The Reading Room

Recent writings from The Ritual of Reading—essays, reflections and literary rituals for a more attentive life.

A cozy stack of food-themed novels sitting on a rustic kitchen counter next to some cutlery on a striped tablecloth

5 Food Fiction Books to Read When You’ve Lost Your Appetite for Cooking

On borrowed hunger, kitchen rituals and the books that bring you back to the table …
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An open vintage etiquette book featuring a colorful illustration of a 1920s worldly party with guests in formal attire.

The Latin Soul of Manners: A Journey Through Romania, Italy and Spain

The Art of Good Manners, Part IV — A Closing Chapter …
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Close-up of a traditional French formal table setting and cutlery placement with Sèvres porcelain and oyster shells

French Savoir-Vivre: An Etiquette That Survived the Revolution

Jacques Gandouin, Le Petit Larousse du Savoir-vivre & Republican elegance …
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A literary collection of etiquette books by Emily Post, Eleanor Roosevelt, and William Hanson arranged with a yellow branch of mimosa blooms on a soft background.

On English and American Etiquette: What Courtesy Reveals About a Society

Emily Post, Eleanor Roosevelt & William Hanson …
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A top-down flatlay on a wooden tray featuring books about modern etiquette and literature, including The Downton Abbey Rules for Household Staff, The Remains of the Day, and Vanity Fair, accented with fresh tulips.

In Defense of Good Manners: Why Etiquette is the Secret to Modern Freedom

February Literary Mood Board • The Art of Good Manners, Part I …
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Close-up of two opened books stacked on top of each other, suggesting a cozy winter reading ritual.

Fiction as Self-Care: 3 Comforting Books for a Relaxing Winter

Last Tuesday, I turned down an invitation to a gallery opening—the kind of event I usually love—and instead spent the …
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A top-down flat lay of three books: Living with Intent by Mallika Chopra, Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown, and Still Writing by Dani Shapiro, arranged neatly on a wooden surface.

The Art of Re-Reading: 3 Books on Intent and Grounding

Returning to the Basics: Why I’m Re-reading My Bookshelf in 2026 January arrived this year not as a fresh start, …
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A stack of winter books including Journey into the Mind’s Eye by Lesley Blanch and Petit éloge du feu de cheminée by Emmanuelle Favier on a wooden table

January Literary Mood Board: Slow Reading & Bookish Self-Care

A Gentle January: Literature, Fireplaces and the Art of Slowing Down Mood Board at a GlanceThis January, I’m embracing slow …
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Lesley Blanch’s Beet Soup: A Recipe for Slow Reading

A nourishing, vibrant broth for slow January days, inspired by the travels of Lesley Blanch What is the connection between …
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