The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Back in 2011, I was an avid reader who had somehow lost my way with reading. Between working and being a full-time student, reading for pleasure had slowly fallen by the wayside.

I wanted to change that. So I gave myself a New Year's resolution to read one book every week for a year. I started A Book A Week on January 1, 2012 as a way to hold myself accountable and share what I was reading along the way.

I didn't quite reach my goal that first year, but I kept reading. I kept reviewing. And all these years later, I'm still here, looking forward to whatever book comes next. Some years I crush my goals, some years I don't, but my love for a good book has never wavered.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

I'm a lifelong reader with a particular soft spot for mysteries and thrillers. I've always loved the genre, and I credit those stories—the twists, suspense, and need to know what happens next—with keeping me a reader as an adult. My reading has taken me in all kinds of directions since then, but I'll always come back to a good mystery.

I love creepy horror novels. A fascinating work of nonfiction can completely pull me in, too. And I've found plenty of favorites in science fiction, literary fiction, romance, and other genres I might never have picked up when I first started the blog. That's part of the fun. I never quite know what kind of story is going to grab me next.

When I'm not reading or writing reviews, you'll usually find me at home with my husband and our pets. I'm a classically trained musician and composer, an enthusiastic home cook, and a backyard gardener. There's usually a trip to look forward to or some new project that has caught my interest, too.

At the end of the day, I just really love books. There's nothing quite like discovering a story I can't put down or finding an author I can't wait to read again. Even when a book doesn't quite work for me, I still enjoy thinking about why and putting those thoughts into words. That's what keeps me reading, reviewing, and sharing it all here on A Book A Week.

Honest reviews, always.

Some of the books I review are ones I've purchased myself. Others are provided by publishers or authors in exchange for an honest review. Either way, what I write here is always what I really think.

Not every book is going to work for every reader, and that's part of the fun of talking about books. I'll tell you what worked for me, what didn't, and hopefully give you enough to decide whether a book might be right for you.

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I don't have any kids (unless you count my dog), so I wouldn't consider myself an expert on children's books by any means. That being said, I came across B.J. Novak's The Book With No Pictures recently and was so impressed by it that I had to write a review. Novak is probably best known for his role on the hit comedy The Office. In The Book With No Pictures, he uses his comedic abilities to create a bedtime story that both kids and parents are sure to enjoy.

As you probably guessed by the title, this children's book has no pictures. Instead, the book relies on the simple premise that whoever reads the book aloud is bound to say every word that is written...even if that word is something as silly as "Blork!" This soon creates a conflict as the reader does their best to avoid the crazy words, but they are bound by the rules to read them. There's nonsensical words, silly phrases, and even a song.

I really admire what Novak has done with this book. He breaks the fourth wall and creates a story that both kids and adults will get a kick out of. The publisher recommends the book for kids aged 4-8, but I imagine this could be enjoyed by kids who are a little younger. The book's premise truly allows for the reader to get creative in their delivery, allowing for endless variety from read to read. The Book With No Pictures is a unique offering in the crowded genre of children's books that is sure to inspire a life long love of reading in every household that it reaches.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2016, 26)

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About Me

It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

Honest reviews, always.

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