Unlocking Worlds – Book Review
If you love literature – if you believe that reading books can change your life – if you are always on the prowl for a new book to add to the ever-growing TBR pile on your nightstand, desk, and kitchen table – then Unlocking Worlds – A Reading Companion For Book Lovers by Sally Allen is book you will surely treasure!
In Unlocking Worlds, Sally Allen shares her thoughts on the fine art of reading as well as her favorite books. In the process, she gives book lovers much food for thought in regards to how they approach reading – what it is about reading that they love – and what it is that draws them to certain books!
Here are a few insights I gleaned from the author along the way:
Despite the illusion that reading is solitary, we readers are always in conversation – with books, of course, but also with other readers and critics, especially now.
I don’t read for the same reason each time I pick up a book.
What I’m reading for and why influence how I assess a book’s merits, and the same book can be more or less relevant at different stages in my life.
The majority of Unlocking Worlds consists of thematic chapters organized around the types of books that the author finds herself returning to again and again. Each chapter opens with a memorable quote from a famous author and Sally’s reflections on the books and theme that follows.
I love the categories she has chosen, which include everything from Beloved Vintage and Classic Children’s Books to Novels That Play With Space And Time to Novels That Thrill, Chill, and Keep You Guessing. There is even a chapter on Books For Book Lovers!
As bibliophiles, there comes that inevitable moment of truth when we realize that we cannot possibly read all of the books in the world – or even all of the books on our wish lists! Sally addresses that issue as well. In Chapter 17, Reconciling With The Inevitable: We Can’t Read All The Books, Sally provides a list of strategies for those of us who are struggling to read all of the books we have surrounded ourselves with!
The bottom line is, if you love books, then Unlocking Worlds deserves a place on your bookshelf – as crowded as it may already be!
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
About Sally Allen
Award winning writer and teacher Sally Allen holds a Ph.D. from New York University in English Education, with an emphasis in writing and rhetoric, and a M.A. in English Language and Literature. She teaches writing, literature, and communications, leads book group discussions, and is the founder and editor of Books, Ink at HamletHub.
Unlocking Worlds – Book Tour
Create With Joy is delighted to participate in the Unlocking Worlds Book Tour, which is hosted by iRead Book Tours!
The Unlocking Worlds Book Tour runs from November 16 through December 18, 2015.
Please visit the Unlocking Worlds Book Tour Page to learn more about the author, to read guest posts and author interviews, and to see what other bloggers have to say about this book!
Resources
For More Information
- Visit Sally’s Website.
- Connect with Sally on Twitter.
- Unlocking Worlds is available on Amazon.
For More Great Books
- Visit Create With Joy – Book Reviews.
- Follow Create With Joy on GoodReads.
- Join us at The Book Nook At Create With Joy – a community for book lovers!
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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from iRead Book Tours to review. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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I loved this book too! The author told me she plans on writing another book like this and I can’t wait.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks for sharing that news Vicki – sounds awesome!
I will definitely be looking into getting this book! Thank you so much for sharing it, I love books about books! Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Thank you for this lovely review! I so appreciate the kind words and especially that my book gave you some ideas for dealing with the exploding TBR pile. After basically recommending 150 books and stories, it was important to me to acknowledge that none of us can read everything we want to read, and that is okay. 🙂
Twitter: KentuckyGal
says:
This title is going on my TBR list right now!
I had not heard of this book, but it definitely sounds like one I need to get and read!
Oh, that sounds like a fabulous book! I love exploring themes by reading various related books, so this definitely sounds worth checking out.
Sounds like a great book – and I’d not heard of the author. Thanks for the heads up!