Weekend Edition: The Year in Reading

Hey there, bright readers of The Core,

Ready for this special weekend edition? We're going all in, from the why behind our selection process to the final reveal of 2024's top 10 must-reads. Our signature blend of curiosity and candor awaits.

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Your world, simplified today:

Yes, I'm talking about top-notch non-fiction, but also witty romances and unflinching memoirs. (Not to mention stenciled edges and metallic-foil covers hitting shelves—it seems we judge books by their covers!)

Reader buzz (thanks, TikTok), critics' picks, and the raw vibe made us miss dinner dates. You'll find fantasy worlds with dragons, literary gems with "badass" spray paint, romantic memoirs, and even science fiction this year. Interested in special-edition hardcovers? I've got some info for you (spoiler: romance readers like hardcovers too).

So, if your to-be-read pile needs a boost or your gift list calls for a crowd-pleaser, check out this curated list. Here are this year's standouts, whisper-network hits, and big debuts. Grab a cozy spot and dive in. It's the perfect excuse to treat yourself (and your bookshelf).

Watt’s Wrong?

Ever wonder why your dishwasher's been sounding a bit off? Apparently, AI data centers are hogging so much electricity that our tired grid can't keep the waves smooth. In nerdy speak, it's called "bad harmonics" - voltage distortions that can overload appliances, cause fires, or raise utility bills. Data centers are multiplying faster than city inspectors can say "power surge."

The kicker? It's not just Silicon Valley drama—it's affecting everyday life everywhere. So yes, the hum from your fridge might be more than just old age; it might be part of a nationwide energy battle. Buckle in. AI is an existential threat, but not as you think.

Unseen America

So, here's the harsh reality: over 770,000 people in the U.S. are now homeless—that's up 18% from last year and the biggest jump since 2007. The reasons? Pick your poison: skyrocketing rents, stagnant paychecks, the end of pandemic safeguards, and a surge of asylum seekers flooding shelters.

The focus on newcomers is criticized for overlooking bigger issues like wage inequality and housing shortages. Conservatives argue it proves "Housing First" doesn’t work. One thing's sure: The crisis is getting too big to ignore—because 770K (and counting) is a whole lot of people with nowhere to call home.

The Kindness Effect

I have an unexpected newsflash for you: Being kind—actually helping others—can not only warm your heart but also keep it healthier. Yes, regular acts of kindness (like volunteering) can boost your mood and protect your brain from aging. It's not just about feeling good—volunteers often become more physically active, less stressed, and even have lower health risks.

Translation: We might have underestimated the importance of dropping off soup for a sick neighbor. So go on—spread the kindness (for your neighbors and yourself). You'll be happier and healthier if you're kind.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

The most breathtaking images of Earth from space in 2024 are shared by astronauts.

🧮 Core Count: 40

This is the percentage of food that is wasted in the US.

🗓️ Flashback:

1612 - Neptune's first observation - Galileo records a "fixed star," unaware that it is a planet.

1836 - Spain recognizes the independence of Mexico.

1860 - After evading capture for eight years on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman arrived in Auburn, New York, to free enslaved people.

1908 - Nearly 80,000 people are killed in an earthquake in Messina, Italy.

1943 - In the Republic of Kalmykia, Kalmyks are deported by the Soviet Union to Central Asia and Siberia, many of whom die on the way.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran