#Our Reading Lives

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

Books in Spanish That Strengthened the Bond Between My Child and My Language

I needed my son to see Latine kids represented beyond flattened narratives, which mean researching the best kids' books in Spanish.

The Undeniable Draw of Single POV Romance

Which point of view do you prefer for romances and why? One reader touts the merits of single pov in romance novels and gives a few examples.

Reclaiming My Anxious Mind With Reading

During some of the hardest times in my life, while my mind was otherwise consumed with anxiety, reading helped me to find peace and escape.

Remembering My Grandparents Through Books (And Food!)

Books have always helped me make sense of things, and now they help me bring my grandparents back into my life in little ways.

Reading Jacqueline Wilson as a Child of a Broken Family Brought Me Comfort

On finding solace as a child through the honest and challenging depictions of family in Jacqueline Wilson's books.

How Video Games Helped Me Fall Back in Love With Reading

Exploring new genres through video games helped me to realize that I hadn't fallen out of love with books: I was just in a reading rut.

I Took an Anti-Burnout Reading Vacation (And You Should Too)

By setting up a list of rules that kept me grounded, I pressed the "restart" button on my hyperactive, anxious brain.

What’s it Like to Volunteer at an Anarchistic Bookstore?

I decided to become a volunteer at my local anarchistic bookstore during the pandemic. This is what it's like.

Why I Deleted My Goodreads TBR (And Why You Probably Should, Too)

How long have you had your Goodreads TBR and would you be willing to part with it? Carina offers reasons why you should consider.

I Learned More About Science From Books Than From College Classes

My college science lectures felt impersonal and prescriptive, but I rediscovered my curiosity through books about science.