Words Alive Named 2023 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year

On December 8, 2023, the PGA TOUR announced that Words Alive has been named the 2023 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year! This national award marks an exciting new chapter in Words Alive’s story, and the accompanying $30,000 grant will directly support our mission to open opportunities to success by inspiring a commitment to reading.

We were recently surprised with this award at our office - check out this video to see our team’s shock and excitement!

“It’s not often that we, at Words Alive, find ourselves speechless, but this honor from the PGA TOUR is beyond anything we could have imagined,” said Rachael Orose, Executive Director of Words Alive. “Being able to read, and understand what we read, is the key to living a full, free life. This world we envision is made possible through the simple, essential, and effective act of reading together – and we are deeply grateful to the PGA TOUR, the Century Club of San Diego, and Farmers Insurance for their extraordinary investment to ensure we become a community of readers.”

The Century Club of San Diego, a nonprofit organization with the primary purpose of administering San Diego’s PGA TOUR event, the Farmers Insurance Open, believes that through the giving of time, treasure, and talent, they can make a lasting impact in San Diego.

The Century Club and Words Alive team members

“We are proud to call Words Alive a partner through our Champions for Youth program,” said Marty Gorsich, CEO of the Century Club of San Diego. “We believe that access to education and job readiness training are necessary to creating and sustaining thriving communities. Literacy is key to participating on any level in our society, and Words Alive’s programs are vital to our youth developing into lifelong learners.”

Since 2019, Words Alive has participated in the Century Club’s core charitable program, Champions for Youth, which has grown to be Words Alive’s largest fundraiser of the year…and is underway right now!

Thanks to a generous pool of matching funds, every Champions for Youth donation is matched at least 1.5x (so $10 = $25, $20 = $50, etc.). Every contribution in this friendly fundraising competition makes a real impact - the more donors and the more dollars, the more matching funds received!

Please click here to make a gift for literacy today.

If you have any questions about the Champions for Youth campaign, please contact Tracy Dahlkamp, Donor Engagement Manager, at [email protected].

Award-Winning Creators of "Nigel and the Moon" Visit San Diego Students

In early November 2023, Words Alive was thrilled to be part of a series of events bringing the creators of Nigel and the Moon to connect with children in San Diego. Thanks to a generous donation by Roberta and Mark Emerson, Words Alive brought the book’s award-winning illustrator, Brooklyn-based artist Gracey Zhang, to San Diego for three different events over two days, where she visited 315 children and gifted each child a copy of Nigel and the Moon in English or Spanish.  

Gracey Zhang and Antwan Eady

Nigel and the Moon, written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Gracey Zhang, is a glowing tale about the young dreaming big and how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence. This remarkable debut was chosen by KPBS as the children’s book selection for 2023’s One Book, One San Diego, a partnership between KPBS and over 80 public libraries, service organizations and educational institutions. Now in its 17th year, One Book, One San Diego’s mission is to bring our community closer together through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book.

When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!

Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky.

But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.

Meeting authors behind the characters we love deepens the context of what we read and encourages learners to imagine themselves as thinkers, readers, and future creators of stories that shape our world. Those moments – especially when the authors reflect readers’ identities and lived experiences – spark curiosity and can change the way young people view who and what belongs on the page. 

Words Alive’s most effective author experiences bring writers, learners, and our community together, virtually and in-person, to explore and respond to themes of the text. Excitingly, the Emerson’s investment allowed us to fulfill these aims over three unique events:

Burbank Elementary School

Words Alive has long delivered Read Aloud programming at Burbank Elementary, where less than 20% of students are meeting grade-level English and language arts standards. The Emerson’s investment empowered Gracey to visit 139 kindergarten – third grade students across five classrooms. Since several of the classes were bilingual or fully in Spanish, every child took home a new copy of the book in English or Spanish, most autographed by the author. Once word about Gracey’s visit spread, enthusiastic demand for led us to tap existing partnerships with the Cindy Polger Book Fund and PNC Foundation so we could obtain books in English and Spanish as well as resources for additional classroom visits.

Gracey Zhang with Jane H., Words Alive volunteer, at Burbank Elementary School

A longtime Words Alive volunteer “reading role model” joined Gracey to lead the read aloud of Nigel and the Moon, after which Gracey spoke with the students about her experiences as an artist and illustrator. Excitingly, Gracey engaged the children in an interactive drawing session where she illustrated their creative ideas on the spot, swiftly adding to the art as students shouted out suggestions!

In addition to an autographed copy of the book, each student received a playful tie-in learning kit in English and Spanish specifically designed to deepen connection to the text. Learning kits contain detailed step-by-step instructions for a craft activity that builds on themes in the book, along with all materials needed to complete that activity. Learning kits also include a parent guide to layer in literacy best practices for family engagement as well as a starter kit of basic school supplies such as glue, scissors, and crayons.

Antwan Eady and Gracey Zhang with third grade students at Rosa Parks Elementary School

Rosa Parks Elementary School

A collaboration between KPBS, the San Diego Unified School District, and Words Alive brought Gracey and Antwan to Rosa Parks Elementary for a book reading by the author and open Q&A session specifically designed for the 150 third grade students present. All children received the Nigel and the Moon paired with bilingual learning kits with extra craft supplies like a watercolor set, in addition to receiving a starter kit of basic school supplies such as markers, scissors, and glue. To increase access, the event was livestreamed to other schools for broad participation across the community.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Words Alive and KPBS brought Antwan and Gracey to the San Diego Air & Space Museum to host a book signing, open Q&A session, and book reading by the author that was open to the public at no cost. Approximately 75 community members of all ages attended this interactive storytelling event.

Gracey Zhang and Antwan Eady at the San Diego Air and Space Museum

Words Alive thanks our supporters, sponsors, and community partners for creating a unique opportunity for children in historically underserved communities to connect with Antwan Eady and Gracey Zhang. We are truly grateful for our partners’ commitment to connecting children to the power of reading through enabling joyful, engaging experiences between historically underserved students in San Diego and the creators of stories relevant to their lives.

Meet Tracy

In July 2023, Words Alive welcomed Tracy Dahlkamp to the team as our Donor Engagement Manager. Tracy has made an incredible impact in her first few months at Words Alive, and it feels like she has always been part of the crew! We are so excited to introduce her to the Words Alive community.

Tracy is a dedicated leader who is deeply committed to community engagement and driving positive change in San Diego County. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Before joining the Words Alive team, Tracy left her mark on the San Diego community by successfully establishing and leading two volunteer nonprofit organizations: the Lake Murray Playground Project and The Lake Murray Fireworks & Events. Tracy brings with her a strong commitment to community service and her belief in the transformative power of literacy and education.

Now, a few words from Tracy:

What brought you to Words Alive?

As a parent, I've witnessed the profound impact that literacy and a commitment to learning can have on a child's development. To be part of an organization like Words Alive, which prioritizes these values, is an honor.

Can you tell us about one of your favorite books?

One of my very favorite books is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. It’s an amazing story set in France during the WWII Nazi occupation from the perspective of two sisters - one who joins the underground rebellion and the other who fights to remain in her home. I’ve read many stories during that time period, but I especially loved reading a WWII story from the female perspective.

I hear you have a travel habit relating to literacy - can you elaborate?

I absolutely love public libraries! When I travel, I make it a point to visit the local public library in the area. I find the atmosphere in a library incredibly energizing and motivating. I'm drawn to curious individuals who actively seek knowledge, and these are the kind of people I often find in libraries.

Meet Celeste

Words Alive is thrilled to announce a new addition to our team: Celeste Brown, our Administrative Coordinator! Read on to learn more about Celeste and her drive to join the Words Alive team.

In July 2023, Words Alive welcomed Celeste Brown to the team as our Administrative Coordinator, supporting the organization’s daily operations, facility operations, and accounting. She is the key staff member supporting the Board of Directors and Executive Director. Celeste earned a B.S. in Clinical Psychology and B.A. in Human Developmental Sciences at UCSD, and has years of professional experience in administration, reception, and retail.

Now, a few words from Celeste:

What intrigued you about Words Alive?

Aside from my lifelong love of reading and all things books, what most interested me about Words Alive was its commitment to serving the highest need communities. Working in, and giving back to, underserved populations has always been important to me in all aspects of my life, so finding an organization that I felt shared that sentiment was really inspiring. I felt like Words Alive wasn’t just doing the work to be able to say they did it, but rather to really make an impact for the youth they served. After my first interview, I felt so comfortable, and so seen that I knew I had to be a part of Words Alive one way or another.

What are you most excited about in this position?

I’m most excited about learning more about the innerworkings of a nonprofit organization. Doing administrative work really allows me to peek into all the different parts of Words Alive and get a holistic understanding of what goes on. It’s been great to be a part of such a hardworking and amazing team. Also, I’m excited to be in a space where I can be representative of the populations that we serve. I know that if little Celeste had seen someone that looked like her in more spaces like these, it would’ve had such an impact.

What is your relationship with literacy and learning?

Learning is one of my favorite things in the world. Growing up, my mom was a teacher, and so the classroom has always been a safe space for me. The library too. A lot of my childhood was spent in the library, checking out stacks of books that I’d finish in a week. Being a pretty introverted and shy child (and adult), reading has always provided me with an escape when life can get too overwhelming. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that education and literacy have provided for me, and for having a parent who encouraged that love for learning. I hope to do that for others.

What are you currently reading?

I just finished Dirt Creek by Haley Scrivenor. I’m always looking for a good mystery/who done it, so if you have any suggestions, please send them my way!  I also love fantasy books. My favorite book of all time is The Chronicles of Narnia. I have the whole series packed into one book and it’s a classic that I can always go back to.

Meet Pranusha, our November Page Turner of the Month!

This month, we are happy to recognize Pranusha Appanabhotla as our Page Turner of the Month. Pranusha is a seventh grader from Menands, New York, and has been participating in Page Turners since November 2022. Since joining the Page Turners community, she has read 16 books, adding up to 49.5 hours and 3,666 pages. Here is what Pranusha said about her time volunteering with Words Alive! 

Tell us about yourself! 

I'm Pranusha, a 7th grader who loves reading, writing, and STEM building. If I'm not doing any of this, you can usually find me drawing away in my sketchbook! Ironically, all my hobbies are like puzzles; you have to work on it piece by piece...the final result looks nothing like how it started!! 

How did you come across Page Turners/Words Alive? 

I heard from a teacher, who recommended it to me! 

What are your hobbies/interests outside of volunteering? 

My hobbies are reading, writing stories, STEM building, and drawing! 

Has reading with Page Turners impacted your perspective on society or your community? 

Page Turners has definitely impacted my view on books; since the books that I read now, are not only for me but they are different worlds others can enjoy as well! Every page I turn, or see someone turn, I feel proud knowing that I provided that to another person in the world.  

What is your favorite book(s) so far? 

This is a very tricky question, though I would say that Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick would be the favorites! I would recommend them to everyone since the story plot is amazing and details in the books make you feel like it's real! 

Thank you, Pranusha, for all your time and dedication! We love having your words and energy here at Words Alive.  

If you would like to join Pranusha in this large community of Page Turners, sign up here.  
 

Meet Emanuel, AmeriCorps VIP Fellow

Words Alive is so excited to announce a new addition to the Words Alive team: our AmeriCorps VIP Fellow, Emanuel Prince! Read on to learn more about Emanuel and his drive to join the Words Alive team.

In September 2023, Words Alive was thrilled to welcome Emanuel Prince to the team for an 11-month position as an AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Fellow. This purpose-driven service opportunity builds and strengthens volunteer programs at partner agencies across California through the service of their members. By focusing on capacity building, volunteer recruitment, fundraising, and partnership building, VIP members level up their site’s volunteer programs and equip the organization to sustain strong volunteer infrastructure after the conclusion of their term. Fellows receive training in volunteer management and professional development throughout their service.

Emanuel joins Words Alive after graduating summa cum laude from California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) with a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology and justice studies. He was a leader on campus as the first Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of the Mira Costa College Associated Student Government, and chartered the Phi Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, seated at CSUDH. Passionate about serving the Black American community, Emanuel aims to pursue a legal career in civil rights and the public interest sector.

Now, a few words from Emanuel:

What drew you to Words Alive?

After graduating college, I wanted to take a gap year. However, I wanted my gap year to be filled with professional work experience. I applied to a variety of different job opportunities and came across the AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship. Through the fellowship, I connected with Words Alive, which is now the partner site that I will be serving for the next year. What really brought me to Words Alive was our shared belief in serving historically underserved communities. Additionally, we connected in the belief that reading is an essential skill for children to have on their educational journey and future success.

What is your relationship with books and reading?

Personally, I love books, especially as they relate to crime/mystery. One of my favorite novels is The Conjure-Man Dies by Rudolph Fisher. As a kid, I enjoyed The Hunger Games series, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (which inspired the movie Hugo), and Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting.

What are you currently reading?

Towards Zero by Agatha Christie. 

Meet Daniel, Our October Page Turner of the Month!

This October, we are very excited to recognize and celebrate Daniel Golmohammadi as our Page Turner of the Month. Daniel is a high school sophomore and has been a Page Turner since July of this year. Since joining Page Turners, he has read and reviewed 13 books, totaling 4,123 pages and 118 hours. Here is what Daniel had to say about his experience with Words Alive: 

 Can you give a brief introduction of who you are? 

I'm Daniel Golmohammadi, currently on my 10th-grade journey at Needham High School. Beyond the academic side of life, I'm someone who thrives on intellectual challenges and community engagement. Whether it's through my school's debate club, where I serve as a captain, my passion for coding, the exciting initiative I'm spearheading at school, or even my role as president of the Ping Pong Club, I'm deeply committed to both personal growth and contributing positively to my school community. 

 
How did you come across Page Turners/Words Alive? 

My discovery of Page Turners/Words Alive was quite fortunate. I was actively searching for meaningful volunteer opportunities online when I stumbled upon this remarkable program. The idea of combining my love for reading with the chance to make a positive impact on others' lives instantly resonated with me. 

 
What are your hobbies/interests outside of volunteering?

Beyond my commitment to volunteering, I have a spectrum of interests that keep me energized. As mentioned, I'm a fervent participant in my school's debate club, where I've had the privilege of serving as a captain. This role has not only sharpened my critical thinking and public speaking skills but also deepened my appreciation for the power of discourse and dialogue. 
 
Coding is another avenue where I pour my creativity and problem-solving abilities. I'm in the process of launching a coding initiative at my school, aiming to inspire fellow students to explore the world of programming. It's incredibly satisfying to witness others unlock their potential through technology. 
 
Finally, my position as president of the Ping Pong Club combines my love for sports and forming friendships. Ping pong offers a unique way to unwind and connect with friends. 

Has reading with Page Turners impacted your perspective on society or your community? 

Absolutely, reading with Page Turners has been an eye-opening experience. It's not just about sharing stories; it's about delving into narratives that shed light on diverse perspectives and experiences. Through these books, I've gained a deeper understanding of the world, its complexities, and the importance of empathy. It has underscored the notion that literature is a powerful tool for promoting social awareness and change. 

 
What is your favorite book(s) so far? 

The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe has captivated me in a way few books have. Its exploration of identity, resilience, and the strength of human character is simply enthralling. The characters are so vividly portrayed that you can't help but become emotionally invested in their journeys. This book has reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to inspire and provoke thought. It's a reminder that literature can be a catalyst for personal growth and social change, and that's why it stands as one of my all-time favorites. 

Thank you for all you do Daniel! We appreciate your energy and dedication to Words Alive.  

If you would like to volunteer with the Page Turner Program like Daniel, you can sign up here.  

Art & Lit 2023: Graphic Tales and Belonging

Throughout the summer, the Words Alive team, especially our Young Adult Program Manager Marisol Vasquez and Program Director Melinda Cooper, has worked closely with children’s author and graphic novelist Marcie Colleen, a longtime presence in our community, to create Graphic Tales, this year’s collaborative Art & Lit project with multiple workshops! Read on to learn more about what has gone into this project.

Summer camp participants in our Art & Lit workshop, at City Heights Library, visited by local author Marcie Colleen and delivered in partnership with BIPOC Support Foundation.

To give some background, Words Alive prepares and runs an annual Art & Lit project in close connection with our Adolescent Book Group program and sometimes extended into our Read Aloud program. According to our Program Director Melinda Cooper, the project is a collaborative effort with local artists/organizations with a focus on encouraging teens to draw connections between art and literature and ultimately enhancing their learning and understanding. The execution of this core objective varies, with each year bringing a different theme, craft, and collaboration. 

Please feel free to view our 2022 project on identity, the authentic self, and self-portrait through collage, which culminated in a month-long installation at the new children’s museum downtown!

The Art & Lit project will be a little this year and it has to do with our theme of belonging, Melinda said. We’re focusing on the community connection of coming together, she said, and we’ve created Graphic Tales as a collaborative workshop with multiple sessions that can be done any time throughout the school year.

By creating their own stories through graphic novels, teens will not only engage in the theme of belonging by telling the stories important to them, but also by engaging with the various different roles that play into making a graphic novel. At the beginning of the project, youth will get to enjoy a mini career fair where they get to try out the different roles involved in being a graphic novel creator.

“Writing a graphic novel is not a one person job. There's a writer. There's an illustrator. There's a stylist, a colorist, an art director, an editor. There are all of these fabulous, different roles that go into making a graphic novel,” Melinda said. “The whole point is that they're trying on these different hats and feeling out where their strengths and their interests are, and working together to create.”

To bring a fun, accurate and engaging graphic novel creation experience to the project, Words Alive has worked closely with Marcie Colleen, graphic novelist and author of the well loved Penguinaut!. With Marcie, the team has also piloted the program this summer with the BIPOC Support Foundation at City Heights Library. 

“Working with Marcie is a delight. She is brilliant, kind and patient, and has very much approached the project from the same way as us, I think, a commitment to making reading matter to young people,” Melinda said. “She's really passionate about making reading matter and telling stories that need to be told.” 

Furthermore, both Words Alive and Marcie believe in the power and value of graphic novels, although the format may not be considered as part of traditional literature.

Some people do not believe that reading a comic, or reading graphic novels is really reading, and so you get some pushback that it's not real literature, Marcie shared. However, there is value in the interplay between the visual and linguistic storytelling found in picture books and graphic novels. When youth engage with a picture book, not only are they engaging with the written word, but they are also building skills in visual literacy.

“Literacy is not just reading sentences. It's about newspaper articles and advertisements and visuals and body cues… there's so many different kinds of literacy that we engage in all the time and so often I think literacy gets boiled down to just the written word,” Marcie said. “For example, you can look at a character and learn by their body language that they’re sad. I love the whole idea of being able to teach people visual literacy as well.” 

Seeing things visually is just another way of developing empathy and making that connection, Marcie also shared. There are some really beautiful stories, some real poignant and important stories, that have been told through graphic novels, she said. Some of the graphic novels Words Alive uses in its programs includes Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts and Magic Fish, a book on LGBTQI+ and Asian American identity.

Importantly, Words Alive recognizes the importance of making reading fun and relevant. Our Graphic Tales project combines the fun of graphic novels with the value and engagement of action-based learning, where children are able to learn on a much deeper level by collaborating to create stories that speak to them through their own efforts. 

“A lot of the focus of Words Alive is to make reading fun, to make it accessible and to make kids and teens and families want to keep doing it every day so that we can have a culture of reading,” Melinda said. 
During the program’s pilot this summer, the team and Marcie were able to see their efforts firsthand and witness kids get excited about creating graphic novels and get so involved in the entire process. 

“The program could have very well just been a book discussion, but there’s something really special about the hands-on activity,” Marcie said. “The kids not only read graphic novels, but were actively engaged in creating their own” 

Meet Alissa, Our September Page Turner of the Month!

This September, we are excited to celebrate the time and dedication of our Page Turner of the Month, Alissa Lun! Since joining Page Turners in March of this year, she has read and reviewed 28 books, totaling to 10, 240 pages and 119 hours! Here is what Alissa had to say about her time with Words Alive. 

How did you come across Page Turners/Words Alive?  

I first heard about Page Turners through a volunteering program at my university. I was intrigued by the opportunity to volunteer by reading books in my free time and therefore promote literacy among San Diego students. Since I love reading so much, I felt that Page Turners was a perfect fit for me! 

What are your hobbies/interests outside of volunteering? 

Aside from reading, I enjoy hiking, walking my dogs, and trying new dessert recipes. If Page Turners has a recipe book to review, count me in! 

What is your favorite book(s) so far? 

I enjoyed reading Beyond Magenta, Disability Visibility, and Sitting Pretty from Page Turners. These books expanded my knowledge of transgender and disability issues and provided a solid base for me to further educate myself in the future. Thanks to these books, I had the opportunity to challenge my preconceived notions and biases and form valuable new perspectives. 

Thank you, Alissa, for all you do! We appreciate the time you have dedicated as a Page Turner and with Words Alive! 

If you would like to volunteer as a Page Turner, you can sign up here.

Meet Cassie, Our New Page Turners Intern!

Hi! My name is Cassie and I am the new Page Turners Intern. I am so excited to be working with such a passionate and energized community and cannot wait to see where this journey takes me.  

I am currently entering my fourth year at UC San Diego as a Literature and Ethnic Studies Double Major. Throughout my undergraduate education, I have learned a great deal about how literature can be an extraordinary tool to express a vast array of identities and facilitate cross-cultural understanding. I am so excited to use this knowledge in aiding the Page Turners Program and supporting the broader mission of Words Alive.  

Reading and writing have always been incredibly important to me. Through reading, I have been able to engage with and gain a greater understanding of the world around me. Through writing, I have grown to better understand myself and others. Since literacy and literature continues to serve me in countless ways, it does not sit lightly with me that my own access to education comes from a place of privilege. Literacy is an essential tool with which we navigate society and all levels of education, and yet 21% of adults in the US have low literacy skills. I am passionate about increasing equitable access to education, using my own educational background to increase access to education for others. 

As I complete my last year of college and enter the abyss of adult life, I am grateful to have this experience to shine some light on my future. Although I am unsure of what my plans are for after I graduate, I can really see myself working at a non-profit organization in the future. I am thankful to Words Alive for allowing me to experience working in a non-profit environment for the first time and encouraging me to develop professionally through this experience. I am interested in doing some sort of social justice work, aiding the dismantling of the societal inequities of today. I am passionate and excited to learn more about mass incarceration, housing disparities, and immigration policy, issues which I would love to engage with further in my professional future.  

What drew you to interning at Words Alive? 

A fateful Handshake search led me to interning at Words Alive. Studying Ethnic Studies and Literature, it seems that my whole undergraduate education has orbited around diverse and accurate representations in literature. I feel very fortunate to have stumbled upon this opportunity to be a part of the Page Turners program, a position that aligns beautifully with my own interests and passions. 

Skimming through the summaries of the books being reviewed by Page Turners, I became really emotional. These are the books that I wish I had access to growing up! I cannot express the thrill that comes over me, knowing that there is a generation of children that will be able to see themselves represented in the literature they read and the media they consume, no matter their identity. I am so grateful to be able to contribute to the mission of providing these diverse literary representations to students through Words Alive, increasing literacy rates in the process.  

What are your hobbies or interests? 

I love to indulge myself in anything creative. In my free time, you can find me crocheting or knitting, playing the guitar, and singing. I currently serve as the Treasurer for the UCSD Tritones, the premier a cappella group at UCSD. Singing and performing with the friends I have made in this group has made up some of the best experiences I have had in college. I also have grown a huge appreciation for live music all around, and I spend lots of time (and far too much money) on experiencing all the concerts I can, from jazz nights in Balboa Park to going to see Beyoncé in LA. 

What is your favorite book? 

I am really indecisive so it’s always hard to pick a favorite. Some of my all-time favorites are Beloved by Toni Morrison and The Overstory by Richard Powers.  

I am so happy to be joining this community. I want to extend my thanks both to the Words Alive Staff and Volunteers for the incredibly welcoming and friendly atmosphere I have found here. I cannot wait to get to know more of you in the future!