I’ve always loved to read books, but during my adult years, I’ve allotted less and less time to just sit down and read. This summer, I decided to devote a little more of my quiet time to books and less to the computer. So, I went to the library with a plan to read a great book…I just had no idea what to pick. So, I pulled out my trusty IPhone and began Googling sites that recommended books. And that’s where I met and fell in love with The Good Book Fairy. Actually, the website can be found at www.goodbookfairy.com. And, the good book fairy herself is actually named Lauren Margolin, and she lives right here in Long Grove!
Margolin has been reviewing books for three years and while she is not a professional reviewer, her insight on the books she has read has been quite informative.
Margolin explains on her website that she has always been an avid reader and enjoys books in a variety of genres. That idea led her to create her first blog covering book reviews. After a successful start, and many followers later, her blog turned into a website which is accessed by readers nationwide. Margolin was kind enough to answer a few questions about herself and her experience in establishing the Good Book Fairy website.
I love the name ‘Good Book Fairy’ – what is the story behind it?
Thank you! It was a common routine for me to get called, emailed or texted, probably at least once a week, with book title requests. Usually, it was “what’s a good book I should read?”, but also detailed requests such as,” what’s a good book for my mom that won’t make her cry and that my dad would enjoy when she was finished?” I always could come up with an answer. So, I wanted a name that recognized good books and the rest just came naturally.
Was it hard to create and copyright a website? Do you have advice for someone who wants to do that?
Really, with the Internet it was easy to follow instructions. I started with a blogger site on Google, but when I realized I wanted to monetize, advertise, etc., I upgraded to WordPress. I hired someone to code for me and help with the new logo. After that, I was on my own!
How do you find the time to read with all of the other things you are involved in?
That is probably my most asked question, besides what to read. I’m a night owl and a day napper. I’ve run Inviting Ideas (a stationery store) since 1993 and have been with families full circle — from birth announcements to mitzvahs to weddings. Even my clients would ask about good books!
Inviting Ideas is still around, but I don’t advertise as much because the whole industry has changed. It is easy to order on the Internet and many long time vendors have gone out of business. Because of these changes, I thought I’d share my love of reading on my blog, put my reviews out to the world and start something new.
Do you have favorite books and authors?
Oh my god, that’s like asking me who my favorite kid is!! But seriously, I have my favorites as a category on my website that people can search for. A few of them are: “The Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon, “The Dovekeepers” by Alice Hoffman and “Beneath a Marble Sky” by John Shors. My favorite genre is historical fiction.
Did you instill a love of reading in your kids?
One yes, one no. My daughter actually wrote her college essays about her passion for reading. My son, I’m still hoping for. I actually dreamt last night that he called from college and asked me to send him a book he wanted to read.
What is your advice for reading novices?
Read 15 minutes a day to get started. Even people who say they are too busy to read get that same advice. It’s like starting to exercise, but with your brain, start small.
Do you advertise your site at all?
Currently, it’s word of mouth.
Have you received any funny responses or comments from readers who have contacted you?
Not funny necessarily, but readers from all over have had interesting stories. I had one reader tell me her extended family is scattered all over the U.S. Yet, at Thanksgiving when they all connect, they do a book club. The past two years they selected their books for discussion from goodbookfairy.com. I love this idea.
Is there any other message you’d like to share?
Yes, I’m an Amazon affiliate, so if you buy books or anything at all from Amazon, you can order directly from my site. There is an Amazon search box that leads you straight there. Each sale on Amazon costs nothing to the buyer, but it helps me immensely with the necessary expenditures of maintaining the website. Also, I do many speaking engagements at temples, churches, libraries and book clubs. I have book related games and different engaging presentations.
Margolin can be contacted at www.goodbookfairy.com.
That’s all for now; please keep in touch and send neighborhood news to Aileen Simons at Thewritetouch1@gmail.com.
Aileen Simons is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.
