Welcome to this week’s roundup! I can’t believe I’ve been doing these for at least 45 weeks. I’m growing up so fast.
Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:
“New” clothes. Over the weekend, I worked on my closet and switched out my warm-weather clothes for my sweaters, cardigans, and jackets. I like fall and winter clothing so much more than spring and summer. Bring on all the coziness and warm, soft fabrics. I rediscovered several things I had forgotten, so it was like going shopping, but for free. What a win for my bank account and me.
Different voices. At church on Sunday, the person leading the music spoke Spanish while someone else prayed in French. The woman who delivered the sermon was biracial, and a Black congregant gave the greeting. I’m grateful to be part of a church that reflects the diverse world around me and ensures those voices are front and center. It gives me hope.
Nonfiction. October has been a bumpy reading month for fiction, but I’ve been loving the nonfiction books I’ve picked up. One of my goals with this Substack is to share excellent and engaging nonfiction titles. I know it’s not as popular as fiction, but I want to do my part as a nonfiction evangelist.
And with that, here are this week’s links. Enjoy!
You’re not ready for the beauty that is novelist J. Courtney Sullivan’s home. In addition to gorgeous bookshelves, she has a custom painting that looks like a Baby-Sitters Club book cover. I’ve never wanted anything more in all my life. (There are more cool home tours here.)
Here are 20 gothic novels to enjoy this spooky season.
When Banned Books Week was banned at her public library, an employee ensured she still brought attention to the topic by sitting outside with a stack of challenged titles on her days off.
As a history lover, I’m interested in this book list that highlights the Asian experience of World War II.
Here are five essential books for understanding Native American history. I love that a poetry collection is included. (And what a great collection it is!)
Check out the Modern Mrs. Darcy holiday gift guide. Mine will be coming soon, and I’m so excited about it.
I haven’t read many legal thrillers since I was obsessed with John Grisham in high school, but this list of 32 suggestions has some intriguing titles.
If historical fiction is more your thing, consider these five historical books set in the American South.
The Millions talks to Evan Friss, the author of The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore, which is on my TBR.
Here are eight ominous stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Yes, please!
A public library in Texas was recently condemned for moving a book on colonization into the library’s fiction section.
My inbox is always overflowing, but some of these newsletters about creativity sound interesting.
NetGalley suggests new mysteries and thrillers. I’ve loved a couple of Marisha Pessl’s books, so I’m intrigued by her new release.
I’ve yet to read anything by Laurie Colwin, but this post (featuring gingerbread cake and beautiful photos) makes me want to pick up one of her books ASAP.
Goodreads has rounded up 2024 debuts by genre. I highly recommend Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel.
I enjoy Jon Batiste’s music and like this video of him playing his version of “Für Elise.”
I haven’t made it yet, but this lemon chicken artichoke pasta salad looks delicious.
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Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to hear what you’ve been loving lately.
I'm a lover of good non-fiction, so I look forward to your list.
Fun stuff!
I love John Batiste too!🎵