If you asked most people who the best-selling poet in the United States is, not many would think it was a Muslim scholar born over 800 years ago. And yet, Rumi's timeless poetry is beloved by so many the world over. But who is this mysterious poet, who writes such moving and lyrical words that speak directly to the reader. Read on for my short bio of the most romantic poet who has ever lived...   A portrait of Rumi - poet, mystic, teacher, scholar   Rumi had an itinerant childhood. His father was a prominent preacher and jurist. Rumi was born in Wakhsh, now modern-day Tajikistan. The family moved from Rumi's birthplace at the arrival of the invading Mongols...

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One of the best ways to feel more immersed in a culture before you travel is to read about it! Go beyond the blogs, Google reviews and travel influencers with fiction classics that are truly “transportive”. Delving into another culture through literature is a great way to connect with the place you are visiting, beyond the typical tourist trail. Here are a few of my favourite picks to inspire you for your next big trip!   ….Japan   Murakami is probably Japan's biggest literary export, his book having been widely translated and even made into movies. His books can be complex, even difficult at times. Reading a Murakami book for the first time could even be likened to being in...

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  With Amazon and other cheap online retailers selling books at bargain prices, physical bookshops are a dying breed. But there is nothing more special than spending some time quietly browsing the shelves of a bookstore, discovering new authors and titles, and generally soaking up the wonderful atmosphere these special shops have. Some of the bookstores on our list have actually become tourist destinations, due to their unique locations! But if you have the chance to visit any of these beautiful stores, don’t hesitate to show your appreciation by buying a book as well - what could be a more wonderful souvenir of great holiday?   Here are some of my favourite bookstores around the world…   1…for amazing architecture...

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The second best thing to reading? Listening to book podcasts! Whether you're always looking for more books to add to your to-read list or want a deep dive into the world of literature, podcasts are the perfect way to stay connected to the literary world and explore new authors, books, and ideas. So without further ado, let's dive in and explore the 6 best podcasts for bookworms!   1. NPR's Book of the Day   This podcast is great for those who have short attention spans (episodes are between 7 and 15 minutes long), or who just want some snappy recommendations for their next read. They talk about titles across all genres, so there’s something for everyone. This includes YA...

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If you love books, then its a guarantee that a lot of your time will be outside of actual reading will be spent reading book reviews, buying books, talking about books with fellow book-worms…so what are the best apps to do this?   Read on for my favourite apps that will connect you with fellow readers and your next great page-turner!   For bookworms….   …Who love to track their reading   Goodreads Cost: Free Goodreads is the OG bookworm app. As well as a great place to keep track of what you’re reading, it can also help you connect with others who have the same taste in books as you do. You can also “follow” your favourites authors, and...

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While it’s always exciting when your favourite book gets made into a film, a TV is even better - usually at least 3 times as long, so it is more likely that they won’t cut up the book and omit important bits!   Here are my favourite book-to-TV picks - maybe some of your favourites are here, and maybe some new ones too.     Sanditon by Jane Austen Year: 2019-2023     Whilst everyone has seen the BBC miniseries of Pride & Prejudice, did you know Jane’s last unfinished novel was recently made into a TV show? Granted, since she didn’t finish it before she died, there is a hefty amount of story embellishment in order to fill a...

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As the writer once said, “Books really do furnish a room”. Bookshelves are a great way to show off your personality and tell visitors a little bit about who you are. But there is an art to styling bookshelves in a way that is both practical as well as pleasing to the eye. Shelves can be a way not only of storing your book collection but also to show off your favourite objects and ornaments. Whether you are a minimalist who prefers as few items of clutter as possible, or a maximalist who loves to collects trinkets, your bookshelves can tell a story to whomever walks in the door. And most importantly, it will make you smile every time you...

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1./ You’ve Got Mail (1998) While the premise might be about two people who fall in love over the early days of email, the other love story is about books. Based on the 1940 movie Shop Around the Corner, Meg Ryan runs a children’s bookstore that she inherited from her mother. It is everything you could want from a bookshop - cozy and inviting, filled with fairy lights, employees who love books…it is really the ideal independent bookshop. Meanwhile, she has no idea her email pen-pal is the director of Fox Books, the big-box store bookshop that is going to squash her little bookshop into the dust. If you haven’t seen it, don’t worry - it all works out in the end....

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Choosing a baby name can feel like an impossible task. It has to be unique, yet not so unique that it is unpronounceable or will make your child an object of ridicule in school. Names rise and fall in popularity, most usually a particular celebrity or tv show is dominating the headlines. One inspiration for naming your baby could be classic literature. Many of these names perfectly skirt the line between memorable and classic. Whilst they may not sound as modern or unique as the current trendy baby names, you can be sure that they will stand the test of time.   Anaïs Literary Inspiration: The French-Cuban Writer Anaïs Nin. French, pronounced Ah-nai-eece. Whilst it doesn’t have the easiest pronunciation,...

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The name “Lucy Maud Montgomery” might not ring any bells for you, but everyone knows Anne of Green Gables - the beloved books and equally beloved tv series that came after.  But her creator had an interesting and varied life as well - with a lot of parallels to Anne’s.   Read on for a short biography of Canada’s most famous writer.   Young Lucy Lucy was born on Prince Edward Island in 1874. Her mother died when she was 21 months old, at which point she began living with her maternal grandparents. Her early years were solitary. She spent much time alone, creating imaginary friends for herself. This imaginary world was clearly what sparked her creativity. She kept a...

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