2025

Easy light and breezy reading for the Thanksgiving holiday

Food is probably the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Thanksgiving. The holiday is rooted in American history that goes back to 1621 when the Wampanoag […]

On Nostalgia and Mono No Aware (物の哀れ)

On Nostalgia — Depending on who you are, this word can mean a number of different things, or it can feel a number of different ways – leaving you with […]

Image of marquee sign with letters that say Now Reading

  Book Clubs provide us the chance to connect with others and share perspectives. If you are looking for your next title and want to consider something others are reading, […]

Image of a stack of beat up vinyl album covers, with a 78 rpm record leaning against it

Saturday, October 18 is designated National Album Day in the UK.  This year, the theme is Rock. Classic, Punk, Yacht, Metal, Alternative…there’s a variety out there for nearly any listener. […]

Image of seismograph

Tomorrow (Thursday, October 16) is the date we practice the Great California Shakeout as a reminder to be prepared, living as we do in “earthquake country.” If you can, remember […]

Image of a dusty, cobweb-infested room with old-fashioned furniture and a wall of book shelves and fireplace

It’s the first day of October and the beginning of “spooky season,” for those who are inclined to chills and thrills. There are many classics worth a first read or […]

graphic of purple and turquoise suicide prevention ribbon, with text that says National Suicide Prevention Week

Mayor Victor Gordo’s proclamation designates September 7-13, 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Week in Pasadena. If you need help or want to talk to someone, call, text or chat the […]

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi book cover

Today, September 6 is National Coffee Ice Cream Day and National Read a Book Day. If you are anything like me, then it probably feels like this day was specially […]

decorative image of a Korean couple making a heart, soft tofu soup, and N Seoul Tower, with a background of a Korean style wall

Korean popular culture has made it into the hearts of people throughout the globe through music, food, film, television, skin care, art, technology, literature, and more— you’ve likely already interacted […]

Book Cover of My Brilliant Friend

Books have the power to take you anywhere, including to countries, cities, or worlds you have never visited. One character’s perspective can help you travel through time, take a peak […]