Did someone say... books?!!!
​
There is no point in hiding my reading addiction to the rest of the world. The doorbell rang today and I was presented with a huge box which I gingerly brought into the house as if it contained a newly acquired, pirates' priceless treasure. My heart skipped a few beats when I had guessed the contents within right after viewing the stickers emblazed across the box... it was a my Book Outlet haul containing my recently ordered books! 

I brought the box into the kitchen and with my heart beating in wild anticipation, started opening the box with shaking hands... and then voila... there they were all gloriously staring up at me and I could swear, in my book haul delirium, the people pictured on the book covers winked back at my excitement! (Well, they actually didn't, but you know, I am a writer so we tend to embellish things a tiny bit). 

So what is this Book Outlet that has me acting like Dorothy about to meet the Wizard of Oz?

It's a reader's playground offering heavily discounted books that'll get you reaching for your glasses to confirm you read the prices right! I purchased these books you see in the photos I provided and take a wild guess how much I paid for them (which included 3 hardcopies)? 

A ridiculously low total of $34.05 for eight books! Yes, adjust those glasses and squint your pretty eyes! You read that right! They were near perfect with a few small dents in one book cover... something I could totally live with at that amazing price! If you are an avid ready, you know how pricey your book addiction can be... truly expensive, indeed! I'm still hardcore about my Kindle Paperwhite too, but sometimes, depending on my mood, I like the smell and feel of solid books held in my hands. If you can live with a few possible dents and nicks then this is your book paradise! It is affordable for a reader looking for a bargain.

​​Special Notes:
​
I have an upcoming Romantic Poetry book I will be unveiling within the next few months.  You can join me in my journey and receive first hand news by subscribing to my mailing list.  You can view my website by clicking HERE.

​As always, wishing you and your loved ones the best! I am always happy to hear from you at mary@marylisarusso.ca.

© Mary-Lisa Russo

September is Basic Education & Literacy Month at Rotary International so let's focus on the topic of reading in this short blog.

I have always been an avid reader since I was a young child. It was always me, cookies and books. I even told my family the titles of a few books I would like buried with me someday. Needless to say, they are not amused.  They often shake their heads at me, baffled at the words that spill out of my mouth. Quirky, girl, I know... but this gives you an example of my feelings when it comes to reading. Serious stuff, indeed.

Okay, so I went all out and treated myself well... very well! I finally decided to come out of the dark ages and delve into the electronic side of reading!  This past month I picked up the Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle which includes the Kindle Paperwhite 32GB with wifi, a leather cover in lush merlot, and power adapter.

​Oh my goodness!  It is so ultra thin and lightweight, I can slip it in my purse with no worries of it cramming my other goodies or breaking my arm trying to lug it around.  It's waterproof so I don't have to stress about it in case it falls in the tub while I'm reading.  In other words, it's Mary-Lisa goof-proof!
I love the adjustable light I am able to manipulate when I'm all cozied up in bed ready to read into the wee hours. It is equipped with a flush-front design and 300 ppi glare-free display.  It feels like you are reading on real paper! As I discovered all this, I inwardly screamed: "What magic is this?!!!"   

I loaded it with numerous books- and I mean loaded it- I've already read a plethora of books on it and the great thing is, I connected mine to Goodreads and enjoy updating my progress to my other reading peeps! Splendid! I have so many hardcovers and paperbacks and this is going to greatly reduce my need to add more bookshelves to accommodate my reading obsession. Bonus for myself and everyone else living with me.

​​I would like to emphasis...I abhor change...big time! I'm a self-professed turtle finding comfort in the familiar. But, I made this leap and I am happy I did so.  I cannot say enough about my new Kindle. It is a gem and I treat it as such.  Even has its own special spot near my bed.

There are different version of the Kindle reader out there and if you are hankering to pick one up, just do a little googling first to find the best one for your needs. Mine was around $200.00. As 2021 is evolving, I, too, am making an effort to evolve from my comfort zone and experience new things.

Read and read some more!

Cheers!

​Special Notes:
​
I have an upcoming Romantic Poetry book I will be unveiling within the next few months.  You can join me in my journey and receive first hand news by subscribing to my mailing list.  You can view my website by clicking HERE.

​As always, wishing you and your loved ones the best! I am always happy to hear from you at mary@marylisarusso.ca.

© Mary-Lisa Russo