Reading is Vital to My Conscientious Resilience!
Estimated reading time: 27 minutes, 30 seconds
Bookshop, My Preferred Source for Books
Since 2019, I have immersed myself in the world of literature through the cozy resources of the Cranford Library, exploring a treasure trove of e-books via the Libby app. On a few occasions, I have received books as gifts. As I journeyed through different narratives, I purchased e-books from various sources, expanding my library and thriving in diverse stories.
Starting in late 2024, my quest for new literary adventures took a vibrant turn when I discovered Bookshop, which has since become my go-to destination for fulfilling my reading cravings, including eBooks. This platform offers a wide selection of books and seamlessly allows me to support my beloved local haven, The Cranford Bookstore, a popup and online store. There’s an enchanting thrill in uncovering fantastic reads while nurturing my community, creating a beautiful connection between my passion for reading and local support!
To help you with your first purchase on Bookshop, click here for a 20% discount.
While I am still curating my book lists on Bookshop, I invite you to explore the titles I’ve enjoyed and those I’m currently reading. Happy reading!
When you purchase a book through one of my links, I earn a small commission that helps support my passion for reading. This contribution allows me to buy even more books to share with you, creating an incredible cycle of discovering great reads together! Your support truly makes a difference!
A Rainbow of Books
When my sons, Jon and Mike, were little, we shared many joyful moments watching Reading Rainbow together. It struck a chord as I remembered how pivotal books shaped my childhood. Unfortunately, as a busy husband, father, and director of a non-profit organization, my passion for reading has taken a backseat. While I kept up with newspapers, magazines, and work documents, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing out on something truly significant.
Then, in late 2018, I began a new chapter after stepping away from full-time work. I reignited my love for reading, diving into a world of stories and ideas, and started curating my literary adventures on this website, three hundred and fifteen (315), as I write this. It’s been a rewarding journey, reminding me of the magic books can bring to our lives. Reading has become essential to my conscientious resilience, which has helped me live fully after loss.
Each book I’ve read has influenced me differently, with some leaving a more lasting impact than others. As my friend Danny said nearly a year ago, “You are an incredible person! You are a new person! A better person! Jan, although not here physically, has done so much for you!” Rav Uri, my Rabbi, said the same in his remarks when I received the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. If what they believe is true, much of that improvement is due to the books I have read.
Every book I’ve read has influenced me differently, with some leaving a more lasting impact than others. Nearly a year ago, my friend Danny said, “You are incredible! You are a new person! A better person! Although not here physically, Jan has done so much for you!”
My Rabbi, Rav Uri, echoed similar sentiments during his remarks when I received the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. If their beliefs are true, much of my improvement can be attributed to the books I have read.
What are you currently reading? Would you like a book recommendation? I have a variety of books to suggest.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. All donations are tax-deductible.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
After almost 48 years, I recently lost my wife, Jan Lilien. Like The Little Prince, Jan and I believed that “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” This blog is a collection of my random thoughts on love, grief, life, and all things considered.
