Stephanie is a writer obsessed with her dog, pop culture, cupcakes and the smell of old books. She likes talking about these things with anyone who will listen.
The Emmy nominations were announced last week, leaving book-to-screen fans either jubilant (if you’re big into Game of Thrones) or outraged (Really? Nothing for Outlander? Really?). As Netflix and pretty much everything on PBS will show, TV adaptations of beloved books are all the rage right now, so here are some more books I would love, … More Five Books That Need to be TV Shows. Now.
I’ve been known to make bold statements. Tom Hardy is the greatest actor of this generation. Outlander is the best show in the history of television. Riggins should be on the cover of Dog Fancy. As you can see, my assertions are always on target, so let me add this one to the list: Judy Blume … More “In the Unlikely Event” Proves It: Judy Blume Can Do No Wrong
I haven’t slept in days and it’s all Meg Cabot’s fault. Her latest novel, Royal Wedding, is just too good. How could I let something as trivial as sleep get in the way of finishing it? Royal Wedding—the 11th Princess Diaries novel and the first for adults—reunites us with Mia Thermopolis, who many of us … More Meg Cabot’s “Royal Wedding”: RSVP for a Royally Delicious Read
As I watched the Tony Awards earlier this month, I kept thinking one thing: If only Noel Airman had won a Tony for Princess Jones! I know, I know. That’s crazy talk. Princess Jones was a flop—and Noel Airman and his musical are both fictional, only existing on the pages of Herman Wouk’s Marjorie Morningstar. … More Literary Hunk of June: Noel Airman
Civil War history, an engrossing contemporary story, dogs (!!!) and an adorable kid, all at the hands of the delightful Sarah McCoy. How could anyone not flat out love The Mapmaker’s Children? The Mapmaker’s Children ties together two equally compelling narratives to make one beautiful novel. In the mid-19th century, Sarah Brown, daughter of abolitionist … More The Mapmaker’s Children by Sarah McCoy: You’ll Love It (And So Will Your Dog)
To me, the very best historical fiction succeeds in doing three things: It makes me learn, it makes me think, and it makes me feel. The House of Hawthorne, the newest release by Erika Robuck, not only hits these points, it gets the most golden gold star all over. The House of Hawthorne follows the … More The House of Hawthorne—and Why I Adore Erika Robuck
When it comes to Claire Cook’s books, I have this tendency to shut out the rest of the world from the minute I start page one, and I’m pretty much unable to do anything but read, read, read until I finish the last word. The voice, the characters and the plot are so engaging that … More Must Love Dogs: Bark and Roll Forever — A Summer Must-Read
If you’ve been following me on Facebook (or my trusty assistant, Riggins, on Twitter), you’ll know that we have been road tripping down the East Coast, which is why our posts have been scarce this month. Of course, all of this travelling means more time for reading, and more time for thinking about my favorite … More Literary Hunk of May: George Emerson
A sure sign of a great book is when I have a hard time remembering that the characters are fictional, when I find myself thinking about them and wondering about their well-being, long after I’ve finished the final chapter. Robin Antalek’s The Grown Ups is just that kind of book. The Grown Ups spans more … More Robin Antalek’s “The Grown Ups” (and why grown ups of all ages must read it)
For as far back as I can remember, Audrey Hepburn has been one of my greatest heroes. She was uniquely herself, she was an incredible humanitarian, and she made some of the best films of all time. I could spend all day watching and talking about her movies (and, quite often, I have), but … More 10 Lessons “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Taught Us
Book Perfume 