Welcome to my magical world of books! There is so much wonder and delight and freedom in the written word. I hope to utilize this site to bring light to all those wonders, bring attention to those amazing authors and literary scholars, aka people who love stories! I also hope to track my own progress as I try to complete my first official draft!
"A grassroots award program dedicated to indie authors, their books & the universe that helps them shine!"
2024 saw the first year of the Indieverse awards, and it was a thrilling overwhelming success. My website, yep this little one right here you are reading, and my podcast, Speaking LITerally, were both up for awards last year. While we didn't win, it was an honor to be included as a finalist among all the amazing bookish media. This year for 2025 Speaking LITerally Podcast is up again for, not just one, but THREE Indieverse Awards! We are so excited! The podcast is up for:
Best Universe Member: Podcast
Best Media I Always Catch Up on
Favorite Indie Author Guest Line up
AHHHH! So exciting. Not only that, but there so many amazing Indie authors, editors, publishes, media and indie supporters that are up for awards. I'm excited to be spotlighting awards and nominees here on my site and on Speaking LITerally Podcast over the next several months leading up to voting which takes place in November. So PLEASE - take a listen to Speaking LITerally and help support indie authors and indie book-adjacent groups.
To see all the nominees check out the Indieverse Awards website!
List provided by Book Riot!
The J.P. Morgan Summer Reading List
NYT Non-Fiction Summer Look Ahead
NYT New Novels to Read This Summer
The Atlantic’s 24 Books to Read This Summer
The ALA’s Summer Reading Lists
Jenna Bush Hager’s Summer Reading List
PRH’s Most Anticipated Books of Summer
Vulture’s 28 Books We Can’t Wait to Read This Summer
Goodreads’ 2025 Guide to Summer Reading
The Washington Post’s 30 Books to Read This Summer
PW’s Top 10 Books to Read This Summer
Kirkus’ 21 Hottest Books of the Summer
Harper’s Bazaar Best Best Reads of Summer 2025
15 Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2025 from People
The LA Times Best Books to Read This Summer
My Top Book Releases for Week of June 10, 2025
Current Reads
Shield of Sparrows
by Devney Perry (Audiobook)
Never Left You
by Stephanie K. Steck (E-Book)
On a Flight To Sydney
by JA Forde (Physical Book)
Newest Reviews
Check This Out!!!
Proceeds from the auctioned copy will be donated to PEN American which supports 'free expression." The Youtube Video is a MUST Watch!!!!
About Me
I have always been a reader, but it was during the COVID pandemic and quarantine I took that passion to Social Media.
Through my platforms, I have met some amazing book lovers, started my own podcast with an amazing friend, and have really fell back in love with reading.
Who knew taking photos of books could be so much fun?? Enjoy some of my favorites things about the literary world on this site.
You can find more on Instagram at @azdesert_bookworm and on Goodreads!
Leave a Comment!
I'd love to connect with my fellow book lovers and the book community! Please feel free to leave me a comment about your writing journey, what you are reading and anything bookish!
Thanks for stopping by!!