About

I vividly remember the moment when I first saw the letters on the page become words. I was almost 6, and looking through My First Golden Dictionary illustrated by Richard Scarry, sounding out every letter, willing myself to just do it faster already. And it happened. I saw the words - I knew their shapes, and I haven't stopped reading since. 

My first job was as a Children's Bookseller at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, CA. I ended up staying there part-time for almost 12 years, even after I started my career as a music teacher, because I so loved being part of the book world.

My Wayward Bookshelf holds lots of fantasy, science fiction, and a healthy dose of classic British literature. I do occasionally come back to earth for some nonfiction. Basically, I read where my curiosity & fancies follow. I have gradually moved away from giving star ratings in my reviews, because it never quite felt like the right way to tell someone about a book to me. My reviews will tell you what I loved, what I didn't love, and any relevant content warnings I am aware of. 

I am a language lover, an avid reader and a sometimes cosplayer, who also loves vintage apparel, tea & my cat Philanthrapuss (Philo). 

Though I do occasionally receive advanced copies of new titles, all reviews on this site are honest & unbiased.

Here are some of my most favorite reads:

• Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings series this series is comprised of 5 sets: Farseer Trilogy, Liveship Trader's Trilogy, Tawny Man Trilogy,  Rainwild Chronicles, Fitz & the Fool Trilogy
• Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle, Fire & Hemlock, and Chrestomanci series
• Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre
• Jane Austen's Persuasion and Pride & Prejudice
• L.M. Montgomery's Blue Castle
• Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol 
• Patrick Rothfuss' Slow Regard of Silent Things
• Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series
• Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series
• Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett's Good Omens
• Becky Chambers' Monk & Robot books 

My local bookstore invited local readers to make a page of favorites on their bookshop.org site. Check mine out here or click the banner below, and if you happen to grab one of these titles, know that your purchase supports an amazing small town indie bookstore!