On Reading
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Pub Day: Autumn in Wolf Valley is FINALLY Here!

Today’s the day. Autumn in Wolf Valley is officially out in the world!
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King James Strang and His Forgotten Chapter in American History

Shortly after the assassination of Joseph Smith, James Strang and his Mormon followers settled on Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan, declaring it their kingdom. It is one of the most fascinating chapters in American history. But most people have never heard of it.
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Jim Harrison Always Comes Through When I Need Him

Whenever I’m in need of a creative reset, I turn to Jim Harrison. Here’s why.
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The Only Addiction You Shouldn’t Try to Break

Addictions are usually bad things. But what if there’s one that we should actually encourage?
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How Busy People Can Find More Time to Read

Every year, we vow to find more reading time. Every year, it doesn’t happen. Here are some tips to finally get back to the pleasure of leisurely reading.
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Why I Started Subscribing to Physical Magazines Again (And You Should Too)

Remember physical magazines? They’re making a comeback in my household. And they should in yours, too.
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7 Best Short Books to Read in a Day

It can be difficult to squeeze a good book into our busy lives. If you find yourself with a free Saturday, here are the best short books to read in a day.
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Why Yellow Journalism Today is Rampant in the 21st Century

What began more than 100 years ago in a battle between major New York newspapermen, yellow journalism now seems tailored to the digital age.
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Should Authors Read Book Reviews Left by Readers?

Book reviews, whether good or bad, can leave a lasting impact on writers. Let’s discuss if authors should be reading these book reviews at all.
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Ranking the 10 Best American Authors from the 20th Century

American history is packed with legendary writers, particularly in the 1900’s. But who were the best American authors from the 20th century?
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What Makes a Book a Great American Novel?

The elusive Great American Novel. You’ve heard the term. What does it mean to you? And, in current American culture, is the term becoming outdated?
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5 Books About Writing Advice For Becoming a Better Writer

Reading about writing can actually make you a better writer. Start with these 5 books about writing to help hone the craft of writing.
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Book Review: Mitch Albom’s Book ‘Finding Chika’ Tells Heartfelt Story

Sometimes, the people we least expect to enter our lives have the greatest impact. It’s a lesson we learned in Tuesdays With Morrie, and it’s extremely evident in Mitch Albom’s newest book Finding Chika.
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Ranking the 5 Best John Steinbeck Books

Both brilliant and controversial, it’s hard to argue John Steinbeck’s place near the top of classic American literature. But of his most famous books, which is his crowning achievement?
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Ernest Hemingway’s Enduring Connection to Northern Michigan

Ernest Hemingway is one of the greatest American authors. But the tale of his childhood in northern Michigan goes largely untold.
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Ranking the Top 11 Best Mitch Albom Books

One of the greatest writers of his generation, Mitch Albom has mastered the “magical realism” sub-genre. Let’s count down the best Mitch Albom books.
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Ranking the 5 Best Ernest Hemingway Books

Ernest Hemingway was one of the greatest authors in the history of American literature. Let’s countdown some of the best Hemingway books.
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How Much Do Celebrities Make From Writing Memoirs?

They say everyone has a book in them, but apparently not all of those stories are created equal. And the (financial) disparity can be alarming.
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Why J.D. Salinger Would Be Disappointed With His Biopic

There’s a new biopic about J.D. Salinger’s life, and he wouldn’t be pleased about it.
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Ernest Hemingway vs. William Faulkner: The Literary Celebrity Feud

The clash of the literary giants. Ernest Hemingway vs. William Faulkner. The real question is, who won this epic showdown?