witty explorations of love, friendship, and the messy beauty of adulthood, capturing the universal nuances of modern life with warmth and humour.”
Don’t miss these posts:
Branch out into a new genre with these literary fiction reads. There’s no need to be intimidated by literary fiction!
My kitchen must-haves. The tools that help me create great meals that don’t take all day.
16 recommended reads for those traveling to Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply looking for some armchair travel, we’ve got you covered!
Have a great weekend!
8 comments
Pinned/saved a lot from the link post today. I don’t get podcasts (not signed up) but enjoyed the transcript of yours. Love that idea! I’m starting an un-book club for people who don’t like reading assigned books but do love books in my building. Not the same as a cozy reader retreat but similar in spirit.
My next big project is doing readings from my book (cozy mystery, Death and the Highland Fling). I don’t like speaking in front of groups … hoping for maybe 20 to 25 but found out the whole damn building signed up! Can’t get away with faking my own death. I live here and they’ll notice I’m still alive.
We’ve done that bucket list train trip. We then traveled by bus to Jasper and boarded the VIA for 3 days travel across Canada, ending in Toronto. Next, we walked through a tunnel out to the airport on an island and flew to Quebec City where we boarded a Holland America ship and sailed out the St Lawrence seaway, down the coast and ended at Ft Lauderdale. Quite a trip. The Rocky Mountaineer has fabulous food … and yes, we did see black bears right next to the tracks.
I was just trying to explain Gothic fiction to my daughter, and this captured what I couldn’t quite put into words myself! (Also loved the podcast episode about a cozy readers retreat!)
I have done the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver. It was pretty amazing. I went in May and it was very cool. This is definitely a trip for the elderly. I went with my 67 year old Dad and he said HE felt like a baby lol! We actually went from Toronto to Jasper on the VIA Rail and then the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver and then drove to Tofino. We are Canadian but it was an amazing way to see our huge country.
What inspired you to stop drinking? How did you do it? AA? Other support? How are you feeling since quitting?
Last winter I learned that someone close to me had been misusing alcohol. When I found out I decided to press pause on my own (moderate) alcohol use until I had time to process and sort things out. I’m not sure I’ve quit for forever, but it’s been the better part of a year now and I’m not inclined to reintroduce it anytime soon, if ever. I haven’t noticed feeling different physically, but mentally I’ve really appreciated the ease of abstinence (as in, I decided not to drink and now I never have to think about whether I want to or not on any given occasion). I’m also grateful that pressing pause is giving me a safe space to thoughtfully evaluate alcohol’s potential impact on my life and in my relationships.
Thanks, for the revisit to the Canadian Rockies. We went end of August just after the Jasper Fires then train strikes. It was touch and go for several weeks on what Would happen on this trip. Once on board the Rocky Mountaineer it was AWESOME. We live in Colorado but the Canadian Rockies are totally different-amazing. The aquamarine colours of the lakes were mesmerizing. Yes A Bucket List well worth the time. xoxoxoxox
Thank you very much for featuring AudioFile’s Best Fall 2024 Audiobooks! We are big fans of all you do Anne – thanks again to you and the Modern Mrs. Darcy team.
Chex mix! Big hit! Forgot how much I LOVE it!!
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