February is recognized as Black History Month, but it is important to remember that Black history IS American history. Our culture is founded on Black culture and customs, and recognizing these influences and learning from these stories should be done every month, not just in February. If you’re looking for new books to add to […]
Reads to See You Through the Holidays
We say it every year, “I can’t believe the holidays are here.” Although it seems like we were just making it through the summer, once it the temperatures start dropping and the sun is setting around 4PM, we have the general desire to cocoon or hibernate. For many, finding ways around SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) […]
Hispanic Heritage Month and The Books that Taught Me Más
Growing up in a Latino household, Hispanic Heritage Month was not something we celebrated mainly because it was just our way of life. Merengue and cumbia on blast most Saturday mornings while my mother cleaned the apartment and Sunday dinners that turned into political discourses were the norm. It wasn’t until I got to college […]
Better than the Book: Movies that Take the Lead
Time and time again, you’ve engaged in this conversation several times – the book is better than the movie, case closed and end of discussion. What happens if that’s not the case and in those minor instances where the film is actually (hate to say it) better than the book, how does one relent to this […]
Not Your Average Page Turners: 5 Great Books You May Have Missed
Written by Gabrielle Collantes Tuesdays in the literary world are particularly special since it’s considered a “book’s birthday.” In other words, it’s when a book is introduced to the shelves. A momentous time for any respective author, with the hopes to make it onto any of the countless “Top Seller’s Lists,” to be featured on […]
LGBTQ+ Literature: 5 books by queer authors to read this year
Written by Gabrielle Collantes As most of us know, June is Pride Month and with that comes the annual surge of rainbow flags, historic highlights, parades, and numerous companies changing their logos in support of the LGBTQ+ community. I’m fortunate to have lived and worked in the #1 most diverse city in the country; my “gaydar” at one point was well refined. Thankfully, my alma mater […]
Being a Basic Broad with Books
Written by Gabrielle Collantes Reading is a deeply personal experience, often times when people ask me for book recommendations it’s based off my preferences and in turn I ask, “What are you into?” There’s a 50/50 chance they’ll enjoy it – different strokes for different folks. But oftentimes, we don’t give enough thought into the […]
5 books for people who love random facts
Ever since I was younger, I always enjoyed walking through Barnes & Noble to find books with trivia, random facts, and hypothetical situations. One of my favorite trivia books growing up was actually The Encyclopedia of Everything Nasty by Joy Masoff, completely filled with gross facts about snot, maggots, pus, and more. Definitely weird, but […]
8 young children’s books we love
Reading with children is a great way to spend quality time while encouraging them to learn about different experiences, cultures, and developmental skills. Plumster Bunnyby Craig Howard About: Plumster Bunny is a 12-book series of children’s books that highlights positive conflict resolution. Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, WORD Bookstore Talia Rexby Mo Hamzeh […]
Books to Start Redressing Anti-Asian Hate
Written by Gabrielle Collantes With the recent influx of Anti-Asian crimes, we’ve become conditioned to see this as an extension of the BLM movement. I’ve found myself perusing more literature to better understand the history many of us were not taught in schools, specifically within Asia. As I curl up with a bowl of Ani […]
Books that will change your life
Written by Kashish Makker We all have books that change our perspectives and add some value or insight to our lives. If you’re looking for books that will make you think or will help you make changes in your life, browse through some of our recommendations. Spiritual/ Religious Literature Journey to the Heart by Melody […]
15 bookstores to support in Northern NJ + New York
Over the years, we’ve seen bookstores slowly disappear as online shops and big retailers become a more convenient source. Next time you want to find a new release or want some recommendations, consider supporting independent bookstores in the area! Here are a few of our favorites in Hudson County and beyond. WORD123 Newark Ave, Jersey […]
Books that highlight Indigenous voices and experiences
Indigenous Peoples Day is dedicated to the celebration of Native American history and culture. Take some time to learn about Indigenous culture through the authors who have put out great pieces of work to highlight history, people, art, and more. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered with a few recommendations! […]
Books and films that discuss racism
If you’re looking to further educate yourself on racism and violence in this country, we’ve put together some books for adults and kids as well as films and documentaries for you to consider. This is not a comprehensive list in the slightest. Look through our post with resources to educate yourself on anti-racism for detailed […]
5 books to read during the quarantine, written by women of color
It comes as no surprise that the publishing industry is dominated by white writers. Women of color rarely win awards for their writing, and there’s hardly diverse representation in children’s book characters. Even when it comes to publishing, the field is still predominantly White. As someone who’s appreciated seeing my own cultures and other marginalized […]
Five Books written by Hudson County authors
There are plenty of talented writers in the area, many of which have released their own books. With the summertime in full swing, why not pick up a book to pass the time? Here are five books written by local authors to start you off! If you want to find more books by local writers […]
The Fame Shame Game by Eiko La Boria
Eiko La Boria is a writer from Puerto Rico based in Jersey City. Through her passion for writing, Eiko worked her way to Los Angeles to pursue her dream career. While she was there, she heard accounts of the sexual exploitation and abuse in the film industry, and thus The Fame Shame Game: The Debut was created. […]
Top 8 Things to Do in Jersey City this Weekend
Another weekend, another excuse to get outside and find something fun to do. The weather is warming up a bit and the events are starting to roll in! Do something with the kids, or get a babysitter while you kickoff the weekend with some drinks. Featured Events Prohibition Party April 13 @ 9:00 PM – […]
Celebrate National Read Across America Day
If you don’t know, National Read Across America Day is celebrated on Dr. Seuss’ birthday as a way to encourage children across the country to be enthusiastic about reading. It’s a day to celebrate reading and, more importantly, to get children excited about reading every day of the year. I’ve always loved reading, thanks to […]
Top 10 Things to Do in Jersey City this Weekend
Planning out your weekend? Consider some fun events right here in Jersey City! Featured Events LSC After Dark: 90s Night September 21 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd Grab your most 90s-esque outfits and join LSC for their 90s party edition of LSC After Dark! Event Details Thursday […]