Hello and greetings in this new year. Over the last few months I have talked with many of you about lending your pen to our new metamorphosis, Bookshelf.ca.  Finally the time has arrived!

For almost 40 years The Bookshelf has been a conversation with you, our readers. That is why I still look forward to coming to work each day. Where else could you debate ideas that range from excitement about the new translation of the Iliad by Stephen Mitchell; to questions on the new theory about carbohydrates and weight gain; to the controversy around Gabor Mate and his theories of addiction and what was Terrence Malick really trying to say in The Tree of Life anyway? In other words, the whole kit and caboodle! We will try and capture this spirit of lively discussion and community engagement found daily in the store. The new Bookshelf.ca  will marry the elements of a magazine with those of a selling site and although we are committed to the world of ideas and books, we also love movies, food, art and music!

We certainly experienced a lucky convergence of time and talent when Bruce Dadey agreed to be our project manager and wrestle this beast into existence. Bruce was an English professor for six years at Laurentian University where his teaching ranged from rhetoric and composition theory to graphic novels and cross-cultural communication. He has also put in his time in front of the screen as a programmer and computer geek – a real renaissance guy!

Brief book reviews from readers like you will be an important part of the new website. Just send an email to Bruce at contribute@bookshelf.ca  telling him what kind of books you’d like to review or, if you already have some ideas, what titles you’d like to look at. We’ll send you our short and snappy Contributors’ Guidelines and you’ll be off to the races. Reviews need only be 125 words long.

Bookshelf.ca will also include short articles (500 words) on arts and culture subjects about which you are passionate. Again, if you want to discuss possible article ideas, or if you have any questions, just email Bruce at contribute@bookshelf.ca

Since its inception The Bookshelf has been continually reinventing itself. Looks like this time we are still rooted in the real world, but moving out to the cosmos of the web. We would love to have you aboard for the next exciting leg of the journey.

Fondly,

Barb