«If I open my eyes, it’s all gone.»
An extra long issue, including all the books you want to read next (#492)
Are you ready for an extra long newsletter issue? In addition to the usual recommendations and instant gratification links, we have all the books you told me you want to read next (aka: the Weekly Filet Book Club, 2024 edition).
I've received fewer submissions this time around than in previous years. My hunch: The prompt which I had designed to be a lower bar turned out less interesting. Well, that happens. Nonetheless, I've already added a handful of books to my reading list, less choice isn't always bad. Thanks to everyone who submitted a book.
And with that, enjoy!
1. What Ukraine Has Lost
«If I shut my eyes, I can see everything from my old life.»
«But if I open my eyes, it’s all gone.»
The kind of story only The New York Times can pull off.
Marco Hernandez
2. How to Walk and Talk
The manual for a wonderful practice, the «moveable salon» by Kevin Kelly and Craig Mod. The concept is simple enough: A small group of people embark on a weeklong hiking trip, 100km in total. Days are for walking and casual conversations, evenings are for deep group conversations, on a single topic suggested by a group member. In this manual, they share everything they've learned so far, so that others can recreate the experience. Lots of small details that make a lot of sense as soon as you read them.
3. What these elections are really about
Some good food for thought while we are waiting for the results of the European elections. «We know the far-right’s vision for Europe. But Europeans deserve more than that. We're facing enormous challenges that only a united Europe can answer. [...] We need to get excited about what Europe could be – and work toward it. [...] American historian Timothy Snyder described Europe as a source of hope for anyone on the outside. It's time we own up to that role.»
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4. What Jumping Spiders Teach Us About Color
A thirty-minute documentary on how spiders see the world – and how scientists figured it out. Totally worth your time.
5. The Unbearable Greatness of Djokovic
It's not quite David Foster Wallace on Roger Federer, but it's this type of essay. It clicked for me when I read this: «Djokovic’s problem is that he manifestly hates being hated, hates that he doesn’t receive the love and respect that Nadal and Federer did.»
Scott Stossel
What else?
Instant-gratification links that make you go wow! or aha! the moment you click.
- Of all the iconic Trump-found-guilty covers, the one by La Libération stood out.
- Best name for a podcast I've seen, ever? Finally! A Show About Women That Isn't Just A Thinly Veiled Aspirational Nightmare. Good listen, too.
- How planes fly. Among other things, very important magic.
- What if a climate scientist ran a major oil producing country? We're about to find out.
- Speaking of climate: a chart of records we actually don't want to see broken.
- The newly restored Grand Palais in Paris looks gorgeous.
- Imagine being the only human in the Zoom call while everyone else has sent their AI clone.
Books for curious minds: Your precommendations
Always Coming Home, by Ursula K. Le Guin
Picked by L., who describe themselves as a «curious reader»
At the moment, I enjoy going back to sci-fi classics, especially by female and marginalised authors. Ursula K. Le Guin explores so many interesting ideas in her works, like exploring a possible anarchist society or the perspective of elder women in a misogynistic world. This book is about a civilisation rebuilt after a climate catastrophe, which feels very relevant to the current moment.
A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khalid Hosseini
Picked by Coco, a «new law school graduate and soccer fanatic»
I read «The Kite Runner» by Hosseini when I was in high school, and I remember the book moving me in so many ways and directions, like no other book had done before. Now, about ten years on, I’d love to read a book that explores similar themes and is written by the same author so that I can learn more deeply about myself and the world.
The last murder at the end of the world, by Stuart Turton
Picked by Florian, a «story-loving dad short on time»
Stuart's previous books have left a lasting impression. Even if the endings of both books didn't really work for me, the journey of getting there was an enjoyable ride. The atmosphere and characters are well written and there's always a unique twist to his stories. This time? The last people alive on earth need to figure out a murder to save everyone, but their minds have been wiped so even the murderer doesn't remember they did it. And there's a countdown? I'm in!
The women, by Kristen Hannah
Picked by Annemari Coetser, a «mother, wife, author, gardener, avid reader, photographer»
This book is described as powerful, uplifting and compelling – and it is thick! I've been waiting for it to be published as I've loved some of her other books. Books by women about women are my favorite reading material. I believe this one honours all women, and I'm particularly drawn to books about loss and love and about heroic ordinary women who rise above their circumstances.
There's more. Head over to the Book Club subsite to see all other books from this year's edition, as well as all from previous years.
A gem from the archive
From «Little Hope» to «Mount Dispair» – a homage to the saddest-sounding places on earth.
Gizmodo
This is a randomly picked gem from the archive of the Weekly Filet, going back to 2011. You can also search the archive, shuffle for a gem yourself, or browse this collection of some of my all-time favs.
I wish you a nice weekend and hope to see you again next Friday!
— David 👋