Andi at Estella’s Revenge is on her honeymoon this week, so I figured why not provide her with some books that will help her to escape from reality when she returns?
Also, you might enjoy a few yourself!
And I even threw in one for the kiddos as a special treat.
So check out the post and let me know what book you think is a good escape!
Today’s post is a guest post by my fabulous sister, Deborah:
Hi! It’s me, Deborah!
Hello to all you Love At First Book Followers! I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to make a guest appearance and add a little contribution to my sister’s incredible blog.
I think the love of books runs in our family veins, as I love to read (almost) as much as my big sis. My favorite reads these days tend to be nonfiction or realistic fiction; books that give insight into the true stories of peoples’ journeys through life.
Other than reading, I love fashion and spending time soaking up the sun in beautiful South Florida. I hope you enjoy my 5 Things Friday!
As an avid reader I have tons of books around my house – on bookshelves, coffee tables, hidden in the back of a closet (oh no!). I have always loved being able to display my books out in the open as a reminder of all of the amazing stories and literature I have enjoyed so much over the years.
For this post, I found some funky ways people have chosen to display their books. Maybe these creative storage options will inspire you to turn some of the empty space in your homes into useful and beautiful literary tributes. Enjoy!
Photo Credit: Etsy & Oilfield Slang
I never would have thought that something so rough and rugged could make such a visually appealing place to display books! I absolutely love the way they add a touch of “trend” to any room.
Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy, Pinterest, Pinterest
When I think of books in a fireplace my memory always takes me back to Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – images of books being burned and knowledge destroyed forever.
However this storage idea is far from that terrible scene! Storing books in the fireplace adds an interesting twist to any living room and is most definitely a conversation starter!
Photo Credit: freshome & Search Avery Ranch
Talk about saving space! Utilizing the space under the stairs is a genius idea to proudly display those books you love so much.
I wish I had stairs in my house just so I could create a little nook for my beloved books like these!
Photo Credit: Etsy, Craftaholics Anonymous, Etsy, & Indulgy
Another trend I have fallen in love with is the “shabby chic” décor I have been seeing all over the place.
These door-inspired bookshelves are beautiful and add an element of sophisticated “shabbiness” to any chic space.
Photo Credit: Guiltless Reading & The Perfect Pair Antiques and Salon
This idea that I came across is by far the funkiest! Displaying books in an old piano is an artful way to show off your dual interests. I absolutely LOVE the creativity of crafting a new life for an old piece.
Big thanks to Rebecca at Love at First Book for having me as a guest blogger!
Read on,
Deborah
Today, I’m honored to have a fabulous guest post by Wendy @ Wensend on the blog! Not only did I learn about some Dutch-to-English words in this post, but I also laughed out loud.
Hi Love at First Bookers! My name is Wendy and I blog at Wensend. Not only am I a bookblogger, I’m also a student at Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Yes, that’s right. I’m Dutch. I use English in finding my way around the internet in the bookblogger community, but it’s not always as easy as it looks: English is not my native language and though I think I can say I’m pretty good at English I’m still lost for words sometimes.
Language isn’t as common to me as it is to most people. I’m aware of the language I use; sometimes I struggle with it, but most of the time I find it a privilege to be able to use different languages to express myself. I love books and stories, but what’s so special about them if not for the language they contain? I’m intrigued by the way people use language to communicate and tell those stories, because language can influence the way a story comes across.
Note: this chart is far from complete. This will only give you an idea about how languages have evolved
This obsession with language made me decide a few years ago to go study Languages and Cultures, so right now I’m doing a major in language development and language variation. I discovered so many things about this subject while studying: I can’t even remember not knowing about these, because they have so much influence on the way I perceive things. For example: I knew Dutch, German and English were a lot alike, but did you know these languages are from the same language family, so actually we do have some sort of great-grandfather of our languages in common? Historical linguists call that language Proto Indo European (PIE). There are even researchers who are trying to reconstruct this language from what we know of the modern languages. Awesome, right?
So, in short: English and Dutch are both PIE languages, specifically speaking West Germanic. Also, the Frisian language that’s used by people in the north of The Netherlands is actually more similar to English than it is to Dutch. But… not only have languages evolved from earlier languages. There’s been a lot of contact between languages from all over the world. In this chart for example you can spot a dotted line between French and Middle English. This indicates the influence of the French language on English after the Norman invasion. Different sources say almost 30% of English words have their origins in French.
As you might know the Dutch have been living in America for quite some time. In 1613 the first Dutch people came to America on behalf of the East India Company which was very successful in the Dutch Golden Age. They made New Amsterdam their capital on the east coast, a city that’s now well known as New York. Not only did these people bring their culture; they also brought their language. Dutch also had an influence on English because of trade and contact between Dutch/Afrikaans speakers and English speakers in South Africa. Though Dutch hasn’t had that much influence on English as French did, there still are quite a lot of words in English that have their origins in Dutch.
So English and Dutch are from the same language family, but there’s also been contact between the two modern languages. Therefore it’s very difficult to say which words in English are actually from Dutch origins, because those words could have been evolved from one and the same word in West Germanic. But fortunately there are some people who like to investigate these things. Today I’m going to try and tell you about the origins of five (or a little more) of them, not claiming I know everything about those words and that I’m 100% right, but just trying to teach you something about my language and what influence it had on yours.
As you can see you Americans aren’t superior, because you just stole your vocabulary from us. Haha, just kidding. 😉 I think it’s awesome there are so many similarities between languages, but of course there are also languages that are not Indo European or that are from a different language family, so they look absolutely nothing like English or Dutch. I love the way languages differ from each other and how you can express different things with different languages.
I hope you enjoyed reading this. I want to thank Rebecca for allowing me to guestpost on her blog and I hope you all want to visit my blog Wensend.
Gooooood morning, bloggers! Today I am over at Wensend talking about some of my favorite US bookish locations!
Go on, check it out!
Happy Monday! Reading anything good today?
Today’s post is a guest post by Jennifer @ Book-alicious Mama, about her experiences with Christmas with two young daughters, one of which is on the verge of a potential Santa discovery. Since I’ve given you a few Hanukkah posts, here’s a good balance with a Christmas one from Jennifer:
As I ran around the other day, checking my list and checking it twice, trying to get presents for my girls for Christmas – presents that will sit both under the tree and beside it – I marvel at the magic of Christmas and Christmas faith. You see with two little girls – well two little girls who are both trying to be big – two little girls who are aged 10.5 and 2.5 – we, my husband and I, are on the cusp of two Christmases. Both are filled with magic and joy. But one, B, my 2.5 year old, is just starting to believe in the magic that is Christmas. She has started to believe in the wonderment that is Santa Claus. The man, who if you will, embodies the Christmas spirit. My other daughter, E, the 10.5 year old, is most likely coming to a new stage of Christmas – the Christmas where she realizes that we all embody the spirit of Christmas. The Christmas where she realizes that Santa Claus is more than one person. He is many people and efforts rolled into one.
Now before anyone runs off and tells E that they heard she doesn’t believe, don’t! I’m 
not saying we are there yet, because we are not. My husband and I know that we will be there soon – too soon. We will be telling her shortly that Santa is the magic, love and spirit of giving to others. He is more than one person. He is the essence of Christmas. He is Christmas faith.
Santa allows children to believe in something that they cannot see and touch. In believing in that unseen figure, it’s how you have a Christmas faith that will carry you through some of your darker times. Our little family has been tested by those darker times this year. We have had to reach into the depths of our souls, into our reserves and find faith, courage and strength that we didn’t know existed, that we didn’t know we had. We, especially E, has shown courage that you read about in books. She is my hero.
So as I run around trying to create the perfect Christmas for my girls, trying to make sure I don’t forget that one gift that they want, trying to make sure that I keep the spirit of Christmas alive, I have to remind myself that the spirit of Christmas, that Christmas faith, is with us all year long. Faith is what causes us to believe when common sense tells us not to.
-Jennifer @ Book-alicious Mama
This is a sponsored guest post, on some great ideas for bookish gifts (some I already own)!
This holiday season, give the gift of reading. From bulk books and coffee table readers to fun accessories and quickly stocking stuffers, these book-related gift ideas are perfect for anyone who loves reading or just books in general.
1. The original Kindle or Nook Simple Touch (both under $100)
Several years after the debut of the e-reader, the baseline model has become incredible affordable. If your recipient doesn’t need the bells and whistles of a touch-screen that can play movies and compete with a surprising amount of the functionality of a tablet, and they just want a portable library with the easy readability of e-ink, this is the perfect gift.
2. “Just the Right Book” or any other decent book of the month subscription
This is purportedly the service that started it all. You sign your gift recipient up by entering a few books they like, and the will receive a hand-selected piece of literature in the mail every month. They can also go online and modify their preferences to change which books they receive. It’s perfect for those who love books and reading and would love to acquire a large amount of actual paper books in their home.
3. Reading chair/beanbag/ lapdesk/pillow
Reading is a physical experience, even without the tactile sensation of turning a page. The right chair, beanbag – such as the sumo beanbag pillow – pillow for the chair, or book lapdesk can facilitate a more comfortable, immersive reading environment. These options are arranged from most to least expensive, but they can all provide roughly the same effect as long as you know your recipient well.
4. Humans Of New York by Brandon Stanton
This photo-blog turned coffee table book is full of beautiful pictures of average people found walking the streets of New York City, accompanied by descriptions collected by Stanton, photographer and writer. It makes a visually stunning coffee table book and thought piece.
5. Beatles vs. Stones by John McMillian
For the rock junkie still debating the two biggest bands in the world in the 1960’s, this is the ultimate look into the facts behind their supposed rivalry. Based on interviews with insiders and analysis of everything from marketing at the time to public perception, this narrative tackles common stereotypes about the bands and paints a much more nuanced picture.
6. “Maps” by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
This children’s book takes readers on a visual trip around the world, playing to our fascination with maps and travel in an engaging way that entertains readers of all ages. Filled with exciting facts about the places and the people and cultures one would find there, it’s the perfect non-fiction piece of a child or coffee table book for a family with kids.
7. A snoody hipster typographic poster
The classic example of a book-loving hipster poster implies that people without books in their homes should not be viewed as a viable relationship partner, albeit in more colorful language. You can find hundreds of book-related posters singing the praises of the written word on sites like Etsy and in book stores, and they make great gifts for people of all ages.
8. Famous author action figures
Looking for a quirky, perhaps slightly creepy stocking stuffer for a book lover? Search no further – some of history’s most popular authors are now available in doll form, including J.R.R. Tolkien complete with the dragon from The Hobbit, Maya Angelou with a classy, patterned jacket, and a plastic, Mark Twain bobble head.
Whether you know someone who just needs a few good books, who makes reading into a transcendent experience, or who appreciates some witty book-related humor, you’ll find something perfect for this holiday gift-giving season.
image source: http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2013/11/28/music-gift-guide-books-beatles-stones/leBBrG721eJYwjvBylop2I/story.html
This is a sponsored post, about a topic I’ve been sharing with you lately: Judaism.
Although it’s not a faith that actively tries to convert people, around 10,000 individuals across the globe convert to Judaism each year. Because it’s a religion that encourages and teaches piety, self-control, kindness, sagacity, optimism, joy and honesty, many people find Judaism to be quite appealing. As a result of its appeal, can anyone convert to Judaism is a fairly common question. And the answer to that question is yes, anyone is eligible to make this conversion.
One interesting fact about Judaism is it’s technically possible for someone to adopt the practices and beliefs of this religion without officially joining. That being said, going through the official conversion process is almost universally regarded as the best option for becoming part of the Jewish faith. The conversion process has three main requirements. Those requirements are circumcision, immersion and offering a specific sacrifice in the Temple. It’s also assumed that anyone who wants to take this step will fully understand and accept the duties that are prescribed by Jewish law.
Not surprisingly, the first requirement is the one that generates the most discussion. Because it may seem a bit extreme for an adult male, branches such as Reform Judaism don’t believe that following specific rules and rituals should be a requirement to become part of this faith. Additionally, in the event that a man has already been circumcised outside of Judaism, a common practice is to use the symbolic gesture of drawing a single drop of blood.
What is the Conversion Process Like?
As touched on above, there are actually different paths that one can follow to become a member of this faith. However, there are some basic steps to take that are generally considered to be the best approach for someone who’s serious about this conversion. The first step is for an individual to really start digging into Judaism. Because situations like dating someone who’s Jewish can initiate the desire for a conversion, it’s important for a person to learn enough about this faith to decide whether or not it’s the right choice for their own life.
Although anyone can learn a whole lot about Judaism by reading up on this subject, there’s a lot to explore within this faith. That’s why the next recommended step for anyone who wants to continue on the conversion path is to find a rabbi. Spending time with a rabbi will not only allow for learning more about Judaism, but also provide an opportunity to discuss in detail why that person is thinking about joining this religion. In many cases, people don’t even realize there are any issues with their own thoughts about this decision until they actually sit down and start having an open conversation.
Once a relationship with a rabbi is established, if they agree to it, the next step in the process is for the individual to begin formally learning about Judaism under the rabbi’s supervision. Not only will this course of study cover the ins and outs of the Jewish faith, but it will also include study of Hebrew. If study materials or other items need to be purchased during this stage, it’s very easy to order them online from YourHolyLandStore.com.
After a candidate has completed their course of study, they will go in front of the Bet Din. The Bet Din is a type of religious court. Its purpose is to evaluate if an individual is ready for the conversion process. While being nervous is a normal part of this process, the Bet Din doesn’t want to trick or frustrate potential new members of the faith. Instead, they simply want to evaluate where they’re at. This court usually consists of three people, one of whom is a rabbi.
When someone is deemed ready to begin the conversion process, the previously mentioned steps of circumcision, immersion and the offering are next in line to be completed. Since we already covered the circumcision step, immersion involves literally going underwater, while the offering is commonly a donation to the poor.
In most cases, the last two steps are choosing a name and then having a public ceremony. The name that’s chosen will be Hebrew. A naming ceremony is then held that includes a blessing, followed by a public ceremony that makes the official announcement of someone’s conversion.
While this process can take a year or longer, if it’s the right fit for an individual, it’s a decision that can ultimately change their life for the better.
Joan Freeman is a professional writer and the mother of three little boys. Since silence is a writer’s best friend, she usually starts her day at four in the morning so she can get one to two hours of work done before her kids wake up.
Today I’m over at The Book Wheel in order to explain some recognizable Hanukkah symbols!
Stop by The Book Wheel to say hi and check out the symbols! Do you know what all of them mean?
Yes, that’s a picture from Hanukkah 1992. My mom looks fabulous in her flowery top and fashionable glasses. My dog needs a crazy haircut and probably not to be photographed while he’s yawning. And it’s pretty obvious that I’ll need braces in the near future. I guess my sister is the only one who gets away with looking cute in this one!
Want to see another crazy old pic of me and hear about my favorite Hanukkah memory?
Take a break from Black Friday shopping & check out my post on Book-alicious Mama!
Happy Holidays!
Venita is my mother, and on Sunday she and my dad celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary! In honor of that momentous occasion, here’s the post my mom did last year about something else she loves deeply.
My name is Venita and Saturday is my wedding anniversary. Jay & I have been married for 33 years and he is the love of my life. I could tell what I love about him, but this is a different kind of love story. This is about my love of books.
The first book I remember loving was a Little Golden Book titled Little Pee Wee. My parents 
and brothers read it to me when I was a child. It was about a teeny tiny dog named Little Pee Wee that was in the circus because he was so small. Then one day he began to grow and was the size of a regular dog and was no longer special so he had to leave the circus, I cried all the time at this part. As miracles would happen, Little Pee Wee kept on growing and growing and growing and before too long, he really wasn’t Little Pee Wee any longer. He returned to the circus and everyone was happy. The End. I wish I had that book now. Every once in a while I try to find a copy, but I haven’t located one yet. OMG! I just looked online and found it through Amazon. In 7 – 14 days I will have my own copy again!
I vividly remember watching the movie version of Fahrenheit 451 whenever it played on TV back in the 60’s. I was obsessed by a society that secretly carried on the books within their collective memories to future generations. I am ashamed to say that I never have read this wonderful book. I guess I will be reading it right after Little Pee Wee.
I didn’t start out being a reader. Right from the start of first grade, I was a very slow reader and was put in “that group” in school. Reading was not a very pleasant activity for me. I was encouraged to read by my parents, and did read some books for pleasure, but it really didn’t click until college when I realized I wasn’t such a bad reader after all. And then I started to really read for pleasure and knew that books were my friends. This is when my love affair with books began in earnest!
I love the feeling I get when I walk into a bookstore or library. I love the feeling of being surrounded by words yet unread by me. I love the potential of what I will learn. I love the smell of brand new books and the smell of much loved books. I love that books are waiting patiently for me to grab hold and love them. I love the feel of hard covers, dust jackets, and paperbacks. I love the bookshelves crammed tight. I love the treasures I might find hidden. I love that, when I walk into a bookstore, I am greeted by an old friend who does not judge me, but accepts me as I am and welcomes me back every time with open arms, I mean pages.
What is your love story with books?
You can count on me,
rscaglione.wordpress.com 