June 25th, 2026
On My Radar

Bits & Bobs

Top of my summer to-do list is reducing the stack of books that seems to grow on its own, and I’m doing an admirable job of it.  I devoured Ben Lerner’s Transcription and plan to reread it. North Woods is on my short list of all-time favorite novels, so I am counting the days until Daniel Mason’s new book Country People is out July 7. At the same time, I am taking an 8-part seminar on Moby-Dick through the 92Y’s online program, Roundtable. They get amazing scholars to lead their in-person and online classes.

Tomorrow we are going to cheer on France’s soccer team, Les Bleus. However, the Norwegian team and their fans are completely endearing, and it should all make for a memorable match.

For the first time in what seems like ages, I am excited about a number of fall collections. The Row’s car coats, available now, are on my inspiration board, and I picked up a pair of pumps with a higher heel.

After bingeing Kara Swisher Wants to Live Foreverspecifically the episode on Korean beauty—I’ve started adding kimchi to my diet. Next, I want to learn how to make my own.

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  • I loved North Woods and can’t wait until Country People comes out!

    DianeJune 25th, 2026  1:15 PM

     
  • I just finished Transcription too. Enjoyed. Felt different. North Woods is also one of my top books ever. Thanks for letting me know about Country People. I just read Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash. Fun, funny, original. Recommend. And Fame Sick by Lena Dunham was great as an audio.

    natalieJune 25th, 2026  2:05 PM

     
  • My day is made when Bits & Bobs pops up! I too am looking forward to Country People!

    Lisa EastmanJune 25th, 2026  2:47 PM

     
  • Great post.

    KimJune 26th, 2026  3:43 AM

     
  • Also adored North Woods, just pre-ordered the new one, hadn’t heard about it yet. Thank you Preston!

    Leslie MartingJune 26th, 2026  11:59 AM

     
  • Dear Preston, “The Art of Fermentation” by Sandor Katz may prove to be very helpful. The book explores the cultural, historical, and practical sides of this Korean staple but also plenty of other options. Really recommend. I love the coat and pumps, good old classics.

    Bottega Mobili ViennaJune 27th, 2026  9:50 AM

     

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