What’s in store for your weekend? We are sweltering here in Kentucky and planning to spend most of the long weekend in the air conditioning. Luckily, I’m stocked up on good books.
Speaking of good books: our Fall Book Preview is fast approaching! Yesterday as promised I hopped on Instagram to talk about what’s coming your way, and what’s different this year. Plus I show you my sketches and drafts for our lookbook; the memo for this year’s edition was “sophisticated whimsy.” Our print lookbook is markedly different this year and I think you’re gonna love it. I know I do. Check out my little video here, and get more of the Fall Book Preview scoop and place your order, if you’d like, right here. I’m so looking forward to September 17!
I hope you have something to look forward to these next few days, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend state of mind.
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.
Reading Over Coffee in the Morning Could Sharpen Your Focus All Day Long. (Real Simple) Not like most of us need more reasons to read, or read fiction, or read in the morning—but I’m never sorry to read about how what I love is doing me good.
Where to start with Emily St John Mandel. (MMD) Continuing our Completist Author series with a photo-heavy reflection.
The Real Lesson of the Summer Box Office: Fans Want to Feel Connected. (New York Times gift link) “Algorithms aren’t going anywhere. But audiences, especially younger people, are looking for something different when they go to the movies. They’re looking for human connection.” I’m always interested in Alissa Wilkinson’s take; her critique applies to book publishing as well.
What’s a road trip without books? (Nooks) A literary road trip through New England. Take me there!
There’s No Place Like Group Chats. (The New Yorker) From Hanif Abdurraqib: “We’ve ended up scattered across different states, in different time zones, but we also live within the black and blue bubbles of a group chat that has, in a way, become its own neighborhood, its own universe.”
“The Real Work.” (The Writer’s Almanac) This short poem is in the running as my favorite from Wendell Berry. I think of it often; you are highly likely to recognize it.
Release Notes: Woman™ Version 51.0. (McSweeney’s) “Sleep has been completely redesigned. Instead of sleeping through the night, you’ll now wake at 2:47 a.m. with absolute certainty that you’ve forgotten something important.” I giggled the whole way through.
Our MMD Sorority Sweatshirt is back in stock for fall! Available in Blue Jean and Crimson, size S–3XL.
How to Make the Kitchen Your Favorite Coffee Shop. (Feeling! Magazine) “If something at home feels like a chore, try thinking about it like a creative director. Making your own coffee in the morning seems tedious compared to picking up a drink on the way to work, unless you actually love the process of making it.”
The 2026 Hugo Awards Report. (LAcon V) The complete list of this year’s winners.
My favorite Maeve Colette High-Rise Wide-Leg Cropped Jeans (23–34) and additional Colette styles are on big sale for Labor Day. Anthro marked a bunch of fall stuff up to 40% off through the long weekend.
You Can Have My Walkman, Just Don’t Take My Mix Tape. (New York Times gift link) “Forty years after I started making and exchanging mix tapes, I can still remember which friend introduced me to which artist. Mix tapes had a way of casting an indelible imprint on our musical taste, fashion sense — even our worldview.”
Our team’s favorite school supplies. (MMD) “Our school days may be long ago but there’s nothing like the excitement of fresh notebooks and pens before the start of a new academic year.” Dotted index cards, pencils and pens, and many notebooks and planners.
What Do Prince Harry, Britney Spears, and Ari Emanuel Have in Common? Expensive Ghostwriters, Of Course. (Vanity Fair) “If Britney Spears can hire ghostwriters to help turn her partial memories into polished prose, why does asking ChatGPT to do the same thing feel like a whole other ball game?”
One of my favorite college students makes adorable crocheted goods on Etsy. The Dapper Frog has my heart, but I hear the chickies and strawberry sea turtles are the most popular products at the farmer’s market this summer. See more of the cute stuff on her brand’s Instagram account.
Please save me from my library holds. (What Should I Read Next?) So many listeners told us they felt seen by this episode, and got great tips. (Don’t miss the Goodreads how-tos in comments.)
20 Delicious Fall Mocktails to Sip All Season Long. (The Kitchn) These look genuinely interesting (far better than the sparkling water + juice combos that often get called “mocktails,” if you know what I mean).
Don’t miss these posts:
20 MORE campus novels that will take you back to your school days. It’s the perfect time of year to pick up a campus novel or two.
The case for seasonal reading. There’s nothing better than reading a book and realizing it’s set in the same month or even day that you’re reading it.
15 super short audiobooks you can finish in four hours or less. If you’re testing the audiobook waters or looking for something quick to jazz up your reading life…
Why star ratings matter—and when they don’t. My feelings about star ratings have evolved over the years.
Have a great weekend!
