#Our Reading Lives

Our Reading Lives features stories about how books and reading have shaped who we are and how we live.

Why I Don’t Let My TBR Dictate What I Read

My to-be-read pile is largely hypothetical. Although I have lots of resources to turn to for books to read next, I generally choose to follow my interests rather than what is next on a particular list.

The Best Book Advice I’ve Ever Received from a Librarian

This invaluable piece of book advice totally changed my reading life for the better, despite this old and well-known cliché.

What To Do When Your Favorite Authors’ Books Aren’t Coming Out Soon: Tweet Them for a Rec

Nothing to read. Your favorite authors have new books coming out...but not for weeks or months. What should you do? Ask them for recommendations!

The 2 (Very Different) Books That Helped My Reading Slump

"I could go a year without reading and still very much be a person who loves to read. Books are patient, and the right ones will be there when you need them." On the books that helped a reader out of a reading slump.

My Winter Reading Ennui

It's cold, dark, dreary, and the world is burning down. What do you do when it all bleeds over into your reading life? What do you do with winter reading ennui?

Wild Thing: How Maurice Sendak Helped Me Understand My Son

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE was the perfect book at the perfect time for one Rioter and her 3 year-old.

To the Girl on the Bus Reading FLAT STANLEY

One reader recognizes herself in a young girl on the bus reading FLAT STANLEY and reflects on growing up as a book lover.

A Love Letter to Mass Market Paperbacks

"Every folded corner represents an eager return to your story, every coffee stain an hour or two spent in your company." Let's give some love to the mass market paperback.

My Bookish Valentine: Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress

Learn about Dr. Carla Hayden, the first woman and first African-American to hold the position (and the first librarian in the post in over 60 years)!

3 Bookish Questions to Ask Before You Get Married

About to walk down an aisle? Ask these bookish questions first.