What Caught My Eye Online #39
Mental health, long books, campus novels, and more
Welcome to this week’s roundup! I have a lot of great stuff to share today, but first, here’s a look at what I’ve been loving this week.
Making my life easier. This includes buying some premade food and cold brew concentrate to keep in my fridge so I can quickly grab something for work. It includes deciding what I’m going to wear the night before and laying out my shoes and jewelry. Another change is getting up earlier so I don’t feel rushed in the morning, which has made a huge difference compared to last year’s chaotic work routine. I want to enjoy my days, and making small changes can help so much.
Merit’s cream eyeshadow. Getting up earlier in the mornings means I have more time to get ready. Sometimes, I use that time for a detailed makeup look, but other times, I’m in the mood for something quick and easy regarding my beauty routine. I’ve been loving this simple Merit eyeshadow in the shade Studio that delivers a quick wash of color. It’s perfect for low(er)-maintenance days.
Book donations. One of the school libraries where I work received several big boxes of donated books. Inside were like-new YA and middle grade titles, including many boxed sets. I spent a full workday cataloging over a hundred new-to-us books and also got to set aside a lot of others for my various schools. It felt like Christmas.
And now for the links.
There’s a program fighting book bans called We Are Stronger Than Censorship. Learn more about it by reading this interview with the founders.
Little Free Library calls attention to book bans with a map created with data from PEN America and the ALA. They say, “Use this interactive map to find book-ban hotspots and discover the Little Free Libraries in those areas.”
I’ve been a longtime fan of author Matt Haig, thanks in part to the ways he talks about his struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. He shared a powerful Instagram post the other day reflecting on surviving a suicide attempt and how he’s grateful for the life he has now. There’s always hope, even when depression lies and says there isn’t any. He also shared these beautiful words in another post:
Two National Book Award longlists have been announced: translated literature and young people’s literature.
If you’re looking for more translated works, check out this list. I really enjoyed What I’d Rather Not Think About and am eager to read Roman Stories.
Though I love a short, concise book, I’ve read several long books recently and have loved the experience. Here are 52 doorstopper books for long fall evenings from Goodreads. The Bee Sting is the first book on their list, so you should probably just go ahead and read it already if you haven’t yet since I mention it on this Substack every other week. Other novels I love on the list include The God of the Woods, Wellness, Crossroads, and Anna Karenina.
Jamie Quatro’s new novel, Two-Step Devil, came out yesterday, and it’s one of my most anticipated books of the year. Check out this review. I adore Quatro’s writing but never hear people talking about her. Grab her books when picking up your copy of The Bee Sting. Thank me later.
I recently read and liked Anna Marie Tendler’s new memoir, Men Have Called Her Crazy. Here she talks with her friend Cat Marnell for Lit Hub.
I love a campus novel, especially in the fall. Barnes and Noble suggests ten.
A writer shares her top ten writing rules.
I love a beautifully designed book, and apparently, Gen Z does, too.
Since I work with young people, I try to stay informed about popular books on social media. Rolling Stone is helping me out by sharing 11 books trending on TikTok this year.
People in the book industry discuss the decline of middle grade readers and how to get back their attention.
I’ve rediscovered my love of audiobooks this year. Anne Bogel shares some recommendations here.
I’m back to packing lunches since school started up. I’m always looking for yummy lunch ideas and better ways to prep, so I appreciated this article from NPR with six meal prep cooking hacks. One of the tips is to prep ingredients you actually like. That might seem too obvious, but many ingredients have gone into my trashcan because I was meal planning for a fantasy Andrea, who loves kale, not the real Andrea, who loves chicken nuggets.
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What connected with you this week? What have you been loving lately? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for being here!
❤️Matt Haig❤️
Thanks for sharing that post!
Love all your ideas!
Tell me why I was literally looking at the Merit eyeshadow yesterday. Definitely going to purchase!