If you’re reading this, you’re one of the very first subscribers — so thank you! Lunch Break Reads is simple: every weekday around noon, I’ll send you a handful of great reads to make your lunch break smarter and more satisfying. Think of it as a break from the doomscroll; just well-written articles, essays, odd news, and fun finds from across the web.

A Thoreau Impersonator Bids a Fond Farewell to Walden Pond by Alex Vadukul (The New York Times)
A man who spent years bringing Henry David Thoreau’s world to life is stepping away from Walden Pond. This charming piece explores his passion and impact.

Inside Burning Man’s Unsolved Homicide by Denver Nicks (Rolling Stone)
The countercultural festival turned crime scene — a gripping deep dive into an unsettling mystery.

The Pigeon Heist by Kevin Sieff (The Washington Post)
Belgium has been plagued with pigeon thefts. Many have asked why, but the answer is simple: The pigeons were used for racing, one of the world’s most lucrative sports. The real question is, who?

Martin Scorsese: “I Have To Find Out Who The Hell I Am.” by Zach Baron (GQ)
An introspective interview with one of cinema’s greatest minds, reflecting on legacy and identity.

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