Enchanting books about witches

When I was growing up, I was terrified of witches and anything that evoked spooky autumnal feelings. I stopped trick-or-treating when I was in the third grade, and I refused to watch spooky movies in the fallalthough I did watch Hocus Pocus every year … with my hands covering my eyes at the scariest parts. That all changed when I started reading books about witches. I’ve always been an avid reader, preferring to stick my nose in some of the best books rather than play in a pile of orange-hued leaves. Reading offers so many benefits, and over the years, books have helped me understand the world better and feel more empathy toward otherseven, it turns out, witches.

Reading books about witches in the fall has become a tradition of mine. Luckily, this is something of a trending topic, so it’s easy to find witchy women these days, whether they’re in a cozy romance novel filled with sweet, small-town magic, an atmospheric horror book about witches that are up to no good or a historical nonfiction book about the plight of women accused of witchcraft throughout history.

As fall approaches, I get more excited about pulling up a cozy chair, making a steaming mug of tea and curling up with my cat and a good book. And while you could gobble up a Halloween book this time of year (or return to your favorite Halloween book for kids), I suggest you grab one of these books about witches to get in the spirit.

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Finding comfort after a loss

Grief is extremely difficult to process, but each of us will experience it at some point in our lives. When we do, we’ll face questions we may not be able to answer on our own: How do you move forward after your life changes in the blink of an eye? Is it possible to fully heal after loss? How can the earth continue to spin when your world has come to a complete stop? Reading inspirational books can offer solace during tough times, but your current pain from loss may require the grief-focused practices of a different book genre. Books about grief, specifically, take a more careful approach and may pave the way to healing.

Leaning on the words of others who have experienced a loss can reassure you that you’re not alone. Still, it can be intimidating to find grief books that will best assist your specific grieving process or resonate with a loved one in trying times. The first thing to know is that the best books about grief are those that readers can relate to and find comfort in.

For even more advice, we turned to therapists and mental health professionals who deal with the heavy topic for a living. They recommended books that will best get someone through the grieving process in a healthy way. Whether you’re looking for yourself or want to include a book in a sympathy gift along with a condolence message for someone you care about, these 12 books about griefthe majority of them recommended by expertsare must-reads.

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In 2021, I read a total of 15 books. That number has decreased significantly since then and I’ve been eager to read more books this year. But with work, wedding planning and life in general, I find it difficult to make it to the library (and return books on time) and splurge on physical copies. Thankfully, the e-reader solved all those issues and more.

What is the Kobo Libra 2?

The Kobo Libra 2 is just one of the e-readers under the Rakuten Kobo name. Choose from the Kobo Sage, Kobo Clara 2E, Kobo Elipsa 2E, Kobo Nia, Kobo Elipsa Pack, and my tried and true, the Kobo Libra 2. Search, buy, borrow and download books straight to any of the various tablets with just a WiFi connection.

With 32GB of storage, the Kobo Libra 2 holds up to 24,000 e-books or 150 Kobo audiobooks. Kobo has a huge database of books for purchase and it’s also easy to transfer any .epub files to the device. Kobo Plus, a subscription plan, starts at $7.99 a month. You can also sync your local librarys OverDrive to check out books with your library card.

Appearance-wise, the Kobo Libra 2 mirrors the Amazon Kindle tablets. A black or white frame surrounds a seven-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen. The bezel juts out about two inches and is equipped with two buttons for one-handed access. In bed, the buttons really help me find a comfortable reading position, especially when I’m laying sideways.

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Kobo Libra 2 features

When I first received the Kobo, I dove into the box and quickly peeled off the protective plastic from the screen. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didnt require charging out of the box. With half of its 21-hour battery lift still intact, I explored its features.

The matte e-reader is compatible with Bluetooth wireless headphones or speakers for a full audiobook experience. Adjust the screen temperature to your liking with blue light reduction letting you read into the night. Switching to Dark Mode swaps the usual black text and white background to a black background with white text. You can also change the screen’s orientation from portrait to landscape to upside down (or lock it in place for no movement).

Its also super light at 0.37 grams and small enough to stow in a purse or backpack. Reading in the tub or at the pool? The e-reader is fully waterproof for up to 60 minutes in up to two meters of water. Amazon and Etsy also carry protective cases.

How I tested it

On the home screen is a series of buckets to find your next read. I shifted between Recommended and Related Reads before remembering I could sync up my library card to OverDrive. I scrolled hundreds of titles between dozens of interesting categories like Mental Health Awareness, Short Reads for a Long Weekend and “Great Reads Without The Wait” before settling on A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.

For my second read of the year (I know, disgraceful), it was a long one. But all 1,800 pages just compress into 0.37 grams. Kobo also gives you an entire statistical analysis of the book. I could see how many pages were left, what percentage of the book Id read, how many minutes until the next chapter and how many hours of reading left of the book. I found myself racing that estimated time as if it was the GPS ETA in my car.

Kobo also lets you change the font and font size, line spacing and margins while you read. Im the type of reader who likes to underline impactful sentences and I worried I couldnt do that on my e-reader. But annotating is relatively easy: just hold down a word and drag until a highlight appears. It’s a little wonky and lags, so patience is key.

Turn the pages by tapping on the screen’s edge or by pressing the up/down buttons on the bezel. Another thing I love about the Kobo Libra 2 is that I can instantly get a words definition. A dictionary entry pops up by holding down a word, a feature that doesnt even require WiFi (great for on-the-go!).

Ive taken my e-reader on road trips, to the beach, to the pool and on a camping trip. The battery lasts weeks between charges and a full charge takes just a few hours. My inner child is thrilled to read in the dark again, except this time I have no need for a flashlight or reading light under the covers. The Libra 2s screen lights up enough for me to read into the night and I can adjust it to my liking.

The audiobooks are also a nice feature for audio-bibliophiles, but it’s only compatible with Kobo audiobooks. Change the narration speed, keep listening if the screen is off and use your headphones’ buttons to play and pause. I don’t see myself using the audiobook feature (I’m much more visual than auditory anyway), but if I did, I’d rather listen on my phone.

Another note is the Libra 2’s sleep mode. When turned off, the screen says Sleeping with the option to display the cover of whichever book Im reading, along with the percentage read and how many hours to go. At night the screen dims significantly, but I wish there was a way to turn off the screen completely.

Pros

• High-quality e-reader with tons of features
• Mid-range price
• Battery lasts up to 21 hours
• No glare
• Available in black or white
• 32 GB of storage
• Waterproof up to 60 minutes
• Compatible with OverDrive
• Bluetooth capacity

Cons

• Screen doesnt completely turn off
• The Kobo store books are just as pricey as physical books
• Highlighting isn’t the smoothest

FAQ

What is the difference between the Kobo Libra H2O and Libra 2?

Before the Libra 2, there was the Libra H2O. The sizes are very similar, but the Libra 2 has three times the storage, a USB-C connector and Bluetooth capacity.

Can you read Amazon books on Kobo Libra 2?

Nope. Just like Amazon Kindles have the Amazon bookstore, Kobo has its own store to buy books. You can, however, convert Amazon’s DRM book format to EPUB format and transfer the files with a USB that way. Here’s another guide on sharing Kindle books.

Can you read library books on Kobo Libra 2?

Yes! Sync your library card to the OverDrive database to download an unlimited number of books. OK, up to 24,000 books.

What other reviewers had to say

Being that most of the Kobo Libra 2 reviews are from avid readers, the reviews for the e-reader are comprehensive to say the least. Heres what some of them had to say.

Really glad I bought this,” writes five-star reviewer Alex Hoffman. “I read a lot more than I used to with only physical books. The screen is easy on the eyes and the battery life is tremendously long. Putting .epub files on it is easy, so if you already have books in a digital format, it’s not difficult to transfer them.

Verified purchaser Katherin Marquez loves her Kobo. The Kobo is amazing, the text is pristine and crisp and it’s so comfortable to hold,” she says. “The buttons are very convenient, too, especially knowing that other brands that offer them do it for a lot more money. I think the Kobo is currently the best option when it comes to e-readers, so it’s worth every penny.

“Great e-reader,” writes reviewer J. Lorenzo Borras, who switched from their Nook to Kobo. “So far this Kobo is way better. Its not only that it has an extra inch in size, but it is easier to handle and to turn the pages. Very pleased so far.”

Product comparison

Kobo Libra 2 is a worthy competitor to the Amazon Kindle series. Comparably, the Libra 2 has way more storage space than most Kindles at 32GB and no ads. Books are about the same price on both.

The Libra 2 ($190) is also more expensive than the original Kindle ($100), Kindle Paperwhite ($140), Kindle Kids ($120) and Kindle Paperwhite Kids ($160). It is, however, cheaper than the Kindle Oasis ($250) and comparable to the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition ($190). Check out these best Amazon Kindles.

Final verdict

I never thought Id be an e-reader girl. I love physical books and my overflowing bookcase is a testament to that. But I simply cant deny the convenience and portability of the Kobo Libra 2. I’ve finished two books in three weeks and feel that I can finally get back on track with my reading records. Plus, no trips to the library or bookstore are necessary before starting the next read. (My local librarians are probably happy that Im not still returning books late.)

While I can’t lend my friends my book recommendations anymore after I’m done with them, the digital convenience of the e-reader is a worthy trade-off. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to get back into reading.

Where to buy the Kobo Libra 2

If you’re ready to make the switch or upgrade an existing e-reader, the Kobo Libra 2 is available on Amazon, Walmart and Rakuten Kobo for $190. Your next best read is just a click away.

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Escape into fantastical magical realism books

Imagine baking emotions into food. Chit-chatting with ghosts on your subway ride to work. Walking around New York City with bird wings on your back. All are the sort of fantastical events you might read about in magical realism books.

First coined in 1925 by German art critic Franz Roh in reference to art, the term magic realism, or magical realism, is best known as a post-colonial style of literature that weaves mystical and mythical elements into otherwise realistic fiction. It’s one of the trickier book genres to define, but if you’re looking to dip your toes into the surreal world of magical realism books (as you should!), we’re here to help.

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What is magical realism?

Magical realism is a fiction genre, but don’t confuse it with fantasy. What usually distinguishes magical realism books from fantasy novels and contemporary fantasy stories is the realism: The characters live in real, or even mundane, settings as opposed to fantastical places like the Shire or Hogwarts. In other words, The Lord of the Rings may have magic, but since it’s set in a fictional land, it’s not magical realism. Harry Potter may have magic and a real-life setting, but since most of the story is set at a fictional magic school, it’s not magical realism either.

Another distinguishing factor about the genre is the characters’ reactionsor, rather, nonreactionsto the supernatural and strange. The magic is often unexplained but understood and accepted by the characters. One character’s 200-year-long life span is as unremarkable as another character’s arthritis.

What are the origins of magical realism?

Though magical realism books are most closely associated with Latin American writers like Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel Garca Mrquez, Mario Vargas Llosa and Isabel Allendewhose works can have political themes or serve as critiques of dictatorships or Western imperialismwriters from many cultures have taken to the genre. Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie and Haruki Murakami all wrote celebrated magical realism books that most critics count among the best books of all time.

Still, ask people who the father of magical realism is, and most will say Gabriel Garca Mrquez, who popularized the genre with the release of his classic novel One Hundred Years of Solitude in 1967. But some point to Guatemalan writer Miguel ngel Asturias, whose book El Seor Presidente was self-published back in 1946, as the inspiration for so many.

While the definitive origins remain unknown, magical realism continues to be an evolving and poetic genre with new authors adding their own spin on the category. As huge fans, we rounded up our favorite magical realism books, old and new, to infuse your life with a bit of the supernatural.

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Summer reading at its best

Anyone who’s read Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty series knows two things: The novels are impossible to put down, and they’ll leave you with a major book hangover. If you’ve already read The Summer I Turned Pretty books in order and are looking for more books like The Summer I Turned Pretty, you could stream the Amazon Prime series of the same name. But let’s be real: You finished that already.

Sure, a second season is underway, but you’ll have to wait until July 14 to start streaming it, and it won’t wrap up until mid-August. Thankfully, there are plenty of summer books and beach reads similar to the blockbuster teen book series to keep you busy in the interim.

To help you sate your craving for books like The Summer I Turned Pretty, we scoured shelves for novels with similar summertime vibes, coming-of-age storylines or compelling romances. We’ve found YA novels and adult titles (think of them as grown-up versions of Han’s series) from some of readers’ favorite authors, includingEmily Henry, Morgan Matson and Gloria Chao. This list of the best booksfor The Summer I Turned Pretty fans will have you turning pages and lost in stories all summer long.

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Judy Blume books for every occasion

Not every author has been bestselling, beloved and banned, but that’s Judy Blume for you. For over half a century, Judy Blume books have marked milestones for young readers, especially girls who, like many of her characters, stand on the cusp of womanhood. Considered the originator of the young adult (YA) novel, Blume has been writing realistic fiction about the messy but wonderful world we live in since her 1969 debut kids’ book, The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo. She’s written for readers of all ages, backgrounds and life stageshave I mentioned her rather steamy story for adults, Wifey? In fact, her most recent book, 2015’s In the Unlikely Event, is another adult novel.

More than 50 years on, Judy Blume books still resonate today with new and longtime audiences because she gives her readers an impression of being seen and known, a sense of belonging, a sort of homecoming and that wonderful “it’s not just me” feeling. Her witty, frank and empathetic stories weave in the good, the bad and the ugly while fearlessly tackling real matters that arise throughout life, including bullying, racism, death, sex, religion, puberty, friendship, love, fear and more.

Now, with the release of the long-awaited film adaptation of perhaps her most famous book, 1970’s Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, it’s time to pick up or revisit some standout Judy Blume books. Whether you’re looking for children’s books, teen novels, classic books, books for women or simply some of the best books out there, check out these best-of books for different stages in life.

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While my love for reading started at a young age, it’s really developed into something that’s kept me fulfilled as an adult. I love getting lost in a book after a long day of work, but I also try to find ways to enjoy reading outside of my day-to-day lifeincluding when I’m on vacation.

As someone who is obsessed with books, I can’t just abandon my passion when I jet off to parts unknown. I have to bring my love for reading on an adventure with me. I usually bring a few new books to read on a trip, no matter how long I’ll be away, but I also leave space for great reads I may find on my travels too. When I go on vacation, I go to escape and discover a new place, and for me, that means finding beloved bookstores, toting newly purchased novels in my travel book bag, looking up local Little Free Libraries and doing anything and everything bookish or creative.

In a way, reading echoes exploration. Just as I discover attractions and other wonders on my travels, I discover new worlds on the pages of a book.

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Quirky and quaint bookstores

On a recent road trip to Pittsburgh and Cleveland, I warned my husband and our three daughters that we’d be making some bookish stops in both cities. I had researched the coolest bookstores nearby and made a list of them in the journal I carry with me on every trip. With my husband behind the wheel as we drove from one destination to another, I’d pull up my list and the maps on my phone, checking to see if we could possibly take a bookstore detour.

In Pittsburgh, we stopped at Amazing Books and Records, a shop filled to the brim with secondhand titlesand records for the music lover too. My family and I drifted down the packed aisles for half an hour, pulling different titles to weigh our options. My eldest daughter found a few books to choose from, and I had to remind her that we only had so much space in the already packed carand lots more souvenirs to bring home!

Besides, Pittsburgh is home to many other incredible bookstores. Consider Fungus Books, which features quirky and offbeat book genres you wouldn’t find at just any bookshop.

In Cleveland, we were on our way from Coco’s Chalky Paints, located in the historic Fifth Street Arcades, to the Cleveland Museum of Art, near the city’s Little Italy, when we stumbled upon one of the coolest bookstores I’ve ever been to. Loganberry Books is a massive, multiroom bookstore with more than 100,000 new and used titles.

Walking into each room was like slipping into a new bookstore: The classics and rare books section had the appearance of an old-world study, while the children’s book section was open and colorful. Dotted throughout were comfortable chairs, perfect for sitting and flipping through your new book.

Loganberry Books was a welcome reprieve from our jam-packed schedule, the stacks of books prompting us to stop and enjoy the moment. I discovered hard-to-find books by some of my favorite authors, and my kids each chose their own picks from the massive children’s book section.

Traveling to Little Free Libraries

Whenever I’m on a road trip, I love stopping at nearby Little Free Libraries. While visiting a museum or botanical garden allows me to get to know the history and culture of a place, driving off the beaten path as a tourist allows me to experience the locale in a completely fresh way. Not only that, but as a reader I have the opportunity to connect to the place I’m visiting on a deeper level.

Whenever I travel, I try to bring with me a couple of books that I don’t mind giving up. I’ll donate a book to a local Little Free Library in exchange for a new one.

We’ve come across some of the coolest Little Free Libraries this way, like “Steve,” built from an old bus shelter in Muskoka, Ontario. The walk-in library is stuffed floor to ceiling with new books and classics. Leaving some books behind with “Steve” made me feel like I was connecting with the community there, and knowing that someone would one day pick up my book and take it home with them felt like I was leaving a positive mark on the place I visited.

We’ve also found sweet Little Free Libraries that need some love. They sit empty or have a few musty older books, and it brings me joy to add a couple of fresh new titles for someone else to enjoy. When I visit a Little Free Library that needs some help, it’s a reminder that cultivating a love for reading takes communal effort, and we all have to come together to keep literacy and a love of reading alive.

New neighborhoods to discover

Maybe all readers are explorers. We open a book and wade into unknown territory: a historical battle, a family vacation ripe with tension, a land of magic, thrilling deep space. Whatever their setting, books whisk us away to places we’ve never been and help us view the familiar through new eyes. And no, a story isn’t physically transporting us to new places. But in a way, a love for reading can.

Finding bookshops and Little Free Libraries has opened up corners of the world that I would have never explored. Usually, I end up getting lost in a random neighborhood. Sometimes I’ll stop at a coffee shop and dig into my latest bookeven if I was already in the middle of reading another one.

In Pittsburgh, we stopped in the beautiful Squirrel Hill area and grabbed some books, then we settled in with a fresh, housemade hot dog from Frankie Bunz. If I hadn’t stopped at the bookstore, I wouldn’t have discovered the neighborhood, and I definitely would have missed out on the hot dog shop. While in the city, we also explored some Little Free Libraries that led us to quaint neighborhoods filled with colorful row houses, cute front gardens and steep Appalachian streets. It was on one of our Little Free Library jaunts that we came across Commonplace Coffee, an adorable coffee shop near the Old Allegheny Rows Historic District.

In Cleveland, we stopped at the nearby Shaker Heights community, which is where Celeste Ng’s blockbuster hit Everything I Never Told You takes place. Having read the book shortly after it came out, I was eager to discover the town where the story unfolds. I didn’t realize Shaker Heights was in Cleveland until I was looking at a map shortly before the tripit was meant to be!

Making friends along the way

One of the best parts of bringing my love for reading along with me on my travels is meeting equally book-obsessed people. We bookworms are a friendly bunch (even the introverts among us will get chatty when the conversation turns to our favorite reads), and learning booksellers’ stories when I stop in to support local bookstores is one of the biggest advantages to exploring my love for reading while traveling.

On a trip to Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario, we came across Read It Again, which is packed with both new and used books. There, I picked up one of the booksellers’ recommended books and discovered my next beach read. I kept my new book tucked in my oversize purse and stopped for a breather to read a few pageswhile my kids rode the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and swam in the resort’s pool.

When I travel to a new destination, I know that I’ll be exploring uncharted territory and enjoying new and unique experiences. But the familiar heavy weight of a book in my bag helps ground me and reminds me to take my time. I might have a packed itinerary, but there’s always time to change the GPS route and stop in at a bookstore, no matter where I am.

The best books I’ve read on vacation

Looking for your next great book? Read four of today’s bestselling novels in the time it takes to read one with Reader’s Digest Select Editions. And be sure to follow the Select Editions page on Facebook!

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What’s the Pulitzer Prize and why is it important?

Since the first round of awards in 1917, the Pulitzer Prize is awarded by Columbia University for high achievements in writingspecifically journalism and the artswithin the United States. The categories include journalism, literature and musical composition. The prize is named after Joseph Pulitzer, a famous newspaper publisher from the late 1800s, who established provisions for this particular prize in his will.

What won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2023?

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This year, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction was awarded to the following two novels:

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
• Trust by Hernan Diaz

Demon Copperhead borrows its storyline from Charles Dicken’s famous work David Copperfield, following the story of an orphan boy named Damon through his trials of “foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves and crushing losses,” set in the mountains of southern Appalachia. The book was published by Harper.

Trust follows the enthralling tale of husband and wife Benjamin and Helen Rask, a wealthy couple from the 1920s that watches as their days of prestige and wealth come to a close during the recession. The novel analyzes a competing narrative of another popular novel of this time, and captivates readers with twists and turns, putting readers on a quest for the truth of what is considered fact and what is fiction. The book was published by Riverhead Books and was even chosen as one of former President Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2022.

Interested in discovering other incredible works of fiction? Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

Sources:

• The Pulitzer Prizes: The 2023 Pulitzer Prize Announcement

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Let the countdown begin!

With vacation season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to curate your summer reading list. When you start packing for your beach getaway, save some room for Emily Henry‘s newest contemporary romance Happy Place, or bring along Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty books in order to prepare for the release of Season 2 of the show on Amazon Prime. And of course, no trip to the beach would be complete without at least one book from the “Queen of Beach Reads” and No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, Elin Hilderbrand. Lucky for us, she’s about to publish her newest novel, The Five-Star Weekend, on June 13, which means it’s a great time to read (or re-read) all the Elin Hilderbrand books in order!

From her first book, The Beach Club, to her bestselling novel Summer of ’69, Elin Hilderbrand has been at the top of our list of favorite authors of beachy reads and travel books for years. A resident of Nantucket, Hilderbrand knows the beach and how to spin a cozy yarn that will have you coming back for more. So if you’re looking for some of the best books to read this summer, kick back on your beach chair with a cool drink and get comfy with one of these hot summer books from Elin Hilderbrand.

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Feed your craving for Greek mythology books

It’s nearly impossible to walk into a bookstore or a library and not come across at least one mythology-inspired book. The original myths may be centuries old, but their stories are timeless and continue to resonate with modern readers. Greek myths in particular are perennial favorites, with authors adapting age-old tales across genres and for all age ranges. In fact, many Greek mythology books make an appearance on bestseller lists and BookTok recommendations.

Whether fiction or nonfiction, books featuring interpretations of Greek myths have had an undeniable hold on our imaginations for centuries. Ancient texts like Homer’s The Odyssey and The Iliad continue to get new translations that find nuance in the story, and contemporary classics like Percy Jackson make fans of new readers.

We scoured the shelves to find a mix of Greek myths and books inspired by them. Some are bestsellers, others have rave reviews from readers and critics alike. Some have changed the game in their respective genres, and others (we’re looking at you, The Odyssey) basically created the game. Whatever you’re looking forfantasy novels, romance novels or even the best books of all timethis list is a smart place to start.

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Get wrapped up in a sweet summertime series

It’s a great time to be a Jenny Han fan. After all, we’ve been blessed with great adaptations, from the first season of The Summer I Turned Pretty TV series to the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before film trilogy and its upcoming spinoff, XO, Kitty. And if you haven’t yet read any of the books, you’re in for an absolute treat. With summer rapidly approaching, there’s no better time to pick up Han’s trilogy and read The Summer I Turned Pretty books in order. Talk about the ultimate beach reads!

As the title implies, The Summer I Turned Pretty book series is a trio of classic summer reads, and the sweet coming-of-age story is the perfect segue into sunnier days. So whether you’re looking to get into the books before Season 2 drops on Amazon Prime later this year, hunting for the best books to get you in the summer mood or feeling wistful about teen romances after bingeing adult reads like Emily Henry’s latest, you’ll fall in love with one of our favorite YA book series by one of our favorite authors. (And no, these novels aren’t just for teens!)

Once you’re done with these, you’ll no doubt be searching for novels that give you the same warm-and-fuzzy feeling. Don’t sweat it: There are plenty of fantastic books like The Summer I Turned Pretty to feed your craving, or try your hand at reading all Elin Hilderbrand’s books in order.

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If you’re a big reader, chances are you have, or have considered, an e-reader device like a Kindle. There are a number of reasons Amazon Kindles come in handy. For one, e-books are generally cheaper than physical booksyou can even find free Kindle books on Amazon, and hundreds of Kindle Unlimited books are free with a subscription. Plus, with a Kindle, you can stock up on all the best books when you’re traveling without weighing down your carry-on bag, and you can even re-load while you’re on vacation, as long as you have access to WiFi. Last, organizing books at home is no longer a consideration, as the Kindle frees up your shelves for collectibles or flowers.

But one thing you can’t do with an e-book is loan it out the way you might lend a hardcover book. Or can you? Actually, readers who are also Amazon Prime members are able to share Kindle books with certain people. Below, you’ll find all the information, plus step-by-step guides that will help you share Kindle books.

Can you share Kindle books with family members?

Yes! To share Kindle books with family members, Kindle users who are Amazon Prime members are able to create a Family Library using a feature called Amazon Household. This essentially means you can share your Kindle library with one other adult and up to four teens and four kids. Another perk is that you can also share Prime Video and any Prime benefits with members of your Amazon Household. Bonus: Household members don’t have to live under the same roof, so you can share books with an adult child or a sibling.

Can you share Kindle books with other Kindle users?

No, you can’t share Kindle books with other Kindle users outside of your Amazon Household.

How to share Kindle books

In order to share books within your Kindle library, first you’ll need to set up an Amazon Household, then set up a Family Library.

How to set up an Amazon Household

1. Open Amazon and log into your account.
2. Click on “Account & Lists” under your name.
3. Click on “Content & Devices” > “Households and Family Library.”
4. Click on “Manage Your Household.”
5. From here you can add a second adult and up to four teens and four children to your household. To add an adult Select “Add adult,” then add your friend or family member’s email address to invite them. Follow the instructions and agree to share e-books on your account.

How to set up Family Library

If you already have an Amazon Household set up, follow these steps to create your Family Library.

1. Open Amazon and log into your account.
2. Click on “Account & Lists” under your name.
3. Click on “Content & Devices” > “Households and Family Library.”
4. Click on “Manage Your Household” > “Manage Your Family Library.”
5. Toggle on the “Sharing” button next to “e-books.”

How to share Kindle books

If you would rather share a single book versus your entire library with your Amazon Household, follow these steps.

1. Open Amazon.
2. Select “Accounts & Lists” at the top right corner of the page.
3. Click on “Content & Devices” > “Books.”
4. You will see your library of e-books. Check the boxes next to each book that you would like to share with your Family Library.
5. After you’ve selected your books, click on “Add to Library” at the top of the page.
6. Choose the family members you want to share these books with.
7. Books will appear in your family member’s Kindle library.

How to share e-books from your Kindle

To share e-books directly from your Kindle, follow these steps.

1. With your Kindle turned on, tap the three bars in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
2. Tap “Settings” > “Registration & Household.”
3. Tap “Add a New Person.”
4. Fill in the info for the new person in your household. Note: This screen will be grayed out once you reach the maximum number of people allowed.

How to access Kindle books shared with you

Below are the steps for downloading Kindle books to your device after they’ve been shared within your Family Library.

1. Open Amazon.
2. Select “Accounts & Lists” at the top right corner of the page.
3. Click on “Content & Devices” > “Books.”
4. Select the book you’d like to download to your device by checking the box located to the left of the book.
5. Click on “Deliver.”
6. Select the device.
7. Click “Make changes.” You’re done!

FAQ

Can more than one person read a Kindle book at the same time?

Yes, more than one person within your Family Library can read the same e-book at the same time.

How many times can you share a Kindle book?

You are able to share a Kindle book as many times as you want with the people in your Family Library.

How long does a Kindle loan last?

Previously, Amazon only allowed loans of 14 days, but with the Family Library, there’s no due date for returning the books.

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The post Can You Share Kindle Books? Here’s Who You Can (and Can’t) Share With appeared first on Reader's Digest.

The travel books that will transport you to a happy place

In a perfect world, we’d all get to take an epic vacation whenever we felt like it. But in the real world of hectic jobs, nonstop child care and other adulting responsibilities, jet-setting falls lower on the priority list. Sigh. This is exactly why travel books are so magical.

Soaking in the sights and smells of a new locale is dreamy, and travel books help us live vicariously through someone else’s experience. From armchair-adventure memoirs to escapist beach reads, great travel books temporarily transport us whenever we can squeeze in time for another chapteron the commuter bus, over a lunch break or in the bathtub.

Wondering what the best books are to grab if you’re craving adventure or tropical vibes? We’ve rounded up 15 of the best travel books to suit this exact purpose. They will whisk you away, as will titles from new and favorite authors.

Psst … once you’re through with these, satisfy your Emily Henry fix, get tips for reading all the Elin Hilderbrand books in order and find out where to find books like TheSummer I Turned Pretty.

Join the free Readers Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

The post 15 Travel Books That Will Inspire You to See the World appeared first on Reader's Digest.

That’s why we’ve created a handy guide that will help you understand the most useful book slang, as well as some made-up terms that may not be realbut really should be. So the next time you’re writing a review about thebest booksyou’ve just read or your favorite romance novels,or talking with fellow bookworms in your online book club, make sure to add the following to your vocab list.

Reading terms

Have you ever struggled to come up with a term that captured the exact feeling of something you want to say? That’s what this list is here for. These commonly used reading terms help define the universal reading experience, as well as explain some literary tropes that avid readers like you may recognize.

• Binge-read: Arguably the healthiest of binges, binge-reading is the act of blasting through a good chunk of a single book or even multiple books in a short period of time. It’s especially fun and easy to binge-read short books.

• Reading slump: When you lose interest in reading for a while and either avoid reading books altogether or can’t get into any new books you pick up. This is perfectly normal, especially after reading an especially riveting bookand then all other books seem to pale in comparison.

• Book hangover: When your emotional and mental state is so greatly affected by a book, whether in a positive or negative way, that you need time to process it before moving on to another one. You’ll find this is very common after reading more serious reads like books about race relations in America or dystopian books. Here’s how to recover from a book hangover if you have one.

• Book haul: The act of showing off books you just bought or borrowed at the library.

• Auto-buy author: A beloved author whose books you will always instantaneously pre-order or pick up as soon as possible.

• Insta-love: A trope where characters instantly fall in love with each otheroftentimes without fully getting to know each other yet.

• Spoiler: This is a disclaimer that will warn you if a book review will reveal something about the plot or ending that you may not want to know before you start reading it. Pro tip: You especially want to keep an eye out for spoiler alerts in reviews for mystery books!

• Mary Sue: A character who is inexplicably and unrealistically perfect in every way.

• Ship: A shortened version of “relationship,” this is when you support a romantic pairing between two characters, even if the author may not have intended it, and it’s all in your head.

• Second lead syndrome: Commonly used in the Korean drama community, the second lead syndrome is when you support the secondary love interest, even though you suspect they won’t end up with the main character … or will they?

• Shelfie: This is a pic of a bookshelf that shows off a book collection or a selfie with books in the background. It’s a fun way to see how BookTokkers organize their bookshelves!

• Mood reader: A person who changes the book genres they read depending on their mood.

Bookish acronyms

Gone are the simple days when only “LOL” and “BRB” filled our AOL chats. Every year, there are more and more fun acronyms to express certain feelings or ideas. And while the following are technically bookish initialismsacronyms are specifically abbreviations formed from the first letters of a longer term or phrase, whichcan be said as its own word (think “NASA” or “NATO”)you’ll find yourself using all these in your literary circles before you know it.

• TBR: To Be Read. These days, BookTokkers, Bookstagrammers and book reviewers alike use the term TBR, meaning good books to be read. When you can’t wait for an upcoming publication date for your favorite authoror you get a book recommendation from a trusty sourcemake sure to add it to your TBR list.

• CR: Currently Reading. Once you start a new book, you can move it from your TBR list to your CR list. Many bookworms proudly display their CR book on their social media accounts.

• DNF: Did Not Finish. The DNF meaning is a useful one, and you’ll see it come up a lot in online book reviews. Life is short, and you should dedicate your precious time to finishing books you actually enjoy. Don’t like a book or aren’t a fan of the subject matter? Add it to your DNF list and release yourself from the guilt.

• MC: Main Character. No, your book club member isn’t referring to an emcee, aka master of ceremonies, when they’re talking about this kind of MC. In the book community, MC refers to the beloved protagonist of the book.

• POV: Point of View. While this one may seem a bit more obvious, POV is often used in book reviews or book discussions to refer to the narrator of the story. This is especially handy if a book has chapters that switch between the perspectives of more than one character.

• OTP: One True Pairing. You know that perfect fictional couplewhether it’s the original romantic pairing written by the author or one that fans conjured upthat makes you squeal with delight? That’s your OTP.

• M/M or F/F: Male/Male or Female/Female. This shorthand is used to describe same-sex romantic pairings. And it isn’t just limited to LGBTQ+ books. The fiction world is expanding its representation of all different kinds of love.

• FTB: Fade to Black. FTB is a fun acronym that’s getting more traction to describe scenes where the author suggests intimacy between love interests, but skips the explicit detailsor even the steamy scene altogether. It’s akin to a tame PG-13 movie rather than one that’s rated R.

• TW/CW: Trigger Warning/Content Warning. Typically used interchangeably, TW and CW are becoming more commonplace as we become more mindful of sensitive topics that may disturb some readers. You’ll see this heads-up about upsetting subject matter in the book review or a book itself, so readers can steer clear if they wish.

• HEA: Happily Ever After. While the term “happy” is rather subjective, an HEA ending is when the main character achieves what they wanted, or when they’re emotionally satisfied at the end of the book. For example, a HEA romance novel may mean the OTP get married and have adorable babies.

• HFN: Happy For Now. HFN is slightly different from HEA: It implies an optimistic outcome, but it’s more realistic than a sappy happy ending where all the conflicts are resolved and tied neatly with a bow. You’ll see HFN endings more often in the best book series to keep you coming back for more.

More great books for your TBR pile

Fun words to describe the reading experience

The following portmanteaus and book terms haven’t officially been adopted by the book communityyet. However, they’re words that describe universal reading experiences that all book lovers can relate to, and if readers can Google “TBR meaning,” we figure they’ll be open to these! After all, if Shakespeare made up words, why can’t we?

• Anticippointment: The warring feelings of anticipation of a book’s exciting climax and disappointment that the book is going to end soon.

• Book-option fatigue: The decision-fatigue you experience when facing a nearly endless option of book choices. With a long enough TBR list or a packed enough bookshelf, it can be hard to settle on what you want to read next. Check out these BookTok books that are actually worth the hype.

• Bookspressions: The expressions you make while reading, sometimes mirroring the characters’ feelings. (Let’s be honest. You totally give a slanted grin along with the love interest and crook an eyebrow when the villain does.)

• Litjock: Someone who is super enthusiastic about reading and makes it a big, wonderful part of their identity.

• Coverfished: When you get tricked into reading a lower quality book by its beautiful and enticing book cover. You’ll typically add these to your DNF list.

• Litultery: The act of committing adultery with your CR list, i.e. reading more than one book at a time. This is an especially apt term if you’re taking breaks from more challenging and highbrow classic books to indulge in an easy beach read.

• Wazthawerd: Words or names that you don’t have a clue how to pronounce or define.

• Scintisensational: A book that wakes you up to the cultures of everyday people, whether it be their home or ethnicity. Check out these books by Black authors, books by Latinx authors, Asian American books, and feminist books.

• Tears Blur-turner: A sad book that has you barely making out the blurry words through your tears, but you can’t stop reading. These books can often be recognized by teardrop stains on their pages.

• Serial reader: A lit lover with a big appetite for books who picks up a new story immediately after finishing a book. Forget downtime! Serial readers kill it when it comes to reading nonstop.

Now that you know the meaning of TBR and these other book terms, put these thrillers, sci-fi books and autobiographies on your TBR list.

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The post Your Guide to 33 Useful Book Terms and Acronyms appeared first on Reader's Digest.

The battle began at the Myrtle Beach Costco. I was steering a shopping cart with enough food to stock a doomsday bunker when I spotted a bulky bag of spinach.

We could make a salad, I suggested.

You can make a salad, Mom answered. Im not gonna have any salad.

First blood had been drawn.

Moms dinner table had always been a parade of simple Southern recipes, dishes that seem to say,Were all gonna die of heart attacks, so lets do it as a family. For a newly minted New York City slicker to return home and suggest a salad not of the macaroni persuasion, on Thanksgiving of all days, was blasphemy against God. Of course, I no longer believe in God.

It had already been a challenge for Mom to get me home for Thanksgiving. Id skipped the last four years, opting for romantic trips abroad with my boyfriend. Now, newly brokenhearted, I decided to pull a prodigal child: do the right thing and return home.

Spirit flies direct from New York, Mom texted me.

Going home feels like going backward, I thought but didnt say. The flight was turbulent enough to induce labor, but we managed to land without any change to the number of souls onboard. My entire familytwo sisters, brother, Mom, Dad and my older sisters three childrenwere in the airport lobby with a Welcome Home, Zach sign. The spectacle suggested I was returning from war; Id just forsaken my familial obligations. My mom smiled and gave me a one-handed hug, the other hand gripping my 6-year-old nieces baby doll.

I tossed my tiny bag in Dads truck and rode shotgun. We talked about the weather and city living. Meanwhile, I worried that if I mentioned my ex-boyfriend too loudly, he might drive us into a ditch. Theres a tension in Southern airthe strange bedfellows of homophobia and humidity, and the ever-present terror that the person you were might be long behind you, but they are still breathing down your neck.

On Thanksgiving morning, Mom was in the kitchen preparing cardiovascular warfare. I observed her at work with enough distance to be curious, almost ethnographic, and offered commentary on my findings.

You put sugar in the deviled eggs?!

Just a little, she said. Matter-of-fact.

You know theres already sugar in practically everything? I explained. Big Food adds sugar to keep us addicted.

Oh, is that so, she said, stirring and not changing a thing.

I carved out a corner on the counter and started to put together my simple salad. Spinach, a few tomatoes, some cheese. Id never really been in the kitchen much as a kid. Chores were gendered and uneven in our house: Women did the cooking, washed the dishes, cleaned the bathroom, kitchen and living room, and ironed clothes. Men mowed the lawn. On the TV was the Macys Parade, a fabulous Broadway musical number snuck in between the masculine Spider-Man and bro-y Hulk balloons. I watched it as I finished my three-ingredient masterpiece and asked Mom if I should put on the dressing now or later.

Yeah, put it on there, she answered. And stick it in the fridge so it stays cold.

Maybe Mom was warming up to a collaborator in her kitchen, her queer kid doing her work. She told me she loves me, something she says so often its like shes trying to convince us both.

Think youll have any? I asked.

Nah, Im not gonna have any salad.

My two nieces set the dining room table, used so infrequently that it feels like playing house. Every seat would be full this holiday thanks to my older sisters addiction to having children. My nephew and nieces, referred to as the babies, dont know me well at all, a casualty of my not visiting. A friend told me you can show up for a niece or nephew at any age, but I feel bad that were not closer.

I didnt grow up in this house, so it always feels a bit fake to think of it as home. My parents moved from Roanoke, Virginia, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during my first year of college. Generations had lived in a small circle in the Shenandoah Valley, until my entrepreneurial, adventurous mother set her sights on the shore. She built her dream (20-minutes-from-the-) beach house.

Her act of generational, geographic rebellion must have been genetic. I was living my dream too, in New York. Ever since high school, when a coach bus drove me and 40 classmates to watch the witches of Oz from the nosebleeds, I knew I wanted to live there. After a too-long tour of duty in Chicago, a cataclysmic breakup finally jettisoned me to the city of 4 a.m. bars. I was living my (sharing-a-single-bathroom-with-three-other-adult-humans) dream. If everything turned out exactly as we planned, wed be very bored gods.

When the meal was ready, everyone took their seats. Dad emerged from hibernation. He looked gentler now than I remembered, a soft, gray beard hiding his neck. He never hit us, except with zingers and Bible verses. A pastor in his past life, Dad could deliver full-length sermons at the dinner table, hellfire and brimstone as appetizer and aperitif to any meal. Today, hunger bested the Holy Spirit.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the meal. In Jesuss precious name we pray, amen.

The prayer ended, and my 10-year-old nephew outed me. Zachs eyes werent closed!

Mom shot me a stare but broke it quickly. A four-year time-out had put everyone on their best behavior. We silently agreed to try to keep things light on Turkey Day. Instead of yelling about atheism, Christianity, Trump, abortion, homosexuality, kids in cages, racism, capitalism and socialism, we passed the mac n cheese and potatoes.

None for Zach. Zachs a vegetarian, my younger sister said when the turkey made its rounds.

Our plates were filled and emptied.

Why dont we all say something were thankful for? my mom pitched.

Its a tradition wed done as children. I always sat anxiously during the game, shame and fear pulsing through my body because I knew there was only one right answer.

Jesus Christ, my youngest niece said dutifully.

I wondered if her answer would change over timeand as drastically as I hadfrom a straight, meat-eating, Christian conservative to a queer, vegetarian, atheist socialist. Would she get the space and time to dig and grow, or just pour some more sugar in the deviled eggs?

After a couple more thankful answersa few Jesuses and a gas-price joke from DadI became brave enough to share my truth.

Im thankful for Lady Gaga.

Zachary, my mom chided.

I smiled and course-corrected: Im thankful to be with my family.

Aww, she cooed.

Slices of her no-bake cheesecake and a pecan pie from Cracker Barrel, recruited in recent years to help out as the matriarch aged, were distributed. A plastic pitcher of sweet tea met its demise. Dad retreated to the recliner in his bedroom to watch football with my brother, while my sisters cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher. At 15 minutes total, the meal was more of a feeding than a sit-down dinner. Its brevity kept us from hurting each other. Family members always have the nuclear codes for each other, the precise collection of words and phrases that, when entered, cause total annihilation. Tonights short summit staved off mutually assured destruction.

I helped my sisters put the leftovers in the fridge when I saw the carnage. Drowning in buttermilk, waterboarded by ranch, wrinkled beyond recognition: my salad. I reached for the bowl to see if any of it could be salvaged, a mother not ready to say goodbye to her child, but the ingredients had already decomposed. I considered taking a bite, but dessert had left me no room.

This victory would go to my mother. Her subtle but effective smear campaign against something green on her dinner table was a success. Perhaps it was a fools battle to begin withto push against the juggernauts, the parade balloons of Tradition and Mom and Homebut I tried and failed with pride.

Mom passed behind me as I poured the aftermath into the trash.

Oh no, she said. Guess none of us are having salad.

Excerpted from Is It Hot in Here (or Am I Suffering for All Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth)?by Zach Zimmerman, published by Chronicle Books. Copyright 2023 by Zach Zimmerman.

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The post How I Survived an Awkward Family Dinner with My Humor Intact appeared first on Reader's Digest.

The novel has received abundant praise, not to mention a massive following of dedicated fans. And ever since the 2019 announcement that the beloved book will be made into a movie, fans have long been awaiting the details surrounding its film adaptation.

Now, some fresh details are finally here. And let’s just say, it was 100% worth the wait with such an incredible cast announcement.

Who will play Atlas inIt Ends With Us?

The latest confirmed It Ends With Us cast member is Brandon Sklenar, who will star as Atlas Corrigan. Atlas, Lily’s childhood friend and first love, completes the love triangle of the novel coming to life on the big screen. Previously, Sklenar starred in the Yellowstone prequel, 1923.

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A post shared by Colleen Hoover (@colleenhoover)

In an Instagram post announcing the news, Hoover expresses her excitement. “They announced Atlas! Cannot wait for this. Loving the cast so far. Feels like a dream,” she writes.

Who will play Lily in It Ends With Us?

The story plot follows protagonist Lily Bloom, who will be played by an actress who is no stranger to the big screenBlake Lively!

Of course, upon hearing this news, fans rightfully flocked to the internet to freak out with joy about this choice. Lively has been a hallmark of some of our favorite young adult shows and movies for years such as Gossip Girl, The Age of Adaline, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants films, The Shallows and countless others. Following the announcement, Lively teased fans with an Instagram story post of a new brunette lookassumed to be for the portrayal of Lily.

Colleen Hoover also took to social media to express her gratitude and excitement over the film. About Lively, Hoover gushes, “Blake Lively, y’all! She’s my dream Lily.” And we surely agree.

Who will play Ryle in It Ends With Us?

As for who will play opposite Lively as Ryle, one of Lily’s love interests throughout the story, is another fan favorite. Justin Baldoni, one of the main stars of Jane the Virgin who has also been in tons of other films and shows, will take on the role. Additionally, he will be the director and an executive producer of the film as well.

@colleenhoover

Cast announcement for #ITENDSWITHUSMOVIE @justinbaldoni #blakelively

original sound – Colleen Hoover

On the choice, Hoover says “When I first met Justin Baldoni, who is directing the film… I immediately wanted him to be Ryle. I just thought that he had what it takes to play that character.”

We can already imagine these three megastars embodying these roles, and we cannot wait for the film to drop on our screens.

When will the It Ends With Us movie be released?

As of now, there is no release date for the movie just yet. But as we can see, things for the movie are already moving quickly. And with such major stars, we’re certainly excited for whatever comes next. There’s no doubt we’ll be hearing even more details about the adaptation in the months to come.

Join the free Readers Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

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Sources:

• People: “Blake Lively Posts Sultry Dark-Haired Selfie as It’s Revealed She’ll Star in ‘It Ends with Us’

The post “It Ends With Us” Movie Adaptation Announces Who Will Star as Atlas Corrigan appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Of course, you can always join an online book club (hello, Reader’s Digest Book Club!). But if you’re looking for in-person interaction, you’re going to want to start your own. You can focus on a specific genre: Swoony romance novels? Mystery books? Fantasy books? All you need is a group of fellow readers and some good book club name ideas. (After all, you’ll want to nickname your readers to give the group text chat a good name!)

If you’re stuck on the best names to call your book club, don’t fret. Like picking a winning team name or clever trivia team name, settling on a standout book club name takes some brainstorming. To help you out, we’ve rounded up a few, ahem, novel ideas for what you can name your book club.

GetReaders DigestsRead Up newsletter for more name ideas, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.

Funny book club names

• The Book Covergirls
• Shelf Care
• The Text Best Thing
• Paperback Riders
• Read, Write and Booze
• The Bookies
• The Book Marks
• Title Fight
• One More Chapter
• Reading Between the Wines
• The Read Riding Hoods
• Prose Before Bros
• Book Besties
• Textual Tension
• Read-y or Not
• As the Book Worms
• We Like Big Books (and We Cannot Lie)
• Finale Cats
• The Epiloguers
• Sequel Chasers

Speaking of funny names, if you haven’t given your router one of these funny Wi-Fi names, what are you waiting for? It’s time to give yourself (and your neighbors) a good chuckle.

Literary-inspired book club names

• Leave It to the Prose
• Dickens Pickins
• Shakespeare, Rattle & Roll
• Simile Like You Mean It
• The Drama Club
• The Write Stuff
• The Story So Far
• Tale Waggers
• Between the Lines
• A New Chapter
• Sashay, Bront
• Wuthering Writes
• From Ayn to Zusak
• Orwell’s That Ends Well
• Awesome Austens
• The Plot Twists
• The Critical Darlings
• Literally Amazing
• The Bibliophiles
• Bucket List Books

On the hunt for more clever names? You’re in luck: We have more than 100 sweet nicknames for girlfriends, boyfriends and even BFFs, so you can take your pick. You’re guaranteed to find one to suit your No. 1.

Mystery-inspired book club names

• Sherlocked and Loaded
• True Crime Crew
• Sleuths on the Loose
• Clues Encounters
• Gumshoes and Gabbers
• Guess Whodunit
• The Detective Agency
• The P.I. Posse
• Investigation Station
• Code Breakers
• License to Thrill
• Mystery Mavens
• The Butler Did It
• Red Herrings
• Book Club Is My Alibi
• The Hunch Bunch
• The Usual Suspects
• Criminal Element
• The Covert Operatives
• Caught Read-Handed

If this list has you itching to pick up a twisty read, don’t sweat it. We have the best thrillers and cozy mysteries for you to browse.

Romance-inspired book club names

• The Bodice Rippers
• The Swooners
• Stud Finders
• Kiss and Tell Club
• The Hot Takes
• Love Letters
• Heart Beats
• The New Romantics
• Books of Love
• The Rom-Comers
• Steamy Does It
• Rated R for Reading
• Flirty Fiction
• In Search of Happily Ever After
• Books to Swipe Right On
• Heartthrob Hangout
• Book Boyfriends
• Let’s Judge a Book by Its Lover
• The Meet-Cuties
• Starry-Eyed Stories

Whether your book club has hopped on the Colleen Hoover train or prefers other romance book series, the sweet and spicy book club names above will make sure everyone knows the group is all about swoon-worthy fiction.

Fantasy-inspired book club names

• The Journey Begins
• Epic Adventurers
• Heroes, Heroines and Hangouts
• Enchanted Reads
• The Fellowship of the Reads
• The Crystal Ballers
• Broomsticks and Books
• The Book Coven
• Swords and Stories
• Game of Tomes
• Fabulous Fables
• Myth Understood
• Legendary Stories
• The Grimoire Club
• The Underworld Explorers
• Books of Lore
• Once Upon a Tome
• Flights of Fantasy
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Books
• The Magician’s Corner

Book clubs that dive into stories of far-off lands are sure to find a favorite among the names above, which were inspired by everything from classic novels (spot the riff on Lord of the Rings!) to fantasy tropes.

Book club must-haves

You’ve assembled your book club crew, sorted through our list of book club names and picked the one that suits your vibe. Now what? It’s time for the special additions that’ll make your club really rock, like matching retro-cool shirts, clip-on book lights for those late-night reading sessions and, of course, book-themed wine charms to help you and your club-mates keep track of whose pinot is whose while you chat the night away.

And with that, you’re ready to start reading! Pick a book worth discussing, give it a read, then sit back for a chat with your favorite bookworms.

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The post 100 Book Club Names So Clever, They Should Win a Pulitzer appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Make sure youre a member of the book club to be the first to hear about book giveaways. You’ll also get access to book discussions and Q&As with the author of each month’s book club pick.

Until next time, happy reading!

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Papier’s reading journals make the perfect gift for a book lover or required accessory for your book club. (Psst! Did you know Reader’s Digest has its own reader-powered Book Club? Join now!) Whether youre just getting started in the RD Book Club or diving into a BookTok recommendation, write your thoughts and keep track of the best picks with a beautiful hardcover journal.

Join the freeReaders Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

What is a reading journal?

Similar to a planner or a gratitude journal, a reading journal is a multipurpose resource for bookworms to get the most out of their books. Oftentimes, we forget what makes our favorite books so special. The Papier journal is full of prompts, reflection pages and an index. Never again strain your brain for a recommendation next time a friend asks, because your favorite picks will be right in your journal.

Before choosing a reading journala difficult task thanks to all the gorgeous options availablePapier offers a detailed peek into its contents. Inside the thoughtfully designed hardcover, you’ll find 96 double-sided pages. Thats enough space to review 32 books with four pages per title. There’s also an eight-page wish list to fill with all theaudiobooks and book series you can’t wait to get your hands on.

In addition to keeping track of recently-read books and wish list picks, the Papier reading journal also provides space to note the titles you’ve lent outand to who. Anyone looking to start a book club will also find thoughtful prompts to get the conversation going during an awkward first meeting.

The reading journal is full of clever details, including Papier’s book recommendations and a place to jot down bookstore addresses and book websites. Papier sources the journal’s sheets from Forest Steward Council (FSC)-certified forests and ships them in plastic-free packaging.

How to use a reading journal

Start by choosing your favorite design among Papier’s 30 options, then customize the journal with your name, initial or nickname. Not only will the personalization make the journal feel extra-special, but it’s also practical to keep from accidentally swapping yours with another reader’s.

Then, once youve decided which thriller novel, inspirational book or memoir to dive into, keep your Papier journal close by. Add the title to the book index, along with the author, format (handy for the Amazon Kindle e-readers), genre and start date.

And once youve closed the book for the last time, you can chronicle the experience in the reviews section. Add the best quotes and a summary. The journal makes it easy to track titles, discuss a chapter with book club questions and make sense of any mystery story.

According to Molly Park, Papiers Chief Product Officer, the reading journals are meant to encourage moments of mindfulness and reflection on your reading journey. Knowing youre nearing the end of a great read can be a bummer, but sit with the book a little longer by recording quotes and feelings in the journal. In the digital age, the act of switching off social media and getting lost in a book can do wonders for our mental health, she says.

Where to buy a reading journal

Papier offers 30 beautiful reading journals to choose from. They range between $35 to $40, but becoming the envy of your book club thanks to this must-have accessory is priceless.

Shop Now

Source:

• Molly Park, Chief Product Officer, Papier

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The post Every Book Lover Should Own A Reading Journal From Papier appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Book hangovers feel different for everyone. Do you have a hard time letting go and moving on with your day after reading sad books or feel-good books? That’s a book hangover. Are you still daydreaming about living in your favorite fictional world days after finishing the novel? Book hangover!

Of course, there’s a scientific explanation for this phenomenon, and it’s closely tied to the benefits of reading (and the importance of reading!). To find out what’s going on in our brains, we talked to two Los Angelesbased clinical psychologists: Renee Solomon, PsyD, the CEO of Forward Recovery, and Kristen Roye, PsyD, the vice president of clinical operations at Destinations for Teens. We also asked Reader’s Digest Book Club members for their tips for getting over book hangovers.

Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

OK, but are book hangovers actually real?

“Book hangover” isn’t an official term, but the experience is very real. Many avid readers report feeling a little blue after finishing a great book.

“We get very sad when a book ends,” says Solomon. “It is as though we are losing our world and the characters in it.”

Making the loss even more painful is the fact that the fictional world and its made-up characters are often better than our ho-hum reality. “Sometimes real life simply cannot match the emotions and adventures that a novel can,” says Roye. “It may take our brains some time to adjust.”

Feeling blue about the doldrums of daily life after an exciting book is kind of like a mental or emotional hangover. Maybe you feel depressed about leaving the world of a romantic beach read. Or maybe you feel numb and bored with your life after experiencing the thrill of high-speed chases and espionage in your favorite mystery or thriller.

The science of a book hangover

So, what’s the psychology behind this curious phenomenon? Well, there are a few factors at play.

You’re sad that it’s over

First things first: You might just be sad that the book is over. One minute, you’re on the edge of your seat, racing through chapters at 2 a.m. to discover whether your new friends will plummet to their deaths, solve the crime or get their happy ever after. The next, you’re staring down the day’s to-dos, and the prospect of filing your taxes doesn’t give you the same thrill. (Or any thrill.)

Ending a great book is like completing a fantastic movie or vacation. It’s normal to feel a bit blue that the good times are over.

You’re jolted back to reality

It doesn’t take sci-fi or fantasy to flee the tethers of the real world. Any book genre can offer an escape to the right reader.

“Reading allows us to enter another world,” explains Solomon. “We can also enter and leave this world as we choose, which creates a freedom that we don’t have in our real world.”

In other words, reading puts you in the driver’s seat. You can put the book down if the plot makes you tense or pick it up again if you want to escape real life for a few minutes. Losing this controland losing your new world simultaneouslymight make you feel lost and out of sorts.

You’re emotionally spent

To understand a book hangover, it helps to know what goes on in your brain when you read a great book. Why do mere words on a page make us laugh or ugly-cry, for instance?

“As we read, our brains experience what the characters are experiencing,” explains Roye. That means getting lost in the hero’s high-speed chase will make your adrenaline spike too. And if your favorite character is falling in love? “You guessed it,” she says. “Your brain will think it’s also experiencing the feelings and emotions associated with love.”

Feeling what the characters feel is what makes reading so wonderful. But getting emotionally engaged with the story can be exhausting, especially when the roller coaster ends and the characters are no longer there to fuel your mind and heart. Unless the book was read aloud, the actual humans in your life didn’t experience these highs and lows with you.

The upside of a book hangover

Book hangovers are no fun, but they’re proof that books of all kindsfiction and nonfiction, romance and suspensecan make a deep impact. They’re also a sign of emotional intelligence and a chance to flex the empathetic part of your brain.

That’s doubly true for fiction books. Roye says feeling what a character feels can help you develop greater empathy in the real world and, ultimately, become a more emotionally intelligent person.

“We can consider new thoughts and ideas that we may otherwise have written off as unimportant or too different from our own views,” she explains. That’s why diverse readsthink: books from authors who are Black, Asian, Native American, Latinx, LGBTQ+, disabled and beyondare so crucial.

Emotional intelligence doesn’t just benefit the people around you either. Solomon suggests that allowing yourself to feel the highs and lows along with your favorite characters is good practice for your own roller coaster of life.

“Reading allows us to experience our feelings on our terms in a safe environment that we enter and exit at will,” she explains. “Reading is an amazing escape.”

How do you get over a book hangover?

A book hangover, like nostalgia, is a bittersweet ache. The pining for a fictional world might last a day or several weeks. Whether you’re stuck on a great vampire book, historical fiction novel or cozy mystery, staying steeped in the feeling for a little longer is OK. But if you’re ready to let go, our experts and a handful of Reader’s Digest Book Club members have some smart advice for what to do after you finish a book.

1. Pick up a new book

“I always have another unread book ready to read to cure that previous book hangover,” says book club member Lori Ferguson. “Hair of the dog that bit you!”

Carrie Myers agrees. “I try to find another book by the same author, or a book about the same subject, to keep the feeling going,” she says.

In fact, several book club members said picking up a new book is their favorite cure for a book hangover. Research shows that reading is great for your mood and brain, so why not dive right back in?

Books that’ll sweep you up in a new adventure

2. Reread your favorite parts

Sometimes the best way to get over a book hangover is a good old-fashioned reread of your favorite passages. If you love a story so much that you can’t let it go, why not indulge your heart and revisit those beloved characters and worlds?

Books you’ll want to read again and again

3. Recommend it to others

If a story is good enough to give you a book hangover, why not spread the love and help your pals read more books? Book hangovers aren’t all bad, after all. Plus, sharing the book with a friend will allow you to rehash your favorite parts (more on that below).

“I start spreading the word on how wonderful the book was in the hope that it will still live on in my friends and family,” Rachel Harper shared with book club members. “And bonus: They want to talk about it later, and I get to relive it all over again!”

Books we recommend

4. Rehash the plot with a friend

“I like to take a few minutes to rehash the story in my mind,” says book clubber Karen Thiede Scott. “I also like to discuss the book with another reader. I like to hear their perspective.”

Reading stimulates the brain’s pleasure centers, causing the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, explains Solomon. Research shows that friendship also benefits our moods and satisfaction. Intertwining a love of reading and friendship will help you feel better during a bluesy book hangover.

Books to talk about with friends

5. Take a break from reading for a few days

Remember, a book hangover is sometimes a good thing. If a plot hits you right in the feels, it’s OK to take time to reflect on it.

That’s what book club member Cathy Vanish does. “I sometimes have to take a couple days’ break, as my brain is still kind of in that world,” she says.

And she’s not the only one who thinks letting the book settle in is helpful. “I have to take a minute (hour, day) to think about the book, say goodbye to the characters and come to grips with the fact that the people and places aren’t just carrying on in ‘space’ without me,” wrote Jennifer Wyatt.

More books to cure your reading hangover

Looking for your next great book? Read four of today’s bestselling novels in the time it takes to read one with Reader’s Digest Select Editions. And be sure to follow the Select Editions page on Facebook!

Sources:

• Renee Solomon, PsyD, CEO of Forward Recovery
• Kristen Roye, PsyD, vice president of clinical operations at Destinations for Teens
• PLOS ONE: “How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation”
• Genus: “Social relations and life satisfaction: the role of friends”

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The post Here’s Why You Get a Book Hangover—and How to Get Over It appeared first on Reader's Digest.

One teacher recently gave his hot take about the piece of children’s literature on TikTok, and it opened up the conversation about how the book demonstrates a missed opportunity in a more child-friendly message. Here’s why the book might not hold up in modern classrooms.

What is The Rainbow Fish about?

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is an award-winning 1992 children’s picture book that was so successful it spawned a series of Rainbow Fish books, an animated TV series and a short film.

The main message of the book is about sharing with others rather than being selfish. The book’s protagonist, Rainbow Fish, is a fish with beautiful scales that are unique from all the other fish. Because of his rainbow scales, he sees himself as better than the other fish around him. He is so vain he refuses to share his scales with the other fish when they ask him to. Since Rainbow Fish refuses to share, the other fish refuse to play with him. But after speaking with the wise octopus, who tells him he must share his scales with the other fish, Rainbow Fish gives one scale each to the other fish and their friendship is restored through his humility.

This popular book has been a favorite since its publication, but it may not be one of the best children’s books ever written due to a problematic theme.

Why do some teachers not like The Rainbow Fish?

Although the theme of selfishness versus sharing sounds harmless enough, there are some underlying problems some teachers are pointing out. One of these commentators is TikTok creator and grade-school teacher Mr. Vng (@teamvuong), who shared his opinion on The Rainbow Fish in a TikTok video that’s received over 114,000 views and over 16,000 likes as of publication.

@teamvuong Poor Rainbow Fish. #teachersoftiktok #teachersfollowteachers #teachertok #literacy #therainbowfish #readaloud original sound – Mr. Vng

In some ways, The Rainbow Fish could have been a children’s book about diversitythe Rainbow Fish has metallic scales that the other fish do not. Instead, as Vng points out, the message is problematic because, in giving away pieces of himself, Rainbow Fish is buying friendship. In other words, the friendship he reaches through sharing his scales is conditional.

“I think the story would’ve worked better if they just played on Rainbow Fish’s character flaw, which was that he was not humble and that he thought he was better than everybody,” Vng says in the video. “But this happens: when Rainbow Fish said ‘no’ and drew a boundary, all the other fish decided not to play with him. That made it more about how all the other fish didn’t accept him because he didn’t give up his scales, rather than them responding to his stuck-up behavior,” Vng continued.

In his interpretation of the story, Rainbow Fish receives acceptance from others because he changed himself for them. “So he got acceptance when he gave up parts of who he was. He had to change to get others to like him,” Vng said.

If you’re a teacher like Vng, it can be hard to wade through classroom material. Check out these true stories about teachers and inspiring books for teachers that will help you stay motivated to shape young minds.

What others are saying about The Rainbow Fish

In Vng’s classroom, he pointed out that he read the story to his students without sharing his opinion with them. Some of the children reached the same conclusion that he didthat Rainbow Fish has to change himself or “buy” acceptance. Other kids read it as a message of selfishness. The grade-school teacher added in his video that he loved using the book as a critical-thinking teaching experience for kids to dive deeper into theme interpretation.

Meanwhile, in Vng’s comment section of the video, many people agreed with his take on the book, while others remained firm in their beliefs that children cannot read that deeply into a story. Other teachers have said similar things about The Rainbow Fish, including a Montessori preschool teacher named Megi (@megi_learn_and_play), who shared a video on TikTok explaining why she refuses to read certain children’s books to her students.

@megi_learn_and_play In recent years, there has been a movement in early years settings to remove certain books from their collections. This is often due to concerns over the messages that these books may convey, and a desire to promote more inclusive and diverse representation in children’s literature. there is many books that have amazing stories and will stay in my shelves for years to come. #eyfs #preschoolteacher original sound – Megi | Early Years Educator

A search through TikTok and online articles reveals that others call this story “gross” if you read it literally, as the fish is “dismembering” parts of himself to be accepted, while some extreme causes take a political viewpoint in their analysis. As with many things colored by nostalgia, the story elicits differing feelings across the spectrum.

The post Here’s Why This Teacher Says the Book “Rainbow Fish” Might Be Outdated appeared first on Reader's Digest.

From #BookTok to bestseller

It’s no secret that TikTok has the power to skyrocket book sales, and that’s thanks to a sub-community called BookTok, which brings bibliophiles together virtually. Enthusiastic readers are flocking to the platform to discuss their favorite reads, find new (and old) authors, make relatable book content and launch BookTok books to bestselling famevideos with the #BookTok hashtag have racked up more than 77 billion views, according to TikTok.

“In all of my years as a bookseller, I have never seen a single social media platform move books the way TikTok continues to move books,” says Kalie Barnes-Young, inventory commercial support and senior bookseller at Barnes & Noble. “Titles that may have sold a few copies one month can suddenly balloon up the next month thanks to a successful algorithm.” Barnes-Young has also seen a rise in requests for self-published titles (particularly romance novels), some of which have been acquired by traditional publishing houses. The impact of this social platform has led to surges in book sales beyond the best books of all time, putting authors, books and series on the map and shaking up the publishing industry.

So which BookTok books have gone viral? And which are worth the hype? We’ve gathered the platform’s most trending titles, including favorite genres (hello, best fantasy novels), the most talked about authors (we see you, Colleen Hoover books) and the most compelling fiction books and nonfiction books that BookTok loves.

Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

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Thrills, chills, plot twists and whodunnits

Whether you reach for cozy mysteries, gumshoe detectives, dark psychological thrillers or criminal underworlds, you’ve probably experienced the pain of ending a mystery and craving more. That’s why we love a great series. Not only do mystery book series let us dive deep into the protagonist’s world, we also stay glued to the pages as we crack a new case each time. So if you’re looking for a great series over a standalone book, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered 10 of the best mystery book series for fans of all tastesfrom police procedurals to gritty noir.

Our choices for the best mystery book series include some of the most well-reviewed and popular cozy mysteries, true-crime books and Agatha Christie books from the past century. Many of these mystery books have developed a loyal fan base over the years, and some of the best books have even been adapted into TV shows or movies. So get ready to curl up with a massive stuck of whodunnits.

Join the free Readers Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

The post 10 Mystery Book Series That Keep Amateur Detectives Guessing appeared first on Reader's Digest.

The luck (and literature) of the Irish

You may not realize it, but you have Irish authors to thank for some truly entertaining and inspiring pieces of literature, from classic tales to modern works of fiction to some of the best books of all time. Chances are, you already know some of the more iconic writersSally Rooney, James Joyce and Tana French, to name a fewbut there’s a whole world of Irish authors out there, writing in a range of book genres.

With that in mind (and St. Patrick’s Day approaching), we’ve rounded up the best books written by Irish authors. Some are bestsellers. Some are award-winners. Some are taught in colleges across the country. And all have captivated the hearts and imaginations of readers both in and beyond Ireland. Reading these titles makes for a fun St. Patrick’s Day tradition, but they’re worth your time year-round.

Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

The post 20 Books by Irish Authors to Add to Your Reading List appeared first on Reader's Digest.

What is the Newbery Medal?

For more than a century, the John Newbery Medal has been given to authors “of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.”

Proposed by the bookseller, and later publisher, Frederic G. Melcher to the ALA in 1921, the medalnamed after an 18th-century bookseller, John Newberybegan to honor children’s books in 1922. Way back then, The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loon was the first of many to win the honor.

Since its origins, the award has been granted to some of the most memorable children’s tales of our time. Treasured stories like The Giver, Bud, Not Buddy, The Tale of Desepereaux, Dear Mr. Henshaw, Bridge to Terabithia, and dozens of others have all received the Medal.

Who won the Newbery Medal in 2023?

This year, Amina Luqman-Dawson’s Freewater has received the outstanding prize!

Luqman-Dawson’s debut fiction story follows two enslaved siblingsHomer and Adaand their journey to freedom. The pair flee from a plantation and discover a hidden swamp community known as Freewater.

Newbery 2023: Freewater, written by Amina Luqman-Dawson (JIMMY Patterson/Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) #alayma #LibLearnX23

American Library Association (@ALALibrary) January 30, 2023

The Freewater community is based on a Swamp community that was active throughout the Civil War. Known as the Great Dismal Swamp, the community helped those who were formerly enslaved find safety and community, which is reflected in the setting of Freewater.

Upon finding out about the success of the story, Luqman-Dawson said she started to cry. “The whole world is now going to know aboutFreewater and experience this story,” she stated.

Did the story win any other awards?

Not only did the story win the Newbery Medal, but Freewater also won the Coretta Scott King Award. According to ALA, the Coretta Scott King Award is “given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.”

Of the award-winning story, Luqman-Dawson has hopes it can spark conversation about history.

She goes on to say: “It’s all the more needed that we have ways of celebrating, understanding, and connecting with it [history]. I’m so pleased and so grateful that Freewater arrives at this moment.”

Join the free Readers Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

Children's Books About Diversity

Websites to Find Free Online Books for Kids

Classic Childrens Book Quotes

Sources

• ALA: “Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table”
• ALA: “John Newbery Medal”
• ALSC: “Newbery 100th Anniversary Celebration”
• Publishers Weekly: “Amina Luqman-Dawson’s Newbery Win: A Dual Celebration”
• The Washington Post: “Freewater,’ a tale of escaped enslaved people, wins Newbery Medal”

The post The 2023 Newbery Medal Winner Was Just Announced appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Must-read romance book series

One of the more unhappy things about getting to a romance novel’s happily ever after is having the compelling, swoon-worthy story come to an end. Most romance novels are stand-alones, but because the characters feel so relatable and real, the books often leave readers wanting more. Here’s a loophole: There are plenty of romance book series that build upon the original world created by the author, evolving a couple’s story or giving readers romances between side characters.

You don’t have to search far and wide for these book series either. Some of the best books in the romance genre have been expanded into an extended universe of passion-filled novels. If you’re wondering where to find romance book series, allow us to introduce a few of them. They’re guaranteed to satiate romance fans of all tastes, whether you’re devoted to enemies-to-lovers romances or second-chance stories, high-drama fiction or breezy rom-coms, contemporary gems or fantasy romance books. (And yeah, there’s even a series among Colleen Hoover’s viral books.)

Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

The post 15 Best Romance Book Series That Will Make You Swoon appeared first on Reader's Digest.

The best fantasy romance books

Enigmatic witches, ethereal fairy kings, dangerously enticing vampires and celestial beings. While romance is an entertaining book genre of its own, combining it with fantastical settings makes for even more thrilling storytellingand alluring love interests. Fantasy romance books are the perfect form of escapism, taking readers on epic journeys infused with passion and heart.

Join the free Readers Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

What are fantasy romance books?

The fantasy romance genre is steadily gaining literary respect as readers of all ages, genders and walks of life gobble it up, proving this addictive and bestselling subgenre is here to stay. While the central plot of these stories is driven by romance, fantasy elements act as exciting plot devices, providing a rich backdrop for the characters to inevitably fall in love. These stories could be high fantasy epics, set in entirely magical alternate worlds, or they could be low fantasy tales closer to the world as we know it, with fantastical elements bleeding deliciously into reality.

Either way, they absolutely raise the bar on how to be romantic. And while romance can get a bad rap for being trope-ythink forbidden lovers or enemies-to-lovers booksthe best books also add intricate world building, fully developed characters and compelling conflicts so that they feel fresh and inspiring.

That said, there are a lot of fantasy romance books out there (with similar titles and book covers at that), so it can be tricky to find the ones that truly rise above the rest in terms of originality and quality writing. That’s where this list comes in. We’ve rounded up the fantasy romance books every bookwormwhether a fan of romance novels, fantasy books or bothshould have on their bookshelf. From bestsellers to award-winners to the most-anticipated books of the year, these fantasy romance books will be sure to get your heart racing.

Looking for your next great book?Read four of todays bestselling novels in the time it takes to read one withReaders Digest Select Editions. And be sure to follow the Select Editions page on Facebook!

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Inspiring reads to better your life

The best books are more than capable of inspiring usthey have the power to ignite change. And those looking for growth have long turned to inspirational books to instill hope and strength in times of inner turmoil, improve happiness and even manage mental wellness. These motivational guides enrich lives by teaching everything from how to be happy to how to practice gratitude. They encourage readers to keep a positive attitude, establish a framework for how to set goals and ponder the purpose of life.

This list of both fiction and nonfiction books contains titles for anyone who wants to gain wisdom, find direction, build your career, begin self-reflection or just become happier. Here, you’ll find some of the best inspirational books you can read to improve various aspects of your life. We chose these titles from a wide range of genres, as well as bestsellers, critically acclaimed selections and those that have gained high ratings among thought leaders and armchair critics alike. It’s our hope that these inspirational books motivate you to find your best sense of self.

Join the free Readers Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

The post 26 Best Inspirational Books That Are Sure to Change Your Life appeared first on Reader's Digest.

We all know there’s something magical about following the stories of royaltyespecially one with such deep history as the House of Windsor. Even I find myself having a hard time not being fascinated by all the little detailslike the cake flavor Harry and Meghan chose for the wedding (how dare they not serve fruitcake!), or the true reason behind Queen Elizabeth II’s purse collection.

But, as I journeyed through Prince Harry’s memoir Spare, I can’t help but marvel at the normalcy of his life. How he secretly played countless hours of Halo as a teen, how his “stag” party before his wedding involved giant boxing gloves, how his fathernow the King of Englandshowed Harry a surprising amount of tenderness, frequently calling him “darling boy.” Our world has made such a spectacle of the royal family yet has failed to humanize their existence. No one considered how someone like Prince Harry would really feel about being labeled “the naughty one” when his teenage life sounded so abhorrently normal compared to the rest of usdespite the elite schooling and the rigorous attire, or how he felt with cameras constantly flashing in his face from the relentless “paps” he was always trying to get away from.

It’s one one of his lines, when he was forced to act in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing as a requirement to graduate from Eton, that Prince Harry writes what I found to be one of the most profound truths that the world seems to forget: “Being royal, it turned out, wasn’t all that far from being onstage. Acting was acting, no matter the context.”

So while there are certainly some jaw-dropping factoids revealed in his new bookdrugs! That costume party! His frozen todger!it was the little facts in between that had us shocked regarding Prince Harry’s life so farand how often this royal clawed desperately at trying to have a normal life.

Here’s what we learned about Prince Harry

1. For the longest time, he thought Princess Diana simply disappeared

The memoir starts on that dreadful daythe day of the passing of Diana, Princess of Wales. Harry was with his brother and father at Balmoral for a summer holiday, and it was his father who woke him up and told him the news.

As a young boy, Harry couldn’t believe that his mother could just be gone. And for the longest time, as he explains throughout his memoir, he thought she disappeared. Escaped from the press. Decided to rid of it all. It wasn’t until he told his driver to ride through Pont de l’Alma in Paris, the tunnel where Diana fatefully died in a crash, that the truth really truly hit him.

2. Harry only cried once 17 years after his mom’s death

In the early days of his mother’s passing, Harry details how he didn’t cry when he first heard the news. The only time tears streaked his face was at her burial where he wept bitter, mournful, sobbing tears.

But then, he didn’t again. Not until 2014 when his then-girlfriend Cressida Bonas asked about her did he finally cry. In the many years following, crying wasn’t something that Harry was used to, and wasn’t able to do it freely until hopping back into therapy at the start of his relationship with Meghan Markle.

3. Both princes pleaded for King Charles III to not marry Camilla

After meeting Camilla officially, both princes told their father they were OK with having Camilla in their lives because they wanted him to be happy. They came to him with one simple request: Just please don’t marry her. Just be together, Pa.

He did eventually marry her, in a small civil union in Windsor Guildhall in April 2005.

4. Harry used psychedelics as part of his therapy to treat his post-traumatic stress after the war

While I expected a majority of this memoir to be about his romance with Meghan Markle and the shocking news that they left the monarchy, I was surprised to learn that a third of the book was dedicated to his war days. So many particular details about training and battles, and his burning desire to get back on the battlefieldone of the only places he truly felt “normal” and not constantly bombarded by the press.

Like so many who come home from battle, Harry suffered from PTSD and bouts of anxiety and depression. After finally going to therapy (which was originally encouraged by “Willy,” who was worried about him), as part of his healing process, Harry admits to using psychedelics as a type of medicinal therapy, as a way to see the good in the world.

“They didn’t simply allow me to escape reality for a while, they let me redefine my reality,” he wrote. “Under the influence of these substances, I was able to let go of rigid pre-concepts, to see that there was another world that was equally real and doubly beautiful.”

5. King Charles III is painted to be surprisingly tender to Harry

Maybe because of the constant headlines we’ve seen over the years or the way King Charles is portrayed in the popular TV show The Crown, it’s always been assumed that this man was not a great father. And yet, throughout Harry’s memoir, a different tale is toldof a father that is surprisingly tender and kind to his son, who is patient and willing to listen, who constantly calls him his “darling son” and who actually cares about what is going on in his life. His gentleness and love for Meghan are especially sweet and watching him walk her down the aisle was even more inspiring to rewatch.

6. Meghan was meant to wear Diana’s tiara until the Queen asked her to wear one of hers

While a few not-so-true stories were released about Meghan and her fiasco involving the tiara she would wear on her wedding day, Harry clears the air with the true story behind it all.

Yes, Meghan was meant to wear Princess Diana’s tiara on the day of her wedding. But the Queen then invited her to her private collection, and after trying on the one she eventually wore, the Queen said, “Tiaras suit you.” Meghan and Harry were touched by that special moment with his Granny, but of course, the press evidently ruined it with a false story about how it all went down.

7. Meghan and Harry furnished their place in the early days with IKEA lamps and discount furniture

Prince Harry laid out some of the details of having to live within the financial control of his father, given he was the one who controlled the funds for their family. Later in the book, after Harry and Meghan married, Harry makes a comment about the type of furniture that the two used to furnish their cottage as he compared his IKEA lamps and discount sofa (bought through Meghan’s personal credit card) to the lavish home of his brother.

8. Prince William also believed Meghan to be difficult

There’s no denying the amount of revolting fake and horrific stories that were published about Meghan, particularly about her nature as an employer. Journalists told stories of how she was nasty to her staffers and treated them poorly, while Harry’s memoir paints the complete opposite picture.

It seems, in the telling of this particular moment in time, that Prince William also came to believe some of the lies swirling around about Meghan. One particular evening he laid it all out to Prince Harry, calling Meg difficult and rude and abrasive. This particular interaction became quite the fight, mostly on Prince William’s side, who grabbed the neck of Harry’s shirt as it ripped and knocked him to the ground.

9. While many royal family members love having good press, Harry wanted out

It felt like the entire underlying story behind this memoir was Harry’s war against the press. But it always felt like a one-sided warthe press constantly writing salacious, untrue stories about Harry and soon his wife, while Harry was told to sit down and do nothing.

What’s particularly interesting about this narrative is how his family members strived for good press, even finding themselves jealous when Harry was getting too much of it. Many times negative stories would release about the “Fab Four”Prince William, Kate Middleton, Harry and Meghanas a way to give good press to King Charles and the Queen Consort, even though they denied having any part in it.

Instead of trying to fight the onslaught of negative and false media, the memoir made it clear that the royal family was also to blame for planting particular storiesas a way to control the story instead of stopping it, to make one member sound better than the other. But Harry never once admits to trying to do the same and was always one to fight against the media’s hidden royal agenda. Just like his mum.

10. He left because of constant harassment from the pressnot because of his family

The press always made it seem that it was either the royal family’s fault, or it was Harry and Meghan’s fault when they ultimately decided to leave the monarchy. But according to “Spare,” it was neither.

“My problem has never been with the monarchy, not the concept of monarchy,” he wrote. “It’s been with the press and the sick relationship that’s evolved between it and the Palace. I love my Mother Country, and I love my family, and I always will. I just wish, at the second-darkest moment of my life, they’d both been there for me.”

The underlying theme of his memoir was how toxic the press is when it comes to the well-being of the monarchy, and how their mental health is constantly threatened with headlines that are meant to simply sell papers and make money. Yet the lies that seep into the nation start to take dark holds on the hearts of those who once loved the spiky-haired prince, making him and his wife seem like villains. It’s so abhorrently sad. And after finishing his memoir, I am grateful I had the chance to hear his side of the story.

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