As a bookseller turned librarian, it's in my nature to get excited over books. At work, my stomach literally does flip-flops when a cart of new books rolls by me needing to be cataloged. And on my days off, I often can be found in bookstores absorbing the smell of new books and coffee... or getting inspired by my writer-boyfriend to read new...more »

As a bookseller turned librarian, it's in my nature to get excited over books. At work, my stomach literally does flip-flops when a cart of new books rolls by me needing to be cataloged. And on my days off, I often can be found in bookstores absorbing the smell of new books and coffee... or getting inspired by my writer-boyfriend to read new genres/formats (and write a bit myself.)

I love all types of books, but my favorites are ones that make me think and challenge me to push my boundaries, whether they're fiction or non-fiction. I love stories that are completely unique with situations that I'd never find myself in... and at the same time, I find it equally wonderful to read something that could have been stolen from my memories while I was sleeping. And I absolutely love when I finish a book and actually cry because it's over.

My tendencies lean toward young adult fiction, mainly because of the coming-of-age aspect of the characterization. I'm also fascinated with the art of personal essay and books where the author challenges him/herself to do something and chronicles the results. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, but appreciate even more the ones that aren't neatly tied up with a bow. As long as there's a tinge of hope, for the character or humanity, I think I can handle any depressing story.

My Shelfari bookshelf is not an exhaustive list of books I've read, nor is it a complete list of books I own. Instead, I chose to only include books that I've read and liked enough to recommend to others on some level. « less