#27: Coffee, Third Spaces, and Salt Houses
a teeny tiny newsletter
Dear reader,
This week I write to you from my favourite coffeehouse, which now carries an energy of focus I can’t find anywhere else. It’s not so much the ambience, just the discipline of coming here with the simple need to work alone. No distractions, just the indulgence of hot, creamy coffee with a mischievous dash of chocolate syrup.
There are only a few more mornings of this, strangers converging in the same space every other morning - servers rushing around with their eager-to-please smiles and sharp listening. By this time next week, the holy month of Ramadan will be upon us, and the entire island will turn nocturnal.
But until then, here’s what I’m diving into:
Salt Houses: Hala Alyan’s beautiful debut, this novel is a strikingly haunting multigenerational story of a Palestinian family as they experience displacement.
Somebody Feed Phil (Season 7): The man needs no introduction, but some of the food might!
The Story of Classical: Apple’s new homegrown podcast on the stories and history behind some of your favourite classical tunes. In a very typically Apple move, this is only available for Apple Music subscribers. I take my wins when I get them.
Third places, Stanley cup mania, and the epidemic of loneliness: An intensive video essay by Mina Le on friendships, filling the void, and why third places are vital for your social health.
A smol one for this week, but lots to come in Monday’s newsletter.
See you soon,
Kaav.