My Top Longreads in October/November

Double bill this month, although to be fair October was so busy that I actually only managed to read about 5 articles. In November I went to Australia for two weeks (mega post about that coming up) so had plenty of time to read. It was a mixed month, some of these pieces are lovely and cheering but some are a bit of a downer so please pick and choose according to your mood!

Here are some of my favourites:

Oops, You Just Hired the Wrong Hitman - On America's secret world of undercover hitmen. Trigger warning for violence, there are some not nice people in this piece.

Women and the Internet - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4. Good collection of thoughts on online and offline violence, trolls, gender roles and feminism.

Thanksgiving in Mongolia - Ariel Levy's heartbreaking piece about travel, motherhood and loss.

The Secret Life of a Manhattan Doorman - I love stuff like this, what a fascinating job!

The Meanings of Life - Do you what a meaningful life, or a happy one? What's the difference? This piece will help you decide.

A Horrorphobe is Forced to Watch His First Scary Movie - Not a massive read but interesting thoughts about why we do and don't like horror films.

Free-drying the Dead Could Help Save the Planet - This is SO interesting to me (in case you didn't know, I studied Death and Dying) and I'm intrigued by the future of the death industry.

What Does Your Credit Card Company Know About You? - The results might not be that surprising but the way the banking industry makes predictions about you based on the results sure is.

How Companies Learn Your Secrets - Fascinating piece on one of Target's statisticians and the story stores can piece together using your data.

Queen Victoria's Stalker - One of my favourite pieces of the month, an incredible story of the man who managed to sneak into Queen Victoria's bedroom!

Embracing the Void - The remote sculptures that will change the way we look at the sky and our place in the world.

The Hair Down There - Whether you're all for it or can't bear it, this is worth a read with a mind open to challenging your perceptions.

Now We Are Five - David Sedaris' moving piece about his sister's suicide.

How I Met Your Father - Hint: He ran the strip club she worked in.

Dark Patterns: inside the interfaces designed to trick you - Bit techy but a great look at some of the most irritating design features known to man. Ever been caught out my small print? This is for you!

The Andrew Wylie Rules - Hard-ass, old-school literary agent shares his thoughts on digital publishing.

Big Sometimes Friendly Giant - A look at Roald Dahl's life. If you don't know much about his history, be warned that it was not as lovely as you might hope!

I Do. I Do. I Do. I Do. I Do. I Do. I Do. I Do. I Do. - The nine wives of John Susor.

What's Wrong With Cinderella - One Mum's struggle with Princess Power

The Science Behind What Naps Do For Your Brain - Basically, go take one now!

The Craziest OkCupid Date Ever - Not sure I'd go on a 21 day date across 8 countries wearing only the clothes on my back but these people did!

And finally, not a longread at all but still rather nice - The Man Who Invented the Calendar

Like this post? Check out my other longreads collections