Local author Kevin Ashton talks with us about his upcoming book The Story of Stories , in which he outlines the history and development of human storytelling from night fires to the contemporary digital age. Look out for the release of Ashton’s book on March 3, 2026. Visit our Bookshop or Libro sites to pre-order The Story of Stories.

Book Review by Biff Rushton

Local author Cassidie Salley talks with us about her new gothic fantasy novel, Vanish in the Ambre . We spoke with Salley previously back in April about her book After the Light Died , and are now hosting her Book Launch Party at Wildfire Park in Leander on October 24th from 5pm to 9pm! There will be trick or treating, live music, and a food truck. Come in costume to receive a free Lioness Books tote bag! AS: Tell us about your new gothic fantasy book “Vanish in the Ambre”! CS: “It’s set in modern-day Texas, in a town called Trickem (based on the real-life town of Trickham!). All sorts of witches and fantastical creatures live there, but the town’s largest population is their infestation of ghosts. Our main character, Becca Newman, is a necromancer, specializing in reviving people’s pets and familiars. She’s on the job one day reviving a familiar when she stumbles upon a secret she wasn’t supposed to find.” AS: Do you have any favorite moments from the book—or writing it—that you can share with us? CS: “At the very beginning of the book is a chapter where Becca goes to the movies and a ghost interrupts her watching. That was the first time this story really clicked for me, trying to merge the modern-day teenager just trying to hang out with a deep and dark haunting. I spent the rest of the book trying to chase that energy I found in that one chapter.” AS: What messages or sentiments do you hope readers will take away from your book? CS: “While this is a very silly and (hopefully) funny book, a lot of its deeper themes are about grief and loneliness. Losing yourself after a traumatic event, losing friends and wondering what happened, trying to find yourself but still being labeled an outsider…all of this stuff is hard, and unfortunately a lot of young people can relate to it. While Becca is certainly not perfect, she is unapologetically herself. She’s alone because of it sometimes. Then one day, people who appreciate that about her start gravitating towards her. If there’s one thing I want people to take away from this book, it’s to not be afraid to be yourself even in the midst of grief and loneliness, because the right people will find you. If there’s another thing I want them to take away, it’s to not be afraid of being vulnerable in that grief, because sometimes that’s the only way to heal.”

Local author Janice Airhart talks with us about her two memoirs, Mother of My Invention: A Motherless Daughter Memoir and (newly-released) Subject to Change: Teaching and Learning from Teen Moms . Airhart also shares her favorite moments from her writing process and a message she hopes readers take away from her work. Check out her website here .

National Read a Book Day is a time to pause and reconnect with the joy of reading. It reminds us that books aren't just stories; they're tools for learning, understanding others, and seeing the world in new ways. The purpose of this day is to encourage people of all ages to pick up a book and make reading a part of their lives. Reading helps us grow, whether we do it to relax, learn something new, or escape into a different world. That's why this day matters. To celebrate, all you need to do is find a book that interests you, set aside some time, and start reading. In this blog, we'll help you choose one that's truly worth buying. Choosing the Right Book: 5-Finger Rule Explained. Choosing the right book can make reading more enjoyable. The five-finger rule is a straightforward way to check if a book fits your reading level. Here's how it works: Pick a book and start reading. Each time you find a word you don't understand or can't read, hold up one finger. 0–1 fingers: The book may be too easy. 2–3 fingers: This book is just right. 4–5 fingers: The book might be too hard for now. This rule helps you find books that challenge you without causing frustration. It's a good way to ensure the books you choose are not only interesting but also worth buying and finishing. Choosing the Right Book: 5-Finger Rule Explained What is the #1 Most Read Book of All Time? The most read book of all time is The Bible. It's estimated to have sold over 5 billion copies worldwide. It has been translated into more than 3,500 languages, making it the most translated and widely distributed book in history. The Bible has two main parts: the Old Testament, which includes religious Jewish writings, and the New Testament, which tells the story of Jesus and the early Christian church. People read it for many reasons, including faith, study, moral guidance, and understanding its influence on culture and history. Beyond religion, the Bible has shaped art, laws, language, and literature. Because of its lasting impact and global reach, it remains the most read and recognized book of all time. 15 Incredible and Worth Buying Books for National Read A Book Day 1. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett Twin girls grow up in a small Black town in the South but take very different paths as adults; one lives as a Black woman, the other passes as white. The story follows their families over generations, exploring identity, race, and the cost of hiding who you are. Buy Here 2. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Esperanza Cordero shares short stories about growing up in a Latino neighborhood in Chicago. Through her eyes, readers see the struggles and hopes of a young girl finding her place in the world. Esperanza's story helps us understand what it means to dream of more while holding on to where you come from. Buy Here 3. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi The novel follows two half-sisters from Ghana. One is forced into slavery and sent to America, while the other remains in Africa. Each chapter continues with the next generation, showing the impact of history on both families. Homegoing encourages readers to think about the roots of today's struggles and how stories can bring them to light. Buy Here 4. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner Michelle Zauner writes about losing her mother and holding onto her Korean identity through food and memory. It's a personal story about grief, love, and learning how to move forward without letting go of the past. This memoir is honest and direct and shows how stories can offer healing. Buy Here 5. There There by Tommy Orange Multiple Native American characters prepare for a powwow in Oakland, each carrying their own struggles, hopes, and history. Their stories come together to show the modern Native experience in an urban setting. This novel provides a platform for those voices and helps readers see a part of American life that is rarely told in such a powerful way. Buy Here 6. Educated by Tara Westover Reading this book highlights how education can change a life. Tara Westover grew up in rural Idaho in a strict, isolated home with no formal schooling. She started going to school for the first time when she was seventeen years old and ended up getting a PhD from Cambridge University. Her journey shows the power of learning and the struggle to break away from the past. Buy Here 7. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Trevor Noah shares stories from his childhood in South Africa during apartheid. Born to a Black mother and a white father, his existence was literally a crime at the time. The book balances humor and pain while exploring race, identity, and resilience. Buy Here 8. Know My Name by Chanel Miller Chanel Miller, once known only as "Emily Doe," tells her story as the survivor of the case of the sexual assault at Stanford. In this story, she takes back who she is and shares the emotional, legal, and personal journey that followed. This book is a strong example of how writing can speak truth, offer strength, and inspire change. Buy Here 9. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern A magical circus appears without warning, filled with wonders that only open at night. Behind it is a quiet contest between two young magicians, bound by a challenge they didn't choose. As the story unfolds, magic, love, and fate are woven together. Buy Here 10. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Nora Seed discovers herself in a library between life and death. Each book depicts a different version of her life based on the decisions she may have taken. As she analyzes these lives, she begins to understand what really matters. This novel helps readers reflect on regrets, second chances, and the value of being present in the life you have. Buy Here 11. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Elizabeth Zott was a brilliant chemist in the 1960s, but the world saw her only as a woman who didn't belong in science. After losing her lab job, she became the unlikely host of a cooking show, where she taught more than recipes. Through quiet resistance and sharp insight, she challenged norms and inspired change. Buy Here 12. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia In 1950s Mexico, Noemí Taboada is sent out of the way home to check on her cousin, only to uncover dark family secrets buried beneath the surface. Gothic horror blends with themes of control, power, and race, set against an eerie backdrop that feels both historical and timeless. Buy Here 13. Beloved by Toni Morrison The story takes place after the Civil War and is about Sethe, a woman who was once enslaved and is haunted by her past and a spirit connected to a terrible choice she made. The story changes between the past and the present, showing the mental scars that slavery left behind. Buy Here 14. The Color Purple by Alice Walker Told through letters, the life of Celie unfolds as she finds her voice in a world shaped by abuse, silence, and later, love and freedom. Through her words, readers witness the strength of women supporting each other against all odds. Buy Here 15. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler In a future where society has collapsed, fifteen-year-old Lauren Olamina creates a new belief system based on change and growth. Her journey through danger and uncertainty builds a vision for a better world, grounded in survival and hope. Buy Here Conclusion: How to Start a Reading Habit National Read a Book Day is a chance to slow down and reconnect with the value of reading. Books help us learn, reflect, and see the world through different eyes. Taking time for a good story, whether for 10 minutes or an hour, can make a lasting difference. Starting a reading habit doesn't have to be difficult. Try setting aside a few minutes each day or choosing one evening a week to read without distractions. Use a journal or reading app to track what you've read and what you want to read next. Check out our full collection of books worth buying to get started today.

Sometimes, one idea is enough to change everything. A few pages from the right book can show you a better way to deal with stress, help you break a bad habit, or give you the push you need to start something new. That's why self-help books have become such a valuable resource for individuals seeking to grow and improve. And clearly, more people are turning to them. The self-improvement industry is expected to reach $54 billion by 2025, with books remaining one of its most trusted and accessible tools for change. If you're curious about the impact of life-changing books, the list below is a great place to start. These 10 self-help books have helped millions of readers, and one of them is what you need right now. Practicing What You Read From Recommended Self-Help Books Reading self-help books can feel motivating in the moment, but real growth happens when you apply what you read. It's not about getting through as many books as possible. It's about taking the time to try the ideas out in real life. Behavioral science backs this up. Studies show that people experience more personal growth when they combine reading with action, such as keeping a journal, setting goals, or tracking daily habits, compared to reading alone. In fact, research into neuroplasticity shows that our brains can physically change when we're exposed to new ways of thinking, especially when we practice those ideas consistently. For example, a personal development book might suggest starting the day with intention. It sounds simple, but when you make it a daily habit, your brain begins to expect it. Over time, your thinking changes, and so does your behaviour. Understanding Why The Best Self-Help Books Are Overrated Not everyone is convinced that self-help books work, and that's fair. What resonates with one reader may seem obvious or unhelpful to another. That's because many self-help books repeat the same ideas: build habits, think positively, set goals. But repetition isn't a flaw; it's part of the design. Repetition helps form new habits, especially when you're trying to change long-standing behaviours. The goal is to help you actually do it. Even when looking at the most important self-help books of all time , results vary. A global study found that while millions read some titles, their impact often depends on how readers engage with the material. Reading passively won't lead to much. But when people reflect, take notes, or apply the tools, they're more likely to see results. 10 Must-Read Self-Help Books Could Actually Change Your Life There's no one-size-fits-all approach to personal growth, but these books offer clear ideas you can try in everyday life. Whether you want to build better habits, rethink how you handle stress, or boost your confidence, these titles have helped millions achieve the same. Here are some of the best and recommended self-help books: 1. Atomic Habits by James Clear James Clear demonstrates how to implement small changes in your daily routine that yield long-term results. He explains the habit loop, which consists of cue, craving, response, reward, and provides clear strategies, such as habit stacking and environment design. You will learn how to stop doing bad things by replacing them with better ones that align with your goals. 2. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty Jay Shetty draws on his time living as a monk to teach mental clarity, gratitude, and purpose. He breaks down practical tools, such as breathwork, journaling, and intention setting, to help you manage stress and build focus. The book offers a step-by-step approach to shifting from distraction to direction. 3. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero Jen Sincero helps readers recognize self-doubt and stop letting fear hold them back. She combines personal stories with practical advice on money, relationships, and mindset to encourage readers to take action. You'll find exercises and affirmations designed to help you trust yourself and go after what you want. 4. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson The book argues that life's struggles are necessary and demonstrates how choosing what to care about provides freedom. Mark Manson challenges the notion that happiness stems from consistently staying positive. Through stories and examples, he teaches how to accept failure, set boundaries, and live by your values. 5. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Charles Duhigg explains how habits shape our personal lives, careers, and communities. Using case studies from companies and real people, he shows how to change behaviour by identifying the cue-routine-reward cycle. The book provides practical techniques for replacing unhealthy habits with healthier ones that foster long-term success. 6. Grit by Angela Duckworth Angela Duckworth examines why talent alone doesn't guarantee success. She uses research and real-life examples to demonstrate that perseverance, which she refers to as grit, is the key to achieving long-term goals. The book outlines how to build grit through passion, practice, and purpose, even when progress feels slow. 7. Offline Humans by Natalie Alzate Natalie Alzate explores the impact of screen time on mental health and social connection. She offers a guide for stepping away from endless scrolling and rebuilding real-world habits that bring joy and clarity. Through personal stories and practical tips, she helps readers reconnect with themselves and the people around them. 8. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown Brené Brown invites readers to let go of who they think they should be and embrace who they are. She shares ten guideposts for living with courage, compassion, and connection, built on years of research in vulnerability and shame. The book encourages readers to live fully, even when life feels uncertain or messy. 9. The Mindful Way Workbook The workbook provides an eight-week plan to reduce anxiety, depression, and emotional stress through mindfulness. It includes guided exercises, meditations, and reflection tools designed to help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. By following these steps, readers can develop daily habits that support mental clarity and calm. 10. Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Bill Burnett and Dave Evans use design thinking principles to help readers build a life that feels meaningful and aligned with their values. They walk you through exercises to explore different career paths, test new ideas, and move forward with confidence. The book is practical, hands-on, and ideal for individuals who are stuck or unsure about what to do next. Most Frequent Questions When Reading Self-Help Books The best self-help books can spark curiosity and sometimes doubt, because they often make big promises with simple solutions. Some readers wonder how a single book can change deeply rooted habits or fix years of stress, anxiety, or self-doubt. Others worry that these books oversimplify complex problems or repeat the same ideas without considering individual circumstances. Still, many people find real value in them, especially when they read with an open mind and take action on the parts that resonate with them. Here are answers to the most common questions readers ask: 1. Do self-help books work? They can, but not independently. Self-help books work best when you treat them as a starting point, not a solution. They offer guidance, ideas, and strategies, but the impact depends on how willing you are to reflect, take action, and stay consistent. 2. Can books change your mindset? They can. Reading new ideas helps your brain form new patterns through a process called neuroplasticity. Many self-help books are designed to challenge unhelpful thinking and introduce better ways to respond to everyday challenges. 3. What are good self-help books? The best self-help books cater to your specific needs at the moment. Some focus on habits and behavior, such as Atomic Habits and The Power of Habit, while others, like The Mindful Way Workbook or The Gifts of Imperfection, explore mindset and emotional well-being. The best book is the one that helps you take the next step in your own growth. 4. When did self-help books become popular? Self-help books gained popularity in the early 20th century as more people sought practical advice on personal growth and success. Their popularity grew rapidly alongside changes in psychology, education, and publishing, and they remain widely read today. Are Self-Help Books Right For You? If you're looking to grow, reflect, or make a change, big or small, then self-help books can be right for you. They won't solve everything overnight, but they can offer clarity when you feel stuck, tools when you feel lost, and a starting point when you're ready for more. The most important thing is choosing a book that speaks to your current needs. Whether you're building new habits, shifting your mindset, or learning to manage your time and energy, the right book can help you take that first step. You don't need to read them all. One is enough to move you forward. You can find all 10 featured titles and more at Lioness Books .

At Lioness Books, we believe that books are not merely a matter of ink and paper, but are armories brimming with the untamed ordinance of freedom, ideas, transformation, progress and inspiration; arsenals forged to fight the soul-silencing tyranny of ignorance and suppression. Under current political conditions, the United States has seen an alarming escalation in the scope and scale of book censorship, with our great state of Texas leading the charge in aggressive restriction of accessing books which explore race, gender, sexuality, and social justice. In 2025, the banning of books has re-emerged not as a fringe idea or lesson in history, but as a strategy within a broader effort to control cultural narratives and shift our truths. Disguised as protection, this current call for censorship threatens the very essence of what a bookstore believes in and represents… a free exchange of ideas. We, as Texans, are standing at an epochal crossroads, facing a challenge that is not simply a battleground for intellectual freedom, but a fatal threat to democracy herself. Here at Lioness Books, we are resolute in our dedication to this struggle, and we are committed to fight without compromise nor capitulation. Texas, more than any other state, leads the country in formal book challenges and bans. According to data from PEN America, a nonprofit organization that tracks censorship in literature, Texas school districts have led the nation in book bans for the past five years. These bans often target works of LGBTQ authors, books by and about people of color, and works that confront America’s historical injustices. The political justification tends to hinge on vague or loaded terms such as obscenity, indoctrination, or inappropriate content, without recognizing the literary or didactic value of the works in question.  What we are witnessing in Texas is not just a reaction to individual titles, but the deliberate use of censorship as a political weapon to reshape public education and discourse. State legislators have passed and proposed laws that limit how teachers can discuss race and gender in classrooms, and library materials are now under scrutiny from elected boards, whose knowledge of literature and learning is more often than not, slim to none. These developments are not isolated. They are part of a coordinated national trend that has pushed Texas out front as the ideological epicenter and political testing-ground for this refurnished brand of censorship. These bans do more than remove books; they erase the experiences of marginalized communities, signaling to students - especially those from underrepresented groups - that their stories don’t matter. We believe our youth deserve better. They deserve literature that reflects the full spectrum of human experience, and to deny access to those diverse perspectives is to rob them of a chance to develop critical thinking, empathy, insight, and a nuanced understanding of the world. The pages of history are stained with the consequences of book bans, a tactic employed by those who seek to suffocate the human spirit’s capacity for thought and soulful transformation. In Nazi Germany, the beginning flames of fascism were fed with kindling constructed of novels, poems, political papers, and science texts deemed un-German, degenerate , or contrary to the country’s nationalist ideology. Their 1933 book burnings were not vandalism but a calculated effort to erase ideas that threatened fascist control, setting the stage for the cultural and moral devastation that was soon to come. In the Jim Crow South, from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights era, books that affirmed the dignity of Black Americans or exposed the horrors of racism - like Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God - were systematically excluded from public access to preserve the narrative of racial inferiority. The McCarthy era in 1950s America also echoed this fear of ideas, as the government’s frantic, anti-communist crusade led to the blacklisting of authors, librarians, and teachers. Works such as Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience and John Steinbeck’s The Grapes Of Wrath were pulled from library shelves beneath the accusation of promoting leftist ideals, and for daring to question the status quo. History offers countless parallels: the 16th century burning of Mayan codices, and the erasing of indigenous knowledge by the Spanish, or the Chinese Communist Party’s destruction of counterrevolutionary texts during the Cultural Revolution. Each instance reveals censorship as the weapon of choice for those who fear the power of knowledge and the capacity of the right words to awaken consciences, stir emotions, and ignite movements of change. These lessons from the past compel us to resist the book bans of today, recognizing them as assaults on the very essence of intellectual and moral freedom. Texas - where freedom and independence have long been considered God-given birthrights - we must resist being the next to fall into the goose-step march of oppression, censorship, and control. Our children deserve better. Our teachers deserve better. Our future deserves better, and our democracy - messy, plural, and defiant - demands better. For Lioness Books, our resistance to this suppression is not just a matter of principle. It is a recognition of literature’s role in the eternal struggle for justice and truth. We call home a state where the political climate has become increasingly hostile towards dissent, and where public education is being transformed into a war of ideological conformity. As a bookstore, we are under no illusion that our shelves alone can halt these efforts. But we believe in the power that books possess in uniting and sustaining resistance and delivering hope. By preserving access to stories, we preserve the heartful soul of culture; we preserve truth. When we defend the right to read; we affirm liberty and the right to question, dream, and dissent. This has nothing to do with nostalgia. This is survival. Lioness Books will continue to stock what is banned, what is hidden, what is suppressed, and we will celebrate what is silenced. We will carry the voices forward proudly and full-throated. Because history shows us, when you ban a book, you don’t erase its truth… you ignite its power.

Lioness Books is highlighting the freedom to read and the dangers of censorship this August with Banned Books Month. Anne Russey, co-founder of the Texas Freedom to Read Project, talks with us about advocating against book bans and censorship, and the biggest roadblocks they face in the process. Russey also shares the inspiration for their nonprofit organization as well as their mission and values. We are running a social campaign all month long—DM us a photo of you with your favorite banned book to be featured on our socials (@lionessbookstx)! Check out our curated booklists featuring a variety of banned books on our Bookshop and Libro sites too.

In a world increasingly built on the transient, the trendy, the swift, and the disposable, rare and antiquarian books stand as testaments to permanence, intention, and the physicality of knowledge. They are not simply vessels of content, but expressions of culture; culture you can touch and preserve. At Lioness Books, our mission transcends the simple act of selling books. It is about curating experiences, assembling libraries not only of words, but of meaning. That is why we have decided to expand our collection to include antiquarian, rare, and collectible books. This is a natural progression for us, not a TikTok craze or a trend driven pivot. It is a purposeful expansion born from our core values, an evolution committed to depth and legacy. For in the world of books, trends are fleeting but legacy always endures. Let’s define our terms carefully, because this is a space where language matters. The distinctions between antiquarian, rare, and collectible books are rooted in their origins and significance. Antiquarian books, typically born before the boom of industrial printing, are historical artifacts. Printed on handmade paper and bound by artisans, they were labors of love and craft, and from an era when books were considered treasures, often housed in private collections and passed down from generation to generation. Rare books, regardless of age, are valued by their scarcity, whether due to limited printing, notable provenance, historical suppression, or singular attributes like authorial inscriptions or errata; a first edition of Galileo’s “Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems” (printed in 1632 and banned by the Inquisition), and Harriet Ann Jacobs’s slave narrative “Incidents In The Life Of A Slave Girl” are both perfect examples of this rarity. Collectible books, while sometimes overlapping with antiquarian and rare, are defined by their historical, cultural, or aesthetic significance. For example, a signed first edition of Dickens’s “A Tale of Two Cities” or the seminal and prosecuted poetry collection “The Love Book” by counterculture icon Lenore Kandel, are both considered collectible, along with illustrated editions, niche genres, or books with personal inscriptions. These treasures are often coveted due to their unique ability to encapsulate pivotal moments in literary history or embody the personal, artistic touch of their creators, making them cherished pieces of our cultural heritage. The allure of these books is their capacity to signify beyond their content. A rare book, such as a copy of a 19th-century abolitionist pamphlet, is a codex of resistance, its scarcity a testament to what it defied. An antiquarian book, with its marginalia or bookplate, becomes a linked-text, connecting readers across the centuries through recognized and shared engagement. Collectible books, whether valued for their aesthetic beauty or their role in literary history, are icons of cultural memory, their value amplified by the stories they carry. For the book lover, handling such volumes is a dialogue with the past that reveals the eternal power of the written word. At Lioness Books, we consider our expansion into the antiquarian, rare, and collectible book market an act of cultural stewardship, a commitment to preserving the material signs of human thought and creation. These books are not mere commodities but relics. They are legacies and testimonies which outlast trends, endure censorship, and speak to us from generations past. To engage with them is not just to read, but to remember, to feel, to understand, and to inherit. To make our collection more accessible, we have launched an eBay storefront, where the majority of our rare and antiquarian collection will be available to browse and purchase. This platform allows us to reach a broader audience (collectors, scholars, and passionate readers around the world) while ensuring each book is accurately described, carefully packaged, and treated with the care it deserves. For those who prefer the immediacy of browsing in person, we are curating a rotating in-store selection of notable works - titles chosen not only for their value or rarity but for the way they resonate with our community and the literary spirit of Lioness. In this era of doom-scrolling and self-serving algorithmic curation, we offer an alternative: intentionality. To collect a rare book is to rebel against disposability. To preserve an antiquarian volume is to guard the voices that history tried violently to silence. And to walk into a store like ours is to believe that discovery still matters, that there are still books waiting to find you, and still readers who will know what it means when they do. We at Lioness invite you to join us in this new chapter, and we encourage all collectors, readers, historians, and lovers of the written word to support small local businesses like ours, especially now. The existence of independent bookstores like Lioness depends on a community that still believes in craftsmanship, care, and the power held in objects that bear our stories, our sufferings, and our splendor. Because that’s what books are. They are not simply commodities, they are evidence. Of defiance. Of beauty. Of brilliance that refuses to disappear.