My favorite finds from around the web:
• New data analysis suggests only six book plots exist. “Everyone who secretly thought that all novels have the same plot can feel vindicated by new research supporting that suspicion. Sort of.”
• Personality can change over a lifetime, and usually for the better. Most adults become more agreeable, conscientious and emotionally resilient as they age. But these changes tend to unfold across years or decades, rather than days or weeks. Sudden, dramatic changes in personality are rare.”
• When you write a memoir, readers think they know you better than they do. “At a dinner party in Connecticut, I watched as a woman turned to Frank McCourt, who was seated next to her. “You must feel like I know everything about you!” Her tone was challenging, slightly accusatory, as if it was his fault for making her uncomfortable. “Darling,” he responded dryly. “It’s just a book.””
• Neuroscientists say multitasking literally drains the energy reserves of your brain. “If you attempt to multitask and spend less than 25 minutes on a challenging task, then, “you’re barely getting warmed up before you quit.””
Favorite instagram:
Will and I are in Chicago for a few days and I’m sharing a few pics over on instagram. Follow me there @annebogel.
On the blog:
One year ago: The life-changing magic of tidying up, for kids. “Tidying up for kids has its special challenges, and this is the biggest: kids grow and change constantly.” (13 ways to tidy up KonMari style, with kids.)
Two years ago: My favorite cold drinks for hot summer days. These are my favorites to beat the heat. The iced coffee especially has been a summer standby for years.
Three years ago: I saw the sign. “I don’t really believe in signs, exactly. But I do love hearing about the happy coincidences that make you wonder whether the universe is trying to tell you something—whether it comes in the form of email, or a song on the radio, or something even more off-the-wall.”
Four years ago: The checklist you need to have. “Over time, I’ve learned what does actually make me feel better when I’m in a funk.”
Five years ago: Best book you’ve never heard of on … living well. Five years ago, this one’s still a favorite.
Have a great weekend!
5 comments
I totally agree about multi-tasking depleting your brain. I have found it so much easier to focus since I’ve stopped trying to do multiple things at once.
I even decided to read one book at a time for a while, instead of having multiple on the go at once, and I’ve found I am enjoying it more.
Ohhhh I never thought about applying this to one BOOK at a time. Ouch!
I was saddened and disappointed when I first read the headline “only six book plots exist,” since I didn’t want analytics to prove books are basically all the same. Then I read the article and saw the plot categories are ridiculously generic and broad, so I feel better now haha.
Oh good! I’m glad it didn’t ruin anything for you. 🙂
That personality link makes me happy. Sometimes I think I’m too old to rid myself of my bad habits (procrastinating–and multi-tasking) (and I’m only in my 30s). Good to know I can still change (slightly 🙂