#Our Reading Lives

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

How YA Books Helped Me Forgive My Angsty Queer Teen Self

A reader reflects on processing her discomfort at being a queer teen in Arkansas through reading Casey McQuiston's I KISSED SHARA WHEELER.

How Reading About Reality TV Changed the Way I Watch It

How has reading influenced other aspects of your life? One Rioter examines how reading about reality TV shows has influenced watching them.

In Praise of the Overwritten

Books are made of language. So what's wrong with books that go wild with it, that revel in it, that are stylistic and purposely artful?

How My Ereader Helped Me Get Back into Reading

One reader shares how when their former phone reading habits ended, they found ereaders the perfect way to read without distraction.

How I Create My Own Main Character Energy By Carefully Curating What I Read in Public

You never know when you're going to have a literary meet-cute, and that means careful curation of the kinds of books you read in public.

Why Do I Keep Putting Down Books I’m Really Loving?

Really loving a book, but don't finisht? Have you done it a few times? A Rioter explores this odd phenomena.

On Being Ill: Reading Chronically Ill Authors

When it comes to seeing myself in books, I’ve always struggled to find characters or stories that fit just right.

How ¡HOLA PAPI! Helps Me Navigate My Queerness

As I finally came to terms with my sexuality, ¡Hola Papi! helps me navigate the scary and unknown queer world.

Why Reading Holocaust Books Written From a Jewish Perspective Matters

When learning about the Holocaust, it's important to center Jewish voices and books that don't shy away from the brutal realities of it.

Deconstructing LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE

Little House on the Prairie is considered a classic of children's literature, but it also has racist content. Should kids read it now?