Happy Friday Links

12-29-23

Hi readers,

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and spent time doing the things that fill your soul, along with lots of time to read. I’m working on my best reading month EVER, with fifteen books read as of today, and I’m hoping to finish another couple before Monday.

What a year this has been! It’s almost over, and I can’t believe how fast time flies. Two years ago, when I started counting tax season deadlines until retirement, I thought it would take forever, but looking back on it now, it seems like it was yesterday. I think it’s important to look backward and forward, and I’ll share more about this reflection in a couple of weeks. Today, I’ve got some links for you to read this weekend.

• What have you learned about libraries this year?

  Andrea Bass
  writes Literary Merit and tells us eighteen things she’s learned about libraries and why she loves them so much.

• There are many different perspectives on banning books, and I stand firmly on the dislike of book bans for so many reasons. This article looks at librarians who are speaking out against increasing book banning.

• I’ve always loved a house with a porch, be it an old Antebellum house, a Craftsman house in an older neighborhood, or a new house with a porch. This New York Times article (gift link) is an ode to front porches and the memories they hold in the people who loved their front porch.

• BookRiot is sharing the top book trends to watch for in 2024.

• I’m fascinated with stories about things I’ve never given a second thought to. This Washington Post article (gift link) dives into what happens with the items that are returned to Amazon and big box stores. People line up and wait for “bin” stores to open for a chance at a huge bargain. Who knew?

• If you’ve been here more than a minute, you all know how much I love Libby for e-books. For audiobook listeners, Libby is the way to listen to all the audiobooks you want for free. This article gives you tips and tricks for audiobook listening on Libby.

• My introverted self doesn’t care much for parties or partying, but if all parties were like this kind, I’d reconsider in a heartbeat.

• If you love history and love to travel, this Daily Passport article lists the best State Capitol buildings to visit. While you are checking out the State Capitols, be sure to check out the independent bookstores in the area and be on the lookout for Carnegie libraries you can visit while you are there. Even if you don’t go visiting State Capitol buildings, the independent bookstore and Carnegie Library links work to find these across the US.

• Everything you never knew you wanted to know about a food tour, enjoy! Just google “food tours” for your city to get started on a fun adventure.

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Tell me about your holiday—any bookish moments or gifts you can’t wait to share with others? What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? Do you do anything special or fun? Are there any last-minute books you are trying to finish before 2024? You can tell me about it in the comments below.

I’ve been working on what SoNovelicious will look like in the coming year, and I have a few fun ideas of new bookish goodness to share. Bookish creators and authors, keep your eyes open for a “call for subscriber writing" coming up soon. I enjoy getting to know other bookish creators and taking a “peek” into their reading lives. I’ll be back next week with a look at new books for January 2024.

I’m excited about what the new year holds and can’t wait to share it with others. I hope you have a wonderful time ringing in the New Year that will be filled with fun, family, activities, and, of course, lots of reading. Happy reading!