A study authored by the president of  Central Connecticut State University has found Washington DC to be the most literate of cities in the US with populations over 250,000. Click here to see where your city falls in the ranking.

This video is very fun! The Joy of Books

I know that I am easily amused but I really found this entertaining. Not to mention a good message. http://www.drawastickman.com/

For years I have received a daily inspirational piece called the Daily Om.  Last month I received one on the subject of reading. I particularly liked it and want to share it. http://bit.ly/aRk0ed

As of this last holiday season, I am the  owner of an eReader.  Although I never really coveted one, I have been curious about them.

By nature I am a tactile person. Where books are concerned I definitely have my favorite feel…6″ x 9″ trade book with matte lamination. So holding something thin and cold in my hands didn’t appeal to me.

But wanting to be hip to the times and knowing that women in my Book Club for whom I have great respect, use their eReaders, I thought I would try it.  So I downloaded a sample of three chapters for our February title. And sure enough, I liked reading from it.

I won’t read all books on my eReader. That I know. I will still buy physical books. I will still borrow books from my library. I will still listen to audio books as I travel in my car.

The conclusion I’ve drawn is I can use them all!  One can embrace new technology while holding on to tradition. Choice is a good thing.

Vive la choice!

 http://bit.ly/prQG4M

Years ago at a trade show in Chicago, I had the pleasure of meeting Victoria Sutherland owner/publisher of ForeWord Reviews. On her exhibit table she displayed the yummiest treat – sour cherry patches. Now I’m not much of a candy or sweets fan but I honestly proceeded to spend an inordinate amount of time hovering around the table to grab a few of the delicious morsels, and thus began my near addiction.

Come to find out, Victoria was from the Cherry Republic Sutherland family of Glen Arbor, MI. Since that time in Chicago, I have delighted in receiving and gifting sour patches. They weren’t so easy to come by however. Until recently, I had to depend on my husband to bring them back from one of his annual golf excursions up North. Or order them online or through the CR catalog. Last summer I thought I had hit the mother lode when my daughter’s friend scored a summer job at Cherry Republic Café . The great news is that now there actually is a store on Main Street in Ann Arbor! I can get sour patches anytime I want! Woo hoo!

Crain’s Detroit Business recently featured a story about the Cherry Republic growing empire. Click on the hyperlink to learn more. And try the sour cherry patches. I highly recommend them!

Those of us with a penchant for books and reading will be salivating as we tour the libraries of these 20 celebrities.

Last weekend I picked up a copy of It’s a Book at my local Borders bookstore. Written by Lane Smith, this delightful picture book slants in favor of the printed book even though it can not be scrolled, blogged, texted, tweeted, charged and does not come with a mouse, password or screen name.

As Borders goes through the liquidation process, it somehow seems appropriate that It’s a Book may well be the last purchase I make from the store. And although I embrace technology and love the newest gadgets, I know I will always be in love with books – the feel, the smell, the ability they hold to transport me to another place…

Being from Ann Arbor and having perused titles in the original Borders bookstore, I remain loyal and yes, nostalgic about the company. I will miss them. 

Vive la book!

Congratulations to Blood Moon Productions for receiving the Grand Prize in the Beach Book Festival 2011 for Damn You Scarlett O’Hara.