For this Friday Firsts post, I’d like to talk about my first mystery book. I learned about mysteries from my mom, who introduced me to a young woman named…
Nancy Drew!
My mom read Nancy Drew books growing up. She loved them! So of course she decided to share these books with me when I was growing up. I think I was around ten or eleven when I started reading Nancy Drew books. Up to that point, books had been pretty straightforward stories for me. There was usually a “good guy,” a “bad guy,” a lesson to be learned, and it was pretty clear who was who. I had never read a story in which I had to figure out who was who and what was really going on. The idea of a mystery was something new and exciting.
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I love libraries! I love visiting libraries, especially old ones. I love the old buildings and the history they represent. I love the familiar smell of books that makes me feel at home even if it’s a library I’ve never visited before.
Some of my favorite books to read are ones in which the characters have an appreciation for books or in which books play a key role in a character’s life. And I love literary settings! It is obvious to me when reading if a writer has a real appreciation for books and isn’t just trying to sell copies. These are the books I love most because I feel a connection with the author and ultimately with the characters and the story. Below I have highlighted some books with literary settings or in which books play an important part of the story.
If you’re book-obsessed like myself, then you find yourself continuously buying books even though your “To Be Read” pile just keeps getting bigger and bigger. I do love and utilize my local library, but there are certain books that I tend to buy instead of borrow. For instance, if an author I have consistently loved puts out something new, then sure, I’ll pick it up. It’s likely to be another great read, one that I can save and re-read again (yes, I do re-read books!) or read and then pass along to my mom or a friend. It’s really a win-win situation for everyone involved.
If you are anything like me (and I’m assuming you are because, hey, you’re reading my book blog!) when you hear things like BookExpo or BookCon, you immediately conjure images of rows upon rows of books, authors, authors signing books, people standing in clusters discussing their favorite books and new and upcoming books…basically you picture book heaven. With this year’s BookExpo and BookCon over, I have seen a lot of highlights popping up in my social media feeds. What I have found interesting is that while many people have heard of BookExpo and BookCon, there is still a lot of confusion around just what they are. Are they the same thing or two different events? Are they open to everyone? Where is it held? And the ultimate question…when will the next one be and can I go? I tackle these questions and more in this post dedicated to the annual BookExpo/ BookCon.
Exciting news everyone! I did it! I got my college degree!
Years and years ago I came across a picture book called Christmastime in New York City by Roxie Munro. I fell in love with this book! It is strictly a picture book – no story included. It is a beautiful showcase of the artist’s skills and contains picture after picture of New York City all decorated for Christmas.
