What are you up to this weekend? I’m looking forward to good weather, good books, and lots of family time—not necessarily in that order!
I hope you have something good 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 service like Pocket.
How Mr. Darcy Became One of Jane Austen’s Most Memorable Creations. (Literary Hub) “In the book Mr. Darcy startles Elizabeth by emerging from the stables just as she’s leaving his house, but the encounter with wet Colin Firth draws also from Heathcliff’s emergence from the shadows and of Jane Eyre’s first sight of Rochester, galloping into sight on his horse, his great white and black dog running with him. Firth’s Darcy is Austen out of the Brontës.”
With Joann fabrics closing, these thrift stores are building a new crafting economy. (Fast Company) “The concept is an elegant solution to a longstanding problem: Generally, traditional thrift stores don’t know what to do with half-used art supplies.” I gotta find one of these!
Why Is Everyone Reading ‘Lonesome Dove,’ an 858-page Western From 1985? (Esquire) I love considering how and why a book reenters the zeitgeist.
These Are the Pantry Staples Every Cook Needs from Trader Joe’s (Plus, the Ones You Can Skip). (Sunset) My kind of content.
Take yourself out to the ballgame with these 10 baseball books. (MMD) The best baseball books make you feel like you’re experiencing a game.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical that this recipe for Miso-Butter Chicken With Grapefruit would “work” even though I love all the individual ingredients. But I tried it anyway and WOW was it delicious! (NYT Cooking gift link)
Why Aren’t Women Allowed to Play Baseball? (The Atlantic gift link) “I never wanted to be a baseball player and my performance at baseball camp doesn’t matter. These games, however, were meaningful to women who, by playing them, were making peace with their childhood fantasies after many, many years.”
Don’t let perfectionism ruin your reading life. (What Should I Read Next?) A relatable request from a reader looking for more abundance and delight from her books.
Now that spring is here for real I’m living in these Kut from the Kloth Sienna High-Rise cropped jeans (00–18) and these Collette Wide-Leg Jeans by Maeve (23–34), which I have in full-length and cropped, and also in cotton because when I find something I love it seems I stick to it.
What I’ve Learned from 20 Silent Meditation Retreats. (Outside) “I’m sure there are many people who find retreat practice illuminating and nourishing right off the bat, but I was not one of those people.”
I’m looking forward to our April 2025 selection for MMD Book Club: How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told by Harrison Scott Key. The author will join us for a live discussion on April 29.
Brace Yourself for a Brutal Allergy Season, According to the Official Spring Pollen Forecast. (Real Simple) Oooof.
How an Audiobook Narrator Organizes Her Days. (Culture Study) Great behind-the-scenes. This reminds me of my conversations with narrators Adam Verner and Julia Whelan on What Should I Read Next.
Don’t miss these posts:
My favorite subgenre: emotionally resonant fiction. Realistic stories that hold moments of piercing insight into what it means to be human.
20 board games to beat the rainy day blues. When we tire of doing jigsaw puzzles, it’s time to pull out the board games.
18 fresh and flirty contemporary romance novels for your TBR. I’m not the only one who turns to romance novels for comfort and escape!
Have a great weekend!