The Literary Vault - Book Reviews, Recommendations and so much more

Books I am Grateful for *nostalgic version*

Books I am Grateful for *nostalgic version* As a fellow Gen-Z 2009-born child, it's safe to say the 2010s were full of ...
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The Neuroscience of Music: Why Certain Songs Give Us Goosebumps

The Neuroscience of Music: Why Certain Songs Give Us Goosebumps The tingling on your skin, the hair on your arms and ...
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Why Do We Yawn—And Why Is It Contagious?

Why Do We Yawn—And Why Is It Contagious? Yawning. The messenger of sleep deprivation. You can’t run from it. Yawning ...
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READefining Futures: Read, Write, Rise

READefining Futures: Read, Write, Rise Hi there, my name is Cyra Aggarwal. I’m a 15-year-old writer, book blogger, and ...
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Books I am Grateful for nostalgic version

January 26, 2026

As a fellow Gen-Z 2009-born child, it’s safe to say the 2010s were full of whimsy, excitement, and color. From Vine, slime, the bottle-flip challenge, slap bracelets, fidget spinners, squishy toys, chokers, skinny jeans, neon colors, galaxy jeggings (I have more), #yolo, selfie-sticks, Silly Bandz, Heelys, Justice, to even out first iPads. Truly, nothing could beat that era. Growing up during that time was very enjoyable for an avid reader, especially as dystopian fiction was rising. So let me take you guys on a nostalgic blast from the past as I introduce the books that shaped the reader I am today.

The Neuroscience of Music: Why Certain Songs Give Us Goosebumps

November 27, 2025

The tingling on your skin, the hair on your arms and legs standing straight up, the confusing rush of emotion, these aren’t all coincidental reactions; they are all responses your brain generates. Welcome to the intersection of music and the psyche.

Why Do We Yawn—And Why Is It Contagious?

November 27, 2025

Yawning. The messenger of sleep deprivation. You can’t run from it. Yawning is something we’ve all done, whether it’s mid-conversation, in class, or even after seeing your friend do it; it’s a natural phenomenon. Yawning is such a tiny, instinctive act that we all do every day, but it rarely prompts anyone to pause and question it. Why in the world do we yawn? Is it our body telling us that it’s tired? Is it just a silly way our brain mimics others’ yawning? Why do we yawn automatically when seeing somebody else yawn?

READefining Futures: Read, Write, Rise

September 6, 2025

READefining Futures combines everything I love—storytelling, supporting those in need, and amplifying youth voices—and blends it into one mission: to empower underrepresented youth by increasing access to inspiring books and creating platforms for their stories to be heard.

My motto is Read, Write, Rise.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: THE LITERARY SPOTLIGHT WITH AUTHOR BEN C. DAVIES

July 27, 2025

I’m so excited to welcome the insightful and thought-provoking author Ben C. Davies to author interview series The Literary Spotlight! Ben C. Davies is the author of And So I Took Their Eye, a compelling debut collection set to be released on July 17 by Bridge House.

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👋 Hello Literary Explorers,
I'm Cyra, your friendly book aficionado 📚 and the storyteller-in-chief over at "The Literary Vault."
Venturing through the labyrinthine high school corridors at 15 while keeping my bookish flame burning, I'm excited to welcome you to this digital haven—my creative sanctuary crafted with passion since the grand age of 13 (let's all agree, age is merely a number).
Grab your reading glasses and join me on a journey where each page turns into a treasure trove of stories and discoveries🌟.

About Work With Me

Tahereh Mafi

Books are easily destroyed. But words will live as long as people can remember them.

Mary E. Pearson

I think that maybe forgiveness is like change—it comes in small steps.

George R. R. Martin

A Reader Lives a Thousand Lives Before He Dies. The Man Who Never Reads Lives Only One.

Laini Taylor

Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there’s no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.

Angie Thomas

Brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you go on even though you’re scared.

Sabaa Tahir

Fear is only your enemy if you allow it to be.

Jacqueline Woodson

Time comes to us softly, slowly. It sits beside us for a while. Then, long before we are ready, it moves on.

Maurene Goo

I believed, and still believe, that you can build your dreams brick by brick. That you can accomplish anything with persistence.

Rachel Caine

No one with a book is ever alone, even in the darkest moments.

Joan Didion

Life changes in the instant. The ordinary instant.

Leo Tolstoy

All we can know is that we know nothing. And that’s the height of human wisdom.

Joseph Heller

Anything worth dying for is certainly worth living for.

Maya Angelou

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

Alexandre Dumas

All human wisdom is summed up in these two words – ‘Wait and hope'.

Suzanne Collins

And may the odds be ever in your favor.

Alice Walke

Time moves slowly, but passes quickly.

NANCY CROCHIERE

"The 13-year-old blogger of The Literary Vault is extremely professional and impressive, asking questions about writing that cover the waterfront, from inspiration to publication. No doubt The Literary Vault is going to be a blog to follow."

DAN GUTMAN

"Most bloggers and interviewers ask the same boring questions I've answered a hundred times. Cyra of "The Literary Vault" asked thoughtful, probing questions that actually forced me to THINK and reflect on the way I write my books. That's a lot harder! And that's why her blog is better."

MIA SHERIDAN

"It warms my heart that someone so young is already diving into the book world. I truly believe that books save lives and minister to wounded hearts, and there is no better business to be part of. I look forward to hearing your name more and more!"

SARAH ADLER

“The Literary Vault is a wonderful online home for the next generation of book reviewers with a bright future ahead of it!”

ERIN BOWLEN

"As writers, we get asked a lot of the same questions. It was nice to have the chance to answer some carefully crafted and thought-provoking questions about the craft of writing and publishing."

MEREDITH IRELAND

"I think it’s tremendous that you are running this blog and care so deeply about books and authors at such a young age. I wish your blog the best and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!"

ELLEN O’ CLOVER

"It’s wonderful to see such a young person making a name for themselves in the book blogging community! Thanks for including me in your interview series, Cyra!"

DIANNE CORBEAU

"Literary Vault provided my novella, Six Days in Detox, with an insightful and honest review. Cyra brought a level of understanding and depth to the book to help readers identify with my words while making their own conclusions."

Dr. William Lynes, MD & Author of A Surgeon’s Tale and A Surgeon’s Knot

William Lynes, MD & Author

I am overcome with respect for this young literary virtuosa. Cyra asked me probing questions, led by my writing and story, and then reviewed those with expertise. I see great things in the future for Cyra. I hope she is serious in her pursuits of medical school.

Kirsten Oliphant

"As an early writer myself, I'm so impressed with the quality and the professionalism of The Literary Vault! Keep watching Cyra because I can only imagine the big things she'll accomplish!"

Betty Culley

"What a great place to read about other writer’s journeys and thoughts! Thanks for all the effort that went into this project!"

Dallas Woodburn

"Thank you for these insightful questions! It was a treat to answer these questions and reflect back on my writing life. Very meaningful! Thank you for your support of my book."

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