In a Kitchen Library: Reflections on Reading

My newest book is now available on Amazon. And it soon will be listed on other online locations as well.

I’ve loved to read since that eureka moment when I cracked the code and made sense of the squiggles on the page. Since then, I’ve read thousands of books.

And that’s one of the reasons why I wrote In a Kitchen Library. I wanted to share some of the more influential and magical books scattered throughout my house, crowding my bookshelves. (There are never enough bookshelves, are there?)

From the back cover:

With In A Kitchen Library, Cynthia D. Bertelsen explores the profound impact that reading has on our lives, from the lavish feasts of ancient Rome to timeless musings on death. The book intertwines reflections on illness with concerns about the fate of our planet and the environment. Tackling some of life’s most significant issues, the author delves into a wide range of works that address the pressing challenges of the 21st century, including spirituality, death, illness, hunger, and totalitarianism. Through the lens of diverse thinkers and writers, readers gain insight into the shared human experience, revealing that, despite differences in time or place, we all confront similar struggles. Ultimately, the book highlights how reading can not only deepen our understanding of these universal issues but also guide us toward greater fulfillment in our everyday lives. The joy of reading merges with the joy of forging a path to greater contentment in daily life.

Of course, I could not discuss all the books I adore, so at the end of In a Kitchen Library, you’ll find a long bibliography of some of the many other books I’ve loved over the years.

Thanks for reading!