LiteraryTraveler.net

Time to make resolutions.  And many of us can’t keep them, let’s be honest.  It’s hard to stick to that diet, or lose those 10 pounds we really don’t need to lose anyway, right?  Try a solid New Year’s resolution you can do this year instead.

Here at LT, we suggest a reading resolution.  How many books have you read this year that involve great travels that inspire you?  How many of you still haven’t read On The Road or another great traveling work of fiction that you’ve been dying to read?  If so, then it’s time to set your reading resolution for 2010.

We suggest either trying to set an amount of books to read i.e. 10 great travel books for all of 2010 (we understand you like to read other types of literature as well!) or pick two travel classics you still haven’t had the time to read.  For ideas, troll Literary Traveler and see what inspires you.

Another tip comes from Sharp Brains, an article entitled 10 Brain Fitness New Year’s Resolutions by Alavaro Fernandez, which says:

“If you usually read non-fiction, try something new this season. Pick up a good fiction book. Or vice versa. For bonus points, subscribe to or simply read a new magazine, perhaps one that your partner craves? It will help you understand another perspective.”

We like that idea.

So this year, make a resolution you can achieve, and you’ll feel much more accomplished in 2010!

Jennifer

**Editor’s Note: LT thanks you for all your support in 2009 – we look forward to inspiring you in 2010 as well.  Happy New Year to all our literary travelers!

Here at Literary Traveler, we are just as excited for the holidays as you are!  And we too have to buy presents and get in the holiday spirit.  How is this all possible with life’s busy schedule?

It’s very possible with a few clicks of the mouse here at LT.  First of all, we have our gift guide entitled: Literary Traveler Holiday Gifts.  You will find classic, timeless gifts for the bookworm in your family or circle of friends.  The best part is we’ve included gifts no manner your financial situation, or if you just want to splurge on that special someone or stay frugal this year.

For example, the priciest item on the list includes the Amazon Kindle, a perfect indulgence for the e-bookworm.  Another great item is the Levenger tote, priced at $58.  I bought mine a few years ago and I love all the pockets and the stylish look – I receive compliments all the time.  Or for the kids, buy the Kid’s Trip Diary for a mere $6.95.  Kids can record their travels, write and draw.

Not included on the list, but a great extra are Cinzia Designs Sunreaders (photo above).  Uber-stylish and sleek, these prescription sunglasses channel old Hollywood glamour – think Betty Draper in Mad Men!  Prices range from $24 to $135.  And each sunreader comes with a vogue carrying case.

To get into the holiday spirit, here’s an older article you may like: Who Wrote ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas?  A Literary Debate.  This article discusses who really penned this famous poem: was it Clement Clark Moore, the known author, or Henry Livingston Jr.?  There are convincing arguments for both sides, thus it is up to you to decide.

We hope all of this holiday info gets you geared up for next week.  Happy Holidays to you and your family from LT!

Jennifer

Can you believe it’s finally coming out?

We waited months and months, and now it’s delayed again!  I’m talking about the release date of the movie, The Lovely Bones, which is based on the best-seller by Alice Sebold.

I was excited to learn that it was to be released on my birthday, this past December 11th; however, the release has been pushed back yet again to January 15, 2010.

The movie’s director is none other than Peter Jackson, of The Lord of the Rings trilogy that exploded into theaters several years ago.  LOTR was such a phenomenon that it put Jackson on the directorial map for good.

Once Jackson read The Lovely Bones, he was so intrigued and inspired by the story that he immediately bought the movie rights, not allowing any other contestants a chance to bid.  After months of filming in rural Pennsylvania, the movie was sent to post-production and then screened by test audiences.

Apparently, the studio had geared all of its publicity toward an adult audience, yet the movie did not strike a chord with this demographic.  Instead, it received high ratings amongst teenage girls and very young woman. Perhaps this is the delay, is the movie studio back to square one in regard to publicity?

Whatever happened, I am glad that this novel is adapted to the screen, and I can’t wait to see it, even though I’m not a young girl anymore (sadly enough).

In the interest of not spoiling the plot for those of our literary travelers who haven’t read the novel, all I have to say is be prepared for an emotional ride, whether reading The Lovely Bones or watching it on the big screen.

Happy Holidays!

Jennifer

Take a look at our newest Feature article:

Alexander Pushkin: I Loved You Linen Factory by native Russian writer, Maria Kozyreva.  Step into a Slavic literary world where every year, Russians gather in the Kaluga region to celebrate the most famous poet of their culture.  Yes, the celebration does take place in a linen factory and you will see why it’s the most appropriate place!

Check out our newest article:

Philip Roth: Goodbye Columbus, Hello Newark by David Silon.  Here is a Newark, New Jersey you never expected, from the eyes of Pulitzer Prize-winner Philip Roth.  What was it like to grow up in warring Newark and how did this influence one of his most famous novels, Goodbye Columbus?  Delve into the city of old Newark and Jewish culture for the Hanukkah season!