Off The Shelf

{Already missing the summer days} So it seems yet again, I have taken an unintended hiatus. I promise, it was not intentional. I am ready to return, to tell what I've been reading, and to post reviews in the coming weeks. But first, there is quite a bit of book-related news to share and be excited about. Let's catch up on a few things, shall we? The New York Times  has reconstructed their Bestsellers List once again, expanding the Children's list to include hardcover, paperback, and e-book editions .   Go Set a Watchman , Harper Lee's much-anticipated sequel to her 1960 classic, has been on the Bestsellers List for 9 weeks and sold over 700,000 copies in its first 6 days on the shelves.  Bloomsbury Publishing and artist Jim Kay have teased illustrations from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The Illustrated Edition . The book will be released October 6th, but is currently available for pre-order.  Speaking of Harry Potter...his son Ja...

{Driving north on Vermont 100, is always happier than driving south, towards home} I spent last week up in Waitsfield, Vermont, skiing Sugarbush with my family. The weather was great, the snow was good, and I felt the happiest I had been in a while. To get to Waitsfield, we drive through New York state, and when we finally cross the border into Vermont, the journey further northward continues on Vermont 100.  On this trip, I sat in the back seat of our Jeep Cherokee, looking out of the window for most of the way, watching the mile count on the green road signs dwindle with excitement. The further north we traveled, the taller the mountains became, the denser the forests, the fewer cars on the road. Red barns and silos, cloudy skies, and a popping sound in my ear as the incline became steeper.  I've discovered over the years that long car rides are one of the perfect times to think - that speeding along roads, watching the outdoors blur past, is both quiet and ...

{Lake view from a hammock} “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”      -F. Scott Fitzgerald   I almost named this post "Mid-Summer Blues", given that I've been a bit down recently. I suppose it's because I've just gotten all four of my wisdom teeth removed, that I just finished Jojo Moyes' extremely sad Me Before You (review coming soon), and that I've realized that the summer is already half-over. Don't get me wrong, I've been having a wonderful summer so far - reading lots, kayaking a bit, sleeping in, and venturing out. But still, I can't seem to shake the feeling that with every day that passes, I'm inching closer and closer to what is supposedly the toughest school year yet.   In spite of all that, there are several small things making me happy as the hot days of ...

With 2013 quickly coming to a close, it is time for bloggers and readers alike to reflect on their reading over the course of the year. Back in January, I had joined two reading challenges hosted by very successful book blogs. Below you can find the books I read for each category, and links to the reviews I posted for each. I am currently scoping out what challenges will be available for 2014, and I will post here at the beginning of January with my findings! 2013 Women Challenge I read a lot of books written by women, but this year I had hoped to focus on the original, classic, women in literature: the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, etc. For this challenge I signed up for the "Super Girl" category (11-15 books written by women authors) and it was hosted by the blog  Peek-a-Book! The titles I read this year (15 read of 15 book goal - 100%): 1.  Divergent , Veronica Roth 2.  Insurgent, Veronica Roth 3.  Allegiant , Veronica Roth 4.  Between Shades of Gra...

I think I should start out by saying, Hello. I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted anything here! When I last posted, I announced the new look I gave Off The Shelf, and I was feeling very mopey about the summer coming to a close. Now, almost two months later, I am feeling mopey about being a high school student, and I feel the need to announce what I have been up too. 1. Just because I haven't posted any new book reviews, doesn't mean I have not been reading. I've actually been reading quite a lot! While trying to understand the epic poetry in The Odyssey and the Old English text of Beowulf, I've been obsessed with Veronica Roth's Divergent series. (review to be coming shortly...I promise!) Now there is only  one more week until Allegiant! If you don't mind, I think I will skip reviewing The Odyssey and Beowulf , as I don't think I have it in me to dwell on those stories anymore than I have too... 2. I got a new camera! I ...

 {The sun sets at the closure of another month} Things in the literary world have been very, very busy lately - with everything from new publications to leaked pseudonyms and discoveries made about chocolate. The following are a collection of the most popular headlines buzzing around the Internet at the moment.   To start, have you been reading what you should this summer? With only a month left to go, you might want to check out The Huffington Post, as they have revealed the  7 Must-Reads of Summer .   There are only 10 more days until the highly-anticipated fourth and final installment of Susan Beth Pfeffer's Life As We Knew It series is released on August 13th! Have you pre-ordered The Shade of the Moon yet? You can do so  here , here  and here!   The biggest hype in the book world currently is most certainly the surprise that  J.K Rowling can write a crime novel...who knew? In April, Rowling wrote The Cuckoo's Calling u...

{I can't possibly have a cookie without milk!}   When the forecast promises clouds and a possible thunderstorm, I usually know right away the day will be one dedicated to reading. (Especially when I'm finishing up a book as good as Life: An Exploded Diagram ) But this past Tuesday was a different kind of rainy day. Instead of reading, a friend and I indulged in another hobby: baking.   This recipe for S'mores Cookies was super easy, and absolutely delicious! They are the perfect substitute for when the inclement weather prevents the toasting of marshmallows on an open fire.   I think the baking time for this sweet treat is very dependent on your own oven. We ended up baking ours for quite a bit longer than what was called for because after the instructed time, they were not as golden as we would have liked.   S’mores Cookies Adapted from the blog  Erica's Sweet Tooth 1-3/4 cups all purpose flour 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 1 tsp bakin...

Love (n.)- an intense feeling of deep affection The above is Google's definition of the word February 14th is always dedicated too. But what is yours? Many writers, painters, speakers, and common people have tackled the idea of love- what it feels like, what it looks like, how it is created. But not one of these people are ever right. Love is different for each human, and whether your love is for your spouse, for music, for literature, or for your country, everyone has experienced this "feeling of deep affection" at least once in their lifetime. At least, I'd like to hope so. Maybe that is really what Valentine's day is all about. Maybe it's about extending our love. Extending it past the ones we hold dear, but to those we normally don't talk to - the ones we sigh in traffic with, the ones we pass in the hallways, or the ones we mumble to in the grocery check-out line. On this cold and brisk February night, I sit here hoping that you spent your day...

This afternoon I leave for Sugarbush, VT. But, before we make the trek up north, several things have to be done, and they go like this: 1. Pack 2. And pack 3. And pack some more And then... 4. Check to make sure you have everything. 5. Check again. 6. And again. ...And even after all of that, I still manage to forget something. Usually it's nothing too important, or something you can easily buy at that general store around the corner, but still, you forgot something. To be completely honest, I hate packing. I love the feeling of it, because I know I'm headed someplace great. But I never know how much of something to bring, I can never fit stuff in the bag properly, and, a common failing I believe, is that I can't make desicions. The red shirt or the black one? Small purse or big purse? Jeans or sweatpants? It's terrible. It has been way too long since I have posted any sort of book review (since Let It Snow I believe). I am currently reading Safe...

"Somebody waits for you, kiss her once for me . Have a holly, jolly Christmas, and in case you didn't hear, oh, by golly, have a holly jolly Christmas this year!" I just wanted to stop in real quick to wish everyone and their families a very Merry Christmas. May everyone be safe, happy and healthy, and I'll be back in a few days to start my week of "The Best Of 2012" posting. I am so excited to announce my choices! In the meantime, feel free to check out the Remembering 2012 list in the sidebar. Merry Christmas!

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas; soon the bells will start, and the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing - right within your heart."   Over the weekend, I spent quite a bit of time in the car on the way to my brother's ice hockey games. The back roads we take to the rink are anything but flat, and the houses along them are not grand and and gated, but rustic and humble. Some were adorned in colored lights, others in white. Some went for the traditional look, with columns wrapped in garland, and red satin bows. And then there were others, with no lights at all - maybe their timer just hadn't come on yet.   Many houses had lights on inside, and beyond those shaded windows, I'd like to think there were families eating dinner, passing around the mashed potatoes and saying a little prayer. I know that is not always the truth - that in some homes there is simply no one to eat with, or even food to have. In my fantasies, e...

As I think I stated in a previous post, my English class had been reading the famous play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The Crucible was written in 1953, in the midst of The Cold War, but with a setting during the Salem Witch Trials which took place in the 1690s. I finished the story a few weeks ago, but we completed watching the film just yesterday. Right after the final scene, when John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Martha Corey are hung, my teacher stopped the film for a minute or two, at the very final image: a close-up of the rope, against a beautiful bluebird sky. At this point, the whole class was trying to stifle their tears, but she just turned to us and said, "Write." She then continued to say, "Write about the rope. What's the point? Channel your emotions, and write." She gave us about ten minutes or so before we shared them out loud, but I've taken the time to develop my piece a bit more here: The Rope A rope is something strong and roug...

"It's the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you "Be of good cheer". It's the most wonderful time of the year, it's the hap-happiest season of all!" I have always said that my favorite time of the year is from Thanksgiving to New Year's - and I might even go as far as to extend it to the middle of January when my birthday falls. I love Christmas, but when stores like Kohl's and AC Moore start playing holiday songs even before Halloween, something is terribly wrong. Why are the season's being so rushed? Christmas songs in October? Halloween decor on Labor Day? Back to School promotions on the Fourth of July? Swim suit sales in March? It really all leads back to making money; franchises that want to get you into their stores for "Doorbusters". (where did that name come from anyway - are they really that great that they're going to blow up the entrance? Somehow I find that very u...

I've decided to start a new series of posts entitled "Song of Week", in hopes of sharing some of my favorites with you. To write a good song, you have to be a good writer, so the songs I choose are ones that I feel spark inspiration, or tell a story. For the first post, I've chosen "Begin Again" by Taylor Swift. This song was recently released on her new album RED.   Took a deep breath in the mirror He didn't like it when I wore high heels But I do Turned the lock and put my headphones on He always said he didn't get this song But I do, I do Walked in expecting you'd be late But you got here early and you stand and wave I walk to you You pull my chair out and help me in And you don't know how nice that is But I do And you throw your head back laughing like a little kid I think it's strange that you think I'm funny cause he never did I've been spending the last 8 months Thinking all love ever do...

With Hurricane Sandy now fully behind us, (or so we hope) I can officially say I've survived to write another post. My town was not quite as lucky. Trees are down everywhere, and over 75% is still without power (that includes me in case you were wondering). In that case, I'm logged into the library's Wi-Fi along with lots of other people trying to charge stuff, check email, and get up to date with what has been going on. On Monday, we lost power at about 5pm, right in the middle of a three-hour-long Monopoly game that I ended up winning, and I didn't even own Park Place! Thank goodness I went to the library on Saturday where I checked out several good books including My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick which I finished in just to days by flashlight. (Review to be coming shortly). I also finished reading the play by Arthur Miller entitled The Crucible which although it was very good, only made me even more depressed. Unfortunately, it seems I might be in the...

The leaf at the right is one of many, many, that I found scattered across the lawn this morning. I could have sworn the piles had multiplied in just one evening. And as I look out the window now, the leaves are continuing to fall, but never straight down, always zig-zagging back and forth through the air. The sun didn't really decide to show itself today, making the sky a never-ending plane of different shades of gray. No signs of rain though, no clouds, just vast color. I think the trees are making up for it though. My backyard alone has enough yellow, orange, green, red, and brown to to create half the rainbow. The thermometer currently reads 49, and that is the kind of thing that hits you really hard - Fall is now in full swing, and time is really flying by. For goodness sake, it's October 12th already! The following poem seems to fit my thoughts at the moment. (I suggest you read it a few times, then reflect) Nature's first green is gold, / Her hardest hue to h...

Yesterday, I posted the first half of a story written during a discussion I started on Goodreads. It is a fan's take on what happened after the book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling. By clicking here , you can read the rest of the story. This material is the compiled work of several Goodreads members, and therefore what they contributed is their property. I have listed their usernames on the bottom of the document to give credit where credit is due. Please respect that. Thank you. To read the previous part of the story, click here

The following was a discussion I started on Goodreads, a website that allows readers to talk, share and write about what they are reading or have read. I figured as Harry and Ginny's wedding scene never made it into the book or the movie of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling, it would be fun to write it as a group: The Weasley's kitchen table was covered in white envelopes, each with a neatly folded piece of parchment inside. Three quills floated above them, addressing them without a hand. Harry leaned over the table and studied some that had already been addressed. Written in perfect script, were names like: Professor Neville Longbottom, Mr. and Mrs. George and Angelina Weasley, Ms. Luna Lovegood, and Professor Horace Slughorn. Behind him, Harry heard the creaking of the stairs. Ron appeared beside him. “What are you doing down here?” said Harry. “Mum sent me down here to keep you occupied. You are not allowed upstairs.” Ron replied. “Why not?” “...

Just as a reminder, "Something to Think About" posts are short poems or passages from novels that I think send a message to think about during your busy days. The following passage is from the book Paper Towns by John Green which I finished yesterday (a review will be coming shortly), so I figured I would post my favorite part here. "When I've thought about him dying, which admittedly isn't that much, I always thought of it like you said, that all of the strings inside him broke. But there are a thousand ways to look at it: maybe the strings break, or maybe our ships sink, or maybe we're grass; our roots so interdependent that no one is dead as long as someone is alive....If you choose the grass, you're saying that we are all infinitely interconnected, that we can use these root systems not only to understand one another but to become one another. Maybe it's like you said before, all of us being cracked open. Like each of us starts out as a water...

There is nothing like reading a book at the beach. Especially if the book is good, and your toes are in Cape Cod sand. I always try to keep my books clean; no dog-eared pages, no food stains, but the books I bring to the beach, never return the same way. They get wet, and some-what salty, and oily fingerprints dot the cover from all the sunscreen my pale skin makes me where. And truth be told, I don't mind that too much, because when I bring it home, I get to bring some of the beach back with me. I am currently reading Paper Towns by John Green, an author that was recommended to me by a friend. She has read all of Green's books, and has suggested I read: Paper Towns, The Fault in Our Stars, An Abundance of Katherines, and Looking for Alaska. I am about 100 pages in of the book shown above and really enjoying it. This is a much happier book compared to some I have just finished. Happy summer, and best wishes from Cape Cod!