What are you up to this weekend? I’m excited to visit the St. James Art Fair here in Louisville, host an out-of-town friend, go for a long walk or two, and visit with my college kid home for Fall Break. It’s a full weekend but I’m hoping to squeeze in some reading time as well.
I hope you have something to look forward to this weekend, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend frame 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.
Who decides what goes on bookstore shelves? (Fisher the Bookseller) There’s a piece about publishing’s “gambling problem” making the rounds this week, and spurring countless responses. This one from the perspective of an indie book buyer is a favorite: “Space is at a premium in the stores. There are too many books that come out every year, and I want to make sure we carry the best ones: important, meaningful, beautiful, good. But I also want to make sure we carry books that sell, so we can keep the lights on and pay our people.” The initial piece is linked within.
How to Know When It’s Time to Take Down Your Hummingbird Feeder, According to Ornithologists. (Real Simple) It’s later than I expected!
My favorite pen of the moment: Uniball Roller Stick Pens with the micro tip, in blue to minimize ghosting. I’m pairing them on the daily (probably not an exaggeration to say dozens of times per day) with our new-for-fall Ampersand Leuchtturms; mine is Port Red and is gorgeous. Perfect fall combo (that will still feel on point for winter, spring, and beyond).
15 ghost novels for every reading mood. (MMD) These ghost novels come from a wide range of genres and are scaredy-cat friendly.
I’ve heard rave reviews about the Bonne Maman 2025 Advent Calendar so this year the Bogels are giving it a try. (I linked to World Market for its free shipping; you can also order directly from the brand.)
Warm and inviting stories of hearth and home. (What Should I Read Next?) In search of books featuring rambling old houses, loving (and perhaps found) families, and scenes of cheerful domesticity.
Types of jeans for women: every fit explained, from barrel to wide-leg. (Glamour UK) Such a helpful guide. (These Kut from the Kloth cuffed jeans are the ones I’m reaching for most during these early fall days; another wash is available at Nordstrom Rack for less. (00–16)
Why Getting Older Might Be Life’s Biggest Plot Twist. (New York Times gift link) Richard Osman on his Thursday Murder Club series: “It’s really about characters who are slightly older. And it’s about unlikely friendships and the world we live in, what we do to older people and the invisibility they have and the way we underestimate them. “
We Tested 6 Ways to Cook Oatmeal — and Found the Perfect Bowl. (Food & Wine) I didn’t think I was interested but it turns out I really, really am. Spoiler alert: stovetop is the winner. We’re steel cut oats fans in this family, so if you have specific tips, I’d be grateful if you shared them in comments!
Shelf Life: R. F. Kuang. (Elle) Love her picks, plus the story behind the book that’s one of her most treasured possessions.
I laughed out loud at the promo for Merriam Webster’s new Large Language Model, coming November 18.
How to include kids without centering them. (Group Life by Priya Parker) “When we include kids without centering them, we’re teaching them how to be part of a shared life, and reminding ourselves how to live one.”
‘Reading Rainbow’ to return, with viral librarian Mychal Threets as its host. (NBC News) “After nearly 20 years… Reading Rainbow is returning to motivate, help, and encourage kids to become avid readers with new episodes, new friends, new projects, and of course… new books!”
This Cashmere Structured Cardigan from Quince (XS–XL) is so good! It’s a lovely combination of cozy and classy; it wears more like a sweater blazer than a cardi. I can’t wait to put it in heavy rotation once it finally cools off around here. (I’m 5’9″ and the small is perfect.)
Fall Movie Guide: Here are the films coming out from September to Christmas. (AP) Which movies are you most excited to see?
Don’t miss these posts:
21 spine-tingling but not TOO scary audiobooks for fall. Spine-tingling audiobook recommendations from a self-professed scaredy cat!
The coziest item in my home. The quest for the perfect throw blanket.
20 banned books I find myself recommending all the time. Banned Books Week is October 5-11 this year.
Have a great weekend!