Literary Reflections

I have always been an ambitious person—excelling at school, succeeding at my career—but raising children did not provide the feeling of achievement that came with reaching other goals. Childrearing felt…

This month, our editors recommend books that give us access to racially, economically, psychologically, historically or artistically diverse voices. These books give us fresh and intimate perspective on lives that…

I have yet to get my Christmas tree out of the house, and the same goes for the Christmas cards my dutiful husband had made more than a month ago.…

Somehow, for all my best efforts, I wasn’t raising a daughter who loved to read. Nevertheless, I was deeply grateful she felt safe enough to speak her mind. Secure, she…

I. Love. My. Job. I am one of those lucky people who can say, sincerely, that I’m doing what I came into this world to do. I would—and do—teach classes…

As soon as my son and I started a book club several years ago, I realized it was an opportunity to draw the boys inside this euphoric feeling, to build…

It was just a game, really. The kids would get bored if I took too long at this. I could see the center; I knew where I was headed. And…

So many of the books I drawn to, whether to read a first time or over again, have an element of family and food. This month our staff share favorites…

Would he like all of the books I picked out? Would he see the collection as a gift or a burden? Knowing that I could not control his reactions, I…

It has taken me a disgracefully long time to absorb an obvious lesson: The common denominator in parenting wisely and writing well is the ability to listen—wholeheartedly, single-mindedly, emptied of…

For this special #NaNoWriMo edition of Essential Reading, “The Creative Crunch,” our staff and readers recommend books that nudge us to be creative or productive.