Hi Readers,
First of all, thank you to all of you who have stuck around during this blog’s hiatus. For the past few months I’ve been buzzing around the universe in a whirlwind of thoughts but without the inclination and inspiration to write with any form of success.
In other words, whilst I have been reading, I have found it quite difficult to write. This is is for a multitude of reasons, many that I will not bring to this blog, but I am happy to share that that spark has, as it always has in the past, returned, and I’m thrilled to finally to show some signs of life on here.
In the past few months I’ve returned from England back to my home in the states, watched the Philadelphia Eagles win the Superbowl (Go Birds!), and have had the time to read some fantastic fiction. Part of this is due to some doctor ordered rest after breaking a bone in Budapest (a story for a different blog post perhaps!), but it is also due to a much widened accessibility of reading as I returned to the zip code in which I am a public library cardholder.
I will not attempt to provide a summation of my thoughts on the current horrors befalling the U.S. in this particular post. All I will say is that whilst federal funding threatens to destabilize the public library system, I cannot state the importance of libraries enough as a space of community, education, and awareness. Libraries are crucial to democracy, and no propagandized attack will ever change the fact that access to information and education is insturmental in nurturing the wellbeing of local communities. All of that is written to say please keep reading, supporting your local library, and continuing to invest in your community.
I digress. Books! What a wonder they are to experience. Whilst I may not have been blogging, my reading has not ceased. I’ve done my fair share of reading in public spaces: airplane middle seats, hospital waiting rooms, local pubs, office break areas, and the public beaches of the Jersey shore to name just a few. A good book is like an old friend and spending time with one is a feeling I never tire of.
There are many books that have moved me since my last post, and I feel this reemergence into the blogosphere would be incomplete without a few recommendations. I’ve read read 20 books since the start of 2025, and I hope to double that number in the remainder of the year. There has been a romance boom on my bookshelf as I attempt to keep up with the fast-paced output of Ali Hazelwood books (seriously, how does she do it?), and I’ve found myself looking for more lighthearted titles than usual recently.
Perhaps this is an avoidance tactic given the current state of affairs. Or maybe I’ve grown to love stories that are kinder than the emotionally turbulent sci-fi/fantasy adventures that ruled my teenage years. The Summer I Turned Pretty has consumed my television viewing this summer, so I can wholeheartedly say I’m having a romcom summer. #TeamCondrad
I don’t think I could ever give up stories full of action and adventure. Adventure stories are the reason I fell in love with reading. When I think about why I started this blog, it comes back to my theory that there is a book out there for everyone that will make them fall in love with reading. Some people like me may find their favorite books in childhood, and others it may take much longer to find that book that draws them in. I love sharing books that move me now in hopes that I can point someone towards a story that ignites that love within them.
Along with book recommendations, it is my goal to share more of my own writing with you all trough this platform. I’m working to get more of my own writing out into the world. You can check out my published work through the linked pages on my writing portfolio. Most recently my poetry was featured in the Pine Hills Review. Please go check out this publication! I’ll be expanding more on my Book Adventures, too, as fall approaches.
Thank you all for supporting Julia’s Bookshelves for the past five years. Keep reading and I will see you soon! As the kids say, we are sooooo back.
For Your Consideration: Julia’s Hiatus Reads
Babel by R. F. Kuang
A powerful piece of historical fantasy woven with critique of colonialism.
Admittedly, I’m coming a little late to the Babel conversation. But I appreciated the love of language that is woven into the fabric of this story. Normally, I prefer more of a character-driven story over a plot-driven one, but Babel‘s twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat.
The Victorian Chaise Lounge by Marghanita Laski
I picked this book up from one of my favorites stores in the entire world, Persephone Books! Please do read about their mission and catalogue so you, too, can fall in love wit this publisher and bookstore.
This story accounts a young woman’s experience after she falls asleep on her Victorian chaise lounge and wakes to find that she has transported back in time. It is dark, riveting, and enthralling. The elements of experience reflect easily into modern day and readers will find many to connect with this story.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
This series captured my attention at twelve and has never lost its hold. The tail of Haymitch Abernathy is just as relevant now as ever, and Collins pulls no punches at depicting the fallout of such a cruel ideology ruling society. I was just as as enthralled with this tale as with the first book years ago, and I think that speaks to Collins’ ability to craft a powerful narrative.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Twists and turns in the vein of love and outer space and social progress and David Bowie.
I didn’t think TJR could write a book that I loved more than Daisy Jones and the Six, but then Atmosphere came along. The story jumps between the story of Joan’s journey to becoming an astronaut and her experience guiding one fateful mission years down the line. In between there are lovable characters, surprising turns, and an in-depth reflection on the multitude of ways that we are motivated by passion.
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