Carmela Dutra's Blog, page 4

Thankful Thursday: Thankful for the Little Things

“Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more.” — David Steindl-Rast



This quote hits home for me because its normal to want more. It’s so easy to take for granted all that I already have and all that I’ve already accomplished. It can be so easy to focus on the negative things impacting daily life that we overlook the little things.



I can list many things that I am ungrateful for, things that are going wrong. But, I am not ‘the glass is half empty’ type of person. Many will agree it is easier to think negatively than it is to think positively. As I take a step back and reflect, I ask myself: What am I thankful for?



I am thankful for the little things. It’s the little things that make up the bigger things in life. The little laughs and giggles from my toddler as he goes down the big boy slide all by himself *excuse me while I sniffle over that.*




The way my husband tenderly kisses my forehead before he leaves for work (I’m usually still asleep at 5:30 in the morning).



I’m even thankful as I attempt to potty train Levi and he takes off running into the living room to pee on my rug instead of the bathroom. Okay, that one seems like something to be less than grateful over. At least he can run! That is something to be thankful for right?



Even as I type this blog, Levi is jumping all over me as he giggles and screams to get away from daddy’s clutches as they play chase. I am grateful. Thankful for every scream, giggle and pounce as he throws himself onto me as if I’m a human trampoline.



These little things make up the bigger things. They make up life. The little things are the foundation for the memories I hold so near and dear to my heart.



What are the little things you are thankful for?

Grateful for the Ordinary

“If we do not feel grateful for what we already have, what makes us think we’d be happy with more?” ~Unknown

I make it a point to begin every day with an attitude of gratitude. I think it is important, especially these days where it seems like every day when we turn on the news or read the paper, we are plagued by something tragic that just happened. Commercials tell us we aren’t thin enough, rich enough, successful enough, happy enough. We always need more “stuff” to be enough.

My husband is a HUGE F-1 fan, which by extension, I have learned to appreciate the sport. The drivers learn that if you want to cross the finish line, never ever take your eyes off the goal line. Look at the wall and you will hit the wall.  If we focus on where we are lacking, we run the danger of being ungrateful for what we have, and that can be an extraordinarily defeating way to live.

Lately, I’ve so busy with my toddler as we attempt the potty training phase, teaching him and correcting him, but have I taken enough time to ENJOY him? Then there is the never-ending housework, the dishes, the laundry, tending to the cats, but am I ENJOYING the home I have? I couldn’t ask for a better husband. He truly the most caring attentive man I have met. I always make it a point to tell him how much I appreciate all he does for the family, but am I ENJOYING him?

Am I truly grateful for what may seem like an ordinary life?

I don’t know about you, but I know this is an area I can ALWAYS come up higher. Grateful people are happy people.

As I mentioned in last’s week’s blog, November is the time when we are reminded to express what we are thankful for most. I’ve been striving to show a thankful spirit every day of the year, not just during the “season of thanks.”

We have all have ways to be thankful and many things to be grateful for that we might not even notice. What may seem ordinary is really extraordinary. The next time you go to complain, I challenge you to think of the blessing that inconvenience really is. I’m trying to do this myself when I hear complaints and grumblings coming out of my mouth. I’ll show you what I mean…

I am thankful for chasing my toddler around at the park because, it means he is healthy, growing and exploring.

I am thankful for the dishes that need washing, because it means I didn’t go hungry.

I am thankful for the litter-box that needs cleaning, because it means I have pets who love me unconditionally.

I am thankful for that parking space waaaaayyyy out in the back, because it means I can walk and get exercise.

These seem like ordinary things, but when we step back and look closer, it’s something that is extraordinary. It’s your life and no one’s else.

I am definitely thankful for all of you who bless me on this blog by giving me your time. Time is the most precious commodity we have and we never seem to have enough, but all of you are so generous to me. You share the very thing we all need more of….TIME. Thus, I’m immensely grateful you guys give so freely to me.

What are you guys thankful for? I’d like to hear your comments (which I am super especially thankful to get, by the way).

I love hearing from you!

30 Days of Thanks

Happy November! It is said, that this is the time of year when ‘good’ is in the air. This time of year means something different to everyone and holds a special place in the hearts of many. I’ve always had a strong opinion that we should say what we are thankful for more than just one day a year. Now, I am not saying that anyone who is reading this only says “thank you” once a year. However, November is the time when we are reminded to express what we are thankful for most.

Instead, let’s show a thankful spirit every day in November by giving 30 days of thanks! Why stop there? Why not 365 days of thanks? I am sure all would agree that a thankful spirit is one that should be displayed every day of the year. Like smiles, saying thank you can also be contagious. So why not help spread a little “thankfulness” around.

In the spirit of gratitude and giving thanks, this month’s blogging theme will focus solely on being thankful.

I am most grateful for the relationship I have with my God, and my family. What are you thankful for most? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation and help spread a little thankfulness.

Thanks for stopping by, and remember to smile and say thank you for all that you have.

Should you judge a book by its cover?

What’s your favorite type of book to read? A paperback that you can slip into your pocket and read on the bus to and from school or work? A hardcover that protects a favorite book from damage over time? An e-book that you can take with you on an electronic device?

With so many choices, how do you choose which book to read next? Of course, when you’re looking for a new book, the first thing you’re likely to see is the book’s cover. A book’s cover is like an advertisement. It’s supposed to intrigue you, give you an idea of what the book is about and entice you to give the book a closer look.

We’ve all heard the proverb “don’t judge a book by its cover,” meaning that we shouldn’t let first appearances become our judgment.

The saying, of course, applies to much more than just books, but as this blog is focusing only on books, I’m taking issue with the literal meaning of the old adage. People judge books by their covers.
It’s the truth; it’s just the way it is. We all do it or have done it at some point when browsing books. I will be the first the raise my hand and say I am guilty of this.

Imagine browsing the columns of books available for sale on Amazon’s website — no doubt you’ve done this recently. You can picture a few key attributes of the books listed there: title, price, availability information, shipping options. Above all, though, you’ll notice the cover. Whether it’s a “Big 6”-published super-seller or an obscure text used for an advanced math class, Amazon — and any other online (and non-online) bookstores display book covers prominently.


Covers Matter

Whether you choose to believe it or not, the opinion you have of the last book purchase you made was a result of observing these attributes — to a certain extent. The last book I picked up was based off the cover. I was briskly walking past a table of books when I saw a vintage looking cover out of the corner of my eye. I stopped and studied the cover for a good minute or longer before flipping it over to look at the back. I turned back to the front again and looked closer at it. That was when I noticed tentacles flowing from the front to back of the book. If the cover intrigues me, I then read the last page of the book. If I’m interested, I buy it. If not, I set it down and move on.

We eat a meal with our eyes before we even take that first bite. Subconsciously or not, the same is true with books. Before we even crack the spine we’ve started enjoying that book with eyes. Again, whether intentional or not, our overall judgment and opinions of a book have already started forming based on what we see.

The cover of your book matters. It can lead to more sales (or fewer), it can allow you to price it higher by conveying a message of quality, and it can lend credibility to you as an expert on your topic.

If you read a lot, you’ve most likely come across books that just didn’t thrill you like you thought they would base upon their colorful, exciting covers. Likewise, you’ve probably picked up books with boring covers that turned out to be wonderful. I have experienced both of these outcomes. Picking up a book that looked so inviting, only to be let down by various things. On the other hand, I have taken books just because they were free and was pleasantly surprised.


The point of all this “cover talk”

This argument isn’t meant to convince you that the only thing that matters is your cover — far from it. A great cover design is just one out of many variables that go into a great book launch and continued sales.

It just so happens that a book’s cover is one of the first (and possibly only) things a potential reader might review before making a decision. In a perfect world, this wouldn’t be the case. We would value things based on more than just outward appearances. Sadly, we live in a world that is far from perfect. As humans, whether we intend to or not, we are all guilty of this. We all at one time or another have judged a book based upon the cover. Again, I am not proud of this, but I will admit to being guilty of this very thing.


What do you think?

Have you judged a book by its cover? Have you had experience designing your own covers, or paid someone else to do it? Why did you choose the option you did, and what was the result?
Leave a comment and jump into the discussion!

#BacktoSchool = Author visits

Is it nearly the middle of October already? Where did the time go? The dog days of summer have officially come to an end, and the days of school are in full swing. Individuals are already talking about school breaks and holiday planning, it seems crazy to think that just a few short months back everyone was planning their summer vacations. Summer was here before we knew it, and over just as quickly as it came. Now, onto new adventures!

After an exciting and busy summer, from attending Literary Classics Award Ceremony in South Dakota to ironing out the details in my upcoming new book Exploring STEAM with Little Katie: Coding (scheduled for release this fall).  I am happy to start the fall, and embrace the changes that lay ahead! Do you know what I love most about the late summer/fall time?

It’s the classroom visits!!! Whooo Hooo!!

Now starts the season where Lorenzo the Bear, Lucy Bear, Little Katie and myself go around and visit different classrooms, grades second to fifth. What happens during one of these visits?  Allow me to explain:

First, we read one of my stories, followed up with a Q & A with the students. Prior to my visits the teachers usually work with their students to come up with questions to ask. This really helps them (and me) to get the most out of our visit.  Then the really fun part, ACTIVITIES!! I work personally with each and every student on anything and everything from drawing our favorite characters, to helping write a new story (and yes, I really do include their ideas and credit it to them). Oh, and let’s not forget to end the visit with coloring pages!  

If you are a parent, teacher, or librarian, and would like to schedule your own author classroom visit or Skype visit, please contact me! Besides being a fun break from the classroom routine, an author or illustrator visit introduces students to the processes of writing, developing characters, and expressing one’s creativity; it gets readers excited about books, and it provides an opportunity to encourage young writers.

Did you ever have the privilege of either hosting or being hosted for an author event? Please, share your comments in the section below.

Hear what some educators are saying about these visits!

I’ve had a few students who never expressed any interest in writing. After a visit with Ms. Dutra, that all changed! Now, these same students are creating some of the best stories I’ve read. Thank you, Ms. Dutra. ~ Mrs. B.

Carmela has certainly made reading come alive! I’ve worked with her for several years now, and each visit is just as fresh and new as the previous one. This was such an enjoyable experience for the children. ~ Miss R.

Even days after Ms. Carmy has left, the kids are still talking about her visit. Cannot wait to have her return.  ~ Mr. C.

You can have these same experiences too. To learn more, Click Here! Schedule one today!*

                                

 

*A modest travel fee may apply if you live out of the San Jose/Milpitas/Campbell Bay Area.

 

 

Peeking behind the curtain, a look at Literary Classics

2017 has truly been a year for the books. Not necessarily in a good way, but let’s just say it won’t be forgotten about anytime soon. Filled with ups and downs, it sure kept me on my toes. One of the biggest surprises that came my way was when I received an e-mail informing that I was a finalist in the 2017 Literary Classics Awards. To be perfectly honest, I thought this was a joke. I didn’t even remember submitting in December of 2016, so much had happened between December and June that I plumb forgot all about it. I was in shock for several weeks. I kept thinking ‘I am going to receive another e-mail telling me there was a mistake.’

There was another e-mail… ‘Here it is,’ I thought to myself. ‘I am going to be told there was a mixup and they are apologizing for the inconvenience it has caused.’ I took a deep breath. I clicked open on the message that was sitting in my inbox. I was not expecting what I saw. I WON SILVER! WOOZER! Seriously, I won?? I recall screaming so loudly I scared my cats so badly you could hear their claws on the hardwood floor as they raced out of my bedroom. This wasn’t a joke. It was actually happening. One of the biggest goals I set for myself in my writing career happened. It was no longer a hopeful wish that someday might come true. This was the REAL DEAL! I WON SILVER!

We planned our trip, booked flights, our room and set off for Rapid City, South Dakota. I remember asking myself: ‘What is in South Dakota?’ Everyone who heard I was flying to South Dakota asked the same question I did. I will tell you what is there, wonderful people, fantastic views, beautiful starry nights (living in a metropolitan city I appreciated that one) and an incredible experience that can only be described as nothing short of amazing.

Who/What is Literary Classics?

Literary Classics is an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in literature. Through their awards, book reviews, and seal of approval program, they help individuals sort through the many books in circulation today. It is their goal to help you (the reader) select the finest books available. Additionally, their programs offer opportunities for publishers, authors, and illustrators to receive recognition for providing excellence in literature.

It’s more than just an award, more than just a seal of approval. It’s a huge vote of confidence. I feel deeply honored that a prestigious organization such as Literary Classics, took the time to review my work and say, this is a good book. We like it, let’s help promote excellence in children’s literature and include Little Katie Goes to the Moon among that list.

The awards ceremony was built around three days, over Labor Day Weekend. We had a meet and greet while we enjoyed wine tasting at a chic local winery. We enjoyed a very lively author’s roundtable discussion, where we exchanged experiences, tips, how to’s (and what not to do, don’t be that ‘needy author’ who always wants but never gives) and getting to know each other on a deeper level as more than just authors. A writer’s conference was arranged, and it was open to the public. The sessions were held in conjunction with the Great American Book Festival. These sessions discussed topics such as; Marketing your books, better understanding copyright laws, and social media strategies.

 

 

The Great American Book Festival, or otherwise referred to as GABfest was so much fun! Authors from around the globe and South Dakota presented their award-winning work at Main Street Square all day Saturday. While it was quite warm, we had a very good time. We promoted our work while creating relationships with fellow authors and readers. Authors gave readings and improv skits throughout the day, and local performers held musical and dance performances. Saturday’s event gave writers of all skill levels a chance to learn from each other. 

Talking with a fellow award-winning author of the Oathtaker Series, Patricia Reding, she made a comment that I still find myself mulling over. “We’re not here to compete with each other. We’re here to support, and work together as we share our work and build bonds that are stronger than all else.” These words resonated with me. As authors, we are a community. We are all working to achieve the same result. We are each other’s support system. We build each other up, encourage to keep going and not give up when all of the odds seem so overwhelming. Our bonds are stronger than all else.  Trish is such sweetheart! She helped to make everyone feel welcomed, and apart of things. I am very grateful for our friendship. 

As the weekend drew to a close, one of the more casual events was the group tour of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. 

Everything ended with a BANG as the awards recipients were treated to an elegant evening of cocktails and passed appetizers.The formal gala was held at the Dahl Fine Arts Center. We mingled, took silly photos (as you can see) and relished in the fact that this was a night about us. Everyone in attendance worked so hard and overcame many obstacles to get to where they are today. Every person in attendance poured their blood, sweat, and tears into their book(s). This was a much deserved night of pampering and made to feel special.

From left to right: Jacqui Letran, Carmela Dutra, Hayley Rose, Caytlyn Brooke, and Patrica Reding

I have been asked if it was worth it to submit my book? To anyone on the fence about submitting their book, this is a great opportunity for you as an author. You will be rewarded in ways that go beyond winning an award. The friendships you will make, and the insights you will come away with just a few of the many things you will experience.

I am forever grateful for Literary Classics and the brilliant people that work there. I’ve gained enormous confidence as a writer, and am so excited to keep moving forward. I have been encouraged in ways I can’t even express. As I move forward with my writing endeavors, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have been so loyal, and provided unfailing support to me and my books over the years, and a big welcome to my new readers! I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next on my writing road! 

Here are a few more of the photos from the events that took place over Labor Day Weekend. Have questions about any of the pictures? Leave a comment below, and I will get back to you.

From left to right:

Shiela Salvich, Carmela Dutra, and Molly Boren

 

 

 

 

My arm candy for the night                                                                              Connie with her arm candy

 

 

K. S. Jones                                                                                                        Trish and Danielle A. Vann

 

 

Group photo of the award recipients who were present to receive their awards.

To view a complete list of all the winners and their titles, click here!

 

Ahoy, Matey – It’s Talk Like a Pirate Day!

So, it’s almost International Talk Like a Pirate Day, aye! 19th September is a day where we should all be talking like pirates apparently, savvy? Some people ask ‘Why talk like a pirate?’ Why not? If you were to ask the pirate guys from talk like a pirate They would tell you that talking like a pirate is fun. It’s really that simple. It adds a zest, a swagger, to your everyday conversation. Do you need another reason?

International Talk Like a Pirate Day is the only holiday on the calendar that encourages people to babble like buccaneers for the sheer, anarchic fun of it. It’s been celebrated by millions of people on all seven continents – yes, even at the South Pole – and on the International Space Station!

So, how did all of this get started? The holiday was the brainchild (if that’s the right word) of John Baur and Mark Summers, two friends from Albany, Ore., who were playing racquetball when, for reasons that aren’t clear to either of them now, they started insulting each other in pirate jargon. They decided to start Talk Like a Pirate Day and picked September 19th because it is Summers’ ex-wife’s birthday. The date was stuck in his head and he wasn’t doing anything with it anymore, so it would be easy to remember, Summers said.

From such unlikely seeds was born an international sensation. The two friends – who now go by the pirate personas of Ol’ Chumbucket and Cap’n Slappy – have swashed their buckles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Puget Sound, from Los Angeles to Chicago to Philadelphia. They’ve performed at a glamorous Las Vegas resort, at libraries, bookstores, museums, schools, and at several seedy bars. 

As you are reading this you might be scratching your head wondering, why do I care about this? First, who doesn’t want to talk like a pirate? Second, this is your chance to snag some free books! The first book I ever wrote is about a swashbuckling, sword fighting bear named Lorenzo. Every year I share free copies of my book with all of those who are true pirates at heart. This year, I will also be hosting an online book party for the release of my latest Lorenzo book that a classroom of second and third graders helped to write. The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Trip to the Arctic Frontier. 

Be sure to stop by my Facebook page, Author Carmela Dutra to see how you can win signed copies. There will also be free printable activities for the kids, and make your own pirate hats! In the mean time, take a look at the list below and in the comments share with all of us your pirate name.

Have a great tide Ya landlubber  

 

 

 

What the art? Why children need art in their life.

Kids LOVE to draw! They love to doodle everywhere, and on everything in sight. Anyone who has kids, nieces, nephews or even babysat can contest to this.  As much as we love their works of art (everything they create is art. Even if it’s abstract), we don’t want it on our walls lol. But what is it that draws children to art (Pardon the pun lol)?

It seems to provide visual enjoyment, but kids are also interested in the marks that are left behind. (If the drawing implement does not work, they quickly lose interest. I’m sure you have experienced this.) The act of scribbling can serve several useful purposes for the kids, especially young ones. Small muscle coordination and control improve with practice, cognitive abilities are exercised, opportunities for social interaction arise, and the physical movements provide emotional release. Remember, endorphins make you happy!

Aristotle famously said that the purpose of art is a catharsis. If looking at or making a piece of art leads to some outburst of emotions, it’s done its job. Any artist can contest to this fact; I know I can. 

When it comes to painting, drawing, sketching, or even doodling, the end product is not what is most important. It’s the process. It doesn’t have to be spectacular or unusual; it’s the process that brings the most joy. When any child creates something and has fun while doing it, that’s what matters.

In simple, it feels good to draw.  Kids feel good about it, and what they create. My little tot is only a little over a year and a half, and boy does he love his scribble time! He giggles over the simplest of lines, he loves to scribble over what I’ve drawn. In fact, his favorite part of drawing with mommy is stealing a pencil from my hand as I’m coloring and running away laughing so I will chase him. If I ignore him and pick up a new colored pencil, he’s back in a flash taking that one too then he’s off again giggling as he awaits to be caught.

Sadly, though, as time goes children can start to drift away from art.  Losing that excitement they once had, and sometimes entirely turning their back on it. Can we do anything to prevent this from happening? Most surely we can!

By taking trips to local museums, kids can get up close and personal with art. Some locations even have interactive exhibits, really encouraging the “hands on experience.” Show them pieces that others have created similar to what they create. Introduce them to different mediums, encouraging them to engage in new styles. Get excited with them over art, the beauty that is art.

I come from a family of artists. Everyone on my father’s side has a strong love for the arts. All of us have our area that is near and dear to our heart. I grew up always surrounded by art, in one form or another. Taking trips to local museums, art galleries, I soaked up every minute of it! Because of this immersion, I connected with art. It stuck with me down to this day.

I live and breathe art. It’s my passion, my love, my life. It’s a part of my identity. Without it, I would feel a void.  I feel sad when children do not have art in their lives. It’s said you can’t miss what you don’t have, but I honestly feel for them. Never being introduced to the beauty that is art is heartbreaking. It’s one thing to have experienced and have no desire for it. It’s another to have never been exposed to it at all.

Everything a child scribbles is art, it’s beautiful and reflects what they are feeling. What more precious gift could you ask for? If you have ever received a drawing from a child I know you hold that treasure close to your heart, they poured their heart and soul into it, and you love it. I wouldn’t be surprised if any of you are reading this still have drawings hanging in your house from 10, 15, or even 20 years ago. My dad still has my pictures hanging in his garage, they are a little worse for wear, but he shows them proudly to any who comes over.

I firmly believe all children should have art in their lives, even if it just “doodling” as some may feel. I also strongly believe that children should have books in their lives.  I implore all of you, let’s help encourage a love for the arts. Let’s get our kids excited to doodle, draw, sketch, and color. Let’s do everything we can to keep this love in them alive and vigorous!

How do you help children become excited about art? One easy way is coloring. Visit my website for free coloring pages to print. Color is a simple artistic way to express yourself, and it can also be relaxing to boot!

 

Happy doodles!

The End of Summer Bucket List

 

With summer officially ending in just a few weeks, my weekends are fast becoming last-minute hurrahs. Due to some unforeseen occurrences earlier in the year, I was not able to enjoy my summer to the fullest. I was not able to enjoy backyard cookouts with family and friends or take day trips to Santa Cruz or SF, and that’s okay. Sometimes life doesn’t always go as expected, you just have to roll with the punches and keep going, and make the best of what you have.  The end of summer is similar to that all-too-familiar Sunday night feeling, knowing Monday morning is staring you in the face.

To alleviate some of that end-of-summer depression, I’ve started thinking about some things that I could do to end my summer with a bang! Simple things, nothing over the top, but something that would give that feeling, you what I am talking about. The feeling you can’t describe it’s just there. So here is my list, some of these I will be crossing off in just under a week as we set off for South Dakota. Why South Dakota? Well, Little Katie Goes to the Moon won silver in the general children’s category from Literary Classics, and they will be hosting all of the winners in Rapid City South Dakota where will have a formal gala, and attend the Great American Book Festival over Labor Day weekend.

I would love for you to leave a comment at the bottom and share some last minute things that are on your summer bucket list. Or, share some things that you have already crossed off your summer bucket list.

 

stargaze     take a nap in the hammock  
visit a historical landmark       beer tasting at a micro brewery
visit the zoo        do an art project with my toddler       take a hike    
make a splash at a water park          grill an entire dinner
  finish a new book          spend an evening playing board games
watch a summer blockbuster        plant something new  
            try something out of my comfort zone     make homemade popsicles

What do you want to add to this list? Share in the comments.          

Fun, New Ways to Celebrate Book Lovers Day!

Readers rejoice—Book Lovers Day (August 9th) is here, encouraging you to kick back and relax with a great book. From shaded spots under arching trees to being tucked in a warm bed, there is no better way to celebrate the holiday than reading.

To honor today, and highlight all that Book Lovers Day is, some of my blogging pals and I decided to have a blog hop to talk about this day BOOKS! Books we grew up with, books we love to read over and over, or what got us into reading in the first place.

To keep you from growing tired of the norm, I thought of a few ‘out-of-the-box’ ways to honor book lovers day.

Visit a Literary Site

“Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.” — John Steinbeck, “Cannery Row” (1945)

Living in the Bay Area I have the ability to frequent the location of one of my favorite authors, John Steinbeck. Most people visit Cannery Row to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium or to browse the kitschy treasures down the street, where scores of touristy amusements and T-shirt emporia vie for attention. But if you’re a literary type, try this instead: A DIY walking tour that offers glimpses of the bawdy, bustling waterfront that inspired John Steinbeck’s most beloved novel, “Cannery Row.”

The book, in turn, inspired the street’s name. The city of Monterey renamed Ocean View Avenue to honor the Nobel- and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist’s tome. So follow the signs to Cannery Row for a half-mile walk that begins at the Hovden Cannery smokestacks and winds its way past fictional bordellos, real cannery cottages and artistic nods to the characters of both the book and the place.

Host a Book Lovers Party

Invite friends over to read together or enjoy stimulation conversations about favored books and authors. Get out the wine & cheese or beer and pretzels and call over some guests to discuss mutual favorites and, even, learn about some new ones.

Try an Unknown/New Author

Everyone has their “go-to” authors, but trying a new author’s first book or an author’s first book in a new genre may be a hidden gem. With so many struggling new authors, who devote their heart and soul to writing, why not give them a chance? I recently tried a new author  Sylvain Neuvel.

I devoured his two books Sleeping Giants and Waking Gods. It’s a science-fiction trilogy I read Sleeping Giants in just three days, I ended up being sucked into its incredible premise: giant body parts are discovered in the earth that predate the human technology required to make them. A simple idea with huge implications. What does this mean for humanity? For science?

Waking Gods was a fast paced thrill ride. I loved everything about it. From the action scenes as things get bigger and bigger to the scientific details. I typically lean towards mystery but I also love sci-fi. For me, these books were the best of both worlds.

The style of narration also really appealed to me. The story unfolds through interview transcripts and journal entries, which really kept me glued. It kept me constantly in the moment and never gets bogged down by too much description which some books suffer from. I am DYING for Neuvel’s third book Only Human to come out.

Try an eBook

Holding a paperback book is sort of nostalgic, but venturing into an eBook could open new doors for your future reading style. You may find it easier to read or save your spot, who knows, you may prefer it over tangible reads. You also don’t have to read the whole book if you don’t enjoy it that way.

Give the Gift of Reading

Passing along a favorite to a friend is always an appreciated gesture—especially for this holiday. Volunteering to read to those in need may be another option for Book Lovers Day. What better way can you celebrate than to share your love for words with others. Do you have a little free library near you? You can drop a book (or two or three) for someone else to find.

These are just a few of my suggestions for Book Lovers Day. For some more book loving fun check out the other bloggers cited below.

From curling up with a blanket and a book to sharing the day with other enthusiasts, Book Lovers Day is a day to express appreciation for the titles you love. No matter how you celebrate, Book Lovers Day is your holiday, make it count!

 Cat Michaels

Rebecca Lyndsey

James Milson