I have grown up all over the world as my mother works for the United Nations and this has given me the opportunity to live in Switzerland, India, Indonesia, USA, and Spain.  Before I was two years old I even needed a second passport as my mother would take me on many of her work trips all over these regions! We are a multi-cultural family, too, with all my grandparents, my parents and us kids having been born in different countries mixing heritages from Eastern Europe, Cuba, the Middle East, America and Asia.

Now I live in Valencia, Spain and I decided that I wanted to create a podcast trying to get young people inspired about reading.  Reading has been a passion in my life since I was a small child. I have a bookshelf that has been growing – from my early picture books until now I am reading young adult books. Not to mention my Kindle, which my family jokes is my best friend.

Reading has really enriched my life because from wherever I was I could enter new and interesting worlds – from other countries to fictional places to historical periods – it gave me a window to see the world from many new angles. Through entering different stories and the lives of different characters I learned about wars, I learned about falling in love, I learned about loosing a parent, I learned about being chronically sick, I learned about living with a disability or experiencing racism or bullying.  Reading really helps people to build empathy and to see the world beyond their own family or bubble.

I love many genre’s – from best sellers, to classics, to mysteries, to mythology and science fiction.  I love very experimental writers and contemporary themes while also enjoying books about friendship, adventure, a major struggle or a profound historical event – like world war II.

Reading has really opened my mind and enriched my life in so many ways. I just can’t imagine my life without books!  This podcast is for all of you – young people – for those who love reading like I do and for those who haven’t gotten hooked yet. After listening to my book reviews and reflections I know you will start reading, too! Enjoy!