Library Loot — All E!

Lately my e-book borrowing has exploded. I blame it on Cracked.

Remember when Oprah Winfrey gave away cars on her TV show? So do Karl Smallwood and Mohammed Shariff, who wrote the article "5 Depressing Realities Behind Reality Shows." They link to the page in Kitty Kelley's biography Oprah in which Oprah is quoted.

That got me thinking: when was the last time I read unadulterated junk food? Kitty Kelley counted. So I borrowed.

I managed to read about 20 percent of the book before I had to stop. I didn't think it was very good; I've read better Kitty Kelley. Also, a little Oprah goes a long way.


I also found the most recent edition of one of my favorite tourism books: Washington on Foot. I love walking, and walking tours are fun and leisurely.

Kitty didn't quell my Fluff 'n Trash™ craving. I still was cruising libraries and used book stores for Notorious Nineteen. I missed it at the nearby regional library yet again before I realized I could see if I could get in line electronically. I can, and I did.

However, while I wait, I am reading one of the most exquisite books: Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar. I discovered it thanks to Brain Pickings (which you simply must subscribe to — and consider supporting). I have to limit the amount of time I spend reading at night or I won't sleep. Ever. Author Cheryl Strayed is a compassionate person and a generous writer. I'll tell you more about it after I've finished it. In the meantime, I'm grateful my library had it for me to download.

Another great thing about Brain Pickings? Every book available from the public library includes the parenthetical description "(public library)." Sweet.

I have requested a few other books, print and e-, from my library. I'll keep you abreast as they come in and I consume them.

What have you borrowed from your library lately? I'm curious!

Book Festivals Bring Authors, Illustrators to the Readers

If you're in the metropolitan Washington area, or if you want to take a trip to the nation's capitol, consider the two biggest book festivals of the year.

National Book Festival features 100 authors and illustrators that gather on the National Mall for two days of book-love.

This year, the festival will be held September 22-23 and this year features Avi, Jewel, Lois Lowry, Donna Britt, Walter Issacson and Charlaine Harris and dozens of others. Click here for information.

If you want a chuckle with your guidance, read this Washington Post article, "Everything you always wanted to know about the National Book Festival (but were afraid to ask)."

Fall for the Book will be held September 26-30 at George Mason University, the City of Fairfax and throughout the metropolitan Washington region. Scheduled authors include Neil Gaiman, Michael Chabon and Alice Walker and dozens of others. Click here for information.

What festivals are in your area? How do you get ready for them? Share your ideas and information.