#Our Reading Lives
Our Reading Lives features stories about how books and reading have shaped who we are and how we live.
3 Ways to Spend a Bookish Birthday During Quarantine
Whine. Watch all the adaptations. Aggressively hint about wishlist books. It's your party and you'll be bookish if you want to.
Why Reading Pandemic Lit Gives Me Hope
Pandemic lit has always been my favorite kind of reading because these stories, even at their darkest moments, give me hope for what is to come.
Advice From WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING on Coping With Social Isolation
One reader takes solace in and shares some advice on social distancing from WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING.
An Education on North Korea Through Books
One reader talks about getting educated on the culture and politics of North Korea through books.
Why I Started Reading Pakistani Feminist Poetry
Only recently did I encounter Pakistani feminist poetry. But it has kindled a desire to lose myself in these powerful feminist perspectives.
Queer Representation in Books: Give Me All of It, Every Kind
"Give me queer suffering and give me queer celebration." One reader plumbs the depths of queer literature and considers queer representation in books.
Finding Somali Books to Read
One reader on the search for more Somali literature.
What Dani Shapiro’s INHERITANCE Taught Me About How I View Family
One reader on struggling to connect with the themes of biological identity and family in INHERITANCE.
Meh on the Debut, In Love With the Sophomore
TFW you didn't love the debut novel and are completely taken by surprise when you fall head over heels for that same author's second book.
How Do I Incorporate Short Stories Back Into My Reading Life?
A reader who fell out of love with short story collections ponders how best to make reading short stories part of the routine again.
Reading About Clean Queens and the Tidying Revolution
Are you a fan of the KonMarie Method? Do you take inspiration from Zen techniques to face your daily chores? One reader considers the tidying revolution.
How Working in Publishing Made Me Appreciate Books More
A reader explains why working in the publishing industry made him appreciate the value of a book more.
Finding Mongolian Literature in Translation
When I decided to move to Mongolia, I tried to find Mongolian literature in translation. There's not much out there, but this is a good starting point.
Messages Left Behind in Library Books (An Ode)
A reader reflects on the messages left behind in library books at their university library, and how the notes acted as documents of time and place.
10 Biggest Disasters for Any Bookworm
Reading can be a wonderful thing, but beware the reading disaster. Whether it's a lost bookmark or spoilers, these scenarios are a bookworm's nightmares.