Off The Shelf

I've been anxiously waiting the arrival of several books. Series such as The Mother Daughter Book Club, and The Moon Books always leave me excited for the next installment. Please remember that these are tentative release dates. They are subject to change. The following books are coming soon to shelves near you! 1. 13 Gifts, Wendy Mass  - the sequel to 11 Birthdays and 12 Finally is to be released this coming Thursday, September 1st. Tara will soon be turning 13 and she figures this will be a good time to break out of her shell. Of course, nothing ever goes quite right in Willow Falls though... 2. Ashes,   Laurie Halse Anderson - this novel is the sequel to Chains and Forge and will be released on October 1st. All three books take you back to the Revolutionary War era. Two young slaves are on the run from the rich families they were bound too. One has joined the patriot forces, and must help defend the country during these desperate times. 3. Home for ...

I was drawn to this book, by it's unique title and the author. Previously, I had read several other books by Jacqueline Woodson including Feathers, Peace Locomotion, and Last Summer with Maizon. The following poem by Audre Lorde was her inspiration for this novel: If you come softly, as the wind within the trees. You may hear what I hear. See what sorrow sees. Miah and Ellie both attend a private school in New York City where they first fall in love. Throughout their relationship, people whisper behind their backs and give them disapproving looks. Why? Ellie is a white, Jewish girl and Miah is black. Can their love survive high school and their parents reactions? This story will break your heart and touch a chord. You might even shed a tear. Here are a couple of quotes I felt inspiring from the story: "You think it will always be like this, Miah?"..... "Think of it as rain - the people who got problems with us being together - let's call ...

Not five minutes ago, I turned the last page in this quality read. It was fantastic. From Willa, With Love by Coleen Murtagh Paratore is the 6th book in the Life of Willa Havisham series. It was released in July 2011. This book takes place in the fictional town of Bramble, Cape Cod in the height of summer vacation. Willa lives at her family's inn, The Bramblebriar Inn. This story is geared for teenagers (age 12+) therefore, you can find this series in the Young Adult section of your library. From Willa, with Love is written in the first person narrative, which makes the reader feel as if they are there alongside Willa. Each chapter is started using a quote. These quotes introduce the chapter and are very inspiring. At the end of each novel, you will find a "Willa's Pix List", which is a list of recommended reading material by Willa herself. These are books the character read in the story. Overall, the author sets an exciting scene in all of the From the Life of...

With the summer winding down, I find myself scavenging for a good read. I've exausted my own collection, as well as the library's. I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation though. Many of you might also be out of good book choices. The following is a list of short, but fantastic reads. Whether you are taking them to that last trip to the beach, your backyard pool, or your plane ride home, they will surely speak everything summer! 1. The Summer Before Boys, Nora Raleigh Baskin - two best friends struggle to stay together during their "summer before boys". One deals with changing a family, the other the idea of growing up. A touching novel about the power of friendship. 2. Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer L. Holm - visit Key West, Florida as you meet eleven-year-old Turtle and her interesting family. Staying with relitives she's never met, Turtle discovers the changes that 1935 brings to her life, and her summer. 3. The Penderwicks, Jeanne Birdsa...

Welcome to Off The Shelf! I am new to blogging, but have been a follower of many for a long time. On this blog, you can find  reviews, organizational tips, upcoming releases, guest bloggers and much, much, more. Reading is my favorite pastime. On the left hand corner of this blog, I will keep you updated as to what I'm currently reading. Need suggestions? Check out My Pix List, which will include favorite authors, series, and novels. Feel free to comment, and I will happily reply!