Valentine’s Day Gifts for Book Lovers

Storiarts This online store has a treasure trove of bookish goodies to wow the book lover in your life. Scarves, pillow cases, gloves, throw blankets, hats, book bags, and much more. Nab a coupon and see their catalog HERE. Personalized book For that young reader, how...

Gifts for Book Lovers

Stumped about what to get that voracious reader on your Christmas list? Here are suggestions from a voracious reader and new author for your consideration. Please note that some of the links in these suggestions may include an affiliate link (which means I make a few...

Amusing My Muse

My imaginary writing muse is easily bored. I believe she has a T-type personality. You know, the kind of thrill addict who feeds on adrenaline and sweat. She prefers to hover behind me near deadlines, encouraging me to finish while mocking me for waiting so long to...

Banned Books Week

Debate rages on about book banning. I believe we can agree that adults in the United States have the freedom to read whatever they choose to read. Our minds are fully formed at about age 21, according to neuroscience. Age-appropriate Reading X-rated, R-rated, and...

Celebrate Banned Books Week

Celebrate Banned Books Week by reading any of the books banned by schools, libraries, and colleges in America. This comes easily to me thanks to my rebellious babysitters and a lawyer mother who taught me to question authority. Mom bought a collection of 100 classics...

How Many Banned Books Have You Read?

The American Library Association tracks requests to ban books. Sure, I think we can all agree that the Kama Sutra would be inappropriate for a grade-school library even though it could be considered a picture book. But what if your local public library removed all...

International Literacy Day

To celebrate International Literacy Day, take a look at the most translated books of each country. How many have you read? Have you considered how challenging it is to translate books from one language to another? Oh, the idioms! My daughter had an exchange student in...

Breaking the Silence of Suicide

Early into the school year, my daughter, a high school freshman, lost a classmate to suicide. The boy was well-liked, popular, kind, and active on the football team. The day after his suicide, they announced it at school. My daughter called. She wanted to come home....

I Love the USA

I love my country. I believe the United States of America is the best country in the world to live in. Having traveled in 31 countries so far, I have witnessed and experienced life under oppressive and corrupt governments. In the USA, we enjoy freedom of speech,...