Goodbye, Terry Pratchett

March 12, 2015 by Caitlin

We lost one of the greats today. Sir Terry Pratchett, aged 66, creator of Discworld and countless characters and fantasies, passed away at home, with his family and cat by his side. What do you say about a hero? Selfishly, I am entirely heartbroken at his passing. I always wanted to meet the man behind some of my favorite books, and that chance has passed. His wit and wisdom was such a gift – hysterical, dry humor, wry as only a British […]

Categories: Featured • Tags: Terry Pratchett

True Life: Our High School Friend is a Romance Cover Model

February 13, 2015 by Ladies On The Shelf

     We’ve known Brian Watson a long time. We’ve known him since his fluffy-haired high school days, when we used to make inside jokes about Homestar Runner and pass notes in between classes. My, how long ago those days seem! Imagine our surprise when our old poofy blonde friend turned up in the most unexpected place: on the cover of a romance novel! Turns out it was a surprise to Brian as well – having had free head shots taken […]

Categories: Featured • Tags: boys, Brian Watson, Cover models, romance novels

2014 in Review

January 2, 2015 by Ladies On The Shelf

It started with bingo. Literary bingo to be precise. Inspired by Random House’s 2014 New Years challenge, we each created literary bingo boards and promised to read and absorb the challenge and document the fun along the way. And Ladies On The Shelf sort of became something else, as we hoped it would. Here we’ve created an outlet to discuss our literary finds, bemoan the sins of the latest movie adaptation, and celebrate our favorite things: literature, libraries and ladies. Bingo […]

Categories: Featured

The Best Library Gifts for Your Favorite Book Lover

December 2, 2014 by Caitlin

Not sure what kind of books your boo likes to read? Stumped about what to get your favorite librarian? Never fear! We’ve got the most charming library-themed gifts for your Christmas giving, perfect for your favorite bibliophile (without the risk of choosing a bad book – as if a book could ever be a bad gift). Personal Library Kit. It’s like childhood “This Book Belongs to” stickers got together with the Dewey Decimal system and had an adorable nostalgia baby! For your books! Everything you need […]

Categories: Featured • Tags: bibliophile, book gifts, book lovers, gift guide, librarians, library love

Banned Books Week – Celebrate the Freedom to Read!

September 22, 2014 by Caitlin

Where The Wild Things Are, The Great Gatsby, Captain Underpants, and Harry Potter. What do all these books have in common? They’ve all been banned at one time or another. Can you imagine if someone tried to ban your favorite book just because they don’t agree with the ideas or messages contained within? This happens across the globe every single day – and is the whole point of Banned Books Week. September 21 marks the start of Banned Books Week, an […]

Categories: Featured • Tags: Banned Books Week, Censorship, literature

Four Back-to-School Reads for Every Age

August 30, 2014 by Caitlin

September is upon us, and summer’s long, lazy days will give way to fall’s cooler temperatures and pumpkin-flavored delights. Here at Ladies On The Shelf, our school days may be long gone (save for Jessi, our resident teacher), but the changing seasons and Target aisles full of binders and notebook paper remind us of heading back into the classroom and the promise of a fresh start for the school year. As we wax sentimental about the first day of school, […]

Categories: Featured • Tags: back-to-school, children's lit, harriet the spy, Harry Potter, JK Rowling, Louise Rennison, Rainbow Rowell, YA

JK Rowling Reveals Musical Character from the Harry Potter Universe

August 18, 2014 by Caitlin

  JK Rowling continues to share Harry Potter magic with devotees on fan site Pottermore! Today, Rowling introduced music from “famed” witch singer Celestina Warbeck, who is mentioned as a favorite of Mrs. Weasley in the beloved series. The release includes a full background on Ms. Warbeck, including her wand, schooling history and philanthropic endeavors for St. Mungo’s, as well as a big-band style jam titled “You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart.” Sure, it sounds like […]

Categories: Featured • Tags: Harry Potter, JK Rowling, Pottermore

Urban Fantasy Fans, Clear Your Schedule for Kate Daniels and Co.

June 9, 2014 by Erin

Series: Kate Daniels Author: Ilona Andrews Genre: Urban Fantasy Published books: Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, Magic Bleeds, Magic Slays, Magic Rises Next book: Magic Breaks, due July 29, 2014 Highlights: Multicultural folklore influence, uniquely unsexy vampires, THE BEAST LORD, kick-ass ladies who are also fully realized characters, suspense, action, romance Fun Fact! Ilona Andrews is the pen name of a wife and husband writing team who met in a college English Composition 101 class. They look adorably dorky […]

Categories: Featured • Tags: fictional ladies we love, ilona andrews, kate daniels, urban fantasy

Should you buy the book? A handy flow chart

June 3, 2014 by Jessi

What kind of book-buyer are you – hopelessly impulsive, or heavily learned and researched? Here’s a handy flow chart to help you decide – should you buy that book?

Categories: Featured • Tags: book lovers, bookstores, impulse buying, shopping