Perfect Duluth Day’s “Saturday Essay” series has reached the end of its third season. As has become tradition, we now take a look back at some of the favorites of the past year. This week is part one, highlighting the essays that were read the most times according to Google Analytics. Because statistics should always be used to organize creativity, right?

Before digging into the 2018 countdown, here’s a brief paragraph to spell out for the uninitiated how the “Saturday Essay” feature works:

PDD publishes an essay every Saturday. 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.

This year’s top five is a little less representative than usual of the many voices featured in the series, because two writers appear in the top five twice. And one of them is the editor. How embarrassing. Next week we’ll showcase five gems from five authors not featured this week.

Anna Tennis, by the way, is the only author to be in the top five three years in a row, which must mean you like her … you really like her. She is also the only author to have two essays in the top five for two years in a row.

And now, let the countdown begin …

#1: Anna Tennis’ “1,186 Days”
… in which the author stops drinking alcohol and starts to experience her experiences.

#2: Jennifer Moore’s “In the Company of Men”
… in which the culture of men protecting men continues.

#3: Paul Lundgren’s “So Long, West Duluth K-mart”
… in which a giant retailer slowly runs itself out of business.

#4: Paul Lundgren’s “Lake Superior Wants to Kill You”
… in which a stark warning is issued.

#5: Anna Tennis’ “Three Duluth Stories”
… in which examples of Duluth’s magnificent wackiness are shared.

Obviously the bright red text on the titles above indicates those are links to the stories. So read or reread and enjoy. We’ll be back with new works of literary splendor in 2019.