A Librarian's Reflection on Dangerous Fictions: Navigating the Terrain of Fantasy and Reality As a librarian deeply entrenched in the swirling vortex of book bans and challenges to literature, Dangerous Fictions: The Fear of Fantasy and the Inventiveness of Reality by Lyta Gold grabbed my attention like a moth to a flame. I wasn't sure what to expect, especially considering my fatigue with the increasingly rabid discussions surrounding censorship. However, Gold's accessible writing style, rich with humor and acerbic wit, felt like a breath of fresh air amidst the...

We Need to Talk About Kevin: A Haunting Exploration of Motherhood and Violence When I first picked up We Need to Talk About Kevin, I felt an irresistible pull toward Lionel Shriver's intricate storytelling. The novel isn't just a tale of a mother grappling with the unspeakable actions of her son; it’s a chilling exploration of the labyrinthine links between maternal ambivalence, societal expectations, and the fissures that can fracture family ties. I couldn't help but wonder—who, indeed, needs to talk about Kevin? As I delved into Eva's unsettling...

It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time: A Hilarious Look at TV Blunders by Bruce Vilanch There’s something utterly captivating about the magic—and madness—of television history. When I stumbled upon It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time: The Worst TV Shows by Bruce Vilanch, I felt a wave of nostalgia and curiosity wash over me. Bruce has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades, and his knack for crafting comedy has left lasting impressions. As someone who grew up on a steady...

Review of the Green Lined Journal Notebook: A Personal Journey in Every Page As someone who revels in the art of writing, I believe the right notebook can transform a simple thought into a profound idea. That's precisely what drew me to the Lined Journal Notebook, 8.5" x 11" Hardcover Leather Notebook—a title that promises not just a writing tool but an entire experience. The rich green hue sparked my imagination, beckoning me to fill its pages with stories, sketches, and reflections. Right out of the box, this journal...

Review of Boundaries = Freedom: How To Create Boundaries That Set You Free Without Feeling Guilty by Joseph Nguyen Sometimes, a book finds you when you most need it. That was my experience with Boundaries = Freedom by Joseph Nguyen. This small yet impactful volume came into my life at a time when I was grappling with the emotional weights of my own boundaries—or lack thereof. The title itself sparked my curiosity; the idea that boundaries could lead to freedom was one I desperately wanted to explore. From the very...

Review of My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by Malcolm Mitchell As a book blogger who’s always on the lookout for heartwarming and relatable reads, I was instantly drawn to Malcolm Mitchell's My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World. It’s a book that not only shines a light on childhood struggles with reading but also resonates deeply with my own experience as a parent in a home filled with book lovers, some of whom navigate the world through a neurodivergent lens. This personal connection...

Finding Dorothy: A Novel by Elizabeth Letts - A Journey to the Heart of Oz I am a lifelong admirer of The Wizard of Oz, with memories of its colorful adventures etched deep in my heart. So when I stumbled upon Finding Dorothy: A Novel by Elizabeth Letts, I knew I was in for a treat. This beautifully crafted narrative promises not just a look behind the curtain of a beloved story but a glimpse into the life of the woman who helped preserve its spirit: Maud Gage Baum,...

Book Review: Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore by Char Adams From the moment I picked up Char Adams' Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore, I was captivated. As a book lover and an advocate for representation in literature, exploring the rich history of Black-owned bookstores felt like peeling back layers of an important narrative long swept under the rug of mainstream publishing. With every page, I was reminded of the intimacy and connection that local bookstores foster—the very essence of what makes reading a...

Review of Isn’t It Obvious? by K. A. McKeagney Isn’t it funny how a book can catch your eye when you least expect it? I stumbled across Isn’t It Obvious? by K. A. McKeagney during a particularly busy week, and its title sparked my curiosity. The notion of obviousness often cloaks deeper truths, doesn’t it? I felt compelled to dive in, and the journey that McKeagney takes us on is one I’m so glad I embarked upon. At its core, Isn’t It Obvious? explores themes of identity, love, and the...

Engaging with Cursive: A Review of My First Cursive Workbook As a parent and a book lover, I often find myself on the lookout for resources that not only educate but also entertain. When I stumbled upon My First Cursive Workbook: Learn to Write Cursive Step-by-Step with Letter Groups, Real Word Practice, and Fun Activities, I found myself intrigued. A cursive workbook that promises to make learning writing strokes fun and engaging? Count me in! This workbook, published independently, offers a fresh approach to cursive writing, and I couldn’t...