Fictional characters are like children. They’re born out of the author, filled with scraps of identity and brimming ideas, and are nursed into being as the chronology unfolds. Like all good parents know, you just can’t pick one favorite. Each child is a masterpiece in his or her own way, and in the case of the character—a unique pillar of themes, feelings, and fictional skin. But, like all honest parents know, you can totally pick favorites. And so can Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling. Today, courtesy of Twitter, we learned that J.K. Rowling’s favorite character (Harry excluded) is Dumbledore. Rather …
Today marks the 100th birthday of the children’s book author, and over 60 years of her witty, day dreaming, and wholly relatable characters. Cleary’s work spanned generations, and whether you, your parents, or your little niece read her novels, Cleary has become a household name synonymous with classic reads like Beezus and Ramona, Henry Huggins, and so many others. While Cleary plans to spend the day kicked back at her home in Carmel – with a giant slice of carrot cake, according to CNN – we’re planning to indulge in our own sweet favorites, staff-picked from the massive library of Beverly …
In partnership with Random House, Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner, founders of Lenny Letter, are creating their own imprint: Lenny Books. The imprint is an offshoot of the newsletter, which brings readers news and personal musings of the dynamic, butt-kicking Lena-Jenni duo. Part writer, part actor, part comedian, and part unflinching feminist activist – the duo intends to take the same ideas of the newsletter and pair them up with up with incredible writers and books that emulate the social culture of Lenny. The new imprint is an extension of Dunham’s current relationship with Random House, which publish her bestseller …
We need very few excuses to stay cozy at home and read all day. Let’s face it, an entire day curled up in bed, or anywhere with a blanket—really, is better than just about anything else you could be doing with your day. Yet, life all too often requires us to part with our libraries and all the cozy comforts of home. The ability to read in lazy splendor for hours on end recedes into fantasy behind the daily demands of work, school, and being a contributing member of society in general. But, when April comes, fantasy becomes a reality …
There’s something to be said for a book’s unique ability to scare. Unlike movies, which instil fear with creepy visuals and eerie sounds, you can’t see or hear what you read; all you have to guide your gaze are the words. But somehow, books manage to sidestep fears two greatest allies – sight and sound – and delve right into our hearts and minds. And once a book has tapped into a fear, there’s no forgetting. Even books you read as a kid can still haunt you, and stranger yet, things that at first glance seem benign, can stain your …
