Review of The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien I first picked up The Mythmakers with a sense of nostalgia and curiosity—two authors who have woven myth and magic into the fabric of literature I love. As a lifelong admirer of C.S. Lewis and someone who has recently fallen in love with the expansive world of J.R.R. Tolkien, the concept of exploring their friendship through a graphic novel felt like uncovering a rare treasure. I received an advance digital copy from ABRAMS Kids via NetGalley...

More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by Warner – A Thought-Provoking Exploration As an avid reader and passionate advocate for the craft of writing, I often find myself caught in the whirlwind of discussions about technology’s impact on our lives. When I stumbled upon More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by Warner, I felt an immediate pull—this was a conversation I desperately wanted to be a part of. With his years of experience as a...

Discovering the Many Layers of Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes As an avid admirer of Terry Pratchett's unique wit and unparalleled storytelling, I was genuinely excited to dive into Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes: The Official Biography. This book promised not only an exploration of the man behind the Discworld, but also a window into the life and legacy of a literary genius. My expectations were high, and while the book certainly fulfilled many of them, it also took me on an emotional journey that came with...

Review of The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin Oh, how often have I found myself daydreaming about cozy nooks filled with the scent of old books and the promise of adventure, especially in a place as enchanting as Paris? When I stumbled upon Rebecca Raisin's The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted, I felt like I had unlocked a secret door to bookish bliss. The title alone—a tantalizing nod to heartbreak—captured my attention, inviting me to dive into a tale woven with love, loss, and a sprinkle...

Dear Bookstore: A Heartfelt Ode to the Magic of Reading There’s something undeniably enchanting about strolling into a bookstore, where the air is thick with the scent of printed pages and the promise of countless adventures dances in the atmosphere. As I turned the pages of Dear Bookstore by Emily Arrow, I felt a rush of nostalgia and joy that reminded me why bookstores hold such a special place in my heart. Yes, that Emily Arrow—the marvelous singer-songwriter whose melodies have been the soundtrack for cherished children's tales. Inspired...

The Keeper of Stories by Caroline Kusin Pritchard: A Journey Through Resilience and Community In a world where stories are often lost to flames, Caroline Kusin Pritchard's The Keeper of Stories resonates deeply with anyone who cherishes the written word. I was first drawn to this gem after hearing about the remarkable true story it tells, centered around a devastating fire that engulfed the Theological Seminary Library in 1966. The layering of history with the theme of community resilience captivated me, inviting me to dive deeper into the pages. At...

Recollections of My Nonexistence: A Memoir by Rebecca Solnit When I first picked up Recollections of My Nonexistence, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I've long been enchanted by Rebecca Solnit's prose, but this memoir promised to delve deeper into her personal journey. It caught my attention like a photograph of an old neighborhood that suddenly makes you wistful for places you've never known. There’s a profound intimacy in her words that feels like inviting a close friend into your thoughts, and I couldn't resist. Solnit weaves her narrative...

Review of Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books That Saved Me by Glory Edim There’s a special kind of magic in books that resonates long after we turn the last page, and Glory Edim’s Gather Me had me spellbound from the start. As a longtime follower of Well Read Black Girl, I was eager to delve into Edim's journey—a narrative not just of her life, but of the books that shaped her. In a world cluttered with noise, this memoir quietly shares the profound ways stories...

A Deep Dive into Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers' Rights When I first stumbled upon Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers' Rights, edited by the esteemed Nina LaCour, I was struck by the urgency of its message. Recently, the Institute of Museum and Library Services faced attempted defunding, emblematic of a broader issue: the ongoing battle against censorship. This anthology felt like a call to action, prompting me to not only reflect on my love for reading but also to join a movement advocating for the freedom of...

I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf: A Review When I first stumbled across "I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf" by Grant Snider, I was intrigued by its playful title and the promise of deep literary exploration. As a reader with a digital library overflowing with e-books and a queue of audiobooks waiting for their turn, I thought this book might resonate with my experience of modern reading. Little did I know just how far off the mark that would be. Unfortunately, I found myself setting this one aside...