The Power of Reading: A Celebration of Books, Change, and Adventure

Celebrating Read Across America Week

Every year, Read Across America Week reminds us of the incredible power of books. Stories transport us to new places, teach us valuable life lessons, and help us grow into our best selves. As an author of both self-help books for adults and children’s books, I believe that every page we turn is an opportunity to learn, laugh, and discover something new about ourselves and the world around us.

Books have shaped my life in countless ways. From childhood adventures in stories to writing books that help others navigate change, success, and peace, reading has always been a guiding light.

And who better to celebrate than Dr. Seuss—the master of creativity, wisdom, and, of course, fun? His books are filled with joy, humor, and deep life lessons that remind us to embrace change, define success on our own terms, and find peace in the most unexpected places.

So, let’s take a journey through the magic of reading, the lessons it teaches us, and how we can use books to navigate life’s biggest challenges—including some of my own books, like The Peace Guidebook, Percolate: Let Your Best Self Filter Through, and Blueberry and Jam – Adventures in Maine!

The Magic of Books: Learning, Growing, and Exploring

One of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes is:

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go."

Books are portals to new worlds. They allow us to:

• Explore places we've never been (even if we’re just curled up on the couch!).

• See life from different perspectives (which builds empathy and understanding).

• Find comfort, courage, and inspiration during life’s challenges.

  
  

Think about the books that have had the biggest impact on you. Was it a childhood favorite that made you dream big? A novel that helped you see the world differently? Or maybe a self-help book that gave you the tools to navigate change and embrace your full potential?

For me, books have always been about growth and transformation. That’s why I write books that help people navigate the ever-changing journey of life. Whether it’s a child’s first experience with friendship and adventure in Blueberry and Jam or an adult discovering new ways to find peace and success, books are a guide to becoming our best selves.

Dr. Seuss and Life’s Biggest Lessons

Dr. Seuss wasn’t just a master of rhymes—he was a master of teaching life lessons in the most delightful ways. Here are three key takeaways from his books that align with my own work:

1. Navigating Change – “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

Change is hard. It’s messy. It’s unpredictable. But it’s also an adventure.

Dr. Seuss reminds us that life is full of ups and downs, but we always have the power to keep moving forward. My book, The Change Guidebook - How to Align Your Heart, Truths, and Energy to Find Success in All Areas of Your Life, is all about embracing change as an opportunity for growth, rather than something to fear.

If you’ve ever struggled with change—whether it’s a career shift, a personal challenge, or simply the unknown—you’re not alone. The key is to see change as a beginning, not an end.

2. Defining Success – “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

Success isn’t about being the best at everything—it’s about being YOUR best.

One of the reasons I wrote The Success Guidebook - How to Visualize, Actualize, and Amplify You was to help people define what success really means for them. Dr. Seuss taught us that we are in control of our own journey, and our own definition of success matters more than anyone else’s.

Maybe success for you means finding a job that makes you happy, or having more time with your family, or simply waking up every day feeling grateful. Whatever it looks like, own it!

3. Practicing Peace – “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Peace isn’t just about staying calm—it’s about how we treat others, how we handle challenges, and how we show up in the world.

In the upcoming book, The Peace Guidebook, Dr. Katie Eastman and I explore the idea of creating peace, even in the midst of chaos. Peace isn’t always easy, and sometimes, let’s be honest—we lose our peace before we find it. But just like Horton teaches us that “a person’s a person, no matter how small,” we must remember that every act of kindness, patience, and understanding makes the world a little more peaceful.

Blueberry and Jam – Adventures in Maine: A Love Letter to Home

Since I’m joining you from Maine, I have to share one of my favorite books—Blueberry and Jam – Adventures in Maine! For many kids, books are their first introduction to places they’ve never been. Through Blueberry and Jam, I hope to inspire children near and far to visit Maine, embrace adventure, and cherish the beauty of nature.

And for those of us who already call Maine home, this book is a reminder of what makes our state so special.

This book is incredibly special to me because it captures the magic of Maine.

• It follows the adventures of Blueberry, a curious little cat, and Jam, his mouse friend.

• They explore rocky coastlines, charming lighthouses, and, of course, enjoy Maine’s famous wild blueberries!

• Along the way, they meet new friends, face unexpected challenges, and learn important lessons about friendship, courage, and appreciating nature.

I love to explore the outdoors, climb over rocks, watch the waves crash on the shore, and pick blueberries under the summer sun. I wanted this book to be a celebration of Maine’s beauty, traditions, and sense of adventure.

For kids, Blueberry and Jam is a fun, heartwarming adventure. For adults, it’s a nostalgic reminder of the simple joys of childhood. And for everyone, it’s an invitation to slow down, appreciate nature, and embrace adventure.

Reading stories like Blueberry and Jam helps children develop curiosity, kindness, and a love for nature. Plus, it’s a perfect book for snuggling up with on a cozy Maine evening!

Percolate: Let Your Best Self Filter Through

Speaking of slowing down and enjoying life, let’s talk about Percolate!

Percolate: Let Your Best Self Filter Through (co-written with Dr. Katie Eastman) is all about:

• Slowing down and becoming more present.

• Filtering out negativity and finding what truly matters.

• Making small, powerful changes to live with more joy and purpose.

Just like a great cup of coffee, life takes time to brew. We don’t have to have all the answers right away. We just need to percolate, allow our best selves to rise, and trust the process.

Keep Reading, Keep Dreaming

Dr. Seuss said:

“You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!”

Books help us climb those mountains. They teach us, inspire us, and remind us that no challenge is too big. Whether you’re navigating change, redefining success, or finding peace, there’s always a book to guide you.

So, as we celebrate Read Across America Week, let’s keep reading, keep imagining, and most of all—keep being our best, most adventurous selves!

Happy reading! 📚💙