The ThriftBooks Blog

By Karen DeGroot Carter • January 18, 2021

From his humble beginnings in a poem and then a children's story to his starring role in a mega Disney franchise to Novel Knockout champion, kind-hearted Winnie the Pooh has brought joy and comfort to generations of readers and viewers.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • January 15, 2021

Fyodor Dostoyevsky's successful first book, Poor Folk, came out 175 years ago today when the author was only 24 years old. But in a life beset by drama worthy of, say, a Russian novel, it would be many years before he produced a notable follow-up. Here we explore the literary giant’s best books and how they mirror his extraordinary life.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • January 13, 2021

Today is Korean American Day, a celebration of the considerable contributions of Korean Americans to our society. Starting with Younghill Kang, the father of Korean-American literature, there is a robust body of literature infused by this rich cultural background. Here are seven of our favorite recent novels by Korean Americans.

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By Karen DeGroot Carter • January 11, 2021

Cobra Kai fever has hit an all-time high with the release of the newest season this month! Whether you’re new to the streaming Netflix series Cobra Kai or have been watching since its first episodes—or even remember going to watch the original Karate Kid movie way back in the '80s!—you'll be happy to learn there are other martial arts films out there for you to enjoy as well.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • January 08, 2021

Elvis Presley was born eighty-five years ago today. Tragically, the thrilling entertainer died when he was only forty-two. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the twentieth century, he pioneered a bold new style of music. Here are seven things you may not have known about him.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • January 06, 2021

It's a new year and for us that means lots of new books to curl up with on these cold winter days! January is packed with must-reads. Here are eleven releases that we're excited about this month, along with suggestions of what you might want to read first.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • January 01, 2021

New Year's resolutions? For some reason, we're just not in the mood. This year consider adopting a set of anti-resolutions. Or in other words, just embrace the real you, warts and all.

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By Ashly Moore Sheldon • December 30, 2020

This time of year has lots of us thinking about how we can help the world to be a better place. This post features six extraordinary heroes across the past century who haven’t been afraid to take on big challenges for change.

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By William Shelton • December 28, 2020

Born in New Orleans, Truman Capote was frequently deposited at the Monroeville home of his eccentric cousins. The location had only one redeeming quality for him: next door lived a young girl who would initially beat him up, then befriend him—She was Nelle Harper Lee. From then on their worlds and works collided, bringing the world some of its most enduring classics, as well as an enduring literary feud.

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By Barbara Hagen • December 24, 2020

For many of us, it may feel like COVID is The Grinch, stealing our ability to celebrate or enjoy the holiday like we have in the past, be it with friends, families, activities, or traditions. Even our shopping was very different this year. But on Christmas Day, let's all be reminded of the immortal words of Dr. Seuss and the meaning of holidays.

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