ngeorge@northshire.com's blog

More than once I've been approached by a customer looking for a book for someone they know who is "going through a rough patch", or "really depressed". They usually ask for something to make them feel better, something to cheer them up, or something inspirational. I've even had a gruff customer who wanted "something to get them out of the house and to make something of their lives."

In some situations these may in fact be the correct books. But customers are usually surprised when I try to dissuade them from the bright-yellow-happy-inspiration-yay! book route.

My oldest nephew is diabetic. Therefore, Halloween candy has never been his friend. Being the awesome aunt that I am, I have always found a little non-candy treat for him. Of course, books top that list. Books like:  

When we think of reading in the Fall, our minds usually go to something in the genre of horror. Halloween is approaching and now is as good time as any to pick up some Stephen King right? For some of you, yes, this is the time to read Carrie or It, but for others, it might not be your cup of tea, or, it might just be too damn scary.

What do these titles have in common? They were some of the most banned books of last year.

The consensus among laypersons is that, of all the writing styles and genres, poetry is the most difficult to do well. Adding difficult and unpleasant subject matter to the mix makes writing poetry that much harder.