Winter Break Reading List

One of the things that I loved about college was having that month-long winter break. I relished the fact that my to-do list that had nothing on it, and in anticipation each year I would build up a huge list of all the books that I wanted to read during those weeks. 

This year is a little different for me because I don't get the same extended period for a break. I do have a couple weeks, however, to rest and relax before my responsibilities kick into an even higher gear in January. I'm hoping to make the most of that time by indulging in some of my favorite activities (reading tops the list, obviously) and having quality time with friends and family.

I like to build my stack of winter break reads ahead of time, so I've picked out just a few books that have already made it onto my list. I think a trip to the library is in order...

The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Beatriz Williams, and Lauren Willig // Lauren Willig is one of my favorite authors of historical fiction and I can't wait to preview her latest book, written in partnership with two other excellent writers. 

The Interrupted Tale by Maryrose Wood // I've been meaning to continue reading The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series and I need to read both the fourth and fifth installments. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the mystery revealed!

The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran // I love Michelle Moran's writing and I'm so excited to read her account of Nefertari, the niece of the more well-known Nefertiti. (If we're being honest, I already started this one last night and it has me completely enthralled!)

Other People's Children by Lisa Delpit // I think a break is the perfect time to catch up on a little bit of professionally-minded reading. I have a whole stack of education books that I've been meaning to read, so this may not be the exact one that I pick up, but I'm hoping to tackle at least one from the pile while I'm relaxing at home!

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Now, no matter how much I add to this list, it's almost inevitable that I'll stray from it the second that I see an interesting book on the library shelf, so stay tuned to see how it turns out! Also keep an eye out for a new review later this week!

Happy Reading!

-Madeleine-

Favorite Female Characters

One aspect of the "bookstagram" community (i.e. those who have Instagram accounts dedicated to books) that I've really enjoyed since bringing Top Shelf Text to Instagram has been the "tags" that go around. People are really creative in coming up with unique tags that prompt you to show off your book collection in new ways. Essentially, you get tagged by another account, which then challenges you to take a picture of specific books. For example, I've participated in tags to show the 20th book on my shelf, a book with a unique cover page, and to show a rainbow of books. One of the tags that I recently participated in was for your pick of top five female characters, and boy was it tough to decide.

Here are the #topfivefemalecharacters that I shared on Instagram (in no particular order):

1. Miss Penelope Lumley, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

"...in Miss Penelope Lumley's day, it was universally understood that there is nothing like a nice cup of tea to settle one's nerves in the aftermath of an adventure-- a practice many would find well worth reviving." - The Hidden Gallery

2. Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

"Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can." 

3. Daenerys Targaryen, Game of Thrones

"I am the blood of the dragon. Do not presume to teach me lessons." - A Dance with Dragons

4. Hermione Granger, Harry Potter

"I've learned all our course books by heart, of course." -Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

5. Madeline, Madeline

"To the tiger in the zoo, Madeline just said 'Pooh-Pooh.'"

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Disclaimer: I cherish these characters, but it's hard for me to say that they are absolute top five in all of the books that I've ever read. Because let's be honest, that's a lot of books, and five isn't a big number. I can think of a bunch more character that I truly admire (a post for another day, perhaps?), and I love that we, as readers, can draw inspiration from characters of all ages in all different seasons of our lives.

Do you have a few favorite female characters?

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P.S. I'll be taking next week off from the blog while I finish up two of my summer courses (it feels like finals right now), so check back the following week for some new reviews. I have been reading up a storm and can't wait to share with you all!

Happy Reading!

-Madeleine-

Books I've Read in 2014 {February}

Another update on the books I've read so far this year. As a reminder, I'm breaking it down by month, and below you'll find the rating system that I'm using. Hopefully you can find one or two to add to your own to-read list! If you've read one of the books below, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!

Here's a little guideline for how I decide (out of 5) the number of stars to give a book:

5 stars: Amazing. Perfect. Enthralling. Highly recommend it!

4 stars: It isn't a masterpiece, but I sure liked it!

3 stars: I wouldn't re-read it, but I still liked it.

2 stars: Not at the top of my list. Maybe skip this one.(...Or don't! You never know what you may like).

1 star: It probably took considerable effort for me not to throw this at a wall. Who knows, maybe I did throw it at the wall. 

My Thoughts & On Goodreads
3 Stars
*P.S. Saw the movie and loved it. Better than the book, but my viewing experience was definitely made better by having read the book!

Read My Review
4 Stars

Read My Review
5 Stars

{On Goodreads}
5 Stars

{on Goodreads}
3 Stars

{On Goodreads}
3 Stars
*Note: This was the audio version of the book.

Children's Review: The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book II)

{on Goodreads}

Maryrose Wood's The Hidden Gallery is endearing, humorous, and entirely shrouded in mysteries about to be uncovered! This second installment in the series lives up to the first book in its lively tone, plucky characters, and looming mystery. As the blurb states, "something wicked this way comes," and it's up to Miss Penelope Lumley to get to the bottom of it, all while being a top notch governess to her three formerly wild pupils. Yes, she still has to placate them when upsetting situations have them howling at the moon, but overall Alexander, Cassopeia, and Beowulf are on their way to becoming civilized young children. When Lady Ashton has the family relocate temporarily to busy London, Penelope looks forward to taking the children on educational tours of the city. As soon as they arrive, Penelope feels overwhelmed and lost but is saved by the valiant (and handsome) Simon Harley-Dickinson, who soon becomes a close friend to her and the children. While in London, Penelope continues to search for answers regarding her long-lost parents, the strange circumstances of the children's abandonment in the woods of Ashton place, and the mysterious condition of Lord Ashton, who takes to scratching and howling when the full moon shows itself. These many enigmas are puzzling, and yet Penelope may just be close to finding some real answers.

This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I love the historical features of the book, as Wood is deft at subtly incorporating lessons in history, literature, and the like, while still keeping the story accessible to readers. Penelope Lumley is such a wonderful character, full of wisdom and grace and devotion to her three pupils. What I love especially about this sequel is that we start to find out more about the perplexing relationship between Penelope and the children, all while even more mysteries are being added to the plot! Definitely a must read for fans of the first. This series would make a great gift for any young voracious reader, as you really do need to read the whole series to find out all the answers!

Bottom Line Rating: 5/5

Recommended for readers age 8-12 (grades 3-7)

Title: The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book II)

Author: Maryrose Wood

Publisher: Balzer & Bray, 2011

ISBN: 9780061791130

Price: $6.99

Format: Paperback

Source: Amazon

Book #11 of 2014

Children's Review: The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book I)

{on Goodreads}

The first book in this series introduces us to Miss Penelope Lumley, a fifteen-year old recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females. She has accepted a position as a governess for the children of Ashton Place, but when she arrives at the sprawling estate, she finds not the hopeful, young pupils she's expecting, but rather a trio of wild children whom Master Frederick Ashton had found in the woods while hunting. Penelope is taken aback, but as the wise founder of her alma mater once said, "No hopeless case is without hope." Penelope sets about educating and acclimating her new wards, and soon finds out that Mistress Ashton- who has no interest in playing the role of mother- expects the children to be fully adjusted in time for her first Christmas ball as lady of the house. It seems as though the children have little chance of being ready for the party, but Penelope takes on the task with all of the determination of a true Swanburne girl.

This book was serious and playful in equal measure. I loved the character of Penelope; she is a confident, bright young woman with a true sense of justice and a kind heart. I found myself thinking that perhaps I could try to be a bit more like her. Besides the endearing qualities of Miss Lumley (and the children), Wood has created a quirky and intriguing environment for this series. This first book ends with a subtle foreshadowing and a somewhat eerie cliffhanger. I couldn't wait more than a day before ordering the next two in the series, as I am keen on discovering whether my own predictions are correct.

Bottom Line Rating: 5/5

Recommended for readers age 8-12 (grades 3-7)

Title: The Mysterious Howling
Series: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book I
Author: Maryrose Wood
Publisher: Balzer & Bray, 2010
ISBN: 9780061791109
Price: $6.99
Format: Paperback
Source: Amazon
Book #8 of 2014