In a short span of time, social networking websites seem to have taken over the internet. MySpace, for example, is considered the world’s sixth most popular English-language website and the third most popular website in the United States, according to Alexa Internet. We all know how these websites work. There are profiles, groups, friends, photos, music, videos and other stuff to upload and share with others. The concept of these websites is amazing and applicable to all sorts of people. No wonder other people take the idea and innovate it to their own liking. For those who are looking for another yet similar way of amusing themselves online, here’s something I recently discovered.

Book lovers now have their own networking website. Shelfari, which probably means Shelf Safari, is really a jungle of books. While it’s up to the members whether to add friends or not, the idea is that they can surround themselves with books and book reviews and build their very own virtual shelves.

Members who have added books on their shelves can see other members who have the same books. They can also read comments and reviews about a particular book they wish to read. Plus, there is always the opportunity to see what other books to add to their reading list.

Here’s an example. I have a book on my shelf entitled, “The Lady and the Unicorn” by Tracey Chevalier. It’s a book included in my top ten list and I realize that other people from different parts of the globe have it on their shelves, too. In fact, a certain Glenda23 said, “I really enjoyed this book and I was able to get through it relatively quick. I do think though that it was too similar to “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. Sure, it may be in a different country, a different time period, and about a whole other work of art, but she uses the same formula of applying romance to the storyline so as to make it an easy read. While this makes for a fun read, it doesn’t make this book worthy of merith, because when you scrape away all the historical glamour you’re just reading a romance novel. “

On my wish list is this book entitled, “A Place Called Here” by Cecelia Ahern. Despite the tempting summary, it would help to find what other people who have read the novel thought of it. Finding the book on shelfari is easy as snapping your fingers. In a single click, I found out that freelikewater thought, “This was my third Cecelia Ahern book and I really enjoyed it, as I did the others. Cute and quirky, and it’s nice to know where my socks are…”

Some reviews are longer than others. Some are pretty deep and interesting. Others just give out stars. Still, it’s a perfectly wonderful way of appreciating books.

Joining is absolutely free no matter how much the site is used and the account can be deleted at any time. For those interested, just type www.shelfari.com and lose yourselves in the fantasy of owning a thousand books.

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