Happy Sunday! It’s Memorial Day weekend here in the US, one of those strange, juxtaposition holidays we celebrate. It’s the official kickoff for summer. Pools are opened, barbecue grills are fired up, we’re officially allowed to wear white shoes and carry white bags. But it is also an incredibly somber holiday as we honor the ultimate sacrifice our soldiers made to secure our freedom. So while you’re toasting this weekend, give a tip of the glass to those brave souls.

We’re having a very quiet weekend. Italy was a blast but not a relaxing vacation, so we are having a small staycation this weekend, catching up on some reading and chilling in the garden. It should be a lovely, quiet few days.

Not such great news on the knee front—I do have to have surgery. The upshot, though, is it’s quick and easy fix, and shouldn’t lay me low for more than a couple of weeks. If all goes well, the doctor even promised chipping and putting in 3 weeks. Since that’s the part of my game that needs the most work, I can get behind this. And enforced rehab isn’t much different from hiring a trainer, so I’m looking at this as a chance to rebuild a good gym habit, something the incessant deadlines of the past few years has robbed me of. Lemonade. We’re making loads of lemonade here. I haven’t had to repair anything in years, so I guess I’m due. I’m just grateful it’s not too serious. (Of course, Calamity JT reported for duty Friday afternoon, when it gave out as I was getting in the car and I sprained my ankle… I am a walking disaster zone. Or the universe if telling me more butt in chair time…)

I’ve been distracted by the worry over what was going on, so I feel behind work wise. A full reset this weekend comes at the perfect time. Lots of books, lots of rest, and lots of sun — just what the doctor ordered.

I also had some good downtime this week, coffee and cocktails with bookish folks, breakfast with awesome assistant Leigh, and deep breaths with BFF Paige, who provided me some much needed snuggle time with the adorable new niece and rambunctious nephew I adore. A lovely end to a test of a week.

So with that, let’s check out the links!

Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

From Agatha Christie to Gillian Flynn: 50 great thrillers by women. What a list! I could just start at the top and work my way through over the summer and be happy as a lark.

Former Paris Policeman Creates Videos on Avoiding Travel Scams. Since it's time for summer travel...here are some excellent safety tips. Also, adorbs!

A Q&A with V.E. Schwab: On Creativity and Transparency.  Another good interview. Victoria is the queen of creative transparency.

The Aperol Spritz Is Not a Good Drink.  Agreed. It’s a bit to syrupy. But… a negroni-based spritz with Prosecco instead of tonic water is nice though.

“Like Sisyphus, I am bound to hell.” Intellectual cat humor, anyone? I cried laughing.

15 of our favorite pop culture bookshops. Did your favorites make the list? And if not, what are they?

Why the World’s Best Mathematicians Are Hoarding Chalk. OK, this is an utterly fascinating story! It reminds me of the great Moleskine famine, and the Blackwing pencil shortage.

Scenes From Award-Winning Literature Crafted With Hand-Cut Paper by Zim & Zou. How cool is this???

Every once in a while, you get to interview your heroes, and it is incredible. Harlan Coben doled out brilliant writing advice in addition to talking about his wonderful thriller RUN AWAY. Don't miss this week’s episode of A WORD ON WORDS! #keepreading

What I’m Reading:

THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER by Kaira Rouda

This is an intense, creepy, gripping suspense. A chilling story, told so well by Kaira Rouda. Plus, Jordan feels strongly that you shouldn’t miss it. She was very shouty. What are you reading?

That’s all for now. Have a safe Memorial Day, dip your toes in the newly-opened pool, drink some ice-cold lemonade, and I’ll see you next week!

peace and hugs,
J.T.