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It’s the day after Thanksgiving here in the US, which means I haven’t been confident about what day of the week it is since about Monday, I’ve had pie for breakfast two days in a row, and publishing news is slower than a summer Friday. Whether this email finds you basking in holiday traditions, hiding from your family, or going about your regular business, here are some diversions to help you find that TGIF feeling.
Looking for Black Friday book deals? We’ve got you.
Part Book Club, Part English Class, All Fun.
We wrapped up the first regular season of the Zero to Well-Read podcast earlier this week with a conversation about Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie, and I can’t tell you how happy spending the last several months reading truly great books and talking about them with a smart friend has made me. It has rewired my brain and reminded me of all the best parts of English class. Lock in with us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcatcher of choice.
Get a Jump on Your December TBR
Publishing slows down near the end of the year, but there are still more exciting new books than anyone can read. It’s a great problem to have, and the NYT is here to help you narrow down your list with 15 new release recommendations. I’ve got my eye on The Award by Matthew Pearl because who doesn’t love satire about the literary world?!
Today In Books
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The Best TV to Catch Up On This Weekend
If you’re looking for some TV to marathon in between leftovers-induced naps, look no further than NPR’s list of shows to catch up on over the long weekend. I’m happy to see The Lowdown, my favorite new show of the year, get a shout-out. Book lovers won’t want to miss Ethan Hawke as used bookstore owner and amateur investigative journalist whose heart is in the right place, even if he never quite gets things right. Come for the Peter Dinklage cameo, stay for the literary jokes. I can also vouch for Slow Horses and Pluribus.
Lesser-Known Peanuts Holiday Specials
As A Charlie Brown Christmas turns 60 this year, Eileen Gonzalez recommends some lesser-known Peanuts holiday specials. Celebrate all the things!
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/05/27/720/n/1922564/8e14f8036a1719329379c5.86726960_.jpg "Ciara Miller and the Art of Dressing for Revenge")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/05/11/678/n/1922564/5eada73d6a01f2d3b10453.48636618_.jpg "Lisa Wore an Under-0 Bra Top to the Met Gala After Parties Plus More Celebrity Looks")
