Books and Ideas… right to your inbox.
Love Reading?
So do we.
If you’re like us, you’d read everything, given enough time.
Classics, new and popular stuff, poetry, niche fiction, Bible commentary and lesser known indie lit—whatever falls into your hands or across your screen. Like my mom’s beige and cream-colored havanese (may he rest in peace), who once tore into a package of bread and crammed so much down his gullet that he couldn’t bark or even close his mouth… I would probably read until my corneas burst.
Here at Shelf of Crocodiles, expect full and thoughtful essays (not just consumer reviews) about what we’ve read, what we want to read, and occasionally what we’re watching in the news or on our phones.
While our taste ranges from eclectic to ambitious, it reflects a deep love of western classics, drama, novels, nonfiction, and the robust tradition of the Christian faith.
Buttons and Spoilers
We’ve got my feet planted firmly on the ground—as G.K. Chesterton put it—not dangling up in the air with the latest trends. That’s a whimsical way of saying my commentary and general thrust goes against the woke, strident, touchy-feely zeitgeist that has too many slogans, stances, and corporate memes sounding like the Borg.
When it comes to categories with the ‘don’t push that button sign,’ we usually push the button. On that note, if giving a plot spoiler helps make a larger point, we usually go for it. We’ve read, written, and in some cases taught our way through so many stories that spoilers don’t bother us… in the storytelling or story critiquing biz, there’s not much room for being precious.
To the extent that reading Shelf of Crocodiles (along with newsletters like Notes From he Fray) will make you a more thoughtful, informed, and curious reader, we don’t think spoilers will be more than a minor annoyance.
Skip them if you like, but you could very well be missing out.
With any luck, these unvarnished ramblings will nudge you to read something on your own bookshelf you’ve been meaning to get to.
Feeding the Crocodiles
Shelf of Crocodiles is a free publication, but you can support it by signing up for a paid subscription.
It takes time to write, edit, and publish this… and of course, time is money.
I’ve had a few occasional, and one-off patrons these last few years. As life gets busier (and sadly, more expensive), those financial gestures have often made all the difference.
So if you’d like to support this content and Substack, go paid.
Perks for paid subscribers are definitely in the works.
If you’d like to give a one-time gift or donation, reach out with a comment and I’ll be in touch with Venmo, Cashapp, etc.
Finally, a restack, a share, or a shout on Twitter, Instagram or wherever you post also goes a long way. If you like what you’re reading here, don’t be shy : )
Honored to Have You
As you probably know, you can read and browse the archives like a blog.
Whenever I post a new essay, subscribers will get it right in their inbox (and if it doesn’t arrive, check that promotions tab). Each essay springboards off a different work of fiction, drama, nonfiction, film, or classic literature.
So hit subscribe and have a read.
The crocodiles will be sooooo pleased.
