Coffee Break #005: Thanksgiving leftovers, romance novels, and The Luck of the Irish.
Happy Thanksgiving besties!
In honor of reaching 2,000 subscribers, and inline with a certain capitalism-centric holiday, I’m having a sale! Now through December 6th, get 25% off annual subscriptions to Parenthetical! That gets you access to our book club, extra subscriber-only posts each month, and other fun goodies.
Dear Friend,
Happy Sunday! Gosh, this week just flew by for me. I can’t believe that this week is Thanksgiving already. Personally, I think Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love almost all the food that’s typically served, and it’s way lower stakes than Christmas.
On the other hand, I’ve been struggling with sinus issues since the summer (sexy, I know). I assumed it was just allergies, but they’ve overstayed their welcome long enough to seek alternate options, and I think I got my answer – those pesky impacted wisdom teeth that I’ve been putting off getting removed for the better part of a decade.
So I will be getting my wisdom teeth removed in January, and I’m so stressed. I’ve been fortunate enough to never experience surgery or even a broken bone before, so I have absolutely no baseline to compare the experience of anesthesia and recovery with. Anyways, I’m officially looking for suggestions of foods that don’t require chewing. 🥲
In Brief
This week smells like…
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
A new wool sweater.
Chocolate peppermint cookies from the specialty grocery store.
This week sounds like…
Thanksgiving Theme by Vince Gauraldi Trio
Don’t Dream It’s Over by Sixpence None the Richer
I Caught Myself by Paramore
This week feels like…
The last time it’s going to be above 40 until May.
Friday before a long weekend.
Unbuttoning your pants. :)
Bookshelf
Reading updates and more news from the stacks.
Just Finished
The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances by Glenn Dixon (out April 7th, 2026) – I predicted in last week’s issue that this book would make me cry and BOY DID IT. It was so good, like a cross between The Brave Little Toaster, Up, and Wall-E.
Currently Reading
Set Piece by Lana Schwartz – I gotta say, I love everything that 831 Stories is doing. Their iconic, bold color-blocked covers, their adorable branding and merch, and their dedication to bringing the romance genre into a more high end, modern era. I’ve heard so much about these books and I finally decided to treat myself to three of them to check out. Fingers crossed I love them!
Book Club
Next week I’ll be posting my thoughts about Heart the Lover by Lily King, our very first FMBC read! And it’s already time to start thinking about December’s book! I’ve posted the options with a poll to vote for what we’ll read together next month. Check it out and go vote here!
Pinboard
Things I’ve read, saved, shared, or bought this week.
In a recent interview, Ryan Coogler revealed that inspiration for his creepy Irish vampire in Sinners came from an unlikely source… namely, the absolutely iconic 2001 Disney Channel Original movie, The Luck of the Irish. I watched this one every time it showed on Disney Channel, and surprise, surprise, I absolutely loved Sinners too.
I came across these adorable cards by Allie Rose Co. and Brady Lockerby, and I can’t wait to get some. They’re prompt cards designed to help you pick books out of your TBR pile – because decisions are hard, and I know I end up getting analysis paralysis when it’s time to pick a new book.
I spotted the cover reveal for a new release that sounds right up my alley – Girl’s Girl by Sonia Feldman. Midwestern girlhood?? Sign! Me! Up!!!
I’m obsessed with this thrift guide to the perfect cozy holiday attire and decor from . Anyone who uses Mr. Tumnus’s house as decor inspo is automatically amazing in my book.
from Literary Merit rounded up 20 nonfiction reads that are going straight on my TBR. I am a fiction girly through and through, but I always appreciate an interesting, well-written, and thought-provoking nonfiction book or memoir.
I have an intense desire – nay, need – for this tiny clipboard. Why? Dunno. What will I use it for? Dunno!!! I simply must own it.
On the Menu
It’s a Thanksgiving special, Charlie Brown! I’m sharing all my favorite recipes for reusing and repurposing those elite Thanksgiving leftovers.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks & Drinks
ICYMI
What’s been on the ‘stack recently.
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