Archive | January 2026

Bookish Fast 5: Emotional Triggers

Jan20

I am currently in my hurt/comfort/grovel era of romance books.. Currently, the author I’ve been reading and re-reading is Maya Alden. Sometimes I have to walk sideways into her books. They can be very emotional. Sometimes I skip them entirely.

Ienn Bullard is another author who I read that hurts my feelings on purpose. She, as well as Alden, is very vocal about telling the reader that our mental health matters more than page reads for them. Here’s his w they protect us from walking into a reading situation that might affect that me tap health

  1. Social Media. Jenn is vocal on when her books might push a person over the edge. Her Unhinged-verse is extremely unhinged. Based on the trigger warnings, I skipped the last book. I just couldn’t.
  2. Most authors now have Trigger Warnings listed at the beginning of the book. Make sure you read them. You may need to check on their website, some authors tell readers at start of book to go to website for full list of triggers– I firmly believe this is a copout. If you’re
  3. Newsletters. Sometimes, like with Alden, in the newsletter they mention not only trigger warnings, but include an excerpt that will give you an idea of what goes on around the trigger. The feel of the book, if you will.
  4. In book warnings. I am reading Maya Alden’s newest Wildflower Canyon book, and just came to the end of a chapter. Instead of the next chapter, there is a page detailing the trigger warning. It tells the reader to either skip the chapter, or close the book, because our mental health matters.
  5. The last line of defense for readers is our brethren. Check out the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads or wherever you go to get info on books.

Authors– please keep your reader in mind. While it may be necessary for the story, some things should never be thrown on a reader without knowledge before hand.

Readers- take care of yourself. I’m still staring at that chapter break for the trigger warning, deciding if I should continue on. I probably will. It’s not on page, is being talked of in the past.

But it is my decision, as the reader, whether or not to read it thanks to an author taking care of her readers.

Fast Five: Your Reading Jornal

Jan14

When I go on YouTube and watch Reading Jornal videos,  sometimes I get inspired. Other times I think to myself “That is never going to be me.” Artistic, intricate and beautiful. Works of art. Some print the covers of the books they’ve read, others draw books on shelves and write the titles in.

There are the store bought reading journals, that come with pre-drawn bookshelves, places for book reviews and TBRs and Book Club reads. They end up both too much and not enough. Too many things I won’t use– if I write a book review, it’s almost always broad strokes before I write it here, good reads and/or Amazon. I don’t do it for every book. I read too much for that LOL. Book club? No, thank you. And the book shelves? Never enough space for all the titles I read.

So if it isn’t a one size fits all– how do you go about making a Reading Journal that you’ll enjoy? That you’ll use and get joy from it?

  1. Decide what type of .journal you want. This goes beyond pre-made or self made. If you’re making it yourself, what kind of notebook/journal do you want? Spiral notebook? Composition book? Journal? For me, I use a Big sized Happy Planner notebook. I like being able to take paper in and out, and the paper is heavy enough I can write on it with felt tip markers and it not bleed through.
  2. Think about what you want in it. For the list of books I’ve read, I’m perfectly ok with just a list. It’s numbered, with the title and date finished on it. I made a bookshelf with washi tape and hand drawn books  only for my 5 star reads. Some people want space for book reviews. Do you want multiple bingo cards or just one?
  3. Play around with it. There’s no right or wrong way to make your journal. Play with the format. Have fun. One of my bff’s (and family member) is trying to figure out how to make stickers scratch n sniff
  4. Whether you like stickers, making your own artful pages or prefer tables and graphs to art, make sure it appeals to you. You are the one who has to make it and use it. Chances are, you’ll use it more if you enjoy it. I have a page that is a pretty pink scrapbook paper covered in romance book trope & smutty book stickers. I love it.
  5. Have fun. Relax. Experiment. This isn’t a YouTube tutorial. It’s a hobby that should make you feel good. It should help you relax, give you a little joy.  If it’s your first one, don’t worry if you don’t use all the pages you made. It just let you know what you can leave out next year.

I hope you give making your own Reading Journal a go.

If you already have one, what are some of your favorite pages in it? I’ve  got room to add!

Fast Five: Why Non-Readers Need Libraries

Jan3

As a reader it’s no shock that the first thing I scope out when moving (after groceries and gas) is the library. It is a great community resource even for non readers.  Here’s your Fast Five for why Non-Readers should be going to the library.

  1. Kids & Teen programs. Libraries have several kids programs, from story time to arts. Some even have service dogs that will sit and listen to a child read aloud. Most also do things for teens, including homework help, crafts and more.
  2. Access to technology. Can’t afford a computer, a new printer or WiFi? You can afford a library card, which is generally free to locals. There may be a nominal fee for the printer, but the computer use is free.
  3. Meeting other adults– my local library has a craft day for grown ups. This Friday, I’m going to attend a Murder Mystery party. They are supposed to also be starting a meet time for adults to come in (kinda like a grown up play date with no safety issues and no booze).
  4. Services & Classes. Mine has a notary for a small fee. They will also proctor exams. What services does your have? They may also have classes on things like: using the computer, coding, gardening, caring for elderly family members. I have seen all of the above at a library. For free.
  5. Other things (non books) to check out. Almost everyone knows about DVDs and CDs. My local library also checks out STEAM kits for kids, puzzles, telescopes, fishing poles and binoculars.

While libraries are great for books and magazines, what they are the very best at? Being the center of the community.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably a reader. What other things does your local library offer that surprised you? It shocked me to learn mine has telescopes and fishing poles 😀

Also, make sure your non-reading family and friends know the services that are available to them.

Here’s to keeping the Libraries open and thriving in 2026!!!!