Heroes Caught Reading

As promised I have the final post today. It's a mix of my hero plus my hero's contribution. And I very nearly cried when I received these images. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Paulette Feeney is such an incredible woman. She's kind and funny and smart. She's warm and generous and has such a positive attitude. She and I have only had the opportunity to meet in person once, but the enormity of her heart and her unconditional friendship make me feel like we've been friends all our lives...and maybe into past lives, as well. :-) Plus she's a teacher. As I mentioned when I kicked off this series, teachers are heroes for the work they do every day. But in addition to that, Paulette has done some incredible work with children in Tanzania. Her excitement, joy and pride in young folks is contagious. So I was thrilled when her picture reading was one of her reading to those children:

And then, Paulette has offered up her own heroes!

First she shares V Hinkle who has led several teaching safaris to Tanzania and Sierra Smith (now a freshman at Duke).  Sierra participated in two trips teaching English and reading!

These kids are the true heroes, overcoming many obstacles to get an education.  They help each other learn!

Including this one so you can see all of the kids who were not in the class peering in the windows (no glass)....they stayed for three hours!  Some of them would scratch the lessons in the dirt outside and try to learn what we were doing...the biggest crowds, always, were during story time!

We started a library at this primary school!  The favorite books: Tikki Tikki Tembo; Stone Soup; The Giving Tree.

I thought this was the perfect contribution to end on. I love that reading brings people together all over the world. I hope you have enjoyed this year's feature. I so loved seeing heroes in all shapes and sizes and colors and ages. It's important to see that heroes don't have to be on tv or the radio or in sports. They're all around us making the world a better place in their own ways. And we are so much richer with them in our lives.

Thank you so much for sharing this with me. Thank you to everyone who contributed and shared their heroes. Happy Reading my friends!

Heroes Caught Reading

Happy Friday everyone. Today should be the last day of the Heroes Caught Reading feature, but since I fell behind, I still have another super special post after this one, so be sure to check back on Monday. And don't forget we have the special prize pack up for grabs to someone who has commented on a heroes post this month. Some one-of-a-kind items in the pack as well as some ARCs, some audios and some finished books, so be sure to share your heroes with us!

Today our hero comes courtesy of my friend and boss, Maddee James! And because I know her hero, I'll second it. This beautiful young woman is a gem and if I had a daughter, I'd be delighted if she was just like Savannah!

My daughter Savannah is my hero because of the incredible attitude she's had throughout her life.  She's one of the easiest people to get along with EVER.  She's sweet, loving, kind, intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate, wise.  She puts so much effort into her studies and it's not just to get good grades but because she loves to learn.  And when she's not studying biology and spanish and all those collegiate things, she loves to get lost in a good novel.  I hope I've passed a lot of good things down to her, but one of my favorite things I've passed along is a love of reading.

Heroes Caught Reading

Since my crazy schedule this month has me backed up a little, I'm going to share two special heroes with you today.

First I have Janet Rudolph who promptly informed me that she is NOT a hero, but I beg to differ. She's a hero in the reading community for her incredible support of authors and readers alike. She generously opens her home to bring the two together during her lit salons. She is actively involved in conventions such as Bouchercon and Left Coast Crime, helping them to run smoothly and successfully. Her love of reading and books just shines in everything she does.

Second, she's an advocate for animals. Furry critters are as integral a part of her life as mine and her love for them is an example everyone can benefit from following.

And finally for me, she's my gardening hero. Have you seen her incredible flower gardens. Oh those roses! Amazing.

Many of you know her and I'm sure we'll have someone chirp up to mention her as a chocolate hero, as well. It's my pleasure, my honor and my delight to feature Janet Rudolph!

And my second hero today is a woman who has followed her dreams of writing and they have taken her around the world. I admire her tenacity, her dedication and her strong beliefs. She writes very dark but has a bright, welcoming heart and a radiant smile.

Hilary Davidson is smart (I mean, check out what she's reading!) and generous and kind. She's talented and savvy and oh so creative. I've never witnessed her taking anyone or anything for granted. I try to remind myself of her when I have the tendency to do that.

I've heard Hilary talk about her influences and her own heroes, including her grandmother. I know that Hilary motivates me to be a better person and I think she's a wonderful role model for young women and girls everywhere.

Please help me to recognize Hilary Davidson today!

Heroes Caught Reading

Today I'm delighted to share my good friend and hero, Ayo Onatade. I sat down to decide how to put this inspiring woman into words. And it's a challenge. Ayo brings light and happiness into a room with her. She most definitely doesn't suffer fools, but at the same time, she's one of the kindest, most generous and accepting souls I know. She's incredibly intelligent and I've often found myself sitting in awe, listening to her, completely fascinated and trying to absorb everything she's saying.

I admire her sense of humor--she's a stitch! And her devotion to those things, crime fiction included, that she truly cares about. An ocean separates us, as Ayo lives in the UK, so I consider myself extra blessed to know her and call her my friend. And for those who may not have had a chance to know Ayo, yet, I'm thrilled to introduce you today. Ayo writes for the Shots Ezine when she isn't working as clerk for a judge in the Court of Appeals. And Ayo went all out for the Heroes Caught Reading series so I wanted to save her for the end, to make the final week extra special. She's going to read for you today. Please help me welcome, my hero, my friend and my fellow crime fiction enthusiast, Ayo Onatade!

Heroes Caught Reading

We're quickly closing in on the end of May but there are so many heroes to recognize this month, aren't there?

Today I have another of my personal heroes. Lauren O'Brien would never admit this about herself, but she's an amazing woman. I met her first via the Internet/Blogging/Twitter and immediately felt a kinship but also a strong admiration. Lauren is smart, independent, compassionate and witty. As I've gotten to know her better...and have met her in person, too, by the way...I've learned what a wonderful friend and confidant she is. Everyday I wish we didn't live across the country from each other. Of course I tell her she'd be sick of me within a week. I so enjoy just talking with Lauren. Just hanging out and talking is such a treasure.

Lauren has rescued and loved dogs throughout her life, and you know that makes her a superhero in my book! She's a talented photographer and a generous soul. So it gives me great, great pleasure to put her in the spotlight of honor today as one of my heroes. And here she is in a darling picture with her sister, reading!

Heroes Caught Reading

Yesterday Ginny shared fathers reading, so today I'm going to share another of my heroes who is a mother reading. Trish Collins, like Lesa Holstine, was incredibly influential on me when I started blogging. Trish was always generous with her time and advice as well as her tremendous encouragement and support. She built up a great following on her blog and really was a game changer in book blogging.

Since I met Trish, she's 1.) gotten married 2.) started her own business (TLC Book Tours) and 3.) had two gorgeous baby boys. And there have been many accomplishments in addition as well as ones I have no idea about, I'm sure!  I honestly don't know how she does it all.

Now I have the opportunity to work with her, which is a pure delight. And I admire her more and more with each and ever day that passes. It gives me such great pleasure to share this super awesome mom with you!

Heroes Caught Reading

Today's hero comes courtesy of my good friend Ginny Tata-Phillips. I know Ginny's love of reading first hand as I've spent hours parked on her sofa just reading...and her reading at the other end...and basset dogs sleeping between us! If her hero submission doesn't melt your heart, I will be worried!

Parents who read to children are the first reading heroes in young lives.  Kids may discover books in libraries or at school, but how lucky are those babies and toddlers whose parents read to them?!

I had been collecting pictures of mothers reading to children for this post when a friend sent me these gorgeous shots of her husband reading to her young daughter.

Some women may tell you there is nothing sexier than a man wielding a mop or a vacuum.  To this woman, there is nothing more special than a man reading to a child.

This young father is my reading hero and I will bet my bottom dollar that his daughter will be a reading hero one day too!

Heroes Caught Reading

Today's hero caught reading is an extremely talented woman. She's been in movies and tv; she's written books; she's raised three children; she has a wonderful sense of humor and she is one of the kindest people I've ever met. I mean that sincerely. I've never heard her be mean, discourteous or disrespectful to anyone even when she would have been completely entitled. She is a women all young girls (and us old ones, too) can look up to! And the quality that seals the deal is that she'd never want you to look UP, she'd always put herself on the same level with you. I admire her accomplishments, her creativity, her beauty and her genuine goodness. Today it is my honor and pleasure to highlight Harley Jane Kozak!

Heroes Caught Reading

Today's hero comes courtesy of my hero yesterday, Lesa Holstine:

Let me tell you about my hero, my mother, Elizabeth Growel. She's a woman who knows about picking up and going on with life. She's a mother who lost a son when he was only 2 1/2. But, she was still a mother. And, she loves, supports, and taught her three daughters. All three of us love books and reading because my parents read. But, it was my mother who drilled me on my spelling words, and listened to me read when I was in first grade. She was a role model, who not only modeled reading, but went to work in a high school library. All three of her daughters followed in her footsteps, and went to work as pages in the public library when we were in high school. I went on to get a Master's degree in Library Science, and work in public libraries. 

My mother was widowed young, in her fifties. When, I was widowed in my fifties, my mother said, "Your life will never be the same. But, it can be just as good." She models that every day, with her travels, her volunteerism, her love of family, and her love of books. She uses Facebook to follow family. She's the friend who has the computer knowledge, and does research for her best friend. She's proud of all her daughters and her grandchildren, and celebrates our accomplishments.

My mother taught me to read, taught me to love books, and, now, she celebrates my accomplishments as a reviewer. She slips my business cards into books, and shows off the books I've blurbed. I talk about books with my Mom and sisters, and call them up to suggest titles. Often, we're all reading the same book at the same time.

My mother is my role model for so many reasons. First, she taught me to love the books that are so important in my life, and then she modeled how to go on with life, and live it with laughter.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Lesa's mom and I can attest that she lives life with laughter! I'm so glad to have the chance to highlight her here today. Who taught you to read and modeled reading for you when you were young?

Heroes Caught Reading

To kick off this week of Heroes Caught Reading I would like to share with our Lesa Holstine.

When I started blogging, Lesa was a person I turned to with questions and frustrations. She was never too busy to take time out to help. When I wanted feedback on ideas, she was supportive and helpful. In other words, she was my blogging mentor--which you've heard me say before, I'm sure. It's easy to get frustrated with a blog, but when you have a cheerleader as motivating as Lesa, you can't help but soldier on! But that's only the smallest reason why she's earned hero status for this month.

Besides being a great blogger, Lesa is a librarian. Well, actually, she's a library administrator now, but unlike many when they hit that "administrator" level, she has maintained a passion for what she does. She's never forgotten why she entered the library field to begin with. She still pursues programs and projects with a vigor and enthusiasm to rival the most ambitious new graduate. And she loves--truly loves--reading. Lesa has touched people around the country, working in Ohio, Florida, Arizona, and Indiana. She helps people find great books both in her library and online. Librarians are a precious commodity, and ones like Lesa are absolute gems.

To add a cherry on Lesa's hero sundae, she's a compassionate animal lover, a great friend and overall kind human being. I am blessed to know Lesa, and I'm so happy to feature her here today:

Fittingly, Lesa is reading STILL LIFE by Louise Penny,
one of the authors she turned me on to!

Heroes Caught Reading

We're back to one of my hero nominees today. Rochelle Staab is kind, energetic, smart, witty, super stylish and creative.

I am very lucky to be able to work with Rochelle through xuni.com and Rochelle is always so appreciative and considerate in all our interactions. In my forty years on this planet, I've come to appreciate that isn't always the case. Rochelle has interacted with some incredible superstars in her previous lives, but regardless of how big those people are, she always makes the person right in front of her feel just as big a superstar. And folks, I find that to be a pretty incredible characteristic.

And she gets bonus hero points for reading on the elliptical every day! Please help me recognize a fabulously talented and stunningly beautiful woman who I admire and am honored to know.

 If you're wondering about the photo credit, Hakan is a professional photographer in addition to being one of the trainers at the gym. He always carries his camera so I sweet-talked him into taking my picture :)

Every morning* at 7 you'll find me at Studio City Fitness reading a chapter of a book on my Kindle while working out on the elliptical. Always a mystery, from Agatha to Brad Parks and more. Ear buds blast music in my ears to drown out the TV above and the people talking around me. My favorite way to start the day!

Where have you caught your heroes reading? Or listening? I always listen to my audiobooks when I walk or go to the gym. Be on the lookout today and be sure to report back!


*except Sundays, but who's counting?

Heroes Caught Reading

Today's hero is a familiar face in the crime fiction community, submitted by another familiar face. Sophie Littlefield, author of...tons of stuff, check her website, says her hero is John Kwiatkowski

John K is my hero for so many reasons. Where shall I begin? He makes every author feel like a star when she visits the store where he works (Murder By The Book in Houston, Texas). He is a genius at finding the right book for every reader, and encourages people to try new authors who may not be on their radar. He celebrates literacy by seeing a reader in everyone and counting it a win when he places a book in someone's hands, whether he or she is a zealous fan or a new or reluctant reader.

But mostly John is my hero because he talks openly about what it was like to be an awkward adolescent, about the fear and discomfort of that place, and models the kind of bravery I count on every day when I wake up in the body of a fifty-year-old woman but occasionally with the insecurity of the girl I was long ago. I couldn't go out into the world and kick ass every day if I didn't have friends like John, who make me feel determined to be my best self.

Love you Johnnycakes!!!!!

I think Sophie speaks for many when she talks about John. Who is a model for the kind of life you strive to live?

If you don't know John already, you can meet up with him on Twitter and find out why Sophie and many others admire him. Thanks to Sophie and John. And happy reading to all.

Heroes Caught Reading

Yesterday I introduced this year's feature with my good friend Kerry Parker; in my haste I completely overlooked a comment that a student of Kerry's sent in. I encourage you to go back and visit yesterday's post, as I've amended it to include the beautiful statement from Jackie Manosky. Today, Kerry is going to share her own hero:

There are so many people that inspire me, people who have changed the world by the choices and sacrifices they have made. Among all of these, my hero has always been my mother. From the time I was very little, she made every moment we had together special—reading stories, playing with us, tending the garden and making a mess with us. She led and assisted in Scouts and Sunday School for us and sought to give us a strong base in faith, leadership and responsibility. She encouraged my siblings and I in every venture we jumped into and comforted us when we struggled and fell. She saw that I was a dreamer and made it her goal to help me to realize anything that I could imagine. I teach because I watched how she made a difference with every student and family that chanced to work with her. I pray every day to have just a fraction of her patience, her will, her energy and her listening skills so that I can encourage others in their dreams and she has encouraged me in mine.

I should probably add that Kerry's mother is Sharon Parker. A woman I grew up knowing almost as well as my own mother!

How many of you count your mother as a hero? Be sure to hug her today, even if it's verbally over the phone or simply in your heart.

Happy Reading!

Heroes Caught Reading

Yay, as many of you know, May is "Get Caught Reading Month." This year I've asked some of my heroes to send pictures or videos of themselves reading; I also invited others to share pictures of their heroes reading. So each day I'll be posting a hero with his/her book.

I chose heroes this year to focus attention on those I feel are true heroes. So often we put the wrong people on pedestals for the wrong reasons. This month it's time to honor some of those folks who are maybe unrealized. Please help me in celebrating them and our collective love of reading!

I'm going to kick off the month with a woman who is incredibly special to me. I met her in the first grade and she is still one of my nearest and dearest friends. Having been a teacher myself for a handful of years, I know the work that goes into doing a good job. But my friend Kerry Parker goes above and beyond a good job.  She's extremely devoted to her students and sharing her love of France and its language with them. She's also a devoted daughter, granddaughter, sister and aunt. She is active in her church and choir and Lions Club, and I have no idea how she finds the time to do it all! Kerry's compassion and empathy make her truly one of the most beautiful people I know. I am blessed to call her my friend and my hero.

I am not the only person who holds this woman in high esteem:

This amazing woman (reading a goofy French book) is my biggest hero/role model/and an actual angel. My French teacher, Madame Parker. I definitely love her a whole lot. She saved my life more than once and she is the person who showed me the beauty in a sunrise I never thought I would live to see. She’s a wonderful human being and I’m pretty sure I’ve never done anything to deserve the love and inspiration she shows me every day. One day I hope to inspire the level of confidence and hope she brings to life in me and the rest of her students to the people I will be teaching one day. She inspires me to get up and work at life every day and I wouldn't be able to keep growing and changing if she didn't help me bolster my confidence and shoot for the stars in everyday life. She's mine and a lot of other students' favourite teacher and we look to her for help and encouragement in our everyday lives. She is my personal hero because she's more than willing to work with me when I have a problem at home or with the people in my life and I don't really know what I would do without her. She also has an amazing taste in literature and I'm always looking for some new book to read at her suggestion.
 --Jackie Manosky

May is Get Caught Reading Month!

Happy May everyone! It's the official start of "Get Caught Reading" month. This year my theme is Heroes Caught Reading. Starting next week, I'll be sharing some of MY heroes as well as the heroes of others...all of them caught reading!

In addition, throughout the month there will be periodic contests. The first contest I'll announce is for comments on the hero posts. Every person who comments on a hero post throughout the month will be entered for a grand prize package at the end of the month. You'll earn an entry for each post you comment on. Which means one entry per post. For financial reasons, I have to limit this contest to U.S. entries only.

One way I'll be observing this great month is through a reading challenge I learned about from my friend Juli at Whimpulsive. This read-a-thon is called Bout of Books:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

I typically finish 1 to 1.5 print books and maybe an audiobook in one week. But a lot is dependent on the size of the book. So what I really want to focus on is devoting more time each day to reading. I always read at least an hour before bed, so the goal is a minimum 2 hours reading, 1 hour listening each day. If the desire strikes you, join along!

And just a heads up to those who might like to have forewarning, there will likely be multiple posts on many days throughout out May with the Caught Reading feature and regular content. If you get email notices, I promise I'm not trying to inundate you and May is typically the only time this will happy. Thanks for your patience!

I hope your May is absolutely wonderful, now get out there and get caught reading!