Happy Halloween and National Book Month Bookworms!

Happy Halloween my fellow bookworms!

I hope that wherever you are, you are having fun and are safe, enjoying the holiday and all it has to offer. 

Photo by Kaboompics.com from Pexels

I am at that point in school where I am almost finished! I hope to go back to book reviews soon. :)

Happy National Book Month, too! October is the month that promotes the importance of reading, writing, and literature - although you probably celebrate this all year long, anyway!

In the meantime, I would like to share some book news with you:

• LibraryTok is a community of librarian creators who utilize the social media platform in order to show behind the scenes of what happens at the library. How cool is that?! 

• Banned Books week has passed in September, but October 19th was Freedom to Read Day of Action. It was one more day to tell our local government to stop censorship and to help back libraries all over the United States. 
• Even though that day has passed, as well, you can still celebrate the joy of reading in many other ways! Check out these really cool nail artists, as seen on the nail polish newsletter from Holo Taco, and their book nail art!



(c) Holo Taco & @silieol_nails, 2024



(c) Holo Taco & @nailswithmemaw, 2024



(c) Holo Taco & @0716shivi, 2024

• Other ways you can help your local libraries include:
• Get a library card 
• And use it!
• Talk to your friends and family
• Use your library! 
• There are so many events to attend and items to check out, go see what is new!
• Join your Friends of the Library Organization 
• A non-profit organization that helps your local library with book sales and funding programs!
• Donate to your local library
• Volunteer at your local library
• a.k.a. donate your time!
• Use social media to spread awareness of book banning and censorship, in addition to talking about how great your library is!

• Some cool, new adaptations are in the works, including:
• Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries will get a third movie
• A Netflix Pride and Prejudice series
• Frieda McFadden's The Housemaid will have a movie adaptation
• Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart will have a television adaptation
• Rebecca F. Kuang's Yellowface has been optioned for a series adaptation

• Pizza Hut gave out 1 million free pizzas to readers to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Book It! Program. I loved this program as a child! I am so happy that it continues to bring happiness to other children (and free pizza, too)!

• With the U.S. election day on the horizon, you may feel overwhelmed. A great escape is to look for geocaches! Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt that uses a GPS or app on your phone to find hidden containers called "geocaches." You can even hide one yourself! Check out this nifty blog post by Cache Advance to see how geocaching can help you find a little relief from everyday stress. 

That is all I have for now. This year has gone by very quickly and busily. What is something you look forward to next month? I look forward to new movies and the beautiful fall weather.

Until next time bookworms! Happy Reading!

Freed Between the Lines! (Banned Books Week, Sept 22nd - Sept 28th)

Hi my fellow bookworms,

This month marks the annual Banned Books Week, beginning on Sunday, September 22, 2024 through Saturday, September 28, 2024. The theme this year, as stated by the American Library Association ("ALA"), is Freed Between the Lines. What a great way to promote the freedom to read!

A few statistics, from the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom ("OIF") to breakdown this past year's challenges on banned books (and it has been a year!):

• Challenges of unique titles surged 65% in 2023, compared to 2022

• This past year had the highest level of challenges ever recorded by the ALA

(c) ALA, 2024

• OIF documented 4,240 unique book titles for censorship
  
  
• There were 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources in 2023
• Groups and individuals demanding the censorship of multiple titles, often dozens to hundreds at a time, started this uptick in challenged materials

• Public libraries were targeted more, in addition to school libraries, in 2023 than previous years

• Titles tagged for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% in 2023, accounting for approximately 46% of all book challenges in 2023

• 76% of items challenged were books and graphic novels, 5% displays, 4% access (bomb threats, library closures), 4% hate crimes (vandalism, theft of materials representing marginalized groups), 3% programs, 2% films, and 6% other

• School libraries saw an 11% increase in challenged materials, compared to 2022

• In total, 54% of censorship attacks attack public libraries, 30% attack school libraries, 5% schools, and 2% higher education/other

• 47% of the censorship attempts targeted LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals

• The highest groups initiating censorship attempts have been patrons, or those who visit the library, with 28% of censorship attempts, followed by 24% parents, and 21% pressure groups

• Attempts to censor more than 100 titles were recorded in the following 17 U.S. states:
• Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin

(c) ALA, 2024

How does ALA compile its data? Through book challenge reports filed by library professionals throughout the United States, in addition to news stories. This doesn't cover all the data required for a full picture, though, as some reports never make it to ALA, so the above is

just a snapshot of the censorship that occurred over the previous year. 

So, what is a challenge? ALA states that 

"A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict access to materials or services based upon the objections of a person or group. A challenge to a title may result in access to it being retained, restricted, or withdrawn entirely" (n.d.). 

Previous book challenges have resulted in a book intended for a younger audience being removed from that section and placed in an older section of the library, requiring a parent's permission, being given a rating warning, or even requiring an older age to check the book out. These challenges are an attempt to remove materials from the public view, removing the public's ability to access them, their views, their ideas, their voices. (I'm imagining Ariel and Ursula as I write this.)

A formal challenge to a book means the start of a long process in which everyone involved with the library becomes involved, typically with the policy of the library and the library board who ultimately decides if the book meets the library's mission and criteria set in it's policy. ALA also states that

"A book is banned when it is entirely removed from a collection in response to a formal or informal challenge. Any reduction in access to library materials based on an individual or group's believe that they are harmful or offensive is an act of censorship" (n.d.). 

Here are the Top Ten Books that were challenged in 2023, along with their reasons why (You may see some repeat offenders from 2022):

(c) ALA, 2024

How can you help? 

• Check out the website Unite Against Book Bans, they have lots of ways to participate against censorship, as well as free tools to help you succeed in doing so.
• VOTE! This is an election year, we must make sure our votes count, so no more challenges or censorship continues - let's bring the above statistics back down!
• Read challenged books. Understand why they were challenged. Make your own decisions. Check out book resumes hosted on Unite Against Book Bans, if you do not have time to read all of them at the moment. 
• Attend your local library board and school board meetings. Make YOUR voice heard!
• Visit your library! If you don't have a library card yet, get one - they're free! You can check so many more things out than just books, including music, audiobooks, movies, and sometimes, even technology (e.g., sewing machines or VHS to DVD converters)!
  
• Create your own Little Free Library and offer challenged books for those in your community to read.
• Read the ALA's Intellectual Freedom Blog to stay up-to-date on all things banned books related.
• Alert ALA of any book ban attempts in your community through the OIF office.
• Sign on the Freedom to Read Statement, and state your support in the belief of the freedom to read!

I support everyone's right to read. Until next time, I hope you "Freed Between the Lines!" 

Happy reading (banned books)! :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

References

ALA. (n.d.). Book ban data. https://www.ala.org/bbooks/book-ban-data

United Against Book Bans. (n.d.). Get involved. https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/get-involved/ 

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson

Hi my fellow bookworms!

(c) Scribner, 2018

Earlier this year, I read The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson. I was under the impression it would help motivate me to clean up my home, similar to reading or watching Marie Kondo. Instead, the book took a more solemn approach to cleaning - one that cleans not only for yourself, but to rid yourself of items that your descendants (or others) will not want or have to clean up after you pass on. What a sad topic!

While an interesting, yet kind of depressing read, I did take note, however, that in the book was mentioned a tradition in Stockholm that takes place on the 14th of August. Annually, there is a large book sale that takes place in the center of the city, featuring street-wide tables with books that people want to pass onto new owners. I love this idea! A great way to offload books that no longer spark joy to you or have relevance in your life, and also a great way to find more books that interest you! 

(c) Visit Stockholm, 2023

I looked more into the festival and am not sure if this is a resident-only event, but there is an annual Book Weekend called Stockholm's Bookmässa. According to the International League of Ancient Libraries, the tradition of an annual antiquarian book fair dates back to the late 1950's, hosted in the halls of the Academy of Arts. The Instagram for the City Stockholm states that this annual, long-awaited national literary tradition occurs in late February to early March. If you plan to visit Stockholm to browse their book sale, plan to go around then, as it looks like it is a blast!

If you are interested in reading this self-help / motivational book, find it at your local library, bookstore, or online. It recently became a TV show hosted on Peacock last year, if you are interested in giving it a watch after (or before - I won't judge) reading it. She also wrote a sequel, titled The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly. While I enjoyed the first book, I'm not sure if I will visit the sequel any time soon. (I am craving happier reads as we near the fall season.)

What have you been up to? Any fun, new reads to share?

Until next time - Happy Reading! :)

(c) Margareta Magnusson,2022

About the Author: Margareta Magnusson

Margareta Magnusson is, in her own words, aged between 80 and 100. Born in Sweden, she has lived all over the world. Margareta graduated from Beckman’s College of Design and her art has been exhibited in galleries from Hong Kong to Singapore. She has five children and lives in Stockholm. She is the author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning and The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly.

Zines, Zines, Zines!

Hello my fellow bookworms!

I wanted to share with you today part of a Zine Making Workshop I went to today, at Secret World Books out in Highland Park, Illinois. The workshop featured a short history of Zines presentation by Emily Steffen of Chicago Zine Fest!

Chicago Zine Fest (2024) defines a zine as:

"A zine (an abbreviation of the word fanzine, or magazine; pronounced “zeen”) is most commonly a small circulation publication of original or appropriated texts and images. More broadly, the term encompasses any self-published work of minority interest usually reproduced via photocopier on a variety of colored paper stock. A popular definition includes that circulation must be 5,000 or less, although in practice the significant majority are produced in editions of less than 100, and profit is not the primary intent of publication. Zines are written in a variety of formats, from computer-printed text to comics to handwritten text. Topics covered are broad, including fanfiction, politics, art and design, ephemera, personal journals, social theory, single topic obsession, or sexual content far enough outside of the mainstream to be prohibitive of inclusion in more traditional media. The time and materials necessary to create a zine are seldom matched by revenue from sale of zines."

Some brief history tidbits that I picked up during our presentation include:

• The first zine makers trace back to the 1700's with Benjamin Franklin! Remember Poor Richards Almanac? That was printed and produced without a publisher, and it is widely known today! For more information on the beginnings of zines, check out this short blurb in the Virginian-Pilot from August 4, 1995.
  

• Science-fiction authors helped to contribute to zines, due to the fiction they wanted to published. It was deemed "too fantastical," so authors like H. P. Lovecraft took it upon themselves to publish their work without the help of a publisher. Thank goodness they did so, otherwise our science-fiction, fantasy, and horror novels would not be what they are today!
  

• Zines helped the grrrl riot movement in the 90's, a movement of punk girls and women, allowing women of all ages to express themselves freely about topics that were never explored in the mainstream, such as sexuality, abuse, politics, and a general way to document what was happening to them at the time. Check out this thoughtful article by Ashwanta Jackson, titled Start a Riot (and a Zine), Grrrl, from JSTOR, for more background information. 
  

• If you want to create your own zine, do it! There are a lot of how-to's and videos online. Vice has a nice article titled A Beginner's Guide to Making Zines that helps to fill in what to do. Some tips from Emily included:
• DO NOT USE PENCILS! They erase and go everywhere, and is generally not a good medium.
• If you use alcohol inks, put paper underneath your zine paper, as the inks will bleed through.
• Fold and crease over a couple times, both ways. Ensure your creases are perfect. (No one wants an odd shaped zine - especially if you are buying one!)
• Folding zines by yourself over and over can take away the natural oil from your hands. Use a bone folder, such as this one from Amazon. It can help you score and crease without pain and your hands can stay nice and naturally oily without issue!
  
• If you can make your zine memorable and stand out from others, do so! I loved the zines by Rachel Bard that Emily brought to the workshop, such as a little matchbook zine about burning out or one about an acorn (I am not sure what the story was there, it was too delicate to touch). They were cute, pretty, and I would love to add them to my own library! (Note to self: Buy some of Rachel's work! Isn't the seashell adorable?)
• Revamp your social media image and then be sure to add your social media to your zine! If people like your work, you want them to be able to contact you / ask for more. 

• If you want to sell your own zine, try so at Quimby's Bookstore. Ask them for a form to do so and submit. Who knows, you may be making some extra income on the side, while meeting a whole new group of people!

• Also, you should check out the Chicago Zine Fest, which is coming up on October 5, 2024! They are also looking for volunteers, if you should choose to help out.
  

There was time after the presentation to create my own zine, which was a really cool activity and opportunity! I hope you enjoyed learning a little about zines today. Who knows, maybe your local library will bring zines to their collection! ;)

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Bookworm Gardens

Hi my fellow bookworms!

I hope you had a pleasant spring so far, as we are now heading into summer! Many libraries are now celebrating Summer Reading, so no matter what your age is, you should go check out your local public library and check out all the new events and books in store!

This past month, I had the pleasure of visiting the cutest little book-themed garden in Wisconsin, called Bookworm Gardens. I love to make it a point to visit places that are literature-themed -- it is both inspiring and fun! While the gardens are quite appealing to a younger crowd, it is still a fun walk and adventure down memory lane. The gardens host workshops for all ages, and even has themed weekends, like the fun Fairyfolk Festival, Haunted Hounds, or Boos and Brews! Each garden is based off of a children's book, and you could even read a copy of the book at the gardens! There are plans for expansion, so I cannot wait to visit again in the future. Check out the story of the gardens through their YouTube story here:

Here are some of the photos from my trip - can you figure out which theme each garden is?

(c) 2024 Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)

Have you ever visited a place like Bookworm Gardens? If so, which one(s)? If not, what is on your bucket list?

Until next time, happy reading! :)

Curlilocks and the Three Hares, written by Andrew Hacket, illustrated by Jan Dolby

Hello my fellow bookworms,

(c) The Little Press, 2024

Today, I have another children's book review for you! The second book in A Modern Fairy-Tale Series, today's book is titled Curlilocks and the Three Hares, written by Andrew Hacket and illustrated by Jan Dolby. It is scheduled for release tomorrow, May 1st! 

A cute twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Curlilocks is a young girl who does not like her hair. She wishes her hair could be like others girls her age, maybe with color, accessories, or even a whole new hairdo! She takes matters into her own hands by visiting a hair salon where everything does not quite fit her style... A cute ending befitting the heroine, the story's morale is that sometimes you are beautiful just as you are.

In terms of the writing, the text is large and easy to understand for those children starting to read chapter books or are already reading them, perfect for younger readers between the ages of 6-8. The illustrations are colorful and imaginative. Although the book is 56 pages long, your little one will pass the time quickly reading through this fun story! 

The book contains bonus content, including a how-to draw Curlilocks, as well as discussion questions if you were to read this book out loud to a class. The author, Mr. Hacket, is a teacher, so the questions are curated to bring the best thinking out of a class discussion! If you visit his website, he has some awesome Educator Resources to encourage sustainability, engineering, and science.

Can't wait to read Curlilocks and the Three Hares? I really enjoyed this modern take on a classic fairy tale, and think you will, too! You can find your copy through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local library (where you can request the book if they do not have it yet!). You should also check out the first book in the series, titled Willa the Werewolf. Keep an eye out for the third book, Digital Red, coming soon, too!

A big THANK YOU to The Little Press for providing me with an ARC!

Until next time - Happy Reading! :)

 

(c) Andrew Hacket, 2024

About the Author: Andrew Hacket

Teacher by day, parent by night, and writer in the nooks and crannies of life. When it comes to his books, Andrew Hacket aims to create stories that tickle the funny bone and hug the hearts of readings both young and old. He lives in Massachusetts with his many curly-haired family members.

 

About the Illustrator: Jan Dolby

(c) Jan Dolby, 2024

Jan Dolby is a freelance children’s illustrator and graphic designer based in Aurora, Ontario Canada. Jan is internationally published and has a vast amount of technical and graphic design experience. She has illustrated over 35 books for children and is incredibly grateful for her creative life and is delighted to be illustrating for the children’s industry. Seeing her work in bookstores and online is a dream come true.

Her first Canadian picture book, ‘Gabby’ written by Joyce Grant won the Rainforest of Reading Festival Award – Montserrat in 2015. Since then she has illustrated Gabby: Drama Queen, Gabby: Wonder Girl, Lucky Me, The Cold Little Voice and But Why? A Virus Story About Feelings. She has illustrated children’s books with authors Joyce Grant, Alison Hughes and Jackie Azua Kramer to name a few.

 

Skrum, written and illustrated by Bernard Gumz

Hello my fellow bookworms,

(c) The Little Press, 2024

No April Fools joke here! Today I have a hilarious children's book for you that I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of, titled Skrum, both written and illustrated by Bernard Gumz. 

This rhyming book is perfect for children between the ages of 4 and 8, though adults may enjoy it, too! The illustrations are very vivid and colorful, similar to a comic book. The story progresses at a good pace, but may be a bit scary for those a little younger. The story concentrates on the "Skrum," a monster that is usually peaceful, but for some reason, is currently angry and will eat anyone and anything! Unfortunately, for our protagonist, Sir Barnabus Wellington Hayes, the Skrum has its eye on him. This means that he must run away to keep safe - and keep running through different areas of the world, in order to keep away from the Skrum!

Skrum is a quick read that you and your little one will be sure to enjoy, with a satisfying ending and a good morale to the story. As an added bonus, there is a "How to Draw a Skrum (in 4 easy steps)" section at the end, so your little one can draw a Skrum monster of their own! The author, Mr. Gumz, also has a coloring page on his website, if your little one wants to color an already drawn Skrum. If you would like to buy a copy of the book, it is being released tomorrow, April 1st! You can purchase a copy at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can always request a copy from your local library, as well!

I highly enjoyed this story, and hope you do, too. I have one more children's book review coming up, as the book will be released next month. Stay tuned!

Until next time - Happy Reading!

About the Author: Bernard Gumz

(c) Bernard Gumz, 2024

Bernard Gumz started drawing silly characters when he was five years old and never stopped. He’s worked on cartoons for MTV, WWE, Nick Cannon, AJ Foyt and Eddie Bravo - for which he won a TELLY award.

Bernard also co-produces SPACECAT, a kid’s gaming channel that can be found on YouTube and HappyKids. He lives in Indiana with his wife, son, daughter and two cats.

Happy Library Lovers Month!

Happy Leap Day my fellow bookworms!

Besides Leap Day every four years, February marks the annual celebration of Library Lovers Month! Each February, you can celebrate by visiting and supporting your local library. 

(c) 2024 Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)

I have been noticing quite a few recent articles mentioning the library helping to combat loneliness, which has significantly increased thanks to the pandemic. An article released by NPR in May 2023 highlights the U.S. Surgeon General advisory, warning that "lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day" (Summers et al.). Aside from the emotional aspect, the physical repercussions include "a 29% increased risk of heart disease; a 32% increased risk of stroke; and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults" (Summers et al., 2023). The article also mentions a way to combat this epidemic: a national strategy framework, which includes strengthening social structure, such as public libraries (Summers et al., 2023).  

A more recent article, released by Library Journal on February 5, 2024, highlights how libraries can help provide a community connection, a creative outlet, a place to build relationships, and an overall asset to public health (Rich). This particular quote highlights how libraries are essential to public health:

"Libraries provide a space where people can build what sociologists and psychologists call "weak ties," or casual connections and loose relationships with people such as neighbors, classmates, or near-strangers. Although they lack the intimacy and frequency of "strong ties"--the relationships we have with our family or closest friends--these social connections help shape a feeling of belonging that one needs to combat feelings of loneliness. In fact, they are essential part of individual well-being" (Rich, 2024).

(c) 2024 Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)

Aside from public health, public libraries make sure that individuals have equal access to information and
information services, such as general instruction, government resources, and more. They are places were you can rest, learn, play, escape. They are a haven to many, myself included. In fact, many libraries are choosing to become fine free to make sure cost is not a barrier to access materials. There are museum passes, rental of technology and Wi-Fi hotspots, and so much more. Each library is unique in their offerings, but it never hurts to visit and ask what is new!

Speaking of new, the organization Unite Against Book Bans, an organization that fights censorship, recently announced they will continuously release book résumés just in time for National Library Week, April 7, 2024 through April 13, 2024. What are book résumés? Unite Against Book Bans (2024) defines them as detailing "each title's significance and educational value and are easy to share with administrators, book review committees, elected officials, and board members." Teaming up with the publishing community, these book résumés will be given to teachers, parents, and community members to help defend challenged books from censorship (Unite Against Book Bans, 2024). Each book résumé consists of the book cover, the author and title, publisher name, imprint name, a synopsis, reviews and praise, the age and grade range, sale date, awards and accolades, media and resources, and the current response to challenges. Take a look at the current list of book résumés available here.

I will leave you with a quick and fun library story that came on my Facebook feed. The White Settlement Public Library in Texas had an official library cat named Browser, a stray who had wandered in one day and never left. A city councilman didn't care for Browser and tried to get him fired from being the library's mascot, but the community backlash came at full force. The councilman was voted out in the next election and Browser remained in his job, officially titled "Library Cat for Life" (CBS News, 2016). How cute is that? What a great community to stick together and enjoy their library, mascot and all.

Until next time - go visit your local library! Happy Reading!

References

CBS News. (2016, December 16). Library cat outlasts councilman that wanted him gone. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/library-cat-outlasts-councilman-that-wanted-him-gone

Rich, H. (2024, February 5). Hungry for connection: Addressing loneliness through the library. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/hungry-for-connection-addressing-loneliness-through-the-library

Summers, J., Acovino, V., & Intagliata, C. (2023, May 2). America h as a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/02/1173418268/loneliness-connection-mental-health-dementia-surgeon-general

Unite Against Book Bans. (2024, February 20). Book résumés. https://bookresumes.uniteagainstbookbans.org/

"Leap, and the net will appear." - John Burroughs

Hello my fellow bookworms,

Photo by Tim Mossholder from Pexels

January has come and gone in a blink of an eye! This year, though, we celebrate February little longer, as it is a leap year. I thought John Burroughs' famous phrase was perfect to articulate some inspiration for this month, wherever you are. :)

What are some things to look forward to this month? There is so much! Here is a bit of it to get you started:

• February is Black History Month! The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has chosen the theme this year to celebrate African Americans and the Arts. There are many great books to read, music to listen to, and TV shows and movies to watch. The American Writers Museum shared a wonderful list of books to start you off! They also include podcasts and program videos from the featured authors, which makes for a fun, interactive read. Many libraries are hosting in-house Black History Month events to celebrate, so be sure to check out your local library!

• February 7th is World Read Aloud Day! You can celebrate by joining Cardinal Press' event online and listen to a select number of children's authors read their books over Zoom. You can sign up and find out more information here!

• Happy Year of the Dragon! Lunar New Year begins on February 10th. This year is to bring you much good fortune if you can harness the dragon's most important quality: compassion. If you would like to read more about what the year could bring, check out NBC's article here. If you would like to celebrate with books and live in New York, Hatchette Book Group and Kundiman is hosting a Lunar New Year party with readings from renowned authors, book signings, and more. If you are not, they have a fabulous list of books to check out and read!

• 

  Photo by Saliha Sevim from PexelsPhoto by Saliha Sevim: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-with-cat-book-and-headphones-sitting-in-park-7651066/

  Want to listen to more audiobooks? I have been in an audiobook mood lately (helps with cleaning and puzzles!), just in time for the Audio Publishers Association's 2024 Audie Award Finalists! The Audie Awards recognize distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. If you would like to learn more, check out the Audio Publishers Association's website here. 
• The Audiobook of the Year Finalists are:
• All Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby 
• Narrated by Adam Lazarre-White
  
• Inside Voice: My Obsession with How We Sound by Lake Bell 
• Narrated by Lake Bell
  
• Sing a Black Girl's Song by Ntozake Shange, edited by Imani Perry, foreword by Tarana Burke 
• Narrated by Alfre Woodward, D. Woods, Regina Taylor, Lynn Whitfield, Okwui Okpokwasili, Ifa Bayeza, Imani Perry, Robin Miles, Tarana Burke, and Savannah Shange
  
• Surrender by Bono 
• Narrated by Bono
  
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett 
• Narrated by Meryl Streep

One more quote from the naturalist and nature essayist before I leave you today:

“I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.”
― John Burroughs

Even though it is still winter, just note that each day is a little longer than the last, the sun is coming out more, and you have one extra day this month to read and visit friends. Go take a walk, read, enjoy time with both yourself, books, and others. 

Until next time, Happy Reading! :)