Weekly Roundup #8

Winter reads, 2024 releases, music, and more

Photo by Will on Unsplash

I'm in an interesting mental state in which I'm already on Christmas vacation in my heart, but I am, in fact, not at all on Christmas vacation, according to my calendar and my employer. Nevertheless, I'll persevere until my time comes in exactly five working days.

I hope my courage inspires you and that you find some click-worthy links below. Thanks for being part of this little community!

25 Classic Winter Books to Read by the Fire - Town and Country

This list of winter reads has several titles I can't wait to pick up, including the first book listed, A Girl in Winter by Philip Larkin: "This 1947 novel by Philip Larkin follows the story of Katherine, a library assistant, living in exile in a small English town in the early 1940s." Yes, please.

Adult Books for Spring 2024 - Publishers Weekly

I didn't come close to finishing all the 2023 books I wanted to read, but that won't stop me from adding 2024 titles to my TBR. I went straight for PW's literary fiction category.

36 Exciting New Book Releases for 2024 - Book Riot

Here are more 2024 releases! I cannot wait for Jami Attenberg's book about writing. I'm also excited about Come & Get It by Kiley Reid since I loved Such a Fun Age. The cover for Greta & Valdin is fabulous!

The 139 Best Book Covers of 2023 - Lit Hub

I love a good book cover, and Lit Hub is coming through for me by showcasing 139 of them. I loved reading designers get excited about one another's work. This list is full of beautiful designs that would look great on a bookshelf or hanging on a wall as art.

The Book World Still Isn’t Diverse. Dhonielle Clayton Is Trying to Change That. - New York Times

I'm familiar with Dhonielle Clayton, but this was the first I had heard about packaging businesses. This is a fascinating piece about something I knew nothing about, my favorite kind of article.

2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift - TIME

According to Spotify, Taylor Swift was my most-played artist this year, which wasn't surprising. Her music encompasses so many different genres and styles that she almost always has something for my every mood. This profile is a fascinating look at her life and work. I appreciate how Swift's songwriting skills are highlighted repeatedly since that skill is one of my favorite things about her.

The 123 Best Songs of 2023 - NPR

Though I spend a lot of time listening to Taylor Swift, I'm always up for new artists and songs. I look forward to diving into this list and discovering some new tracks.

Nathan Hill Thinks the Stories We Consume Impact Us More Than Juice Cleanses - Electric Lit

I loved this interview with the author of one of my 2023 favorites, Wellness.

The Vital Role of Literature for Juvenile Offenders - ALSC Blog

This is an important topic that I hadn’t considered before. Take note:

“According to a study conducted in juvenile detention centers, the implementation of programs that promote reading and provide access to literature has shown significant positive effects on offender outcomes. These programs include structured reading time, access to a variety of books, and literacy-based activities. Studies have shown that access to reading materials can have a profound impact on the lives of adolescents in detention centers. Providing young offenders with access to literature not only improves their literacy skills but also serves as a form of escapism and a means of intellectual and emotional growth. Research has consistently shown that access to books and other reading materials has a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of individuals, including those in detention centers. Studies have indicated that reading can serve as a therapeutic outlet, helping individuals cope with stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.”

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This will be the last weekly roundup of 2023 since I'm taking off the next couple of Wednesdays. Saturday posts will continue to go up, including my favorite books of the year this coming weekend. I cannot wait to share my list with you! Stay tuned.