Stuff About Books & Associated Entities

By Caitlin White
@caitforestell

It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since Shannon Hale released her Newbery Honor-winning Princess Academy, starring the whip smart, determined princess-in-training Miri. Hot on the heels of the anniversary, Hale returned to the Princess Academy universe with the third book of the series, The Forgotten Sisters, where the tables have turned and now Miri is tasked with training the next generation of potential princesses. But if you haven’t read these books, don’t get the wrong idea about princesses. These girls are crackerjacks, and as Miri will come to find out, some are a bit more rough and tumble than the palace is used to. [Read more here]

7 Reasons You Should Never Date Someone Who Doesn’t Read Books
By Emma Lord
@emmamariemusic
Nose pickers. Drug hustlers. Friends haters. Every character ever played by Adam Sandler. Oh heyyyy, Bustle reader, didn’t see you there. I was just busy casually listing all of the humans I’d sooner date than someone who doesn’t read books. As you can imagine, the list is so sizable that inanimate objects have made it because, although I have yet to test this theory, I’m pretty sure I would have a more fulfilling relationship with a doorknob than a person who doesn’t own a bookshelf (note: I am indeed single). [Read More]

100-Year-Old Theatre Converted Into Stunning Bookstore
by Rūta Grašytė

Tucked away in Barrio Norte, Buenos Aires is a beautiful bookshop called El Ateneo Grand Splendid. It is built within the almost 100-year-old Grand Splendid Theater, which opened in 1919. The theatre was later converted into a cinema and eventually, in 2000, it was converted into the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop, which currently welcomes over one million visitors each year.

The stunning building was originally designed by architects Peró and Torres Armengol, then later converted from a cinema into a bookshop by architect Fernando Manzone, who retained many parts of the theatre, including the stage, the balconies, the incredible architectural details and even the red curtains. In 2008 El Ateneo Grand Splendid was named the second most beautiful bookshop in the world by The Guardian, and that’s no surprise considering it’s elaborate décor and classic 1920’s theater feel. [Read More]

Too funny, too true. Had to share as I work from home as a writer …

12 Things Only Work-From-Home Writers Understand
Rachel Kolman
@bestthingaround

Let’s be real: being a full-time writer can be a lonely gig. It’s a lot of long hours staring at a screen and spending more time inside your own head than a therapist would. Writing is a completely individual creative endeavor, where you can be lost in your own little world for hours. And for those that are lucky enough to pay their bills with writing, your “typical” work day is anything but normal. You start at weird hours and might work for 12 hours one day and for two the next. Plus, the lack of coworkers can make you a little stir-crazy. (I suggest a cat. She’s great for inspiring new ideas, like that mid-afternoon nap you two took. Brilliant.)

Don’t get me wrong, wannabe work-from-home writers: it’s lovely to create your own schedule (plus, working from home tends to increase productivity), to not have to count down the hours left in your workday, and to be paid for your ability to write down words and thoughts. But your days can get a little… strange. These 12 things below will show you what I mean [Read More]

Yeah … I want one … or two …

Turn an Underused Closet into an Adorable Reading Nook 

Two questions for our readers today: Number one, do you like to curl up and read in a comfy space? And two, do you have a closet you aren’t using or really don’t need? For many homeowners, the answer is an affirmative “Oh yes” to both of these questions, and we have a wonderful DIY project that’ll both use your closet to its maximum potential and give you an adorable spot to sit down and catch up on some reading.

It’s called the “closet reading nook,” and it’s been popping up all over the DIY blogs over the past few years.

What the nook consists of will partly be up to your willingness and/or need to add certain things due to the size and shape of your closet, as well as your construction skills and ambition, but there are a few essential steps that will turn any closet into a wonderful little nook for learning and relaxation.

1. Size up your closet. This is important in two ways: first, you need the literal size of the closet, as this determines what you can fit in the thing! Second, you need to figuratively “size it up,” because some closets will transform into nooks much easier, while others might not be worth the trouble. See what’s in the closet in terms of things that are nailed, screwed or otherwise built-in to the area, and decide what you want to keep as well as what you have space to keep when a sitting area and room for books is added. If there’s a lot to remove such as built-in cabinets as well as shelves, you might want to try another closet (unless you’re confident in your construction skills).

2. Take the contents of your closet out. This might simply mean removing items, but most closets will have clothes hanger rods or even shelves or other obstructions as well. Most such things can be removed with hammers, screwdrivers and/or drills, and if you have any questions about how to remove a certain installation, Google should point you in the right direction quickly.

[Read More because there are more steps and ideas!]