The Great American Read

Nearly everyone has a favorite book, but what about an entire nation ? Beginning next week, PBS ( our public broadcasting network ) is embarking on a quest to discover what is America’s favorite read. The eight-part television series about beloved books and reading kicks-off with a two-hour special event.

The search will begin with the reveal of a list of 100 of America’s best-loved novels. Getting to a list of just 100 books was not a simple task. PBS first surveyed the public in a “demographically representative study.” The an advisory panel composed of 13 literary professionals applied their collective wisdom and experience to establish guideline for the competition and to maximize variety in the list.

You can see the entire favorite book list here and follow the quest online and on the air throughout the fall. The program will also be traveling across the United States to uncover more about the novels. PBS promises to interview some of our favorite authors, as well. Expect to see the great Margaret Atwood, George R.R. Martin, John Irving, and many more literary luminaries.

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The Writing Game

Star Authors is a 19th century American card game that requires a player to match notable authors with the books that they wrote. The improved 1887 edition includes 54 book title cards and 18 author cards. Based on these examples, impressive facial hair was de rigueur in the late 19th century for American writers—at least for the men.

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Benefits of Studying Abroad

I’m grateful for all of the many travel opportunities that I’ve had over the years, but I do regret that I never had the chance to participate in a study abroad program. The guest post below, along with the infographic, are from Natalie Hagen of TakeLessons.

If  you’ve had the opportunity to travel you know what an amazing experience it is. Being in a new place with different languages, foods, colors, cultures, and people is eye opening and awe-inspiring all at once. Traveling can help you make new friends or learn a new language. Those that choose to study abroad get these benefits and more.Students who have studied abroad were reported to have an increase in their GPAs as well as a boost to their resume. Studying abroad also helps to improve tolerance, respect, leadership skills, and self awareness. These are just a few of the many benefits of taking that leap of faith and moving abroad to study. It will require a lot of planning and some bravery, but it will be well worth the effort. Still need convincing? The infographic from TakeLessons lists a few more reasons why you should take that chance and study abroad.

 

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Pick Your Spot

You can follow Grant and even purchase prints and posters of his wonderful comics right here.

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tl:dr

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A New Home for Readers and Writers

The Center for Fiction, which describes itself as “the only organization in the U.S. solely devoted to the creation and enjoyment of fiction,” has announced that its new home will open in Brooklyn, N.Y. in January 2019. The three-story complex, which is currently under construction at 15 Lafayette Avenue in downtown Brooklyn, will include a library, bookshop, a cafe, classrooms, exhibition space, and an auditorium.

Once know as the Mercantile Library, the Center for Fiction is currently located in midtown Manhattan. You can learn more about he organization and the new HQ facility on this website.

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Van Life Baby

Many, many years ago, I spent some time living in a VW van. It was summertime and I was traveling with my brother Steve, so it was pretty damn awesome. That is until we lost the keys swimming in the Atlantic Ocean down the shore in New Jersey. Anyway, this neat infographic from the folks at Mighty Goods  brought back some fond memories.

 

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Books and Music

Greenlight Bookstore in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, N.Y. was recently the setting for a new music video called “Good Kisser” from the group Lake Street Dive.

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Wild Books

“Second hand books are wild books, homeless books; they have come together in vast flocks of variegated feather, and have a charm which the domesticated volumes of the library lack.”                                                               Virginia Woolf 

 

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Sign, sign everywhere a sign

 

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