BeyondtheBooks

Welcome to Beyond the Books.

This is a space for thinking out loud, asking better questions, and looking a little closer at the world beyond what we are used to. Beyond the Books exists where curiosity meets reflection—where ideas aren’t rushed, simplified, or boxed in.

This blog is my personal platform for exploring the things that hold my attention and challenge my thinking. Some pieces are rooted in research, others in observation, and some simply begin with a question I couldn’t ignore. What connects them all is a desire to understand how ideas, systems, and people shape the world around us.

Because understanding doesn’t stop at headlines, textbooks, or accepted narratives. This space allows me to slow down, think critically, and engage with topics in a way that values nuance over noise.

While this blog is written solely by me, it’s not meant to be one-sided. I write with the hope that readers will pause, reflect, and maybe see something from a new angle or question it altogether.

Beyond the Books is still evolving, just like the ideas within it. Thanks for being here, reading along, and thinking a little deeper with me.

Mucho Love,

JCV

Between Dreams & Reality

Janell is an anthropologist, writer, and Field Sales Manager for Samsung with a passion for exploring the intersection of culture, health, and creativity. With a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Cal Poly Pomona and a strong foundation in research and social sciences, she blends academic rigor with leadership experience in the sales industry. Her undergraduate research focused on the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, showcasing their ability to analyze societal challenges and provide actionable insights.

Fascinated by the sciences of smell, sex, household phenomena and everything in between, she brings a unique lens to their work, uncovering the intricate connections between everyday experiences and broader cultural dynamics.
Janell is currently building a blog, Beyond the Books, to engage with topics ranging from medical anthropology to music, architecture, and astrology—offering a space for discovery and connection. Janell also collaborates with researchers at the University of British Columbia, further contributing to their goal of creating impactful publications and broadening the understanding of health and culture.