As the year wraps up and we hope that our gifts for loved ones will arrive on time, I am continuing the tradition started several years ago to share my top books for 2024. I hope you find something new or see that one of your favorites made my list! As in the past, I […]

There is something about poetry that embeds itself in your soul. Poetic language captures identities, histories, struggles, and beauty. Whether using brevity, powerful metaphors, or emotive language, poets do indeed know how to turn a phrase. There is a rich tradition of poetry in Hispanic culture. From the romantic verses of Spanish poets like Gustavo […]

Page to screen adaptations seem to be happening more frequently as the rich plethora of source material that books provide gets mined for excellent stories. This year has already seen many great series, including Three Body Problem, the third season of Bridgerton, and the upcoming Wicked movie based on the musical adaptation. If, like me, […]

“A reader lives a thousand lives.” – George R.R. Martin Books easily transport us to different times and places. Through their pages there is immersion in the sights, sounds, and emotions of other people and times. They create a way for us to experience multiple lives and expand our horizons beyond our own worldview. Historical […]

It’s that time again where the excitement of gearing up for the Olympics is palpable. We eagerly anticipate watching our favorite athletes push their limits and chase the dream of being the gold medal winner. I’ve been enthralled watching the trials and the recently released SPRINT documentary series on Netflix as the opening ceremony comes […]

It’s often been said that literature helps us find the words for that which we already know. That is especially true when it comes to love. To me, it feels only natural to incorporate the words of brilliant authors into one of the readings at a wedding ceremony. Finding a lovely quote from a book […]

Book clubs provide more than just thought-provoking discussions of books. They provide connection, camaraderie, and an enriching experience for readers. Interested in the advent of fully digital book clubs, I recently got the chance to interview Alexandra and Tiffany, the founders of Subtle Asian Book Club. Childhood best friends from the suburbs of Los Angeles, […]

Not surprisingly, books are my favorite gift to give. I love giving books because they aren’t just presents. They can be stories of adventure or romance, a way to try and step into another person’s shoes, a source of learning or inspiration, or even guidance for the next chapter in life. As graduation approaches, books […]

This Women’s History Month, we reached out to women in the community to find our their favorite reads. I’m excited to share their responses below. Kathy Donovan I am a proud board member of United We, and an advocate for women’s empowerment. I am passionate about removing barriers around women’s entrepreneurship, licensing, childcare, or equal […]

It’s that time of year again when spring break beckons. Whether you prefer carefree days spent in the sun, or the wind and snow of the slopes, this time of year embodies the chance to escape to a different setting. Not everyone will be traveling during spring break, but you can always travel through the […]

“Great wines are like great books. Once you take your first ‘sip’, they’re hard to put down.” – James Laube To me pairing books and wine makes perfect sense. They both involve a process of discovery, and they both create a rich and sensory experience. Good wines, like good books, are well-crafted or have a […]

Maybe it’s the cold sapping my mental brain power, but I’ve been very much in the mood for cozy reads by the fire. The crackling wood, a warm drink, and a book sounds like my idea of a perfect day spent avoiding the cold. On days like the ones we have recently suffered through, the […]

As the year comes to a close, it’s time once again for my yearly roundup of my favorite reads this year. A few might look familiar as I have recommended them throughout the year. Below are my favorites in four categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and backlist books (published prior to 2023).  Fiction Chain Gang All-Stars […]

As we step further into the holiday season, we gather with loved ones and share tenderhearted moments typically around food. Whether we are trying new recipes or making family favorites that have been passed down through generations, food always helps to warm the soul. Here are a few of the cookbooks I enjoyed flipping through, […]

With the resurgence of interest in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass, I felt that this list of First Nations and Native American authors is quite timely. There are a few authors who have entered into the national canon. Louise Erdrich is well known and well respected in literary fiction, Stephen Graham Jones is one of […]

One of my favorite things about reading is the ability to experience different cultures and different lives. I know I’ve mentioned this George RR Martin quote before, but for me it really is true that “a reader lives a thousand lives.” It’s so fascinating to see the world through another lens, especially when that lens […]

As we celebrate the summer (and the end of that crazy heat dome), autumn is heading toward us full steam ahead. There is something about September especially that just has an educational vibe. It makes me want to run out and stock up on pens, pencils, and, of course, new books. Every September I find […]

“A non-fiction writer is a storyteller who has taken an oath to tell the truth.” – Russell Freedman I have been on a massive non-fiction kick recently. Every time I go to the bookstore or check out a list of what’s coming out soon, I am immediately attracted to multiple non-fiction titles. A non-fiction writer […]

The most dramatic season of the year is upon us: wedding season! I’m not sure there hasn’t been one wedding without at least a smidgeon of drama. Whether it comes from family, friends, loved ones, or the vendors, weddings are a flash point for high expectations, past disappointments, and maybe even old resentments to rear […]

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”  – Audre Lorde Books, like people, come in all types of packages. There are different sizes, lengths, and genres. There are picture books (and graphic novels) where the image takes center stage, and fiction that paints […]

“For me, any story I tackle begins with the human relationships and not the plot.” – Celeste Ng For me, the short story is both an art form and a magic trick. Authors can write from a few pages to several thousand words and break my heart or give me an out-of-body experience. They can […]