Daily Archives: December 21, 2024

ONBOOKS | OPINION: A good percentage of people never pick up a book nowadays

One thing the last few years have taught us is not to trust polls.But what polls there are suggest people aren’t reading books like they used to. A 2024 survey conducted by Test Prep Insight, a company that offers online training for various academic and professional exams, indicated that 48.5% of respondents hadn’t read any books in the past year. A YouGov poll found that 54% of Americans read a book in 2023, and that 82% of Americans read fewer than 10 books that year. A 2022 Gallup Poll reported that 17% of people surveyed did not read any books.Anecdotally, I’ve recently encountered a 40-year-old college graduate with a seven-figure annual income who claims he’d never read a book “all the way” through in his life.

Entertaining books for children of various ages to read during the holidays

‘Togo to the Rescue: How a Heroic Husky Saved the Lives of Children in Alaska’Melisande Potter, illustrated by Giselle PotterChristy Ottaviano Books2024, 40 pagesISBN: 9780316335447ages 4+“Togo to the Rescue: How a Heroic Husky Saved the Lives of Children in Alaska” is the incredible true story of how sled dogs saved the lives of numerous children in January 1925 when an outbreak of diphtheria occurred in Nome, Alaska. When a snowstorm stopped all travel to the rural town, an expedition of dog sled teams were used to cover the 674 miles to deliver the serum cure. The longest and most difficult part of the journey was achieved by musher Leonhard Seppala’s team led by Togo, a Siberian husky who was almost 12 years old at the time. In all, 150 dogs participated in delivering the vital medicine.
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At the back of the book there is an informative author’s note and a couple of photographs of Togo.’Dog Trouble’

“Dog Trouble” is a good graphic novel with an important message about helping others.

By First Second photo

Kristin VarnerFirst Second2024, 300 pagesISBN: 9781250225917ages 8+“Dog Trouble” is a good graphic novel with an important message about helping others. Ash’s parents are divorced and he lives mostly with his mom in the city. When Ash gets into trouble he goes to spend the summer with his dad who lives on Ferncliff Island an hour away from the city.Initially, Ash is disappointed as he doesn’t have any friends at his dad’s and he has to do community work for getting into trouble. For his community work Ash chooses to work at the “Ferncliff Animal Shelter” where he is assigned to help care for the dogs.Although working with the dogs has some challenges, it is very rewarding and Ash and the dogs benefit from his helping out at the shelter. Along with the interesting, well-illustrated story, readers get to learn about dog care and things associated with dogs and animal shelters.’Uprooted’

“Uprooted” is a nicely illustrated story about dealing with change, overcoming uncomfortable situations and supporting family.

By Roaring Brook Press photo

Ruth ChanRoaring Brook Press2024, 288 pagesISBN: 9781250855336ages 8+Change often isn’t easy and this is what Ruth discovers when she leaves her home in Toronto and travels with her parents to Hong Kong where her dad has a new job.In Hong Kong Ruth has many things to do to help her fit in including learning to speak Cantonese, making new friends and working hard at school. She certainly has some challenges to overcome, but she realizes that she can be strong and meet her challenges in her new home.“Uprooted” is a nicely illustrated story about dealing with change, overcoming uncomfortable situations and supporting family.’How to Be a Color Wizard’

“How to Be a Color Wizard” is a captivating guide for curious children and adults who are children at heart.

By MIT Kids Press photo

Jason Logan, photographs by Jason FulfordMIT Kids Press2024, 163 pagesISBN: 9781536229400Ages 8+“How to Be a Color Wizard” is a captivating guide for curious children and adults who are children at heart. It is designed for nature seekers and aspiring potion brewers, inviting them into a world of enchantment and discovery. This book is a guide on observing, creating and sharing colours, using ingredients found in nature and common household items. The guide is organized into three parts — gather, transform, and share. In gather, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on creating or collecting the materials (i.e., wizard satchel, wizard notebook, and paintbrush wand) needed to become a nature explorer, while embarking on colourful treasure hunts. In transform, recipes are provided on how to make inks and potions for every hue of the rainbow, by using the materials gathered in the previous stage. Lastly, share has many activities that you can share and perform with others (i.e., natural spray paint, sidewalk chalk, acorn store). The book also features insights into historical Color Heros, beyond just yourself, such as Emily Dickinson and Sir Isaac Newton.I thoroughly enjoyed both reading and participating in the activities featured in this guide. I especially love how it encourages exploration of the natural world, and has many experiments that use everyday household items. The book itself is a celebration of colour, with vibrant pages that enhance the sense of adventure and the mystical atmosphere woven throughout the narrative. The book provides cautions for some of the activities and experiments that require adult supervision.— “How to be a Color Wizard” reviewed by Gleannan Perrett
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Our favorite books we read in 2024

I did a lot of reading in 2024, and was pretty lucky to have (mostly) enjoyed all the books and comics I picked up. That could have made it difficult to choose favorites when it came time to reflect on the year, but there was no question in my mind about which book I loved most, because one in particular fully knocked me on my ass, ripped my heart out, made me laugh, made me cry, etc., etc., etc.: Stephen Graham Jones’ I Was A Teenage Slasher.Now, I Was A Teenage Slasher wouldn’t seem like the kind story that’d leave you weeping about love and the power of friendship if you’re, you know, judging a book by its cover. The slasher genre isn’t exactly known for emotional depth, so if you went into this thinking you were just in for a classic revenge-killing spree with some teenage antics mixed in, I wouldn’t blame you. And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong — this book indeed has those things. But the supernatural slasher element, while being a major part of the plot, feels secondary to the rollercoaster coming of age story that’s really at its heart. Tolly Driver doesn’t want to be a slasher, but he is. It’s in his blood, thanks to a string of freak incidents that aligned in just the right way to seal his fate. Amber, his best friend and truly a ride-or-die, has lots of knowledge on the subject and essentially becomes his trip guide on this bewildering journey. I Was A Teenage Slasher deals with a lot of difficult subjects, like the grief of losing a parent young, something I instantly related to, the pressure of trying to do right by the people you love, and the terrifying reality of growing up and growing into yourself. But it’s also very often funny, which helped offset all the gore and tragedy.    This is the second year in a row a Stephen Graham Jones book has landed at the top of my list, which isn’t surprising because I’m a big fan, but I Was A Teenage Slasher is really on another level. It isn’t just one of my favorite books of the year, it’s probably one of my favorite books ever. I wanted to start it over the second I finished reading it, but I couldn’t because I was crying too hard. — Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend Editor

PM Modi Kuwait Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Lauds Arabic Translator, Publisher of Ramayana, Mahabharata (See Pics)

Kuwait City, December 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met two Kuwaiti nationals here and praised their efforts in translating and publishing India’s iconic epics Ramayana and Mahabharata in Arabic. The prime minister also signed copies of the Arabic versions of the two epics. Expressing his appreciation, Modi in a post on X said, “I compliment Abdullah Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef for their efforts in translating and publishing these epics. Their initiative highlights the global popularity of Indian culture.”
He also shared some photographs of his meeting with Al Baroun and Al Nesef. While Al Baroun translated both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Al Nesef managed their publication in Arabic, enabling a wider audience in the Arab world to engage with India’s rich cultural heritage. Modi had acknowledged their efforts during a ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address in October, emphasising their contributions to fostering cultural exchange and promoting Indian heritage on a global platform. PM Modi in Kuwait: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Country, Becomes First Indian PM To Visit Gulf Nation in 43 Years (See Pics).
Highlighting their work, he had said that it was “not just a translation, but a bridge between two great cultures. It is developing a new understanding of Indian literature in the Arab world”. Modi arrived in Kuwait earlier in the day for a two-day visit, where he was greeted with a ceremonial welcome at the Amiri terminal by senior Kuwaiti officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, and Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.
The prime minister is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His visit is the first of any Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. Upon the arrival at the hotel, Modi met with 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Mangal Sain Handa, who appeared deeply emotional during the meeting. Indian expatriates in Kuwait raised slogans of “Vande Mataram” in solidarity.
“Delighted to have met Shri @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait this afternoon. I admire his contribution to India and his passion for India’s development,” Modi posted on X. On Friday, Handa’s granddaughter Shreya Juneja requested Modi to meet her Nanaji to which Modi replied, “Absolutely! I look forward to meeting @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait today.” Last year, Modi had sent a letter to Handa on his 100th birthday, praising his diplomatic contributions. PM Narendra Modi Meets 101-Year-Old Former IFS Officer Mangal Sain Handa, Gets a Rousing Welcome in Kuwait (See Pics).
PM Modi Lauds Arabic Translator, Publisher of Ramayana, Mahabharata

PM Modi signed the Arabic translations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Abdullateef Alnesef, the book publisher and Abdullah Baron, the translator of Ramayana and Mahabharata in the Arabic language, met PM Narendra Modi in Kuwait. pic.twitter.com/BackgHsAj5
— BJP (@BJP4India) December 21, 2024
“Humble request to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi to meet my 101-year-old Nanaji, ex-IFS officer, in Kuwait during tmrw’s interaction with the Indian Diaspora. Nana @MangalSainHanda is a great admirer of yours. Details have been emailed to your office,” Shreya Juneja, granddaughter of Handa posted on X on Friday. On his arrival, Modi received a heartwarming welcome from the vibrant Indian diaspora in Kuwait. “Their energy, love and unwavering connection to India are truly inspiring. Grateful for their enthusiasm and proud of their contributions to strengthening ties between our nations,” Modi said.
The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. Indians constitute 21 per cent (1 million) of the total population of Kuwait and 30 per cent of its workforce (approx 9 lakhs). Indian workers top the Private Sector as well as domestic sector (DSW) workforce list, according to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. More than 200 Indian associations in Kuwait actively organise socio-cultural and humanitarian initiatives, further reinforcing the ties between the two nations.
Kuwait is also among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. It is India’s sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country’s energy needs. India and Kuwait have enjoyed traditionally friendly relations, with links dating back to pre-oil Kuwait when maritime trade with India was the backbone of its economy. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup here.

Barack Obama just revealed his 10 favorite books of 2024 and here’s a quick description for all of them

With 2024 coming to a close, former president Barack Obama is continuing his annual tradition of sharing his top 10 favorite books, movies, and music of the year. This year, he has started with a list of his favorite books, and we have everything you need to know for each, including where to buy them!

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Obama took to his X account on December 20 to share the anticipated list, writing, “I always look forward to sharing my annual list of favorite books, movies, and music. Today I’ll start by sharing some of the books that have stuck with me long after I finished reading them,” adding, “Check them out this holiday season, preferably at an independent bookstore or library!” I always look forward to sharing my annual list of favorite books, movies, and music. Today I’ll start by sharing some of the books that have stuck with me long after I finished reading them.Check them out this holiday season, preferably at an independent bookstore or library! pic.twitter.com/NNcAnaFzdU— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 20, 2024 Obama’s top 10 favorite books of 2024 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – Buy on Amazon This book details how the spread of social media and phones has led to a “rewiring” of childhood, causing a rise in mental illnesses like anxiety, and offers practical solutions on how to navigate it. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney – Buy on Amazon Intermezzo is the fourth book by Irish author Sally Rooney. The story dives into the tale of two brothers and their lovers and encapsulates what it is like to deal with grief as the two brothers mourn their father. Patriot by Alexei Navalny – Buy on Amazon Patriot is a memoir by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny that details his life and career. He began writing it shortly after he was poisoned in 2020, leading to a near-death experience. Orbital by Samantha Harvey – Buy on Amazon Orbital, first released in 2023, follows the story of six fictional astronauts as they circle Earth in the International Space Station, observing the passage of time and weather across borders and time zones, compelled to return home. Harvey’s novel won the Booker Prize 2024. The Anthropologists by Ayşegül Savaş – Buy on Amazon

The Anthropologists is the story of a couple from different countries relocating to a foreign city. The book follows Asya and Manu as they are forced to craft their own traditions while they navigate their new city, trying to find a place to call home while immersing themselves in their surroundings. Stolen Pride by Arlie Russell Hochschild – Buy on Amazon Stolen Pride focuses on a group of people in the heart of Appalachia as she explores the current political landscape and how pride can alter our perception of ourselves and the world around us, all while pointing a new way forward. In Ascension by Martin Macĩnnes – Buy on Amazon In Ascension follows Leigh, a marine biologist. It chronicles her difficult childhood, complex family dynamics, and a scientific discovery in an ocean trench that will change the world. In Ascension won the 2024 Arthur C. Clarke Award, which celebrates the best science fiction novels published in the U.K. Growth by Daniel Susskind – Buy on Amazon Growth by Daniel Susskind was shortlisted for the 2024 Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year. It dives into the past, present, and future of economic growth and how we should rethink our obsession with it as it furthers inequality and causes social and environmental harm. Someone Like Us by Dinaw Mengestu – Buy on Amazon Someone Like Us follows the story of Mamush and Hannah, who meet in Paris. Their love life unfolds and ends in sorrow, and Mamush returns to the close-knit immigrant Ethiopian community of Washington, D.C. that defined his childhood. Mamush is faced with life and death as he navigates this new world without the love of his life, following the death of his beloved father figure.

The Work of Art by Adam Moss – Buy on Amazon Adam Moss interviewed nearly 50 people to discover the grueling, rewarding, painstaking, and joyful creative process of making art, giving readers an insight into how writers, artists, musicians, comedians, and filmmakers hone their craft.

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Cranford Girl Scout Troop spreads holiday cheer with pajama and book drive

This slideshow requires JavaScript.CRANFORD, NJ — In the spirit of the holiday season, Cranford Brownie Troop 40400, part of the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Council, hosted its fourth annual Holiday Movie Night at the Cranford Theater on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The event welcomed more than 300 Girl Scouts and their families across three theaters and collected 134 pajamas and 80 books for The Pajama Program, an initiative that provides children in need with a new pair of pajamas and a book to ensure a cozy bedtime.
Brownie Scouts Emelia LaPlaca and Bethany Williams said, “It feels really good to know we’re helping kids like us. Every time we see the pajamas and books, we think about how happy the kids will be when they get them.”
This cherished project began when Troop 40400 were Daisy Scouts in Kindergarten, earning their orange (Mari) petal, which focuses on being “responsible for what I say and do.” The troop paired this lesson with a showing of a holiday movie, chosen for its themes of kindness and acceptance as the characters realize the value of differences. Inspired to make the event impactful for their community, the troop introduced a pajama and book drive to benefit local children in need.
That first Holiday Movie Night, in December 2021, drew 161 attendees and collected 68 pairs of pajamas and 57 books. Since then, the event has grown significantly, becoming a hallmark of holiday giving for Cranford Girl Scouts and their families.
By 2022, the event expanded to feature multiple holiday movies and additional theater space. In 2023, an option for older Girl Scouts was introduced and the event expanded to three theaters. This year continued with three theaters, offering a mix of holiday-themed films suitable for various age groups. Plans are already underway to explore new movie options for next year in collaboration with the Cranford Theater.
The event has also become a valuable service-learning opportunity for Troop 40400. Through time, the girls have taken on more responsibilities, from separating pajamas and books to this year independently removing pajamas from hangers, balancing book weights for packing, and organizing donations with efficiency and pride.“The holiday season is a perfect time to think about others and give back to our community,” said Corinne LaPlaca and Lisa Williams, co-leaders of Troop 40400. “It’s inspiring to see the generosity of Girl Scouts and their families who come out every year to support children in need. This project not only helps children in need but also provides a meaningful experience for students in our community.”
This annual project has far-reaching benefits for the community. Donations of pajamas and books were distributed to families in Union County through The Pajama Program, with support from Dr. Wendy Menneg-Lyubarsky of Cranford, who has championed this program for more than a decade. Students from NuView Academy, part of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey, also participated by sorting and labeling donations with the guidance of Lisa Williams, co-leader of Troop 40400 and principal of the school. The sorting process reinforced vocational and social skills emphasized in daily learning, and similar efforts were also implemented at Future Foundations Academy, where Williams previously served as vice principal.
The event also supported local businesses, with ticket and concession sales benefiting the Cranford Theater. Cranford Theater owner Doreen Sayegh and her team went above and beyond to accommodate the troop’s unique needs and ensure the event’s success.
As the event continues to grow, Troop 40400 is excited to expand its impact and further enrich the experience for Girl Scouts and the communities they support. Plans for next year’s event include exploring new movie options and engaging even more families in the joy of giving.
Photos Courtesy of GSHNJ Brownie Troop 40400