What are you up to this weekend? Halloween is a big deal in my neighborhood, so I’m not so much easing into the weekend as diving headlong into it: I think I need one more “last bag” of Halloween candy, plus a good dinner for the teenagers helping us hand out candy tonight. (I’m thinking baked pasta.) And then for the rest of the weekend I think this introvert will need good books, long walks, and fall baking!
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.
Emily St. John Mandel’s Next Book ‘Exit Party’ Sparks TV Bidding War; Jac Schaeffer To Co-Showrun & Direct. (Deadline) A new Emily St. John Mandel book is always cause for celebration but now I’m even more intrigued.
This week marked our 500th episode of What Should I Read Next! Thanks for helping us reach this milestone!
The 25 Essential Pastries to Eat in New York City. (New York Times gift link) This was a real conversation starter at my house.
Ann Patchett Announces New Novel Whistler. (People) Yay! “Set to debut in June 2026, Whistler examines the “often small yet consequential moments that define our lives.”
The Halloween of My Dreams. (NPR) I link to this basically every Halloween because it remains one of the best nonfiction pieces I’ve ever read. Heads up, readers: it still makes me cry every time.
8 unexpected novels that feature recipes (that aren’t food fiction). (MMD) Recipes are a fun, unexpected bonus in these novels.
Rediscover the Joy of Letter-Writing With a Snail Mail Swap—Here’s How. (Martha Stewart) Team member Donna organized a Pen Pal sign up for MMD Book Club this past month, coinciding with our selection The Correspondent. How great is that?
Early fall shoes on repeat: Kork-Ease Chelsea boots, Vionic flats, Rothy’s points, Gola sneakers. All work great for my wide feet. (I’m in the market for a new pair of leopard flats after finally wearing a little hole in my leopard Tieks after ten years of hard wear. Any suggestions?)
Midlife. (Thoughts & Prayers) So relatable. “My feet have been planted firmly / But nothing is still…”
Are All Our Favorite Authors Better Off Dead? (Town & Country) Ignore the title: this piece explores the divided public response to posthumous releases. “To harvest or not to harvest leftover literary material: That is the question that faces so many estates…. The quality of the posthumous books often seems beside the point. If public appetite is there, the material comes out.”
Related: Seamus Heaney’s unpublished poems to be released — read one exclusively here. (The Guardian)
This unconventional Slow Cooker Chili recipe—featuring apple cider vinegar, cocoa powder, and Worcestershire sauce—felt like a leap of faith but it was a huge hit at my house, and super easy to make. (NYT Cooking gift link)
Anne Brontë Wrote the Boldest Book of Her Century. Her Sister Tried to Bury It. (Vox Femina Books) Fascinating literary history. “Was Charlotte trying to protect both her sister and brother’s posthumous reputations by keeping the novel out of circulation in England (it remained in print in America)? Possibly, and it’s a far more generous explanation than claims of jealousy or sibling rivalry.”
Louisville food bank sounds alarm as SNAP benefits expected to run out Nov. 1. (WHAS 11) This is local news but not a local concern. Dare to Care, the local food bank that supplies the majority of Louisville’s food assistance, is urging those who’d like to help to donate, advocate, volunteer, and/or spread the word. For the majority of our readers residing outside Kentuckiana: Feeding America is a highly respected national organization that works with local food banks and meal programs.
The Danish are Masters of Cosy Autumnal Wellbeing – 7 Simple Hygge Lifestyle Hacks for the Colder Months. (Marie Claire UK) Here for these cozy season tips.
Don’t miss these posts:
7 spooky (not scary) short story collections. These short story collections will get you in the mood for Halloween without keeping you awake all night!
What are your chilly weather go-to meals? The comments are a goldmine of meal inspiration!
MORE extra-long books worth reading. I like big books and I cannot lie.
Have a great weekend!