Last week we highlighted the five most-read pieces from the fifth year of Perfect Duluth Day’s “Saturday Essay” series. This week we ignore the numbers and look back at a few select essays of similar quality that might have been missed by non-compulsive followers.

In the past five years PDD has published 224 essays showcasing the work of 38 different writers, and we’re always looking to expand that roster. Anyone who has an original piece of literary excellence that seems to fit (or appropriately defy) the established format should email paul @ perfectduluthday.com to get involved.

And now, links to a few select gems from season five …

Anna Tennis’ “Mud”
… in which the author and her little sister cling to each other for their lives on the Gulf of Alaska.

Nicole Luoma’s “The Women Who Raised Me”
… in which the author shares her gratitude for the love and devotion of her grandmother, aunt and mother.

Christopher Fletcher’s “Nurses and COVID-19”
… in which an essential worker plays Russian Roulette with a virus in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jocelyn Pihlaja’s “Melted”
… in which the mystery of the melted library books is carefully examined.

David Beard’s “Stormy or Calm”
… in which the author rides along on a journey of acceptance.

Season six of the Saturday Essay series starts Jan. 9. Maybe some day we’ll get them to auto-play like Netflix, but for now you’ll have to return to perfectduluthday.com to read the goods.