Yet another list that often seems to conflate popularity with quality. There are some truly stellar books on this list, but also some clunkers & I would argue that the book in the #1 slot isn't even the best book by that author. And, frankly, I view the lack of Laura Lippman as a personal attack.

Alma Katsu (pre-order INCARNATE now!)@almakatsu.bsky.social · 4h ago

Here's the full list of @NYT's top 50 thrillers.Congrats to buds @blacktopkid.bsky.social @jeanhanff.bsky.social @silviamg.bsky.social @stephcha.bsky.social for making the list (and looking askance at some really deplorable picks) www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

Finally

The Independent@the-independent.com · 9h ago

James Bond producer shares update on 007 casting: ‘It’s got to be really different’

If you want to have the petty pleasure of blocking her—not only is she pro-"AI", she also doesn't use alt text—she's here on Bluesky.

Holly Lyn Walrath@hollylynwalrath.bsky.social · 19h ago

There is a lengthy pro-AI screed in the latest HWA newsletter and it is . . . a mood.

Today's earworm. You are most welcome. youtu.be/CD8bW1rWqOA?...

Dolly Parton - Why'd You Come In Here (Official Video)

YouTube video by DollyPartonVEVO

youtu.be

Oof. I have one window in my kitchen cracked open, but I think it's time to close it up because my eyes are burning from the smoke in the air.

One more interesting point: this spring I sat down with Sharyn Alfonsi of 60 Minutes for an extensive interview about my Epstein investigation. Subsequently, CBS pulled the segment and fired the reporter. The MAGA buyout of media has unquestionably aided the Trump administration’s cover up here.

Senator Ron Wyden@wyden.senate.gov · yesterday

Bombshell new report out from my investigators this morning spanning our four year investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s financial records. This report shows exactly how Wall Street protected Epstein and enabled his sex trafficking for decades. Mega thread following with some key points:

@geeksforamerica.bsky.social Why the fuck would you choose SUBSTACK as your newsletter platform? I thought we were supposed to be FIGHTING the Nazis & White Supremacists, not hanging out with them.

Sitting quietly, waiting for The Menswear Guy to get a hold of this one.

katie@supermathskid.bsky.social · yesterday

okay now he's gone too far

The writer of the Atlantic piece, Will Oremus, has a history of specifically going after non-white writers and boosting completely unsubstantiated stories of AI use when their work is celebrated. Confirming, again, the Atlantic is the spot for racists who think they are intellectuals.

Susanna Kearsley@susannakearsley.bsky.social · yesterday

❤️ Gillian Green, publisher at Tor Bramble, told The Bookseller: “HM Wolfe has confirmed that Daggermouth was written entirely without AI. We stand behind our author, and we do not recognise third-party AI detection tools as a fair or reliable measure of authenticity when used on their own.”

So, the authors who are judged guilty of AI use seem to be authors of color. Because the establishment can't believe they produced something so brilliant on their own? Wow. The white supremacy is in ALL CAPS now. I'm glad Tor is standing by H.M. Wolfe, but damn. I hate this timeline.

That's what taxes are, man. That's the definition of taxes. "You are subsidizing things you might never use" man shut the fuck up. My taxes currently subsidize like oil company exec private jets, you think I'm upset at low-income people eating inexpensive bananas?

USA TODAY Opinion@usatodayopinion.usatoday.com · 2d ago

Opinion: Mamdani's idea may sound appealing, but it's NYC taxpayers who will take the hit, subsidizing discounts they may never even use.

This is more than half full & only just over a week to go. I know it's early & on a weekday, but if you register—even if you can't make it live—you get first access to the recording (before it goes public) AND you get entered to win fabulous prizes!

Bookstore Romance Day@bookstoreromanceday.org · 2w ago

Ticketing for the first virtual event of #BookstoreRomanceDay is now live. On Wed., Aug. 12 @ 10 AM EDT, creators @haridraws.bsky.social, @trungles.com, @swinsea.bsky.social, & @jeremywhitley.bsky.social will chat w/ moderator @jessisreading.bsky.social. Tix @ link www.eventbrite.com/e/spotlight-...

Really, Tillamook? You think this is a good time to promo smoked cheddar?

i don't think papers should have opinion sections anymore, they clearly cannot be trusted to use them responsibly

i absolutely DO think suspected ai media should be pointed out i absolutely do NOT think anyone spotting it is somehow superior to a person who shared it unknowingly and immediately takes it down once it’s pointed out this is a team effort

I know I'm lucky to have lettuce I can eat without fear of explosive diarrhea, but I've gotten very large lettuces in my produce box every week for the past month & am starting to suffer salad fatigue.

Tagging as this is half full already #booksky #romancelandia

Bookstore Romance Day@bookstoreromanceday.org · 2w ago

Ticketing for the first virtual event of #BookstoreRomanceDay is now live. On Wed., Aug. 12 @ 10 AM EDT, creators @haridraws.bsky.social, @trungles.com, @swinsea.bsky.social, & @jeremywhitley.bsky.social will chat w/ moderator @jessisreading.bsky.social. Tix @ link www.eventbrite.com/e/spotlight-...

There's now a page on the #BookstoreRomanceDay website where you can find a list of some, but not nearly all, of the events happening at bookstores around the country. It's still a work in progress, but it's a start. bookstoreromanceday.org/bookstore-ev...

Bookstore Events

Visit the post for more.

bookstoreromanceday.org

If you’re in WA and haven’t mailed your ballot yet, it’s too late for that, get it in a drop box! Here’s a link to find the one closest to you ⬇️

Claire@baseball-broad.bsky.social · 6d ago

Probably best to get your ballot in a drop box at this point, since I’m not sure how long it’s taking USPS to process things these days. Not sure where your closest drop box is? Click here for a map and a list! www.sos.wa.gov/elections/vo...

This is Loki, our Maine Coon and the cat of our hearts, and he went missing today. We have no idea how he got out, but he’s an elder, indoor cat, the whole region’s in an intense heat wave, and we’re really scared. I doubt I have any followers here in Martinez, CA, but if so, help? It’s SO hot

There is no version of yourself you could become that would satisfy the people who hate you. So you might as well be who you are.

My Violet cat is hanging out on my lap & just let out THE most world-weary sigh. Is kitty ennui a thing?

my older sister and her sweet dog Starry were viciously attacked by a neighbor’s dog that got under the fence in their yard. my sister is a single mom who also takes care of our elderly mother with dementia. they need some financial help. gofund.me/e5dffb87f

Donate to Help Us Heal After Starry’s Attack, organized by Krista Dalrymple

Help Us Close This Chapter After Starry’s Attack Some of you may have followed… Krista Dalrymple needs your support for Help Us Heal After Starry’s Attack

gofund.me

The whole thread is really solid advice/information, but "...own the dog you have, not the one you're pretending to have." is *key*.

Alex de Campi@alexdecampi.bsky.social · 3d ago

That doesn’t mean get rid of the dog! It just means own the dog you have, not the one you’re pretending to have. Fencing, muzzling them on walks (baskerville muzzles are comfy and easy to train to! then the worst that can happen is a muzzle punch)—

I got a piel de sapo melon in my produce box this week & everything I have found about it says that it's supposed to be sweet, but mine is more like "What if honeydew was blander & also sour?" Not a fan.

As is right & proper.

Aaron Rupar@atrupar.com · 3d ago

Sophie Cunningham is getting booed every time she touches the ball here in Minneapolis

Moving on from Ladies Doing Awesome Shit to Keanu Reeves: Action Man, starting with John Wick, with Point Break & Constantine on deck.

BillieB@billie.bookstoreromanceday.org · 3d ago

Doing laundry, working on #BookstoreRomanceDay stuff, and having a movie day. Watched so far: Ocean's 8, The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, & Practical Magic is on now.

Some great new reaction images to use when people are obtuse on BlueSky.

Doing laundry, working on #BookstoreRomanceDay stuff, and having a movie day. Watched so far: Ocean's 8, The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, & Practical Magic is on now.

This event is already half full. If you want to join us live, be among the first to receive access to the recording, and/or be entered to win prizes, make sure you register before all the spots are taken!

Bookstore Romance Day@bookstoreromanceday.org · 2w ago

Ticketing for the first virtual event of #BookstoreRomanceDay is now live. On Wed., Aug. 12 @ 10 AM EDT, creators @haridraws.bsky.social, @trungles.com, @swinsea.bsky.social, & @jeremywhitley.bsky.social will chat w/ moderator @jessisreading.bsky.social. Tix @ link www.eventbrite.com/e/spotlight-...