Category Archives: USA

There’s just no accounting for happiness

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

HAPPINESS Jane Kenyon There’s just no accounting for happiness, or the way it turns up like a prodigal who comes back to the dust at your feet having squandered a fortune far away. And how can you not forgive? You … Continue reading →

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Bookstore Tourism: NYC

Posted on May 10, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Many booklovers mistakenly believe that Strand is the oldest bookstore in New York City, but Argosy has it beat by two years. Argosy is located at 116 East 59th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues in Midtown Manhattan, it occupies an entire six-story townhouse with various sales floors … Continue reading →

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You have to find this book to own this book

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

For his 8th book, What the Dead Can Say, Philip Graham limited it to a print run of 1000 and distribution was entirely through stashing them in Little Free Libraries around the entire country. From the author : What the Dead … Continue reading →

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Octavia Butler : Positive Obsession

Posted on May 4, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I have been an enormous fan of the visionary writing of Octavia E. Butler for decades. The American science fiction writer won numerous awards for her works, including Hugo, Locus, and Nebula awards. In 1995, Butler became the first science-fiction writer to receive a MacArthur … Continue reading →

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Last Frontier

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve only visited Alaska one time, but the memories of that two week trip remain vivid. It’s impossible to describe the vastness and majesty of Alaska, however the short tilt-shift video below offers a taste of the state’s beauty and … Continue reading →

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Community Spirit

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

A big shout out to TBTP follower Linda T. who took time out from packing for a 14 hour flight to let me know about this heartwarming story. On April 13, a 300-strong volunteer book brigade helped Serendipity Books, Chelsea, Mich., move … Continue reading →

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Celebrate Indie Bookstores

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Nearly 1,500 bookstores across the U.S., the most ever, will participate in the 12th annual Independent Bookstore Day, which takes place Saturday, April 26. The stores will celebrate with a variety of creative, welcoming events, merchandise, food & drink, merriment, and … Continue reading →

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New York’s Secret Gem

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Today marks the official re-opening of one of New York City’s finest art museums after a nearly five year closure for renovation. While the Frick Collection may not be a secret to the city’s art lovers, most visitors to NYC … Continue reading →

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Reading is a means of listening

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Reading is not as passive as hearing or viewing. It’s an act: you do it. You read at your pace, your own speed, not the ceaseless, incoherent, gabbling, shouting rush of the media. You take in what you can and … Continue reading →

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Franz Kafka once called his writing a form of prayer.

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“Not His Best” by Joy Williams from 99 Stories of God Franz Kafka once called his writing a form of prayer. He also reprimanded the long-suffering Felice Bauer in a letter: “I did not say that writing ought to make everything … Continue reading →

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