Looking for some way to avoid your homework without feeling (as) guilty? The most obvious answer to the question of how to avoid work and still feel like you’ve accomplished something is to read. In case the only reading material you can think of is the pile of assigned reading, here’s a list of some interesting pieces of varying length to fit your procrastination time frame. And never fear: your homework won’t abandon you.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith: After watching the miniseries, I started this fictional story about the only female private detective in Botswana this weekend. I’m only a couple chapters in, but so far I love the main character, Precious Ramotswe, and the country where she lives is described beautifully.

According to The Onion, it’s a sad day for print everywhere.

Londoners by Craig Taylor: This collection of essays contains individuals’ stories of their experiences in London. My suitemate is studying abroad in London this summer with Meredith and keeps telling me these stories, each one more intriguing than the last.

I’m hearing and reading good things about The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, who visited the Meredith College campus a few months back. I haven’t started the book yet, but it’s high on my ‘to-read’ list. This historical novel is about a real-life, nineteenth-century campaigner for abolition and women’s rights, Sarah Grimké.

Even William Wordsworth wants you to enjoy spring, if it decides to stay.

What have you been reading this week?