Sally Allen Speaks on Reading Your Way to Better Health at Green & Tonic on June 8

Can reading improve your health? According to science, it sure can. Sally Allen, award-winning author of "Unlocking Worlds: A Reading Companion for Book Lovers," will be featured in the Westport Wellness Speaker Series on Thursday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m. at Green & Tonic, 17 Jesup Road.

Allen’s talk, “Reading Your Way to Better Health,” will address a variety of ways reading can positively affect your well-being. The discussion will be followed by a Q & A, book signing, and door prize drawing. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. Signing up in-store or via kh@greenandtonic.com is kindly requested; walk-ins are welcome.

Allen has always loved books, almost to a fault. At the age of eight, she was nearly sent home from a friend’s birthday party for reading during the festivities. Allen is an avid reader, writer, college instructor, book group moderator, and founder and editor of the book news website, Books, Ink at Hamlethub. Allen’s parents, both reading enthusiasts, encouraged her to embrace books from an early age. She credits her favorite childhood reads, such as E. L. Konigsburg’s "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler" and Frances Hodgson Burnett’s "A Little Princess," with inspiring her to write.

“Writing about the books I loved, and sometimes writing myself into the stories, became a way to understand and connect with them,” said Allen. “As I studied and wrote about literature in school and then for the public, connection through writing broadened to include connecting with other readers.”

Allen holds a PhD in English Education and a MA in English Literature and has taught expository writing, literature, and communications to undergraduates at New York University, Fairfield University, and Post University. In addition, the author facilitates private book group discussions. Her writing about books has appeared in print and online magazines and news sites. Allen’s experiences as a reader, writer, and teacher collectively led her to the creation and release of "Unlocking Worlds."

“I’m excited to appear at Green & Tonic to share ways in which books can enrich lives and improve health. My joy - whether through writing my book, serving as Editor of Books, Ink, or leading presentations such as this Wellness Talk - is to generate conversation with and among book lovers,” said Allen.

During the Q & A, in addition to speaking to reading’s benefits, Allen will offer unique book group and book selection tips. For more information on "Unlocking Worlds: A Reading Companion for Book Lovers," visit sallyallenbooks.com.

Photo by Jessica Collins