If you know me at all, it’s no secret that I love to read. When someone asks me what I’m currently reading, I often list a handful of titles… because what I pick up depends on the time of day and my mood. But one thing I will always adore: books about books/writing or set in book-ish settings, like bookstores and libraries. Here are just some of my favorite reads about books and writing.
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Fiction Books in Bookish Settings
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
It takes a lot for ‘slice of life’ stories to grab me, but this one did. After young Maya is left in a bookstore, curmudgeonly bookstore owner AJ Fikry takes her in. This charming story is part love story, part family drama, with a whole lot of love for books thrown in. My book club felt like it was written as a series of short stories, and, for me, that was part of its charm.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This one haunts me. If you had the opportunity to redo something in your life, would you? In this novel full of sliding door moments, Nora Seed has the chance to experience other versions of her life if only she’d made one slightly different choice. It’s about second chances, learning who we really are, and whether or not our choices define us.
Non-fiction books about the craft of writing
On Writing by Stephen King
To be honest, I’m not a huge horror fan–probably because I do most of my reading at night. That said, whether you’re a creative writer or not, the famous Stephen King will inspire and entertain you (as usual). This book is part memoir and part advice for writers, so there’s something for everyone. In regard to my own writing journey, when I find myself stuck on a scene or a character, I remind myself of King’s fossil method, and that we only need to give space and time to discover the “fossils in the ground.” Stories may not ‘belong’ to us, but we can uncover them.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
How do you begin writing when facing the blank page? Lamott’s Bird by Bird—which you’ll often find on creative writing syllabuses—celebrates the writing process and reminds us that to begin, we must put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). It’s also a reminder that first drafts are supposed to be “shitty,” so give yourself permission to begin. She also delves into other aspects of writing, and this is my #1 rec for any person interested in creative writing.
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
This book isn’t about the ‘rules’ of writing. To me, writing is how I process the world and (attempt to) make sense of it. Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones reflects that sentiment through a series of super short essays. As she says, “At any point, we can step out of our frozen selves and our ideas and begin fresh. That is how writing is. Instead of freezing us, it frees us.” If you want some solid reminders about your ‘purpose’ as a writer, I encourage reading this book.
The Way of the Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton
Writing can be a way of life, a way of processing the world and our place in it. It can be a way to connect with others, even if the act of writing itself may feel lonely. Author Beth Kempton shares her “mindful wisdom” that can nourish a writing life, complete with “write now” exercises that truly feel different from other writing prompts/exercises out there. As she says, “Imagine if we practiced writing just to become more awake.” If you want to reconnect to your writing and rethink your writing process, this one is for you.
Children’s Books about Books and the Writing Process
The Bookwanderers by Anna James
What bookworm hasn’t dreamed of jumping into the universe of a book? In this charming book, 11-year-old Tilly explores classic books, like Alice in Wonderland, which help her uncover the mystery of what happened to her mother. The middle-grade book not only celebrates a love of reading and the power of stories, but also the importance of friends and family.
Scribble and Author by Miri Leshem-Pelly
I love using this book when I teach creative writing to young kids. While the story functions as a ‘writing prompt,’ it also guides kids through the writing process, from the beginning to the ending, in an interactive way. The interaction between the unseen Author and main character Scribble—and helping Scribble choose their path and never ever give up—doesn’t feel didactic. Instead, it’s a charming story that might inspire your kids, too.
Written and Drawn by Henrietta by Liniers
Okay, okay, I love the name Henrietta (if my book Etta Betta and the Beast wasn’t already an indication). Similar to my other favorite kid lit books about books and writing, Written and Drawn by Henrietta follows a young girl as she uses her colored pencils to create a story about a three-headed monster and a whole lot of hats. The colorful, vibrant pictures also make this a wonderful read for the younger kids, too—despite the monsters.
What are your favorite books about books, writing, or set in bookish settings? I’d love to hear from you below!
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