Pi Day: Celebrate Literary and Mathematical Constants
Writing Marathon: Craft Books to Inspire You This NaNoWriMo
We’re halfway through my second favorite time of year: I’m not talking about preparing for Thanksgiving or Christmas or even No-Shave November. I’m talking about National Novel Writing Month, or as it is affectionately abbreviated to, NaNoWriMo. Every year, amateur and professional writers alike start November with one goal in mind: write 50,000 in one month. Where does this magic number come from? It is largely accepted that 50,000 words is the minimum required length for most adult novels. To give you a sense of context, here are a few novels that are around the 50,000 word mark: The…
Celebrate Christmas in Summer!
The east coast is experiencing its last blast of heat this month before slipping into the cooler climate of the fall. For many people, post-Independence Day begins the countdown to Halloween while many others skip straight to Christmas. If you're looking forward to pine trees and twinkling lights decorating your home once again, then take some time to read a few of the Christmas books on this list that will appeal to any reader—from sweet romances and classic stories to fantastical twists on holiday favorites. Many people believe that Christmas did not exist in the way we…
Romance Novels to Read If You Love Bridgerton
While February is the month of love, it was the love we were feeling in December that was keeping us warm when we watched Netflix’s wildly popular, Bridgerton. The TV show is based on Julia Quinn’s series of the same name and while it was published 20 years ago, it’s getting some new love with the popularity of the show. If you’re looking to continue the fun you’ll find something to love on this list if you loved Bridgerton. Plus, the warm fuzzy feelings you get from reading a romance novel are just the thing to get you through the rest of winter. The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney…
What the Heart Wants: Valentine's Day from Two Perspectives
Much of the beginning of February is the leadup to Valentine's Day—if you don't have your plans ironed out much further in advance. For many the holiday is a divisive one. Today, we're joined on the blog by two Brooklyn Public Library staff members who will be making their case for and against the day—supported, of course, by some exemplary examples in literature. Please note: Spoilers may be ahead for anyone who hasn't read some of the books mentioned. I was recently reading Fleabag: The Scriptures when I came across a gem of a speech given by a character named Priest. (or, as he's become…
Food for Thought: 5 Cookbooks to Make You Reconsider Oatmeal
As winter wraps its icy fingers around New York in earnest, chilly smoothies and açai bowls are a thing of the past, and it’s time to whip out grandma’s recipe for oatmeal. While oatmeal gets a bad rap, these cookbooks will have you reconsidering the breakfast staple. Bubby's Brunch Cookbook: Recipes and Menus from New York's Favorite Comfort Food Restaurant written by Ron Silver One of my favorite cookbooks with delicious recipes for every breakfast staple you could imagine—and if you try a few of the more decadent breakfast options in addition to the oatmeal, I won’t tell! Check…
What to Read Based on Your Favorite Holiday Movie
During the holiday season, I always ration my holiday movie-watching until the week before Christmas because I know I'll spend a large chunk of my time with my family watching all our favorites. Whether that's newer favorites like Home Alone and Polar Express to classics like It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol, we watch them all! Below I've gathered a few books I know are beloved during the season and paired them with a novel that may fit your mood, if you too, want to make those holiday movie feelings linger past the two hours it takes to watch them. It's a Wonderful Life…
5 Books to Read on Harry Potter's Birthday
Every year, Harry Potter fans around the world mark their calendar for July 31 so they can celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday. For some that means binge-watching the movies and for others they’ll be revisiting the books. Many readers were introduced to a love of reading because of J.K. Rowlings’ series. If the Harry Potter series is the last set of books you read and loved, or you’re simply looking for a little bit of magic to be introduced to your bookshelf, check out the series on this list! Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo If you’d like to see what Ocean’s Eleven would be like if it were…
Bad Moms and the Hero's Journey
With even the most cursory overview of the literary canon, it is clear that a curious preponderance of protagonists seem to have survived some pretty bad parenting. It occurs to me that while this condition may be great for their narrative arc it probably makes celebrating Mother’s Day a little uncomfortable. So in honor of these hapless heroes and heroines of some of my favorite works of literature, I submit this list of not-so-great, fictional mothers who are bound to offer some timely perspective to the not-so-fictional, great mother in your own life. Enjoy! Mrs.…
Quiz: Can You Spot the Real Walt Whitman Quote?
10 Romance Novels You’ll Want to Read this Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, love is in the air for many readers—and romance can be in your to-be-read pile too! As a lifelong reader, I’ve fallen head over heels for many literary couples and below you’ll find a few of my favorites—some old and new—for whatever mood you’re in! Just don’t blame me when you ditch your Valentine’s Day plans in favor of reading! Historical An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole The American Civil War is maybe not the sexiest backdrop people can think of for a romance novel, but Cole gives us hope in some of our country's darkest times with this…