Molly Templeton
@mollytempleton.com
I read, I write, & I pet cats. Column, news, & book reviews at Reactor (formerly known as Tor.com); publicity, prize, & more for the Ursula K. Le Guin Foundation. Once a bookseller, always a bookseller. PDX.
https://reactormag.com/author/molly-templeton/
https://reactormag.com/author/molly-templeton/
Pinned
Molly Templeton
@mollytempleton.com
· Dec 9
Okay, I've compiled all the recommendations below into a list here. Happy to add more titles basically indefinitely!
This is a FANTASTIC profile. I read it over two days and I would keep reading it for many more, honestly.
The Story John Darnielle Lived to Tell
When he was a teenager, the Mountain Goats founder never expected to live to 21. He has since become one of this century’s best songwriters. The lessons of his survival, life, and work feel endless.
www.gq.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:59 PM
This is a FANTASTIC profile. I read it over two days and I would keep reading it for many more, honestly.
because I posted about that "AI"-using romance bookstore in Seattle yesterday, I feel compelled to say that someone told me there is ANOTHER romance bookstore in Seattle! which presumably actually does its own stock selection.
About
Seattle's 1st Brick and Mortar Romance Bookstore
www.lovestruckinseattle.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:22 PM
because I posted about that "AI"-using romance bookstore in Seattle yesterday, I feel compelled to say that someone told me there is ANOTHER romance bookstore in Seattle! which presumably actually does its own stock selection.
hey, seattle, here's a bookstore to avoid
(as nicole says, don't harass them! but I would add: also don't give them your money)
(as nicole says, don't harass them! but I would add: also don't give them your money)
November 14, 2025 at 7:11 PM
hey, seattle, here's a bookstore to avoid
(as nicole says, don't harass them! but I would add: also don't give them your money)
(as nicole says, don't harass them! but I would add: also don't give them your money)
really disappointed in Portland this morning
(I find this headline really frustrating; it makes it sound as if the intent was simply to cut the money, where in reality it was a proposal to use those funds in more productive and less harmful ways)
(I find this headline really frustrating; it makes it sound as if the intent was simply to cut the money, where in reality it was a proposal to use those funds in more productive and less harmful ways)
Portland city councilors reject plan to cut millions from homeless camp removal program
Portland city councilors rejected a plan Wednesday to cut millions from the city program that removes homeless camps, after a lengthy and contentious council meeting.
www.opb.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:24 PM
really disappointed in Portland this morning
(I find this headline really frustrating; it makes it sound as if the intent was simply to cut the money, where in reality it was a proposal to use those funds in more productive and less harmful ways)
(I find this headline really frustrating; it makes it sound as if the intent was simply to cut the money, where in reality it was a proposal to use those funds in more productive and less harmful ways)
I thought I had already seen the weirdest Wicked merch but then I saw the Forever 21 Elphaba Thropp sporto-jersey dress and now I just don't know anything anymore
Assuming you're not in line to buy a Wicked-branded Swiffer, you can also watch Paddington in the Criterion Closet this weekend:
What to Watch and Read This Weekend: The Wicked Book Is the Best Merch. The Mac & Cheese Is a Close Second - Reactor
Plus: The curious case of zipper upgrades and Paddington in the Criterion closet.
reactormag.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:31 PM
I thought I had already seen the weirdest Wicked merch but then I saw the Forever 21 Elphaba Thropp sporto-jersey dress and now I just don't know anything anymore
Reposted by Molly Templeton
This is far worse than anyone expected.
Trump's HUD plan would cut *two-thirds* of permanent housing and push as many as 170,000 formerly homeless people back onto the street—redirecting funds to work mandates, forced treatment, and encampment sweeps.
All as mass internment camps are being built.
Trump's HUD plan would cut *two-thirds* of permanent housing and push as many as 170,000 formerly homeless people back onto the street—redirecting funds to work mandates, forced treatment, and encampment sweeps.
All as mass internment camps are being built.
Trump Administration to Drastically Cut Housing Grants
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:21 AM
This is far worse than anyone expected.
Trump's HUD plan would cut *two-thirds* of permanent housing and push as many as 170,000 formerly homeless people back onto the street—redirecting funds to work mandates, forced treatment, and encampment sweeps.
All as mass internment camps are being built.
Trump's HUD plan would cut *two-thirds* of permanent housing and push as many as 170,000 formerly homeless people back onto the street—redirecting funds to work mandates, forced treatment, and encampment sweeps.
All as mass internment camps are being built.
the best part is when the highest-up boss says "oh, you know, I'm just not good at email!" like the rest of us didn't have to GET good at it at some point in our puny little lives
Every office has an executive tier whose emails are like:
saw on news , , can we replce complianc dept with web 3
and a worker tier whose emails are like:
Dear Jim,
First of all, I *love* this idea! Unfortunately, I spoke with Legal and identified a few issues with this approach. For starters…
saw on news , , can we replce complianc dept with web 3
and a worker tier whose emails are like:
Dear Jim,
First of all, I *love* this idea! Unfortunately, I spoke with Legal and identified a few issues with this approach. For starters…
Well, it's a little clearer now why billionaires are so invested in technology that produces better written emails.
November 13, 2025 at 3:07 PM
the best part is when the highest-up boss says "oh, you know, I'm just not good at email!" like the rest of us didn't have to GET good at it at some point in our puny little lives
extremely happy to see there is another Eno screening in Portland next week, happy early birthday to me
Eno - Portland Special Screening - 7pm
616 Northwest 21st Avenue - Portland
www.eventbee.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:39 PM
extremely happy to see there is another Eno screening in Portland next week, happy early birthday to me
every time I start writing a book review it's like I have never done this before in my life, I have no idea what I'm doing or where to start, how do words go??? why does this happen??
(okay this time it's because I've been so busy I haven't finished a book in weeks but it happens regardless!!!)
(okay this time it's because I've been so busy I haven't finished a book in weeks but it happens regardless!!!)
November 12, 2025 at 3:17 AM
every time I start writing a book review it's like I have never done this before in my life, I have no idea what I'm doing or where to start, how do words go??? why does this happen??
(okay this time it's because I've been so busy I haven't finished a book in weeks but it happens regardless!!!)
(okay this time it's because I've been so busy I haven't finished a book in weeks but it happens regardless!!!)
(if you're a spider hater just keep scrolling)
conundrum: there has been a large spider in my bathroom since we moved two weeks ago. i worry about it. but is it better to put it outside (cold and wet, but maybe food?) or let it stay on the bathroom wall (warm and dry, but probably no food?).
conundrum: there has been a large spider in my bathroom since we moved two weeks ago. i worry about it. but is it better to put it outside (cold and wet, but maybe food?) or let it stay on the bathroom wall (warm and dry, but probably no food?).
November 12, 2025 at 2:06 AM
(if you're a spider hater just keep scrolling)
conundrum: there has been a large spider in my bathroom since we moved two weeks ago. i worry about it. but is it better to put it outside (cold and wet, but maybe food?) or let it stay on the bathroom wall (warm and dry, but probably no food?).
conundrum: there has been a large spider in my bathroom since we moved two weeks ago. i worry about it. but is it better to put it outside (cold and wet, but maybe food?) or let it stay on the bathroom wall (warm and dry, but probably no food?).
my mind is a little bit blown by this. absolutely worth a read.
how did i go so long not knowing we were literally teaching people to read wrong. i knew something wasn't right but jesus christ www.apmreports.org/episode/2019...
How a flawed idea is teaching millions of kids to be poor readers
For decades, schools have taught children the strategies of struggling readers, using a theory about reading that cognitive scientists have repeatedly debunked. And many teachers and parents don't kno...
www.apmreports.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:04 PM
my mind is a little bit blown by this. absolutely worth a read.
Reposted by Molly Templeton
Anyway if you like that Andor energy in your tv shows might i suggest Mr robot
November 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Anyway if you like that Andor energy in your tv shows might i suggest Mr robot
music venues should have Alamo Drafthouse rules where if your obnoxious talking is ruining other patrons' experience (not to mention disrespecting the band) then you get booted
this thought brought to you by multiple men that just would not shut the fuck up at Belly last night in Seattle
this thought brought to you by multiple men that just would not shut the fuck up at Belly last night in Seattle
November 11, 2025 at 12:43 AM
music venues should have Alamo Drafthouse rules where if your obnoxious talking is ruining other patrons' experience (not to mention disrespecting the band) then you get booted
this thought brought to you by multiple men that just would not shut the fuck up at Belly last night in Seattle
this thought brought to you by multiple men that just would not shut the fuck up at Belly last night in Seattle
just absolute cartoon villains except that it's real life and real people are suffering
Trump Administration Live Updates: Officials Demand States ‘Undo’ Work to Send Full Food Stamps
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:49 PM
just absolute cartoon villains except that it's real life and real people are suffering
Reposted by Molly Templeton
Loving today's news that the mysterious "fedora man" outside the Louvre heist was actually a 15-year-old museum visitor who dresses like a 1940s French detective all the time, just because. apnews.com/article/louv...
Fedora man unmasked: Meet the teen behind the Louvre mystery photo
Fifteen-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux has become an internet sensation after an Associated Press photo captured him outside the Louvre on the day of a crown jewels heist.
apnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Loving today's news that the mysterious "fedora man" outside the Louvre heist was actually a 15-year-old museum visitor who dresses like a 1940s French detective all the time, just because. apnews.com/article/louv...
how many open tabs is too many open tabs, asking for a friend
November 7, 2025 at 5:36 PM
how many open tabs is too many open tabs, asking for a friend
a little bit obsessed with the zipper upgrade, and also with the fact that YKK's founding principle is the "cycle of goodness." can I please live in a country where companies believe in the cycle of goodness
The Zipper Is Getting Its First Major Upgrade in 100 Years
By stripping away the fabric tape that’s held zippers together for a hundred years, Japanese clothing giant YKK is designing the future of seamless clothing.
www.wired.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
a little bit obsessed with the zipper upgrade, and also with the fact that YKK's founding principle is the "cycle of goodness." can I please live in a country where companies believe in the cycle of goodness
as a person who worked in a record store in the early 2000s I am constitutionally incapable of remembering that records now come out on fridays instead of tuesdays—but this means that I get to be blissfully surprised every time it's a friday that brings a record about which I am very excited!!!!!
if like me you are a bandcamp devotee you can also get "through this fire" there! themountaingoats.bandcamp.com/album/throug...
Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan, by the Mountain Goats
12 track album
themountaingoats.bandcamp.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:58 PM
as a person who worked in a record store in the early 2000s I am constitutionally incapable of remembering that records now come out on fridays instead of tuesdays—but this means that I get to be blissfully surprised every time it's a friday that brings a record about which I am very excited!!!!!
getting up before 6 am does not always come with perks but HOLY CATS THE MOON, YOU GUYS
November 7, 2025 at 2:10 PM
getting up before 6 am does not always come with perks but HOLY CATS THE MOON, YOU GUYS
a petty thing I feel very strongly about is that it should be illegal for a company to email you just because you visited its website. stop that. stop that at once. no I did not buy your item and now I WILL NEVER BUY YOUR ITEM.
November 7, 2025 at 2:08 PM
a petty thing I feel very strongly about is that it should be illegal for a company to email you just because you visited its website. stop that. stop that at once. no I did not buy your item and now I WILL NEVER BUY YOUR ITEM.
is it a weird book I bought for shits and giggles years ago or is it the NYT opinion section
November 7, 2025 at 4:49 AM
is it a weird book I bought for shits and giggles years ago or is it the NYT opinion section
I'm so mad that I have no idea when I'm going to get to see this
Bi Gan, essentially China’s David Lynch or Tarkovsky, has a new film RESSURRECTION. I believe it’s a masterpiece made me feel I was levitating out of my seat by its end. Tickets just went on sale with two special screenings with him in person at @filmlinc.bsky.social www.filmlinc.org/films/resurr...
Resurrection
This phantasmagoric dream machine from visionary Chinese director Bi Gan (Long Day’s Journey Into Night, NYFF56) is an elusive yet monumental love letter to a century of cinema, unfolding over five ch...
www.filmlinc.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:45 AM
I'm so mad that I have no idea when I'm going to get to see this
Reposted by Molly Templeton
marco rubio and elon musk
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 2:51 AM
marco rubio and elon musk
Reposted by Molly Templeton
[Spelled coupon wrong 4 times writing this (How?!?)]
25% off a bunch of our books from now until year end using code
SBP25
smallbeerpress.com/not-a-journa...
indiepubs.com/collections/...
25% off a bunch of our books from now until year end using code
SBP25
smallbeerpress.com/not-a-journa...
indiepubs.com/collections/...
November 6, 2025 at 6:58 PM
[Spelled coupon wrong 4 times writing this (How?!?)]
25% off a bunch of our books from now until year end using code
SBP25
smallbeerpress.com/not-a-journa...
indiepubs.com/collections/...
25% off a bunch of our books from now until year end using code
SBP25
smallbeerpress.com/not-a-journa...
indiepubs.com/collections/...