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Hi, happy Friday! I hope you had a good week.
This month, I had the pleasure of writing the cover column for second issue of The Eddy, the print newspaper from Riverhead, one of my favorite publishers. I shared my story of what made me a reader, and why I think it’s more important than ever to instill a love for reading in our children.
Get your copy of The Eddy at hundreds of independent bookstores across the U.S. You can also sign up here to receive a FREE copy mailed to you. I have to say that it’s such a delight to receive an old school PRINT newspaper—and they do such a good job with including fun seasonal segments, well-designed graphics, and columns from authors and book people we love. The perfect companion for your morning cup of coffee. <3
Alright, lots to share in today’s weekend issue — so onto that!
This week, I finished Under Story by Chloe Benjamin, which I mentioned in last week’s letter. It was a highly ambitious story and while I enjoyed part one, things fell apart for me a bit in part two. I won’t spoil anything! Still, I’d recommend reading it if you’d like a thought-provoking reading experience and a real page-turner.
On Monday, I started The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman. I was excited to get into this book about a secret society of witches set in the 1950s at Radcliffe College (the former women’s college counterpart at Harvard) - so perfect for the Halloween season! - but ultimately, I had to set it aside as I couldn’t connect with the writing style. I’m curious to hear what you thought if you’ve read this one already!
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After that disappointing read, I switched to a book that guaranteed entertainment: Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros. I’m halfway through and it’s delivering exactly what I wanted: high-stakes settings, a page-turner, and a bit more insight into the characters I’ve come to know and love from the Empyrean series. Is it masterful prose? No, but it’s fun. After this, I’ll dive into something meatier, like the new Min Jin Lee.
Two new books, fresh on my radar: First, Mestra by Madeline Miller. A new short story. Miller’s writing is bewitching and I was so moved by her previous short story, Galatea, so I’m looking forward to this one. Second, Fallow by Sarah Anderson. A young woman signs up to be the world’s first in-house corporate surrogate, then finds herself caught up in a social experiment of another kind. An intriguing concept!
As always, ICYMI, if you need a great list of the best 2026 fall releases to read, check out the Downtime Fall Books issue, where some of my favorite bookish Substackers have shared their picks.
And a PSA that Sophie, Standing There is out now, and I published my interview with author Meg Mason this week on Downtime, where she shares her best book recs with us.
Pretty things I saved this week — left to right, clockwise: A staple chocolate brown knit. // An elegant table lamp. // Blue embroidered cardigan // This croc clutch looks divine. // Deep purple corduroy barrel pants. Have and love in the clay color. // Splatterware mug // Weatherproof rain boots // My go-to loafers under $200.
My One Passionate Recommendation of The Week
I have worn these Pistola pants nearly every day this week and I can’t shut up about them. They are the real deal if you’re looking for a comfortable pant this season that’s not denim. Best of all, they come in PETITE sizing. The drawstring has helped me wear these pants from early postpartum to now, 7 months postpartum. For my non-PP readers, they run big, so consider sizing down. I just bought a new pair in the brown.
Sales & A Few Things to Note
You can see more of my finds here on ShopMy (follow me by adding me to a “Circle”). You can also find me on Instagram where I share links in the moment. This post contains affiliate links.
Each week, I’m sharing a few bonus recs, personal stories, and links for my paid subs under the paywall…
This week: a show I’d love to watch, insights from navigating the big girl bed transition, what made me feel better this week, and a hit recipe I cooked...
