Fellow readers, I present to you my “Best Books of 2019” list, as always with the huge caveat that very few of the books were actually published in 2019; they’re simply my favorite books I read during the year. There are no rankings here; like the songs on a sweet burned CD from high school, this … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Stephen King
Fun Size Halloween Book Reviews 2019
This is Halloween, this is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween, Halloween, Halloween…Book Reviews 2019, Fun Size: The Institute by Stephen King Forty-six years after Carrie was published, Stephen King is still churning out best sellers like the type of possessed churning machine he might write about, except he wouldn’t, because he has a seemingly endless … Continue reading
Move Over, Dr. Seuss: Author Birthday Party Ideas
Yesterday, we held our annual birthday celebration for Dr. Seuss. With whimsical, Seussified décor, crafts, games, and snacks (including the best cookies this side of Whoville), plus a walkin’, talkin’ Cat in the Hat portrayed by yours truly, it’s always a flimfabulously fun, Seussical celebration. It got me thinking, though, about how libraries tend to … Continue reading
Best Books (I Read During the Year) of 2018
Bibliophiles, I present to you my “Best Books of 2018” list, as always with the huge caveat that very few of the books were actually published in 2018; they’re simply my favorite books I read during the year. Unlike an escalator that is temporarily stairs, this list is out of order. Sleeping Beauties by … Continue reading
Friday the 13th: A Reading Guide
In honor of Friday the 13th, I’ve put together a list of ten* scary/freaky/eerie books appropriate for reading today, complete with 13 word** blurbs on each: It by Stephen King – It gets uncomfortably weird, and it’s mega long, but man, is it great. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – Has one of the … Continue reading
Best Books (I Read During the Year) of 2017
I present to you my “Best Books of 2017” list, as always with the huge caveat that very few of the books were actually published in 2017; they’re simply my favorite books I read during the year. Like a failed game of Simon, this list is out of sequence. The Stand by Stephen King – … Continue reading
Fun Size Halloween Book Reviews 2017
Ghosts and ghouls, I give you the fifth annual Shelf Life Fun Size Halloween Book Reviews: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson My first exposure to author Shirley Jackson came in high school, when my English class read Jackson’s short story The Lottery, which isn’t this kind of lottery … Continue reading
Are You a Reading Tortoise or Hare?
A few weeks ago, I sucked it up and decided to finally tackle a longstanding item on my to-read list: The Stand by Stephen King. Why do I make reading a highly-revered book for pleasure sound like something to be approached with the feet-dragging reluctance usually reserved for cleaning the dryer lint trap? As fantastic … Continue reading
Fun Size Halloween Book Reviews 2016
Halloween is only a few days away, which means it’s time for me to recap my scary reading for the month in the fourth annual Shelf Life Fun Size Halloween Book Reviews: The Witches: Salem, 1692 by Stacy Schiff This book was a library book club selection that we strategically scheduled to discuss in … Continue reading
Best Books (I Read During the Year) of 2014
It’s the twilight of another year on the third rock from the sun, and in the closing days, the Internet will be bloated to BuzzFeedian proportions with “Best of 2014” lists on every subject imaginable. Because I’m with it and hip, I’m going to get in on the action, and while I’d love to enthrall … Continue reading