Too Many Books (Is That Even a Real Thing?)

How does this keep happening?

Before each trip to my local library branches in the Prince George's County Memorial Library System and Anne Arundel County Public Library my mantra: “Return the borrowed items, greet the friendly librarians, then leave. Do not look at the enticing displays. Do not approach the shelves of new arrivals. Resist the temptation to borrow more books when there's still a stack of unread library books at home, my TBR list is encyclopedic, my phone and tablet are loaded with ebooks. Exercise some restraint.”

It never works.

A Court of Wanderers (Silver Under Nightfall #2) by Rin Chupeco

speculative, fantasy, romantasy

S&S/Saga Press, April 2024

Competing interests, court intrigues, assorted monsters, shocking revelations, and a nuanced polyamorous romance that weaves all of these elements together to deliver drama, supernatural thrills, and emotional hits.

And You Know This: Lessons on Living From Young Folx by Keturah Kendrick

non-fiction self-care & reflection, May 2024

Who am I? What's the purpose of my life?

Those are big questions for anyone, especially for teens and young adults. In this quick read the author prompts readers to sit and focus and listen to their thoughts, to their authentic voices without the distractions of well-meaning loved ones, social media, and tech devices in order to recognize and reclaim core truths they've always known about themselves. Themes on the intersection of limiting, often toxic expectations imposed upon Black and Brown female, femme-identifying, and non-binary people address the ways in which conformity to narrow ideas about girlhood and womanhood are taught and set as baseline standards in families and society. This book challenges readers do the hard work of gaining clarity and acceptance and peace about who they are and what they want. Excerpts from her series of longer podcast chats with a variety of young people exemplify the struggles and benefits of doing so. It makes a worthwhile graduation gift or what's next gift to a seasoned adult who's pivoting in life.

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Tapping into Your Power

The following two books celebrate powerful characters who overcome their fears to manifest their greatness for the benefit of themselves, their loved ones and communities. So satisfying. [2 books from left to right: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff] A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna contemporary speculative romance Berkeley, July 2025 Sera's story of navigating otherness was worth the wait. The advantages, responsibilities, and consequences of being powerful are explored with nuanced observations, humor, and compassion. Themes on distinctions between family by blood, choice, and intention weave throughout this poignant tale about paying attention and recognizing personal details as fundamental to the evolution of one's perspective on who and what are valuable. One of my favorite passages from the end of chapter nineteen: Like this was a thing that had, somehow, become...

Beach Reads That Sizzle (in Many Ways)

It's a miracle that so many actual and imagined human young survive into adulthood, and then on to old age. The following books offer entertaining and provocative tales of challenges, misadventures, and triumphs. [a collage of 4 images: upper left - It Had to Be You hardcover Thorndike Press large print edition set on the edge of a small table between 2 chairs; upper right - a "BEACH" tote bag in a striped beach chair along with a paperback ARC of Up in Smoke; lower left - a paperback copy of An Evening at the Hotel on a wood table next to a beach umbrella; lower right - a paperback copy of All Super-Heroes Need PR] All Super-Heroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens contemporary speculative romance Amazon Publishing, May 2025 Vanessa's story delivers a riveting aliens-among-us origin story, a fake romance with unexpected twists, and nuanced workplace interpersonal dynamics that offer drama, humor, razor sharp social commentary, and visceral memories of past chi...

TWWBF Grand Finale Gratitude & More Books

The 6th and grand finale The Write Women Book Fest 2025 event last weekend was phenomenal! It exceeded our most ambitious hopes during these very challenging times. Many, many heartfelt thanks to the each of the featured authors, tabling authors & their assistants, TWWBF Poet Laureate Aressa V. Williams, performing poets, storytime readers in the children's area, narrators, author and publishing services professionals... Special thanks to the 2/3 of the TBR Trio who attended, a dynamic IG influencer, and each and every attendee who engaged with participants and bought books and merch. And to the volunteers, Bowie Comfort Inn staff, the team at South Bowie Branch Library, and as always, our conscientious, tireless team of dedicated TWWBF voluntolders, expressions of gratitude beyond words! [a "The Write Women Book Fest" journal, a tote bag with "Maria Secoy Romantic Suspense" and a smaller "Thank you" tote bag] [a collage of 3 images: left - pla...

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