Mara Franzen
Mara Franzen is a Chicago based lover of literature (duh), coffee (also duh), and sunset picnics at the beach (wink wink). Both a writer and an actor, Mara is pretty much always working on some creative endeavor. A Minnesota native, she moved to Chicago for school, and just never left. She and her dog, Fig, can be found rifling around for loose character development and spare story arcs.
6 Strategies for Recommending Books to Friends So They’ll Actually Read Them
Mara Franzen
December 10, 2020
So you've found a book that you just know your friend will love. Here's how to recommend that book so your friend will actually read it.
So You’re Looking for a Reading Journal?
Mara Franzen
November 27, 2020
The best reading journals help organize and log your reading. Here are options for great reading journals to get you started.
An Open Letter To All The Books I’ve Lied About Reading
Mara Franzen
October 29, 2020
An open letter to all of the books one reader has lied about reading, and why she won't be getting to some of them anytime soon.
Queer Characters Don’t Need a Romance to Prove They’re Queer
Mara Franzen
October 20, 2020
There can and should be stories about the lives of queer people beyond who they're attracted to and choose to sleep with.
The Power of the Reread
Mara Franzen
September 24, 2020
One reader shares thoughts on making time for the joy of rereading old favorites—and the guilt of passing over unread books.