Happy weekend! It’s Ginger Horton with you this week for Links I Love. I’ve been traveling with friends and family and am back in the Washington, D.C. area just in time for the Independence Day holiday here for America’s 250th. I admit, I’ve gotten swept up in the summery, glittery, celebration of it all this year, and I’m looking forward to some music, some hot dogs on the grill, and mostly… some fireworks. I fall firmly into the camp of loving these sparkly showers in the sky. I turn positively giddy “oohing” and “aahing” over them all.
If you’re celebrating this weekend, what are you up to?
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 bookmarking service.
Ann Patchett Has Already Determined the ‘Best’ Book Coming Out in 2026. (Elle) Her thoughts on writing are as excellent as her books are. I especially appreciated her goal “to take a minute and say something good—and to see the good thing that is there—takes more effort.’” It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Simone Weil (Goodreads).
A 500 Year-Old Cottage that’s Literally Two Doors Down from Jane Austen’s House in Hampsire. (Country Life UK) Who wants to be neighbors with Jane?
I have been chasing this particular berry cake that Starbucks used to have 20+ years ago. I’m not sure if this will be the trick, but I’ll be trying this “light” and “delicate” recipe this weekend. (New York Times Cooking gift link)
Alfred Molina Narrates New Louise Penny Audiobook. (Kirkus) Alfred Molina was never the Gamache in my head, but I love his voice for the new Louise Penny’s audiobook. Either way, Miss Wolcott’s Ghost (Bookshop) will be out October 20, 2026.
I recently completed a buddy read of Daniel Mason’s North Woods (MMD) with Book Club member Holly and she shared The Foxed Page’s episode (YouTube). This PhD podcaster and YouTuber presents a masterclass on all the imagery I didn’t notice during my reading, and really enriched my experience.
The Constancy of Pinstripes. (RL Mag) Something about a fashion writer for Ralph Lauren talking about the romance of baseball and pinstripes made me want to get myself to a game sometime soon this summer.
What Ancient Writers Understood About Bees. (Literary Hub) I was enchanted by this compendium of writers on the contributions of bees, and fascinated by the original swipeable tablet (like an ancient Etch-a-Sketch?) from beeswax.
I finally got my hands on a couple of the Emily Lex watercolor books. I went full on summer and chose gardening and Americana and I am loving starting my mornings with a painting. I’m truly TERRIBLE at it… and having the most marvelous time.
America’s Greatest Food Export. (The Atlantic) I know almost nothing about soccer, but the charm of the world finding ranch dressing, free refills, and Buc-ee’s in the U.S. has warmed my heart.
45 Best Coffee Table Centerpiece Ideas You’ll Love. (Chique Home Living) I did not know that coffee table centerpieces were a thing, but of course they are.
My best friend and I went on a long-overdue trip together last week and teased we felt like we were 12 again—staying up too late chatting, eating Oreos, and trading product recs including this heatless curls contraption (Ulta) that I’ve seen everywhere and was amazed that it worked so well on my own long and very thick hair.
Who is America’s Homer? (Plough) I was fascinated by all the various takes on the great American epic poet, and am especially amenable to Homeric translator Emily Wilson’s take that it might be Tracey Chapman.
I recently visited this Mary Cassatt exhibit at the National Gallery with a friend, and while we went to see the paintings, I was just as taken with her etchings. We tried the “viral” experiment to choose one painting to sit still in front of and look at for 15 minutes (Tate) . It’s harder than it sounds, but also a delight.
Don’t miss these posts:
20 favorite books for Disability Pride Month and all year long. July is Disability Pride Month!
A Rom-Com Syllabus. This is the kind of resolution we can all keep.
12 novels set during weddings. When characters go to the chapel to get married, things get interesting.
Have a great weekend!
About the author
Ginger Horton is our Book Club Community Manager here at MMD. Her go-to genres are literary fiction and classics. You can find Ginger on Instagram at @gthorton or the MMD Book Club account @MMDBookClub.
11 comments
I loved the article about Ann Patchett–I so enjoyed Whistler. And I have the recipe for the Lemon Berry Cake bookmarked and the ingredients on my shopping list–it will be perfect for coffee with friends on our patio in Montana.
Yum! Let us know how it turns out. Patio cake is the best kind of cake.
So appreciate your round for Disability Pride Month! I work in the disabilty employment space and it’s so great to see this list.
I always enjoy the Friday Links post, and today is no exception. I enjoyed Whistler too. Warning :if you plan to read it, that article linked has spoilers galore! I was glad I didn’t know anything but the blurb before starting.
Thanks, Ginger!
Ginger, I got a kick out of your comment about being terrible at painting in the Emily Lex watercolor books but still enjoying it so much. I just purchased the Emily Lex’s Flowers Watercolor book while on vacation a few weeks ago. I am horrible at any kind of painting or drawing but this book looks like it would be fun. You have motivated me to get it out and give it a try!
I’m so glad to hear! I’m having a marvelous time.
I loved the Ann Patchett interview, so thoughtful. It was a delight to read. X
Kimberly from The Foxed Page (mentioned above) has added so much to my reading life. She used to offer literary seminars on a regular basis at my local indie bookstore, and during the pandemic a few friends across the country joined me for her online deep dive into Anna Karenina, which I had never read before. I highly recommend her lectures!
I was so interested in the Ann Patchett article, and the insight into Whistler, and I can’t WAIT to read it! I just heard that she won the Library Of Congress American Fiction award, congrats to Ann!
Also I’ve been trying watercolors myself, and wow, it’s not easy! But you can really have fun trying!
So happy to hear a new narrator for the latest Three Pines book. I did really enjoy Robert Bathurst’s narration, but I have watched and enjoyed Molina’s Three Pines, so this is all good, in this Three Pines fan’s opinion. Also, I so very much loved Whistler, and the concept of platonic love. And the gorgeous book cover – I love and adore book covers. I often wish I could figure out a way to create a wall of my favorite book covers. And Ann Patchett seems like a wonderful person – I love her Friday reels on Facebook where she recommends a book or two, along with her adorable dog. And Ginger, you’ve got me thinking I might like to try one of those watercolor books. So much good stuff packed into this Links I love. Good job Ginger, and happy Fourth to all. I will hide out tonight as usual, as I am so not a fan of the noise and explosions of fireworks, (very triggering for me) but love the excuse to sit inside my quiet home and . . . read!
These links were great to read. North Woods is a favorite book, & the Foxed Page in-depth review was so interesting. Also the article on bees, beautiful. Great reads.
Thanks !