"A book is a gift you can open again and again."​

Hello Dear Reader,

Welcome to This Book Matters, a YouTube series that was developed as a labor of love. I am your host, Veronica Bloomfield, Ph.D.

This Book Matters captures the influence of books through a personal and narrative lens. In the series, an eclectic group of participants speak candidly with me in one-on-one interviews, reflecting upon the significance of books in each of their lives. A sitting judge, a tea sommelier, a civil rights advocate, and a seven-year-old are just a few of the guests who share their stories on This Book Matters. Representing a myriad of personal and cultural identities, This Book Matters explores the unprecedented power books have to educate, inspire, and connect to the lives of those who read and cherish them.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to put a book aside. Yet, books allow us an escape from reality, and help our imaginations take flight. Books comfort us, inspire us, and affirm us. Books challenge us, confront us, and provide inner dissonance that inspires us to take action, change course, and live with greater wholeness.

This Book Matters is a must for anyone who loves intimate conversations and storytelling. My guests and I discuss topics exploring family, friendships, oral traditions, global perspectives, cultural resilience, and life experiences.

Inspired by my father’s life, I created This Book Matters. I wanted to find a way to honor my father and beloved philosophy professor, Edward Bloomfield, after his passing. Growing up in a multicultural community and in a family of storytellers, I developed a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and personal narratives. My father encouraged cross-cultural conversations and experiences, shaping my understanding of the world. It was probably no surprise that education became my calling and I became a teacher and literacy specialist. When my father passed, I experienced a profound sense of loss and emptiness. It was in those moments where I learned to “embrace your grief, for there your soul will grow” (Carl Jung).

So come sit with us, slow down a bit, and listen to the cherished memories of people who recall how books have impacted their life. Together we’ll learn how books become doorways into deeper conversations, shared references in making personal connections, and guide posts in navigating life’s journey.

For anyone who has ever picked up a book or wants to encourage others to do so, this series is for you.

Happy Reading!

Veronica Bloomfield, Ph.D.