It's getting close to 4th of July and, in the US, that means it's time for the yearly summer celebration of Independence. Of course, it's not just a day. No, no. America sort of invented over-the-top, consumer-filled celebrations...It must be a whole weekend. A whole weekend in which you might find some time to read.
Women's History Month! Another reason to love March! So, let's talk about women, specifically women writers! I know I'll probably write tons of blog posts on women this month. But, let's start with the obvious, since I'm a writer (The Travelers), obviously I love women writers. Here are some pioneers that you should read, including books you probably know and have read and lesser known works you might want to check out.
Now seems like the perfect time to remind America exactly where we'd be without immigrants (hint: we wouldn't exist) because unless you're a Native American, your ancestors were immigrants. Here are 10 books (fiction and nonfiction) about American immigration that are definitely worth the read to help become more enlightened about the plight and the contributions of immigrants. These books remind us that immigrants are people, just like everyone else, with hearts, minds, ideas and struggles.
oday, February 12, is Abraham Lincoln's birthday. He is viewed by many as one of the greatest, or maybe the greatest, President in US history. But what made him a great leader? It was at least in part, his ability to verbalize thoughts eloquently, like a writer.
If You Want to Understand Why I’m Crying It’s because I can’t protect her I can’t protect her against The rising tides of water and hatred I can’t protect her when She leaves my arms for school Where children with spinning compasses And growing access to lethal weapons and unchecked prejudices Can penetrate the sanctuary Of education and innocence
It’s Election Day tomorrow. Tonight, I’m going to an “End of the World” party. Tongue and cheek party name? I really hope so. Personally, as a writer and a lover of books, Facebook and Twitter are not places that I go for my political information. Not that I don’t love the jokes and pithy commentary. (I really do!) But, it can’t be the only source if you want to have a real understanding of issues. (There really should be no one source at all, right?) On that note, I’d like to highlight the power of reading books and thoughtful articles to make you think about the world beyond twitter (I know, it exists right? Crazy)
K.L. Kranes 