There's a fun meme traveling around the blogosphere — the Top Ten Books That Influenced You. See lists from Matt Ygelsias, Russell Arben Fox, and Tyler Cowen.

The New Republic is continuing the debate about teacher quality. 

I've had a lingering sore throat for the past week. A day on the sofa with a good book might the only way to get rid of it. This review of Zadie Smith's books reminded me that I have a unread copy of On Beauty
on the bookshelf.

Pioneer Woman has a book and a movie deal.