Hello, fellow bookworms.

I hope you're doing alright today. Whatcha been up to, anything fun? I've been trying to figure out what to do with my latest farmer's market haul. I'm thinking of making a huge, cold salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, lemon, and parsley. Because it is 🔥🔥🔥 here, you guys. And under no circumstances do I want to turn on my oven.  

Anyway . . .

Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

Coca-Cola. Pepsi. Dr. Pepper. Mountain Dew. They all have something in common besides being sodas: they were all founded here in the South. This fascinating article from Serious Eats explains why.

Did you hear that Audible is basically launching its own paid podcast channels?

Update: Texas Library Cat Reinstated (this is the important news I bring you, people).

Nothing stirs up controversy like declaring something THE BEST. What say you about these 100 "best" beach reads?

Speaking of beach reads, you can win a whole bunch of them here—including FIELD OF GRAVES!

IMPORTANT: there is a Harry Potter science summer camp.

And closer to home:

And on The Wine Vixen: are you looking for a white wine off the Riesling/Sauv Blanc/Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio beaten path? This wine might be the ticket.

Oh! And you might've heard that J.T. is writing a new book... (talk about saving the best for last!)

That's it from me you guys. Pray for me tonight as I bake in the sun at an outdoor country music concert. In July. In Nashville. I must be a glutton for punishment.
 

Cordially yours,
Assistant Amy