Is there a genre called lite literature? I apply the name to novels that offer escapism while exploring somewhat serious issues. They are well-written, usually historical, always engaging. Novels by Fiona Davis fit the name, examples being The Lions of Fifth Avenue (2020) and The Magnolia Palace (2022), both set in New York City, both […]
WORLD BOOK DAY 2022
Padmasree Warrior, founder of Fable, a platform for reading and online book clubs, notes “there is now growing evidence to support what I intuitively understood – reading is a powerful tool to improve mental wellness.” I’m confident reading — though not doom-scrolling — helped many of us stay sane during the years of pandemic restrictions. […]
WORLD BOOK DAY 2021
“Reading — the best state yet to keep absolute loneliness at bay.” William Styron (1925-2006) Reading for pleasure also helps to decrease stress and increase empathy. Each year on April 23rd, international celebrations acknowledge the power of books — and Sunset Years recommends titles for your enjoyment. FICTION City of Thieves (2008) by David Benioff takes […]
WORLD BOOK DAY 2020
Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” Mason Cooley (1927-2002) Although decades old, Cooley’s aphorism seems especially relevant during this time of sheltering in place. The occasion’s ripe to renew our interest in books or, if we’re already avid readers, to devote more hours in a day to […]
MY LOVE AFFAIR — WITH BOOKS
Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people – people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.” E.B. White (1899-1985) On the 24th edition of World Book Day, April 23, 2019, I choose to write about a favourite pastime: reading. Although I […]