Perfect Duluth Day launched its “Saturday Essay” series at the beginning of 2016 and it quickly became the most popular recurring feature on the website. With the first set of 50 essays now complete, it’s time to take a look back at which pieces have been the most read of the bunch so far, according to the folks at Google Analytics.

Before we get all Casey Kasem, a few notes about how the “Saturday Essay” feature works: Yours truly, Paul Lundgren, is the editor. A small group of writers are featured somewhat regularly, but anyone is welcome and encouraged to submit a piece for consideration. Shoot an email to paul @ perfectduluthday.com to inquire.

And now, the countdown …

#1: Chris Godsey’s “The Professor”
… in which the author tells what “may be the most withering experience” of his life.

#2: Anna Tennis’ “The Inheritance”
… in which a roadside apple stand offers crisp, juicy symbolism.

#3: Lucie Amundsen’s “Moving North”
… in which a dreamy suburban Twin Cities rambler is left behind for a church rectory on Park Point.

#4: Andy Bennett’s “The Meal That Almost Killed Me”
… in which the author takes $40 worth of fat and grease and hot sauce to a hotel room and has his way with it … before it has its way with him.

#5: Paul Lundgren’s “One Man, One River, Many Stories”
… in which a community storytelling project is launched.

Obviously the bright red text on the titles above indicates those are links to the stories. So read or reread and enjoy. Next week we’ll showcase a few of the lesser-read gems of the inaugural essay batch before launching the 2017 season.