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Here at Quirk Books, we put lots of time and thought into our book covers. And that's why they've won awards and accolades all around the world and in space. But I think we can all agree that one thing would make our amazing covers even better: Me. So here's a glimpse into an alternate universe which is the same as our own, except I appear on every Quirk book cover!

Most curious bookadelphians! You well-read librariquarians! Your bookish events for the week include afrofuturism, prize money, and erotic nonagenarians. Yep, only Philadelphia could offer you all of those in one sentence. 

On Saturday, November 15, the Afrofuturist Affair presents Black Holographic Memory at the A-Space on Baltimore Ave.,  offering experimental workshop and reading experiences to take you time-traveling, Sun-Ra style. The afrofuturist literary movement in Philly is offering some of the most creative and liberatory education and inspiration in the city, so go check it out! 7-10 p.m.

The 15th of November is also the deadline for the Sandy Crimmins Poetry Prize, hosted by Philadelphia Stories magazine, with $1000 going to the first prize poem! Visit their website to learn more. 

Welcome back to part two of our Northanger Abbey recap. Last week we were introduced to Catherine, our daring heroine, and were given a taste of big city living in Bath. Will the smitten Mr. Tilney make a reappearance? Will there be a challenger for Catherine’s affections? All this and more, right now!

Perfect image via the BBC

In Emma, Jane Austen writes, “I condition for nothing else; but without music, life would be a blank to me.” A musician herself, Austen was known to play anything from romantic ballads to nursery rhymes to entertain herself and her family.

But Austen’s musical influence isn’t limited to her family’s parlor. Musicians today have taken characters and themes from her novels to write book report-style raps, scat jazz-influenced love letters, and compose beautiful instrumental ballads. These musicians are naming their bands and their songs after her characters. And one’s even named their band after her.

So grab a pair of headphones and give these Austen-influenced musicians a listen. I’m sure Jane would be nodding to the beat along with you. 

Veteran's Day holds a special place in my heart. My Dad's a veteran and my fiancee is a veteran who spends her days trying to help other veterans as a social worker. They are both amazing. 

Over the years, several of my closest hometown friends served overseas. I loved, LOVED sending them care packages whenever I could, and these boxes were always full of books.

Today is Veteran's Day, and while I don't know anyone serving abroad this year, there are many veterans in my life. And chances are, in yours too. I've rounded up some simple ways you can donate books today. Some of these are for sending books to soldiers far away, others might send books to a veteran at your local VA.

One even lets you send books to children of military members, through Reach Out and Read. Check them out. 

Projects from Hello Kitty Crochet

Hello Kitty is the probably one of the most famous kitties and the most ubiquitous kitty in our lives, appearing in various forms from pots to instant ramen. Yet, how ingrained is she in your personal life? Do you have anything Hello Kitty related? I mean, we do, what with our Hello Kitty Baking Book and Crochet book that came out last month. If not, here’s our guide to Hello Kitty-fy your own daily routine.

Breakfast: There’s no better way to start off your day with a serving of pancakes so why not make Hello Kitty pancakes? You can either draw your Hello Kitty pancakes using a squeeze bottle filled with pancake batter or use a metal Hello Kitty cookie cutter as a mold to shape your pancakes.