2014 Cookbooks You'll Want to Own

Whether buying cookbooks for yourself or a loved one, you want a book that you will actually use. No foofy, over-complicated recipes for me; just give me the righteous, straightforward flavor. These eight cookbooks bring the delicious. Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook Ina Garten I can’t help myself—I’m a big fan. With this […]

A Spooky Story for Everyone

October isn’t just for playing in the fallen leaves—it’s for cuddling up together on the sofa with a scary read.   For kids… The Wolves in the Walls Neil Gaiman Lucy hears wolves in the walls. Her brother thinks she’s bats. Her dad just plays the tuba. It’s a wonderful, suspenseful tale from the magic […]

7 Must-Read Books For Fall

Beach season may be over, but relaxing with a good read? It never goes out of style. This fall, there’s no shortage of books that will entertain, educate and feed the soul:   The Marshmallow Test: Mastering Self-Control Walter Mischel Coming this September, psychologist Walter Mischel covers the concept of self-control and its benefits, including […]

8 Help-Yourself Books You'll Actually Enjoy

It’s the time of year that everyone—everything—changes. A new school year is in session, the sweaters come out, and the leaves come off. What better time to embrace the possibility of change in you? Here are eight great selections worth a read.   How the World Sees You: Discover Your Highest Value Through the Science […]

Rachel Bertsche Pursues Happiness One Celebrity at a Time

Ever wanted to adopt Jennifer Aniston‘s workout routine? Or Gwyneth Paltrow‘s culinary skills? Chicago author Rachel Bertsche attempts those things and much more for her new book, “Jennifer, Gwyneth and Me: The Pursuit of Happiness, One Celebrity at a Time.” Bertsche, a one-time MIB contributor and author of the bestselling 2011 book “MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New […]

New in Town: New "Beginnings" in Evanston for Bookends and Beginnings

Bookends and Beginnings breathes new life into one of Evanston’s favorite alleyways. Married co-owners and former Northwestern librariansJeff Garrett and Nina Barrett have transformed the former Bookman’s Alley into a fresh and charming independent bookstore featuring new and used books, with a strong focus on cookbooks and children’s literature. You’ll also find beautiful handmade jewelry from Berlin and a […]

Buy Local, Read Anywhere with Make It Better and Kobo

There’s nothing better than spending a lazy summer afternoon reading a new book. If you’re jetting off somewhere warm and sunny but don’t have room for all of your beach reads in your carry-on, this app allows you to knock out summer reads on your electronic device AND support local bookstores. The invention of the e-book has […]

8 Books to Read Before They Hit Theaters

We’re halfway through 2014, but there are still quite a few book-to-movie adaptations making their way to the big screen this year. Before you buy your movie tickets, make sure you’re prepared and swing by your local bookstore or library to pick up one (or all) of the following books: The Hundred-Foot Journey  Richard C. […]