High Shelf Esteem

Archives for May 2018

What’s Making Me Happy, Vol. 12

May has been a pretty soggy month ’round my parts, but even with gray skies, it still stays light out so much later in the evening. My SAD lamp is back in the closet until autumn, which makes me happy, happy, happy! Here are few more things that are floating my boat this month:

Glory Days’ Buffalo Cauliflower
My husband and I are huge fans of buffalo wings. If they’re on a menu, nine times out of ten, we will order them. We especially enjoy the wings at Glory Days (the Gotchyou Korean-influenced ones are a favorite), but when we were there the other day, the seasonal menu had a offering that we had to try: buffalo cauliflower. Initially, I was skeptical…but they were SO delicious! They were a perfect blend of crunchy exterior and tender interior, plus the mild cauliflower flavor really let the wing sauce shine (we chose Old Bay — we’re from Maryland, what do you expect? 🙂 . I’ll try to order them as much as I can while it’s available, but I might just try making them on my own. This Bon Appetit recipe looks promising.

The Great American Read
The fact there’s a show on TV all about books makes this book nerd a very happy book nerd — I even made a display for it at my library. Meredith Vieira hosts and explores books and reading “through the lens of America’s 100 best-loved novels, as voted on by the public.” There are some great books on the list (and admittedly some that I find less-than-great) and there is ongoing voting to pick America’s number one favorite novel. I’m still not sure which one I’m going to vote for…

Cirque du Soleil: Luzia
I saw Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson show in Las Vegas in the fall and loved it, but Luzia completely blew me away in the best possible way. I could not stop smiling the entire show. The feats these performers can do with the simplest things is astounding. Who knew a soccer ball could be an entrancing showstopper??? And the music was spectacular — I’ve been listening to the album on repeat. The next stop on the the tour is Boston and then the troupe is off to Mexico. Try and see them if you can!

Dogs sticking their heads out of car windows
Not much explanation needed here. I can’t help but break into a smile when I see a dog sticking his head out the window, ears flapping, with that look of total canine contentment.

What’s been making you happy recently? Please share in the comments below!

Literary Linking: May 21 – 25

This week’s link topics include: decorating with books, the best ways to read over the summer, a review of David Sedaris’ new essay collection, and more!

The best bookish links the week of May 21 – 25:

 

So Many People Can’t Name a Single Book on ‘Jimmy Kimmel’

Geez, this is depressing… though I’m not sure it’s fair to put people on the spot like that and then taunt them. Thoughts?

 

What’s Going on in Your Child’s Brain When You Read Them a Story

Scientists actually got 4-year-olds to sit still in an FMRI machine to do this study, and the results are not surprising: reading picture books to kids is so so so so good for them. The science behind it is fascinating.

 

David Sedaris Has a New Essay Collection. It Changed Alan Cumming’s Whole Worldview

I didn’t even know David Sedaris had a new book coming out, and this review is fabulous. In odd situations, Alan Cumming has found himself asking, “What would David Sedaris do?” I think the world would be a better and funnier place if all of us ask that!

 

The Best Ways To Read Over the Summer

A nice list of things to consider when reading during the summer months. My favorite has got to be: “let your kids check out all books they can carry this summer.”

 

5 Ideas for Decorating with Books — Guilt Free

Do any of you group your books by the tint of the spine??? I didn’t know that was a thing!

The Best Book Character Names for Your New Pet

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish, a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This week’s topic is Best Book Character Names, and I’ve narrowed it down to Best Book Characters Names for Your New Pet because choosing the perfect pet name is an arduous task (it’s so hard, I was only able to come up with 8 — sorry!)

I love pets with unique names and literary ones are especially fun because I like to think the animal takes on the personality of the character they’re named after. I also love the way it sounds when you say things like, “I can’t believe you pooped on the rug again, ___fill in the blank with a serious name____!” (e.g. I can’t believe you pooped on the rug again, Mr. Darcy!).

Below are eight of my completely subjective picks for the Best Book Character Names for Your Pet. I’ve taken the liberty of including a description of how I envision the pets with the names I’ve chosen. I hope this list is helpful the next time you bring home a new furry, scaley, or feathery friend.

WARNING: Very cheesy puns ahead! 😄

The Best Book Characters Names for Your New Pet:

Poirot
This cat is fastidious about keeping his fur perfectly groomed, just as Hercule Poirot keeps his own mustache in impeccable shape in Agatha Christie’s beloved murder mysteries. Dare I say, you might want to change the spelling to “Paw-rot”?

Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew is a hound with an incredibly keen (or perhaps Keene?) sense of smell and knack for finding that pair of shoes that have been missing for ages.

Hamlet
With Shakespeare’s Hamlet’s penchant for monologues, this name had to go to a parrot or other talking bird. Parrot Hamlet might not get past, “To be or not to be,” but that’s all anyone remembers anyway.

Aslan
This orange tabby would be the runt of his litter because smaller creatures need big names.  Little Aslan would channel the power and majesty of Narnia’s lion king through each and every meow.

Myrtle
This goldfish is named after Moaning Myrtle, the sulky ghost in the Harry Potter series. In the books, Moaning Myrtle spends her days in the girls’ toilet on the first floor of Hogwarts, often flooding it when she’s upset. A fish with such an old-fashioned name is just amusing and, like her namesake, she might just end up flushed down the toilet…

Gandalf
Gandalf is an imposing Great Dane who is an excellent guard dog — no intruders shall pass!!! But he is a complete teddy-bear with other dogs at the dog park, especially if they’re small with extra furry paws.

Gandalf
Gatsby (or maybe Catsby?) is a dapper black tuxedo cat who was born to a stray, but managed to be found and adopted by a wealthy family. He loves to show off his cat toys to guests and has a thing for cuddling up in men’s shirts of sheer linen, thick silk, and fine flannel.

Alice
I have to include Alice (of Wonderland fame) as a favorite kitty name because it is fitting for so many felines. The Alice I have in mind is incredibly curious and has a tendency to eat and drink any weird food or beverage that’s placed in front of her.  And for some reason, she gets really excited when she sees a bunny through the window to the backyard.

 

What book character names do you think would be good for a pet? Please share in the comments below!

Literary Linking: May 7 – 11

This week’s link topics include: audiobook narrators sharing their secrets, hidden pages in Anne Frank’s diary revealed,  and more!

The best bookish links the week of May 7 – 11:

 

17 Secrets of Audiobook Narrators

I’ve taken some voice lessons for audiobook narration and it’s not as easy as it may seem. I’ve made note to avoid cheese before recording and to use lots of lip balm.

 

Researchers Uncover Two Hidden Pages Anne Frank’s Diary

New tech has uncovered some more “prurient content” in Frank’s diary — oh my!

 

Bacon, Cheese Slices, and Saw Blades: The Strangest Bookmarks Left at Libraries

I recently had a patron lament that she left a $20 bill in her library book, which stinks for her, but at least it’s not gross like some of these “bookmarks.”

 

Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide

Anne Bogel has fantastic taste and her summer reading guide is always a treat. Which ones are you going to read?

What I’ve Been Reading: May 2018

Since my last “What I’ve Been Reading” post, I’ve been feeling a little better about my reading pace. I haven’t included everything I’ve read in the past month in this list, but these are my favorites. Find me on Goodreads if you want to check out everything I’ve been reading — I’d love to be your friend!

What I’ve been reading:

The Prince and the Dressmaker, by Jen Wang
Prince Sebastian likes wearing dresses and in dressmaker Frances, he has found an amazing fashion designer and confidante (his parents have no idea he crossdresses and they are pushing him to find a bride). Frances creates the most cutting-edge, fabulous garments for Sebastian and he takes on the persona of Lady Christallia whenever he wears them. Lady Christallia parties all night with Frances by her side, but how long will her identity stay a secret? What will the king and queen say if Prince Sebastian is exposed?
I. Love. This. Book.
Well, to completely accurate, it’s a graphic novel, but whatever! It’s wonderful! The art is adorable and the message of acceptance is one that we should all be reminded of.The ending is a little too good to be true, but I didn’t care. It’s the ending I wanted.

 

The War I Finally Won, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
This sequel to The War That Saved My Life picks up with WWII still in full swing and with 11-year-old Ada about to have surgery to fix her clubfoot. While in the hospital, she finds out her mother (an awful woman!) has died and that she and her brother Jamie are now permanently under the care of Susan, the woman they have been living with as London evacuees. The family of three moves into the cottage of the wealthy Thornton family, as does Ruth, a Jewish refugee from Germany. Life is tense on the Thornton estate and with so much change, Ada struggles to learn who she is and how to trust and accept love in her life.
I enjoyed this one, though not quite as much as The War that Saved My Life. The emotional impact didn’t hit me as hard. But it’s still a really solid read and you’ll find yourself cheering for Ada as she evolves and grows.

 

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach To Living a Good Life, by Mark Manson
It feels a little funny to read a book on how to “live a good life” by an author who is younger than I am, but Mark Manson does an admirable expletive-filled job. The title might give the impression that he’s telling us to just stop caring completely, but what Manson is really getting at is that we should be more discerning about what we choose to care about. On an initial reading, the chapter titles sound very negative (titles like “You Are Not Special” and “You Are Wrong about Everything”), but I think Manson is just trying to make the reader feel indignant enough to want to read on and find flaws with his argument, but then be convinced by his explanation in the end. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone who is averse to the f-bomb because there are a lot of them, but Manson’s approach to living a good life is one that I think a lot of people could benefit from.

 

The Female Persuasion, by Meg Wolitzer
I read The Female Persuasion for the inaugural book club meeting at my local Barnes & Noble, but I’d wanted to read it anyway. It was on almost all the most-anticipated books of 2018 lists and I loved The Interestings, so it was high on my TBR.
In The Female Persuasion, we meet Greer Kadetsky, a super bright but very shy college freshman, who in her first weeks of school is groped by a slimey guy. As a result of this repulsive experience, Greer is moved to speak up at an lecture given by feminist icon, Faith Frank, which changes the course of her young life. Greer eventually works for Faith as part of a women’s empowerment foundation and spends the next decade messing up, growing up, and learning that even her beloved mentor isn’t perfect.
This book has been touted by some as “a feminist book,” but I think it’s more than that. It’s an exploration of different kinds of feminism and how, as imperfect humans, the two main characters often have the best intentions but sometimes fumble when it comes to practicing what they preach. I really enjoyed the book, especially because Wolitzer fleshes all of the characters out so well. Her use of language is also excellent.

 

How To Meditate: A Practical Guide To Making Friends with Your Mind, by Pema Chodron
I started meditating in January and find it to be a very positive and grounding part of my daily life. While I’ve made progress in my ability to stay in the present moment and to be accepting of my present self, the good ol’ perfectionist in me still rears its ugly head quite often. One area that I want to perfect is…my meditation practice. Kinda silly, I know, but that’s why I picked up this book.
Chodron does a nice job covering both the practical aspects of how to sit down, quiet the mind and meditate, as well as the more philosophical side of things (you know, all the searching for enlightenment stuff). She gives exercises to try and constantly reminds the reader to be gentle and friendly with yourself. If you’re new to meditation or want to give it a try, this book would be a nice companion on your journey.

What have you been reading this past month? Please share in the comments below!

 

Literary Linking: May 7 – 11

This week’s link topics include: a new bookish podcast, the possible demise of Barnes & Noble, the definition of a hard-boiled mystery novel, and more!

The best bookish links the week of May 7 – 11:

Single-Women’s Fiction Is a BS Genre that Exists on Amazon
Where’s the Single-Men’s Fiction???

“That’s Another Story: Will Schwalbe Talks Books with Book Lovers
A new bookish podcast? Yes, please! The first episode is with Pachinko author Min Jin Lee and it’s wonderful.

Save Barnes & Noble!
We should support our indie bookstores, but a world without Barnes & Noble would not feel quite right. Hopefully the company leaders’ plan to make B & N more book-focused is successful.

When Cosby’s “Little Bill,” Alexie and Asher Are on the Shelf: What Should a Librarian Do?
Separate the author from the work? It’s a conundrum for sure.

What Is a Hard-Boiled Novel?
A great guide to this mystery sub-genre.

Lit Burger: I’ve Created a Muenster Burger

Welcome back to the Lit Burgers series! It’s been a very long time since I’ve written for the series (click HERE to check out the first one), but I’m happy to say that today I have a delicious literary-themed burger from the animated show, Bob’s Burgers, that will make your very tastebuds happy.

Here’s how I explained the series long, long ago: For each episode of Bob’s Burgers, there is usually at least one burger special written on the chalkboard on the wall of Bob’s restaurant. Some of the specials have a bookish spin to them, so my goal is to create all those burgers and give you the recipe

This week’s burger is the “I’ve Created a Muenster Burger,” which is a delectable play on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. I have to come clean here…I haven’t read Frankenstein, and I feel guilty about that gap in my literary knowledge. Women writing about monsters is the best!

What makes this burger a Frankenstein-esque burger? The most obvious monsterly part of the burger is the Muenster cheese, but I chose the other toppings with Dr. Frankenstein’s terrible creation in mind.

I included mushrooms as a topping because they’re a fungus, and fungi sound gross. I added garlic to the mushrooms for some stink-factor. Then there’s the spicy guacamole. Guacamole seemed fitting since it’s green and Frankenstein’s monster is usually depicted as a big green dude. I went with the spicy kind because monsters usually inflict pain and spicy foods can be painful sometimes.

I hope you enjoy this culinary creation!

I’ve Created a Muenster Burger

The I’ve Created a Muenster Burger tasted great with a side of sweet potato fries

Burger
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp salt and fresh pepper
oil spray
4 burger buns

 

Toppings
1 tbsp olive oil
Baby bella mushrooms sliced
1 clove minced garlic
Salt & fresh pepper
8 slices Muenster cheese
Store-bought spicy guacamole (I used Wholly Guacamole)
Mayonnaise

Makes 4 burgers

DIRECTIONS

Preparing the toppings:
Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, moving the it around constantly. Add the sliced mushrooms, then salt and pepper them to your taste. Cook until the mushroom are soft and have stopped releasing their moisture.

Open the guacamole and try it with some tortilla chips, just to make sure everything is up to snuff flavor-wise 😃.

Have the Muenster cheese ready to place on burgers once the burgers are finished cooking (2 slices per burger – lots of Muenster for the monster burger!)

For the burger:
Divide the ground beef into four equal patties (4 oz. each). Salt and pepper the burgers generously.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat. When hot, spray a small amount of oil in the pan. Place the burgers in the pan and cook on one side until browned, then flip. If you want a medium-temperature burger, continue cooking until the burger reaches an internal temperature off 150 degrees.

When the burgers just about done and while they’re still in the skillet, top the patties with mushrooms and the Muenster cheese. Cover the pan with aluminum foil. After about 30 seconds, lift the foil and the cheese should be nice and melty.

Assembling the burger:
Toast the buns. Once they are toasted to your liking, squiggle a healthy amount of mayonnaise on the top buns.

Place burgers on the bottom halves and top each patty with  guacamole (as much or as little of each as you like). Put the the top half of bun over your Franken-burger and take a bite!

 

Literary Linking: April 30 – May 4

This week’s link topics include: author-recommended bookstores, the best crime novels from the past year, funny books by funny women, and more!

The best bookish links the week of April 30 – May 4:

What To Read When You Want To Read Funny Women
Sometimes you have to break up serious reading with a book that makes you laugh. The women listed here are not only funny, but their work is thoughtful and meaningful.

Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark’ Adaptation Is Coming
Reading Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark, by Alvin Schwartz as a kid is a memorably frightening experience. It’s going to be amazing to see Guillermo Del Toro’s visual rendition. Get ready to be scared out of your skull!

11 Authors Recommend US Bookstores Worth Traveling For
Awesome authors (Kristin Hannah, Tayari Jones, and Brad Meltzer to name just a few) recommending awesome bookstores. Laura Lippman’s recommendation is only a little over an hour away from me…Mystery Loves Company, here I come.

The Year’s Best Crime Novels 2018
Get ready to make your TBR longer. Booklist has picked 20 books that sound like page-turner-y delights.

A Book for the Cat in Your Library
Learn how to make a book-shaped catnip toy for your feline friend!

 

What’s Making Me Happy, Vol. 11

For the past month, I’ve been getting my feet wet in the public library world. It’s been rather overwhelming learning the new job, but it’s been a great experience so far. Plus, I found some things that have helped relieve my stress and make me happy. Check them out!

What’s making me happy:

Forever 35 Podcast
Self-care is something I have a hard time fitting into my day-to-day, but I know it’s very important. Thankfully, I came across the Forever 35 Podcast. It’s “a podcast about the things we do take care of ourselves,” and by listening to it, I’m reminded regularly to take time for self-care. What’s especially nice about the podcast is that its definition of self-care is very broad. The hosts discuss everything from natural beauty products to getting help for anxiety and depression.

Decorating My Workspace
As I mentioned above and in other posts, I recently started a new job, and with this new job came a new desk and workspace. The desk I had in my previous position did double-duty as my personal workspace and the school library circulation desk. To keep the circulation area organized and easy to maneuver, I didn’t have much on my desk and there wasn’t really a place to decorate the space around it (it was all bookshelves for the collection). In my new workspace, however, I have lots of wall and desk space, so I have gone to to town bringing in my literary decorations and ordering cute office supplies. It’s been great fun! I especially enjoy my bright pink stapler and squirrel-shaped tape dispenser 🙂

Hard Seltzer
When my husband and I saw an ad for hard seltzer in a magazine, we both scoffed and agreed that it sounded disgusting. But us being us, we still had to try it, just to say we had. And…we loved it! Our favorite brand is White Claw and all the flavors are great. I’m a bit ashamed to say that I loved Smirnoff Ice in my younger years, but as I’ve gotten older, drinks like those now taste sickly sweet. The hard seltzers offer a similar lively effervescence (I do like my bubbles!) without the excessive sugar.

Sun & Sand Candle from Yankee Candle
This spring has been very un-springlike, but when I light the Sun & Sand scented candle from Yankee Candle, it’s like I’ve been transported to the beach in summer. I can’t wait for actual summer to arrive, but at least it smells like my favorite season at home.

Dreadlock Holiday, by 10cc
In addition to enjoying a summery aroma, I’ve also been loving summery music. To me, nothing says summer more than reggae, and “Dreadlock Holiday” is just perfect for daydreaming about being in the Caribbean soaking up the sun. This song has inspired me to bump Jamaica up on my list places I want to visit!

 

What’s been making you happy recently? Please share in the comments below!