{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Micro.blog - Robert Breen","home_page_url":"https://micro.blog","feed_url":"https://micro.blog/posts/robertbreen","_microblog":{"about":"https://micro.blog/about/api","id":"1496714","username":"robertbreen","bio":"Former finance exec, now reading, writing, and traveling. I write essays about family, retirement, and the books that help make sense of it all. Longer posts at robertbreen.com.","pronouns":"He/him","is_following":false,"is_you":false,"following_count":105,"discover_count":0},"author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://avatars.micro.blog/avatars/2026/06/1496714.jpg"},"items":[{"id":"88493988","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593804513/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593804513\">Departure(s)</a> by Julian Barnes 📚</p>\n<p>This latest novel from Julian Barnes resists easy classification — memoir, literary analysis, meditation on friendship, memory, and the finality of death. Dark wit throughout, melancholy just beneath, but somehow still hopeful? Like I said, hard to pin down.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>It seems to me that humans are often so busy living that they forget they are human – or at least forget what it is to be human, and what its consequences are – and therefore what it means to be dead.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Barnes says this will be his last book. I hope he’s wrong. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/04/17/departures-by-julian-barnes/\">Full Review.</a></p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/04/17/finished-reading-departures-by-julian.html","date_published":"2026-04-18T03:36:12+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-18 03:36","date_timestamp":1776483372,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"88184091","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/news\">@news</a> one thing to check with the iOS app: the Books page in the Discover tab has been hanging up for me. It shows a progress bar that never finishes. Other parts of Discover seem fine.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/88184091","date_published":"2026-04-13T19:15:51+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-13 19:15","date_timestamp":1776107751,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"88134788","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781421838953/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781421838953\">Roads of Destiny</a> by O. Henry 📚</p>\n<p>Twenty-two stories, all good, and nearly every one ending with a trademark twist. The language is wonderfully vivid:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>I never saw him looking so much like a tiger-lily. He was as beautiful and new as a trellis of sweet peas, and as rollicking as a clarinet solo.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>After the first ten stories the formulaic style becomes a little tiresome, but there’s real genius here. Best dipped into when the mood strikes. ★★★☆☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/04/12/roads-of-destiny-by-o-henry/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/04/12/finished-reading-roads-of-destiny.html","date_published":"2026-04-13T02:12:28+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-13 02:12","date_timestamp":1776046348,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"88076968","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781101665398/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781101665398\">The Left Hand of Darkness</a> by Ursula K. Le Guin 📚</p>\n<p>This classic Nebula and Hugo award winner drops you in the deep end of an alien world — strange vocabulary, gender-fluid inhabitants, a perpetual chill you can almost feel. The world-building is astonishing; the writing borders on poetry.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Light is the left hand of darkness and darkness the right hand of light. Two are one, life and death, lying together like lovers in kemmer, like hands joined together, like the end and the way.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>The ideas on gender and society still feel fresh and important. A good read. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/04/11/the-left-hand-of-darkness-by-ursula-k-le-guin/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/04/11/finished-reading-the-left-hand.html","date_published":"2026-04-12T00:17:11+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-12 00:17","date_timestamp":1775953031,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"87789123","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/josh_____d\">@josh<span>_</span><span>_</span><span>_</span><span>_</span><span>_</span>d</a> I enjoyed this one too. I haven’t seen the movie, but based on your review, I will check it out!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/87789123","date_published":"2026-04-07T19:28:41+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-07 19:28","date_timestamp":1775590121,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87473640","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/jquinby\">@jquinby</a> Ah, what a journey you’ve begun. I read all of <em>In Search of Lost Time</em> with a reading group on Twitter during COVID.  My memory of those books now feels like a long fever dream. Prepare to be frustrated and dazzled in equal measure.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/87473640","date_published":"2026-04-02T16:02:33+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-02 16:02","date_timestamp":1775145753,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87359959","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/cliff538\">@cliff538</a> What a cool collection of links! There are some gems here. Thanks for sharing!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/87359959","date_published":"2026-04-01T00:00:34+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-01 00:00","date_timestamp":1775001634,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87358057","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/mroutley\">@mroutley</a> I somehow missed your earlier blog post on this. Good feedback on actually using this stuff (I’m too chicken!).  It does make me wonder, though. On the one hand, Day One says they’re not training the AI with journal entries. Yet, on the other hand, the AI gets to know you better over time. Which is it?</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/87358057","date_published":"2026-03-31T23:32:25+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-31 23:32","date_timestamp":1774999945,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87357476","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/MitchWagner\">@MitchWagner</a> Right?? I guess Day One is targeting the 99% of the population that doesn’t keep a journal. Maybe having a text chat with an AI is better than nothing? But sheesh, it does feel like it’s missing the very point of journaling: sitting down <em>alone</em> with your thoughts.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/87357476","date_published":"2026-03-31T23:25:11+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-31 23:25","date_timestamp":1774999511,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87356746","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/philbowell\">@philbowell</a> Oh, wow!  That’s a huge leap of an upgrade! You’re going to love it. I’m using an M4 MacBook Air for everything. Half the time it’s connected to a Studio Display; the other half on my lap, like right now.  The Mac Mini has been demoted to an automation server, and the iPad Pro is collecting dust. These really are remarkable machines.  Enjoy!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/87356746","date_published":"2026-03-31T23:17:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-31 23:17","date_timestamp":1774999020,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87343923","content_html":"<p>Day One is <a href=\"https://dayoneapp.com/blog/introducing-day-one-silver-and-gold/\">doubling down on AI journaling</a>. I’ve written thousands of entries in Day One, but despite the assurances of privacy, I’m not enabling any of these features. Not yet.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>AI features in Gold are entirely optional. If you don’t enable AI features or engage them, they don’t touch your entries. When you do use them, your content is processed only in that moment and is never used to train AI models. <em>The privacy principles Day One is known for haven’t changed</em>.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>These are the Wild West days of AI. Think carefully before you turn over even more of your most private thoughts.</p>\n<img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/125484/2026/day-one-privacy-concerns.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"360\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A comparison of privacy labels for three apps, showing Day One with various data linked to the user, Bear with diagnostics data not linked to the user, and Obsidian with no data collected.\" loading=\"lazy\">\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/31/day-one-is-doubling-down.html","date_published":"2026-03-31T19:23:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-31 19:23","date_timestamp":1774984980,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"87202988","content_html":"<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/03/29/so-late-in-the-day-by-claire-keegan/\">So Late in the Day</a> by Claire Keegan 💙📚</p>\n<p>One new story (and two reprints) from Claire Keegan, the master of compressing so much into so few words. Men behaving <em>very</em> badly ought to be the sub-title here. As with all of her stories, these will haunt you long after you finish. ★★★★☆</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/29/finished-reading-so-late-in.html","date_published":"2026-03-29T17:07:48+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-29 17:07","date_timestamp":1774804068,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https:///@/116313568250195101","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mi7nbdc7f42x"]}},{"id":"86873677","content_html":"<p>Finished reading: Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed 💙📚</p>\n<p>A wonderful collection of essays written by Cheryl Strayed as part of an advice column under the pseudonym “Dear Sugar.” Terrific, heartfelt advice on just about every aspect of life. I loved it. ★★★★★</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/03/24/tiny-beautiful-things-by-cheryl-strayed/\">Full Review.</a></p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/24/finished-reading-tiny-beautiful-things.html","date_published":"2026-03-24T18:07:54+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-24 18:07","date_timestamp":1774375674,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https:///@/116285485839383062","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mht66r3jqt2s"]}},{"id":"86685133","content_html":"<p>We’ve lived in Phoenix for four years now, but only recently put in a pool. It’s almost a necessity here in the summer months. The project finished just as a heat wave descended on the West Valley. What a perfect way to enjoy a <em>slightly</em> cooler evening with friends.</p>\n<img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/125484/2026/img-0539-m.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" alt=\"A backyard scene at night features a glowing fire pit in the foreground withA backyard scene at night features a glowing fire pit in the foreground with people relaxing by a brightly lit swimming pool. people relaxing by a brightly lit swimming pool.\" loading=\"lazy\">\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/21/weve-lived-in-phoenix-for.html","date_published":"2026-03-21T18:51:49+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-21 18:51","date_timestamp":1774119109,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https:///@/116268678656945790","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mhlpdpa5622d"]}},{"id":"86620919","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/numericcitizen\">@numericcitizen</a> Last year, I upgraded from the 13” M1 MBA to the 15” M4 MBA. I had no idea how much bigger the 15” screen could feel. I don’t think I would ever go back to the 13” model. Won’t you miss the screen?</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86620919","date_published":"2026-03-20T18:01:10+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-20 18:01","date_timestamp":1774029670,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86617971","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780795343025/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780795343025\">The Man Who Fell to Earth</a> by Walter Tevis 💙📚</p>\n<p>A bleak science fiction tale from one of the 20th Century’s most under-appreciated novelists. ★★★☆☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/03/20/the-man-who-fell-to-earth-by-walter-tevis/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/20/finished-reading-the-man-who.html","date_published":"2026-03-20T16:52:43+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-20 16:52","date_timestamp":1774025563,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https:///@/116262541505107288","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mhiy4ucx3p2x"]}},{"id":"86580981","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/annahavron\">@annahavron</a> I love this so much. Thank you for sharing!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86580981","date_published":"2026-03-20T04:25:02+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-20 04:25","date_timestamp":1773980702,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86580131","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/gregmoore\">@gregmoore</a> I somehow missed that Neuromancer is the first book of a trilogy. I’ve got some catching up to do!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86580131","date_published":"2026-03-20T04:08:46+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-20 04:08","date_timestamp":1773979726,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86552846","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/gregmoore\">@gregmoore</a> I loved that book, but I haven’t read it in decades. It’s nice to hear it still holds up. Sadly, Gibson didn’t need a crystal ball to predict that wealth could be such a corrupting force. It’s been so for thousands of years, though technology sure makes things worse. Time for a reread!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86552846","date_published":"2026-03-19T19:15:13+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-19 19:15","date_timestamp":1773947713,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86551505","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/annahavron\">@annahavron</a> Oh, oh, oh! This feels very much like a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Future. There are so many “smart” integrations in our house. Speakers, lights, the vacuum, thermostats, pool, door locks, hubs, and more hubs. Even the oven. One missed software update, and all hell could break loose for my wife. I’m a pretty good planner when it comes to financial and estate stuff, but I never once considered all the geeky automation stuff.</p>\n<p>Actually, now that I think about it, I could engineer some pretty convincing haunts from the other side. Our special song playing on Valentine’s Day, say? Or the lights flashing on my birthday? Hmmm.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86551505","date_published":"2026-03-19T18:42:43+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-19 18:42","date_timestamp":1773945763,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86549985","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/philbowell\">@philbowell</a> I will check Wipr out. I thought ad blockers were expensive and difficult to install. But what a difference! I feel like a frog who was unwittingly boiling in a pot of water. Glad I jumped out!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86549985","date_published":"2026-03-19T18:10:06+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-19 18:10","date_timestamp":1773943806,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86545015","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://daringfireball.net/2026/03/your_frustration_is_the_product\">★ ‘Your Frustration Is the Product’</a>:</p>\n<p>Web ads have become awful and invasive. In his commentary, John Gruber shares that he uses <a href=\"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ublock-origin-lite/id6745342698\">uBlock Origin Lite in Safari</a> for ad blocking in Safari.</p>\n<p>I have avoided these apps until now. But this was a no-brainer. Free. One-click install.</p>\n<p>Join the resistance!</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/19/your-frustration-is-the-product.html","date_published":"2026-03-19T17:04:29+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-19 17:04","date_timestamp":1773939869,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https:///@/116256929937487366","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mhgieyxeuc2k"]}},{"id":"86543793","content_html":"<img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/125484/2026/9c8ba05d-74a4-43ad-99c2-0b2091d2bc1d.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" alt='\"We have only to look at some men to distrust them, for we feel the darkness of their souls in two ways. They are restless as to what is behind them, and threatening as to what is before them.\" (Victor Hugo, Les Misérables)' loading=\"lazy\">\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/19/094724.html","date_published":"2026-03-19T16:47:24+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-19 16:47","date_timestamp":1773938844,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"86471796","content_html":"<p>These <a href=\"https://www.robertleefulghum.com/notebooks-3/\">notebook excerpts</a> from Robert Fulghum are so wise. Take a minute to absorb them all. Two of my favorites:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>You may never get all that you want – but you are free to want what you get.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Opportunity knocks, but it doesn’t nag.</p>\n</blockquote>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/18/these-notebook-excerpts-from-robert.html","date_published":"2026-03-18T17:06:53+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-18 17:06","date_timestamp":1773853613,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"86436252","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/johnbrayton\">@johnbrayton</a> What a great idea! With a little help from Claude, I created a nifty Apple Shortcut that transforms any text I select in an Unread article to a perfectly formatted markdown link with the selected text shown as a blockquote. All with a single keyboard command.  Here’s a sample from Westenberg:</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.joanwestenberg.com/a-soft-landing-manual-for-the-second-gilded-age/\">A soft-landing manual for the second gilded age:</a></p>\n<p>&gt; I don’t entirely believe AI will produce the civilizational wipeout the doomers are predicting. I think there’s reasonably good odds the economy will find equilibrium, the way it always does after major technological shifts. New industries will emerge. New forms of work will appear. People will adapt, because people always adapt.</p>\n<p>Kudos for building in this capability!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86436252","date_published":"2026-03-18T04:45:29+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-18 04:45","date_timestamp":1773809129,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86398421","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/frankm\">@frankm</a> I’ve been testing Inkwell as well, but I’m scratching my head on how it could work for me. I prefer to read articles on an iPad in a full-page, distraction-free mode. I use <a href=\"https://www.goldenhillsoftware.com/unread/\">Unread</a> as my RSS reader and have been hopping around with various read-later apps (Readwise, Matter, Goodlinks) for longer reads and articles I want to highlight.  The best workflow I’ve found is with Instapaper. Any highlights can be copied or exported, with a properly formatted Markdown link to the original article, in a couple of taps.</p>\n<p>I’m sure Readwise Reader can do this, but I couldn’t figure it out, which is one of my gripes with that overly complicated tool.</p>\n<p>I’m hoping that <a href=\"https://micro.blog/johnbrayton\">@johnbrayton</a> someday adds highlight capture to Unread with a share feature that copies the highlight and link for blogging.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86398421","date_published":"2026-03-17T17:15:16+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-17 17:15","date_timestamp":1773767716,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86353047","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/cliff538\">@cliff538</a> You have an amazing eye! I love every single image you post. So creative! Your photography is a gift to all of us. Thank you for sharing it.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86353047","date_published":"2026-03-17T00:40:39+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-17 00:40","date_timestamp":1773708039,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86091029","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/cliff538\">@cliff538</a> Ah, what a view and what a book! Enjoy!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86091029","date_published":"2026-03-13T00:40:38+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-13 00:40","date_timestamp":1773362438,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"86056881","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/johnbrayton\">@johnbrayton</a> Thank you for all your amazing work on Unread. I recently tested the web page transformation capabilities of various read-it-later apps (Readwise Reader, Instapaper, Matter, Goodlinks, etc.). Most do fine for basic web pages, but none are as good as Unread with more complicated elements. You’ve figured out how to render footnotes, tables, and block quotes better than anyone. Well done, sir!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/86056881","date_published":"2026-03-12T16:02:20+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-12 16:02","date_timestamp":1773331340,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"85877090","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780141190365/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780141190365\">The Hustler</a> by Walter Tevis 📚</p>\n<p>A fun read for anyone with a passing interest in pool or gambling or gritty city life. Or if you’ve seen the movie with Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason.  ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/03/09/the-hustler-by-walter-tevis/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/09/finished-reading-the-hustler-by.html","date_published":"2026-03-10T03:40:14+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-10 03:40","date_timestamp":1773114014,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mgsi2dl2y72n"]}},{"id":"85713734","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780899194745/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780899194745\">The Best American Essays 1986</a> by Elizabeth Hardwick (editor) 📚</p>\n<p>The inaugural volume of the Best American Essays showcases the essayistic talent of some literary icons in their heyday: Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen Jay Gould, Julian Barnes, and Cynthia Ozick. ★★★☆☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2025/11/01/on-boxing-by-joyce-carol-oates/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/03/07/finished-reading-the-best-american.html","date_published":"2026-03-07T16:33:06+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-07 16:33","date_timestamp":1772901186,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"85642991","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/philbowell\">@philbowell</a> Nice work! I do wish Micro.blog would let you click a book cover on your shelf to take you to your review instead of the generic book information page.  I do this on my <a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/reading-log-covers/\">Wordpress book blog</a>, but I could never figure out how to get this to work on Micro.blog.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/85642991","date_published":"2026-03-06T15:29:20+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-06 15:29","date_timestamp":1772810960,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"85254767","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781416575887/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781416575887\">John Adams</a> by David McCullough 📚</p>\n<p>A riveting history of the people and events of the American Revolution from the perspective of arguably our most important forefather.  ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/02/28/john-adams-by-david-mccullough/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/02/28/finished-reading-john-adams-by.html","date_published":"2026-03-01T04:11:43+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-01 04:11","date_timestamp":1772338303,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"85114868","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/jthingelstad\">@jthingelstad</a> Ah, good luck! I was one of the unlucky ones. Two days of flu like symptoms. Still worth it!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/85114868","date_published":"2026-02-27T01:38:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-27 01:38","date_timestamp":1772156280,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84893343","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/MereCivilian\">@MereCivilian</a> What a great set up! Love it!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/84893343","date_published":"2026-02-24T01:04:44+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-24 01:04","date_timestamp":1771895084,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84858352","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/danielpunkass\">@danielpunkass</a> Nope. After entering my credentials, it opens the NYT app, but never gets past the login screen in Black Ink. I suspect having the NYT app installed on my iPad is the problem.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/84858352","date_published":"2026-02-23T15:51:55+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-23 15:51","date_timestamp":1771861915,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84664767","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/danielpunkass\">@danielpunkass</a> Love a daily crossword! When I link my NYT account on the iPad app, it hangs on the log-in screen. I’d love to check this out!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/84664767","date_published":"2026-02-20T15:07:23+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-20 15:07","date_timestamp":1771600043,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84394522","content_html":"💙📚 How is it I’ve lived in Phoenix for four years and am just now learning about the annual VNSA used book sale? It’s far and away the largest used book sale I’ve ever attended. 600,000 books for sale at ridiculously low prices, and the proceeds go to well-deserved charities.\n\nI haven’t bought a bag of boo... <a href=\"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/02/16/how-is-it-ive-lived.html\">robertbreen.micro.blog</a>","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/02/16/how-is-it-ive-lived.html","date_published":"2026-02-16T19:31:09+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-16 19:31","date_timestamp":1771270269,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"84239977","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/isaacgreene\">@isaacgreene</a> I loved this one too!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/84239977","date_published":"2026-02-14T04:19:33+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-14 04:19","date_timestamp":1771042773,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"84239494","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780063351639/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780063351639\">The Best American Essays 2025</a> by Jia Tolentino (editor) 📚\nContinuing my essay kick with the latest “Best American” collection.  A few missed the mark for me, but most were pretty good, and a few were extraordinary.  ★★★☆☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/02/13/the-best-american-essays-2025-by-jia-tolentino-editor/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/02/13/finished-reading-the-best-american.html","date_published":"2026-02-14T03:58:26+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-14 03:58","date_timestamp":1771041506,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"84163658","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/rscottjones\">@rscottjones</a> Whoa! Not a fun experience! But I’m so glad to hear the outcome.</p>\n<p>“Take it that you have died today, and your life’s story is ended; and henceforward regard what further time may be given you as an uncovenanted surplus, and live it out in harmony with nature.” — Marcus Aurelius</p>\n<p>Go travel, my friend!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/84163658","date_published":"2026-02-13T01:31:31+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-13 01:31","date_timestamp":1770946291,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"83946160","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/0451197968/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/0451197968\">The Running Man</a> by Richard Bachman 📚</p>\n<p>Published in 1982, Stephen King (as Richard Bachman) envisioned a 2025 America that feels eerily familiar. I won’t spoil the ending, but it’s a scary example of King’s uncanny ability to predict future events. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/02/09/the-running-man-by-stephen-king/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/02/09/finished-reading-the-running-man.html","date_published":"2026-02-10T03:23:22+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-10 03:23","date_timestamp":1770693802,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"83428243","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780307279286/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780307279286\">Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland</a> by Patrick Radden Keefe 📚</p>\n<p>A meticulously researched history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Ultimately, the book is a tale of tragedy and woe for both sides of a pointless war. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/02/02/say-nothing-by-patrick-radden-keefe/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/02/02/finished-reading-say-nothing-a.html","date_published":"2026-02-02T18:03:21+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-02 18:03","date_timestamp":1770055401,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"83386716","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780802160928/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780802160928\">Foster</a> by Claire Keegan 📚</p>\n<p>Another masterpiece from Claire Keegan, the master of the emotionally-charged short novel. The language is economical, yet lyrical. And moving. I did not want this one to end. ★★★★★</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/02/01/foster-by-claire-keegan/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/02/01/finished-reading-foster-by-claire.html","date_published":"2026-02-02T03:29:11+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-02 03:29","date_timestamp":1770002951,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"83295230","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781838958824/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781838958824\">Vera, Or Faith</a> by Gary Shteyngart 📚</p>\n<p>Set in a near-future NYC, we follow Vera, an exceptionally gifted yet anxious child, through a dystopian landscape of far-right extremism, absentee parenting, cultural diversity, and hilarious yet ominous technology.  ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/01/31/vera-or-faith-by-gary-shteyngart/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/01/31/finished-reading-vera-or-faith.html","date_published":"2026-01-31T17:08:28+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-31 17:08","date_timestamp":1769879308,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"83078656","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780030556241/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780030556241\">A Tale of Two Cities</a> by Charles Dickens 📚</p>\n<p>A warning that the corruption of power, the awful propensity for human barbarity, and the refusal to address legitimate grievances can lead to catastrophic consequences. This old classic offers modern day lessons. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/01/28/a-tale-of-two-cities-charles-dickens/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/01/28/finished-reading-a-tale-of.html","date_published":"2026-01-28T18:42:20+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-28 18:42","date_timestamp":1769625740,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"82013983","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780525538585/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780525538585\">Stillness Is the Key</a> by Ryan Holiday 📚</p>\n<p>Important lessons here on leading a better life, but not a lot of depth.  ★★★☆☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/01/13/stillness-is-the-key-by-ryan-holiday/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/01/13/finished-reading-stillness-is-the.html","date_published":"2026-01-14T05:21:47+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-14 05:21","date_timestamp":1768368107,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"81341228","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780525657613/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780525657613\">Hamnet</a> by Maggie O’Farrell 📚</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>How is anyone ever to shut the eyes of their dead child? How is it possible to find two pennies and rest them there, in the eye sockets, to hold down the lids? How can anyone do this? It is not right. It cannot be.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>★★★★★</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/01/04/hamnet-by-maggie-ofarrell/\">Full Review.</a></p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/01/04/finished-reading-hamnet-by-maggie.html","date_published":"2026-01-04T19:10:31+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-04 19:10","date_timestamp":1767553831,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"81234430","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780385313315/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780385313315\">The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Alone, 1932-1940</a> by William Manchester 📚</p>\n<p>This second volume of William Manchester’s epic Winston Churchill biography covers the years preceding the Second World War.  ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/01/02/the-last-lion-alone-by-william-manchester/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/01/02/finished-reading-the-last-lion.html","date_published":"2026-01-03T01:28:23+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-03 01:28","date_timestamp":1767403703,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"81152614","content_html":"<p>My Year of Reading in 2025: <a href=\"https://robertbreen.com/2026/01/01/my-year-of-reading-in-2025/\">robertbreen.com</a> 📚</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/01/01/my-year-of-reading-in.html","date_published":"2026-01-01T18:48:09+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-01 18:48","date_timestamp":1767293289,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}}]}