What Caught My Eye Online #44

A book's origins, spooky stories, a recipe, and more

Photo by Beau Carpenter on Unsplash

How is it halfway through October? When did that happen, and what was I doing? Please explain in the comments.

But before that, here’s what I’ve been loving this week:

• October. This month delights me, even though it seems to be zooming by. I love the cooler temperatures, the beautiful colors of the leaves, wearing cardigans, and enjoying pumpkin spice everything.

• This $10 Elf primer. If your makeup tends to fade away by the end of the day, try Elf’s gripping primer. It’s cheap, it’s sticky, and it works. I’m shocked at what a difference this makes under makeup, especially on my chin, where makeup tends to wear off quickly.

• The Great British Baking Show. My beloved TV series is back on Netflix with a new season, and this new cast is wonderful and super talented. I love this show so much!

In the spirit of the show, enjoy a biscuit or sweet bun while checking out this week’s links.

• A public library in South Carolina is no longer buying books for patrons under 18. I can’t believe I just typed that sentence.

• Here’s how book-banning campaigns have changed the lives and education of librarians. I’ve been doing library work for 19 years, and some of the statements in this article still surprised me.

• This is a fascinating look at how books end up on library shelves, from publication to selection.

• I love deep dives into the publishing world, and this book list features eight titles that offer me the bookish content I crave.

• Ann Patchett has blessed us with a beautiful new essay about the big regret of her life: email.

• It’s the perfect time of year for a good suspense novel. These six take place in mysterious mansions.

• If you have little ones in your life, you might enjoy this list of 15 ghost books for kids. All of them look so cute! I love picture books.

• Goodreads shares eight beloved books from each of the past ten years. The books were chosen based on titles people are reading right now. (I might do my own version of this in a future Substack.)

• Here are some entry-level horror books for people who scare easily. (I shared my list of 15 horror-ish books this weekend.)

• Publishers Weekly editors share 20 books they don’t want you to miss this year.

• Here are tips on putting down your phone so you can read more.

• Check out these thrillers and horror novels from Indigenous authors.

• South Korean author Han Kang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

• Illustrator and comic book artist Tim Bird suggests eight graphic novels about relationship shifts between parents and children. Bird’s book, Adrift on a Painted Sea, looks and sounds fantastic.

• The Paris Review shares an interview with Sally Rooney.

• Just in time for the holiday season, here are 20 gift books and coffee table books to give and receive.

• The other night, I made this cheeseburger soup for dinner and thought it was delicious. It’s very rich, so it’s not something I’d always want, but it was a nice comfort meal. I’ve enjoyed many recipes from The Cozy Cook’s website.

• I’ve been loving the Faith Adjacent podcast lately. It’s a combo of funny and thoughtful takes on modern Christianity and issues facing the Church. I love learning and laughing in the same episode.

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That’s it from me this week. What things have caught your eye lately?