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Support Local!
Every couple weeks, I like visiting local used book stores, and I especially enjoy picking up a mystery package! At Mission Curiosity (319 Madison Ave., Oak Park IL), my "blind date" revealed a title I had never heard of, All That She Carried (2021) by Tiya Miles, a nonfiction work about cotton sack that was originally given to nine-year-old Ashley when she was sold into slavery. This bag, which included mementos of her mother's love, passed through several generations. This is the story of that keepsake. At The Looking Glass Book Store (823 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park IL), my mystery package contained Roxanna Slade (1998) by Reynolds Price. This work of historical fiction describes the development of the American South throughout the 1900s. I just love these discoveries! New (to me) books with new authors and new tales to be shared. Supporting local is great thing... for everyone! Video Here What a month of great books written by Black authors in honor of Black History month! Included in this video wrap up: Between Friends and Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi; A Few Days Full of Trouble by Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr. and Christopher Benson; Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates; The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett; Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson; Maame by Jessica George; "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison; Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin; Kindred by Octavia E. Butler; The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead; James by Percival Everett. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Good Dirt, James, Kindred! What did you read this month? Taking a deep dive into black authors! Some classic names, some debut authors, some "new to me"... historical fiction, literary fiction, memoir... so many books so little time! In this video I talk about seven books that I read, rated and reviewed. Included: Theo of Golden, My Friends, Heart the Lover, Twice, The Book of Lost Hours, The God of the Woods, and Monday's Not Coming. If interested in reading my full reviews, please follow me on Goodreads! Support local authors, and support local EVERYTHING! I am thoroughly enjoying this reading marathon I'm on! My initial goal for 2026 was 52 books, one book per week. However, with the advent of audio books (in combination WITH the physical book... baby steps), I find that I'm reading more often. That, along with the fact that I gave up the Speech team moderator/coach position at my school, has allowed me more opportunities for this wonderful pastime. I'm researching the books first, so the number of DNFs is near zero. I'm keeping track of my books in a reading journal, rating and writing reviews, joining online book clubs, and reflecting on this experience after each conclusion. I've always loved books, but lately I find myself addicted to all things book-related. I guess there's worse things to be addicted to, right? 2026 is gearing up to be a great year for reading AND for "books as art" on the shelves! Many times people ask why I purchase so many books, why not just get them from the library. I do go to the library, but if the title I'm looking for is new, chances are there's a wait list, and sometimes that's okay, but sometimes I have my head wrapped around that story. AND there's that bookshelf! I am one of those book geeks who actually enjoys researching book recs, making a list, tracking down the best deals, and then displaying them until it's their turn on my reading journey. Book lovers don't need to overspend in this endeavor. Here's a video that explains how, over five months' time, I spent $155 for 52 books (my goal is to read 52 books by December 31, 2026!). Not every one of these will be my choice for the goal, (although 3 of the 4 books I've already read in January are in this video), but they are all on my TBR. I'll let you know how things go. And remember to visit the bookstores in your community! Support local, ALWAYS! If you haven't followed me yet on Goodreads, please do! If you haven't followed Get Rec'd on Instragram, please do that, too! Happy Reading! I'm in a reading frenzy phase! So, what does one do when she's obsessed with so many memorable stories? She reflects, recommends, and then writes. Yes. I'm taking notes on what is working for me as a reader, and what falls short. The more I read, the better I hope to become as a writer, and I've got a few ideas swimming through this mind! In the meantime, I've decided to share my reflections on Goodreads (follow me!) as well as a really interesting reading tracker app (who knew??) called Fable. AND... I've started up a new book recommendation page on Instagram, Get Rec'd! I hope to bring subtle recommendations for the independent bookstores I visit (I've got your back, The Pile Bookstore!) and local coffee shops and music venues and parks (anywhere I get inspiration). I have no idea where this is all going. But I do know that I'm excited about it all. If I'm going to be obsessive, it might as well be with something like reading! Let me know what you think! |
