Happy Star Wars Day from the Space Wizards Book Club

And happy publication week to my third story for Star Wars Insider.

How I’m celebrating May the 4th

A very happy Star Wars Day to you and yours on this May the 4th!

I hope you get to celebrate in any and every way you want — drinking blue milk, shopping, seeing The Phantom Menace on the big screen, binging movies at home, and reading Star Wars books.

My husband and I have a fun-filled Saturday planned — visiting our local comic book store for Free Comic Book Day and seeing The Phantom Menace.

How are you celebrating? Share your plans and photos in the comments or join the Space Wizards Book Club chat:

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25 years of faith, fervor, and fandom

It’s finally here — my Star Wars Insider story celebrating 25 years of The Phantom Menace. Specifically, the story digs into the history of the lead-up to the film’s trailers, merch drops, and the culture-defining release in theaters.

I’ve written three stories for Star Wars Insider so far, and this is the one I’m most proud of (Zoraida Cordova and Lydia Kang, I still had a blast talking to both of you!).

I researched and wrote it at the end of last year during one of my lowest moments. The story, the film, and all of Star Wars helped me through and brought so much peace and comfort. That’s the beauty of Star Wars — the core of the galaxy isn’t lightsaber duels and space battles, it’s peace and hope and light even in the darkest of times.

I heard from dozens of people for this story, and included many of them in the final published product. Their memories of seeing the film for the first time in 1999 are palpable — you can’t help but be excited right along with them. I vaguely remember seeing the movie when it came out (I was 8 at the time), but I do remember being obsessed with Queen Amidala and finding so much to love about the affable Jar Jar Binks.

There’s something so special about being surrounded by fellow fans in a dark movie theater, erupting in cheers when the Star Wars logo explodes on the screen. I cannot wait to experience that, and The Phantom Menace, again this weekend.

Read it: Find Star Wars Insider #225 at Titan Comics, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or your local comic shop. You can also check out a digital issue from your local library through Libby.

A special thank you to everyone who shared their Phantom Menace memories with me for this story.

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On the hunt for Star Wars Day deals? This is the shopping guide you’re looking for.

Featuring: Space Wizards Book Club Etsy shop, of course, plus other small businesses, the Disney Store, GoodwillFinds, Girl’s Crew, and more.

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More Space Wizards Book Club

• 10 years ago, the Expanded Universe became Star Wars Legends

• Books to read for Star Wars Outlaws

• Review: The Jedi Council takes center stage in emotional, hilarious, character-driven 'The Living Force'

• Everything to know about ‘The Acolyte’ and The High Republic