"Two wrongs may not make a right but a thousand wrongs make a writer.”

Friday, May 1, 2026

IF OUR BOOKSHELVES COULD TALK

Poets and Storytellers suggests we take inspiration today from our bookshelves. I've expanded that to include not only my own bookshelf (and a stack of 'recently read') but others who have inspired me in the past. There's no place I'd rather be than in a crowded bookstore.  And what would a good book be without a good bookmark?

Inscribe Books


The Book Loft, Columbus, OH


The bookmarks the publisher just sent me and my wobbly, overcrowded shelf.


Today I found inspiration in another writer's words. To quote a fellow author with Unsolicited Press: "Reading is the best way to build empathy and understanding, but only 27% of Americans read between one and four books last year. Reading enhances brain activity, memory and cognitive function. It can also lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. But perhaps even more importantly, it gives you the tools you need to be less of an asshole."
    - Josh Rankin

 I think we can all use a bit of that.

16 comments:

shaun/tenzenmen said...

Lovely quote. I see where you got the idea from now. 👍

Rosemary Nissen-Wade said...

Right on!

Penelope Notes said...

A great quote! Empathy! It's true that the best way to walk in another man's shoes is through a book.

Helen said...

Love the images you shared, the words of wisdom as well! My book club takes a summer break July - August. I miss the discussion, the varying opinions during the break ... however, I choose my own books to read those months which brings another kind of satisfaction.

Anthony Duce said...

Like the Quote...

rallentanda said...

Ha Ha ...well said.

Yvonne Osborne said...

Thanks Shaun. Yes, that quote stayed with me....so true. Thanks!

Yvonne Osborne said...

Hi Rosemary, Thanks!!

Yvonne Osborne said...

Thanks for commenting. Good fiction creates empathy.

Yvonne Osborne said...

Thanks Helen! I have a sister's bookclub! Unfortunately we live too far apart to get together very often. What's your book club like? What do they like to read? Keep me in mind!!

Yvonne Osborne said...

Thanks Tony. I thought it was worth sharing.

Marja said...

The book loft looks great I do love to hang out in bookshops and sheds as well and I love that quote

Yvonne Osborne said...

Thanks Shaun!!

Yvonne Osborne said...

The Book Loft is the largest bookstore in Columbus, I think the biggest in all of Ohio. It's a destination in itself. Rooms upon rooms upon rooms. One could get lost!

purplepeninportland.com said...

Great quote. In New York, we have The Strand, which you can easily get lost in, with its collection of new, old, and even publisher's copies. In Portland, we had Powell's, with beautiful separate rooms for collections.

Yvonne Osborne said...

I've heard of The Strand, and of course Powell's. I was fortunate to visit that one a few years ago when I was in Portland.