sunday supper: this week's articles
Hello.
It’s Sunday, so we’re getting into this week’s interesting articles - brain food, sunday supper, fuel for your noggin <3
I hope you’re eating blueberry pancakes in bed with a cup of piping hot black coffee. Or oatmeal with cold soy milk and brown sugar. Maybe you’re a tea person. Maybe you’re both.
Read with me:
Why It’s So Hard to Lend a Book to a Friend, According to the Internet
The article explores the challenges and anxieties of lending books. It highlights the emotional attachment readers have to their books and the fear of damage or non-return. The article includes humorous anecdotes and advice on how to lend books responsibly, ultimately encouraging a more generous approach to sharing literature.
Lit Hub
Social Media Influencers Aren’t Getting Rich—They’re Barely Getting By
The article discusses the financial realities of social media influencers, uncovering the significant gap between public perception and actual earnings. Despite their seemingly glamorous lifestyles and large followings, many influencers struggle to make a sustainable income. Factors contributing to this include market oversaturation, unpredictable algorithms, and the inconsistent nature of sponsorship deals. The piece provides a nuanced look at the economic challenges within the influencer industry, highlighting the precariousness of relying on social media fame for financial stability.
The Wall Street Journal
The People Who Fight at Dinner Parties
An exploration of the social dynamics and significance of confrontational dinner party guests. She argues that these individuals, who challenge norms and provoke debates, play a crucial role in driving important conversations forward. Miller suggests that such confrontations, while uncomfortable, can lead to greater imagination and force in societal discourse.
The Paris Review
Concerning the Future of Souls
Joy Williams’ story delves into existential themes, exploring the nature of souls and their place in the modern world. Through vivid characterizations and thought-provoking scenarios, Williams examines the intersection of spirituality and daily life, questioning how contemporary society perceives and values the concept of the soul.
The Paris Review
Good Grief: The Beguiling Philosophy of Peanuts
This article explores the philosophical depth and enduring appeal of Charles Schulz’s comic strip, Peanuts. It delves into how the series addresses complex themes such as existentialism, mental health, and the human condition through its beloved characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Lucy. By combining humor with poignant life lessons, Peanuts has captivated audiences and offered profound reflections on everyday struggles and joys
BBC
Why Are So Many Adults Still Obsessed With Busytown
This LitHub article explores why Richard Scarry’s “Busytown” continues to captivate adults, highlighting its timeless charm and intricate illustrations. It reflects on how the whimsical world of Busytown offers a comforting escape and nostalgic joy, resonating with both childhood memories and adult sensibilities.
Lit Hub
The People Who Fight at Dinner Parties
Sarah Miller's essay in The Paris Review explores the dynamics of confrontational dinner party guests, arguing that their boldness and willingness to engage in heated debates can push important conversations forward, encouraging greater imagination and force in social interactions.
The Paris Review
Can we see past our soul-blindness to recognise plant minds?
Rachael Petersen explores the idea of plant consciousness, inspired by Gustav Fechner's 19th-century theories. The essay discusses the emerging field of plant neurobiology and challenges our traditional views on consciousness, urging us to consider plants as sentient beings with their own form of subjective experience. Petersen's thoughtful examination highlights the philosophical and scientific intersections that push us to rethink our relationship with the natural world.
Aeon
How The Peanuts Created a Space for Thinking
The Peanuts became a unique space for intellectual and philosophical contemplation. Through its simple yet profound storytelling, Schulz introduced complex ideas about life, identity, and existential angst, making Peanuts not just a source of entertainment but also a medium for deep reflection. The strip’s ability to address serious themes with humor and sensitivity has contributed to its lasting impact and appeal.
The New Yorker
Book Girl Summer: Why Brands Are Leaning into the Literary World
An examination of the trend of fashion brands collaborating with literary influencers and book-themed marketing campaigns. The piece highlights how brands are leveraging the intellectual appeal and cultural cachet of the literary world to attract a more discerning and engaged audience. This strategy taps into the growing popularity of book-related content on social media, creating a sophisticated and educated brand image that resonates with consumers.
Vogue
What Does It Mean To Be Kafkaesque
This Guardian article explores how Franz Kafka’s work has led to the term “Kafkaesque,” describing situations that are absurdly complex and nightmarishly bureaucratic. It delves into Kafka’s influence on modern language and culture, illustrating why his portrayal of surreal, oppressive environments continues to resonate today.
The Guardian
That’s all for today.
See you tomorrow.
Bye <3