Lisa Weiss

July 30, 2026

Well, what can you know?

Inside: What we can know, dystopia, and a writing prompt for you to play with.

Hello!

In June I wrote to you about Elizabeth Strout's new novel The Things We Never Say. This month I read Ian McEwan's 2025 novel What We Can Know. Such similar-sounding titles. Two excellent reads. These two books hit on related themes, so I loved reading them in tandem, thinking about the secrets we keep and the secrets hidden from us.

What We Can Know is a dystopian novel set in a future impacted by climate disruptions. Now, I'm not usually a big fan of dystopian fiction, but I found it worth making an exception. The book has two different narrators who see the same events from different points of view, divided by over 100 years, so it delves deep into perspective-taking and how we can misunderstand one another's thoughts and behaviors. Check out Dwight Garner's rave review in the NYT.

For this month's practice, I offer you a writing prompt inspired by What We Can Know and my Object Diaries workshops. Hope you enjoy it!

I hope you're enjoying summertime!

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In this issue:

Practice Write from the object Recommendations Ideas and things I love right now On my mind An object I had to buy

Practice

Write from the object

The novel What We Can Know is set in the future: 2119. During this imagined future, climate change has destroyed much of our physical infrastructure. Documents and artifacts have been lost, and even digital archives have been damaged. What if you could preserve the story of a single object that captures this moment in your life? Think about a specific item that tells the story of your life right now. What do you think you know right now? Hold the object in your hand and describe its texture, scent, appearance. Does it make a sound? What does this object see and know about your life and times? Does this object see anything differently than you do? Use your senses to write from the object's perspective. Sometimes we take for granted the uniqueness of the moment we're in. Tapping into our senses helps us observe what we might not realize we know.

Recommendations

Ideas and things I love right now

The Obama Presidential Center officially opened on June 19. If you'd like to plan a visit, new blocks of tickets open on Wednesdays. Sign up for email annoucements to receive updates on tickets. There's also an option to become a founding member. I visited for an event earlier this month and will be returning in a few weeks. Such a proud time to be a Chicagoan. Come visit!

Sorry the chocolate sardines were sold out last month! Good news: Bixby Chocolate Sardines are back in stock! They are not actually sardines, but a 100% chocolate nod to the sardine-fishing history of Maine. They come in a charming little sardine tin and are absolutely delicious. Dark or milk chocolate. Makes a fun gift. ​ P.S. I don't get paid for recommending things. I just like telling you about things I enjoy.

Well, I went berry picking for my birthday in June and found out about the growing Cyclospora outbreak a few weeks later. Fortunately, I left unscathed. I ecommend berry picking when we're not in the middle of a Cyclospora outbreak, or anytime really, if you trust the farm and its practices. It's good to be reminded of how difficult it is to get a single good berry.

On my mind

An object I had to buy
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I've been reading a lot about material culture and the world of objects through the lens of sociology, psychology, anthropology, and other disciplines that illuminate our human relationship with stuff. So, when I went to the Obama Presidential Museum this month, I knew I had to balance my insights on consumer culture with my deep desire to bring something special home. The No-Buy Year isn't exactly my thing. But I do at least try to be intentional about what I buy. Thankfully, the Obama Center makes it easy. I bought this pretty basketball (see photo), which supports inclusivity in sports, and is just plain joyful. I also bought a few t-shirts. And two pencils.

For me, just looking at this ball puts a smile on my face. Hope you have a great month ahead.

I'll see you in August! :)

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