The long weekend has begun! For those of us in the U.S., we’re celebrating Independence Day. Here’s some ideas on how to celebrate.

Elinor Lipman has been a favorite author of mine for several years now. She’s one of those authors that once you discover one book, you immediately find everything she’s ever written so you can read those, too.

I’ve been a fan of Elinor Lipman’s for quite a while. I’ve also had the privilege of meeting her in person at a few author appearances at one of the now defunct Harry Schwartz bookstores. She is as delightful in person as she appears to be from her writing.