Tag: books

September Timely Topics

In this post I look at September’s transition into autumn, filled with various observances like Labor Day, Grandparents’ Day, and Constitution Day. The post also reflects on memories of 9/11. And remembrs women physicians whose vital role in healthcare is often overlooked.

September feels like we’re in the home stretch of the year, two-thirds of the way through. Where I live, the first day of autumn happens. Vacations end, school resumes, and life gets busier.

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graphic from LIGHTSTOCK.COM, resource for stock photos and other media

Labor Day

In the United States, we observe a holiday called Labor Day, although most people get the day off work. Not much happens on Labor Day except in a book and a movie by that name, and I reviewed both in this post.

Labor Day-a book review

In this post I review the book Labor Day by Joyce Maynard . It explores an unexpected and transformative weekend for a 13-year-old boy named Henry, his emotionally fragile mother Adele, and a mysterious man named Frank.

Keep reading

Grandparents’ Day

Another un-holiday is Grandparents’ Day. I think the only people who observe it are grandparents. I shared my grand-parenting journey in this post.

Exploring the HEART of Grandparenting

This post discusses the significance of grandparenting and the impact it has on children’s well-being. In an interview, I shared my experiences and insights as a grandparent, highlighting the role grandparents play in creating lasting memories and passing on traditions. Practical advice on caring for grandchildren is also provided, emphasizing safety and health.

Keep reading

Remembering History-Remote and Recent

Although not as well known or observed as Independence Day (USA), Constitution Day, September 17, is probably more important. This day honors the creation of the United States government in 1787 as outlined in the Constitution.

If you listen to recent news, you know that what is and what isn’t “constitutional” creates heated debate, but that very debate is protected by the Constitution-and that’s something to celebrate. The day is also called Citizenship Day, an event I celebrated in a post about attending a naturalization ceremony.

9/11/2001

One of the darkest days in United States history, as well as the rest of the world, is September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists. The country and the world have not been the same since.

Pieces Falling: Navigating 9/11 with Faith, Family, and the FDNY by Ann Van Hine

“Ann Clark Van Hine, aka Miss Ann, was born in Oxford, England but grew up in Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona, New Jersey and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Ann is the mom of two grown daughters, the widow of an FDNY firefighter, a retired small business owner, a docent with the 9/11 Tribute Museum, a published writer, Children’s Ministries volunteer, and a breast cancer survivor.

Since September 11, 2001, Ann has had numerous opportunities to share the story of God’s presence and peace as she navigated “a personal loss in the midst of a national tragedy.” She has shared her story all over the USA and internationally in Ireland, Belgium, England, and Japan. Ann is available to speak.”

(This is an affiliate link to earn a commission.)

Honoring Women Physicians

The American Medical Association recognizes and honors women physicians in September.

Women physicians, the future of healthcare

Happy Women In Medicine Month- 5 women physicians

Why women physicians are good for healthcare

Working Stiff -a book review

In this post I offer a review of a memoir, Working Stiff by Dr. Judy Melinek. She was on the team of medical examiners who investigated the victims of the 9/11/2001 attack In New York City

Keep reading

Exploring the HEART of health

I appreciate your time reading this post and invite you to follow this blog and me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha
myReader Rewards club- photo of woman on a bench reading a book

My Reader Rewards Club is a great way to earn free books and Bibles for yourself, friends, and family! Your journey to earning free faith-based products starts HERE.
(When you sign up through these links, I can earn free books too.)

As a member, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more. Earning points is easy—you’ll receive 25 points just for signing up!

Books Traveling to People Boosts Reading

Books are valuable and popular in an increasingly digital world. National Bookmobile Day and Operation Paperback promote reading accessibility. Bookmobiles serve communities lacking libraries, while Operation Paperback delivers books to military personnel. Both initiatives celebrate reading’s role in personal growth and community support.

Computers, tablets, and smartphones make it easy to read on the go, without carrying books or audio devices. But there is still need and demand for physical books, magazines, and recorded sources of information and entertainment. Here are two special ways that fulfill that need.

Celebrate National Bookmobile Day

Bookmobiles are mobile libraries that transport books from one local community to another. Bookmobiles make reading more accessible to people who don’t have access to physical public libraries.

National Bookmobile Day , March 22, 2026, celebrates this bookmobile service. The occasion celebrates the work and dedication of the many people involved, including library professionals, drivers, and donors.

National Bookmobile Day – April 22, 2026

The first public library I visited was a bookmobile.

Every week the bookmobile parked next to my elementary school. I  climbed the steps into the bus, and walked down the book- lined aisle. These books took me to faraway places, introduced me to famous people, and helped me dream of what I could do with my life.

I read about people who tried new things, made discoveries, travelled around the world and invented products that changed our lives.

From books  I discovered the mysteries of the human body and read about  people who studied to understand it, to uncover the causes of diseases, and work to cure them.

And I learned about people who used their talents, time and knowledge to make the world a better place. From the library, my dream of working in healthcare was born and nurtured.

Before I graduated from elementary school, a permanent library was built at the site where the bookmobile parked. I continued to make the library my second home, and learned to love the new building.

Go here to learn about the history of National Bookmobile Day

statue of boy reading a book
photo by Dr. Aletha, at a park in Bixby, Oklahoma

Recycle Books

Do you buy new or used books, magazines, audiobooks, or DVDs? What do you do with them after you read them?

Last year I began participating in a unique project to service members, veterans, and their families-Operation Paperback.

Operation Paperback

Operation Paperback began in 1999, sending its first shipments to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. It has since shipped over 3.7 million books to 30+ locations overseas.

With 19,000+ volunteers from all 50 states, these individual citizens, American families, and community groups form a network of shippers that send around 15,000 books per month.

They value the praise received at home, the words that mean the most are those that come directly from those served. They appreciate the efforts.

On behalf of my unit and those that received your books through Operation Paperback here at our deployed location, thank you. We greatly appreciate the time and effort you have put into providing us a measure of comfort while we are separated from our friends and family.

Having people out there supporting us during this past holiday season provided us all a welcome respite from normal day-to-day operations. Thank you for your support and dedication during this time. Warm Regards

By: Jessica E (Overseas) (from the website)

Operation Paperback is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

There are two ways you can help Operation Paperback.

  • Donate money to help fund the purchase and shipment of high-demand genres and other special request books.
  • Send books, new or gently used, directly to troops, veterans, and their families. As a volunteer shipper, you will collect and ship your own books using the addresses they provide.

How will you help? Learn more and sign up here.

Cover Image

This post’s cover photo was created using AI.

Exploring the HEART of Health

I appreciate your time reading this post and invite you to follow this blog and me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Me, at the New York Public Library, on a long-ago trip