I love middle grade books and always have, but having my own 11-year-old means I get to see beloved novels — and upcoming stories — with fresh eyes. There’s something so special about this genre of books, with lots of coming-of-age storylines and a whole lot of heart, and that’s why I’m so excited about all the books for middle schoolers coming in fall 2025. From gorgeous stories set in some of the darkest parts of the world’s history to age-appropriate romances and character-driven worlds, there is a whole lot to choose from for your middle schooler. Some of the...
What Is "Micro-Retirement"? Experts Unpack This Mid-Career Trend
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images Move over, quiet quitting! There’s a new work-related trend everyone seems to be talking about all of a sudden: micro-retirements. Unfamiliar but intrigued? According to Sam Taube, a lead investing writer at NerdWallet, "Micro-retirements are leisure-oriented breaks from work that typically last a few months." Taube stresses it’s not the same as paid parental leave or a health-related leave of absence. Instead, the micro-retiree intentionally chooses their own adventure, like traveling or — get this — resting. Yes, micro-retirements are a massive departure from “rise-and-grind” culture, which often involved proudly wearing burnout and never taking sick days...
PSA: Netflix’s 'The Hunting Wives' Is *Extra* Spicy — Consider Yourself Warned
Netflix As someone who is always game for a little late-night brainmelting via binge-watching, I love to check out new shows on Netflix. A lot of times, I’ll have them on in the evening while I update my work calendar or just get ready for the next day — idly listening as my house settles down for the night. When I stumbled upon The Hunting Wives, it felt like a no-brainer watch. A juicy small-town mystery drama starring Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow? Sign me up. So, now I’m here to give you the “in full disclosure” warning I didn’t...
Redditor Wants To Know Who's Supposed To Be Feeding All These Kids This Summer?
svetikd/E+/Getty Images I’m fairly sure my parents had no idea where I was 80% of the time during the summer. Or, they had an idea but it was fairly nebulous. I could have been at Kelly’s house, or Becky’s house, or the Other Kelly’s house. Occasionally, I was with Other Jamie or Other Becky. (It was the ’80s: names were less creative.) All this to say was that, in a big neighborhood like ours, all doors were open and location was pretty fluid. That also meant I was eating lunch at a different location pretty much every day. So I...