March Madness (The Book Shelf style)

The old adage says that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb; but March has always felt all things lion to me. A weather-bouncy-ball-of-a-month (will it feel like winter or spring?) that roars with unpredictability, rolls around with daylight savings (changing the clocks has never been a friend of mine) and gives us thirty-one days with which to wait for April.

Hmm. Is my soft spot for March showing itself yet?

Seriously, though: no, this may not be my favorite time of year but the privilege in being able to have another March to play around with is a gift. And peering at the month through my reading glasses is ALREADY helping!

So, let's break down March, Book Shelf style:

1) Book Bouquets: These new book bundle vessels will be The Book Shelf's signature throughout the spring season. They are an utter joy to create, visually inviting and a 'to the point' book bundle (a carefully chosen novel/ unique bookmark/ book review page). Just like the variety of readers out there -- no book bouquet is quite the same.

2) March market: Interested in chatting all things reading with yours truly live? Curious about our book bouquets but you are a shopper that likes to peruse? I've got you!

On March 15, I will be back at CT Valley Brewing for their Saint Patrick's Day market. To celebrate the vibe of the 'holiday', I will have LIMITED EDITION pot o' gold book bundles (These are so much fun.) Book bouquets will absolutely be available, as well.

Whether the book bundle is in the form of a bouquet or pot o' gold, these are an exceptional choice for a birthday or celebration gift, a treasure left behind by a mischievous leprechaun OR a gift of self-love (to you, reader!)

3) Book recommendations: Each new market experience teaches me new things, whether that is about business, inventory or practical needs as a vendor. But these markets also provide invaluable opportunities to connect to curious readers and new customers. Even with social media accounts, a website and a business email available at your fingertips -- there is really nothing that seems to invite (or beat) an open-ended book recommendation inquiry quite like a face-to-face at a market.

It is deeply fulfilling to connect with others in these spaces, to make reading personal in real time. Throughout past blog posts, I've shared and discussed the natural way reading tends to give us what we need, be it escapism, a window to the past, a new perspective. I have found this to not just be something I ardently believe in, but to be overwhelmingly true amongst the different readers I come across in person.

With each new market experience I am a part of, I always take away and 'catalog' the variety of conversation in those hours. The most unexpected and beautiful part of starting The Book Shelf is being a trusted witness to others' grief, new starts, best friends, challenges, careers, self-conscious feelings (yes, all of these topics have bubbled up from a simple book recommendation question!) It is an honor to be given the opportunity to connect a reader to the words they need, but to also hear why they need it.

Don't hesitate to reach out and ask for what you need as a reader, too.

4) BOOK CLUB: April's Book Club is officially open for registration! We are a safe, respectful and fun environment for all -- and always aim to choose books that display a variety of writing styles, diverse topics and genres.

April's pick includes themes of:

• Historical fiction

• Adventure, friendship, coming of age and the dignity of animals

• Twists of true events and fiction

(Each registered reader is given a copy of the April's Book Club novel, The Book Shelf's reading scavenger hunt and pens for notetaking.)

Well would you look at that . . . . March has already turned a corner.

Happy reading!