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Ah, summer reading, that cool, sweet, happy thing! This summer we're introducing our Summer Reading Challenge for kids ages 17 and under to help them get into the reading mood.

With Captain America: Civil War in theaters right now, and the whole host of superhero and DC and Marvel universe films that have been dominating the box offices these past few years, we'd thought we'd take a moment to remember where all these heroes got their starts: on the written (and illustrated) page!

Of all the "National Something Months", April's Poetry Month seems to be the least advertised. Even the most dedicated of artists and readers may overlook this time of the year. But what better time is there for poetic artistic expression than when the sky opens up, flowers bud and bloom, and nature starts to sing again? And if you're not a die-hard poetry reader already, what better time to dip your toes in something new, discover a fresh perspective, and find a new true love?

In a recent response to a need for better female protagonists, the "strong female character" trope quickly proliferated by the hundreds, if not thousands, in many books, particularly blossoming in young adult fiction targeted at teen women.

Do you know what's almost as good as reading a really good book?

Eating a really good chocolate!

And there's definitely nothing better than doing both at the same time...

Not only do we have a huge assortment of wonderful books (as always!) to pick out from for your valentine(s) (or... yourself), but our ever popular stock of locally made Berkshire Bark has recently expanded too! They've developed even more maddeningly delicious chocolate bar flavors, like our new favorite, Peppermint Crush (just kidding, we still think you're numnber 1, Pretzological, our love).

Check out our favorite book/chocolate pairings and find your (and your loved ones') happy place.

CocoaNutz & The Forever Girl by Alexander McCall Smith

It may be cold and snowy out here, but in the pages of this novel by the bestselling author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, you'll be swinging in a hammock, enjoying the sun, the breeze, the surf, and-- let's not forget the only thing that can truly make the scene complete-- a lovely tropical cocunut! This chocolate, laden with sea salt, roasted almonds, both milk and dark Belgian chocolate, and cocunut chunks and chips, will have you leaving this cold dark world behind-- and diving right into this good book!

Jumpin' Java & Dancers Among Us by Jordan Matter

What's more everyday than a shot of caffeine and a burst of energy? Channel your inner dancer with this revitalizing chocolate while perusing these gorgeous and inspirational photographs and stories of the dancers among us.

Tropical Heat & Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

Hoffman fills the pages of her newest work with an island's magic and color in this stunning tale of what it means to walk the tightrope between tradition and independence, love and logic. This scrumptiously spicy chocolate will pair perfectly with this book's island setting and unforgettable love story.

White Lightning & Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Picture this: Grey skies pouring sheets of rain down upon the Scottish moors; horses, their riders pursued, pounding through the heather, sounding like rolling thunder; a flash of lightning illuminating, just for a second, tall, immovable, ancient standing stones; a gut-wrenching jolt and you appear... in the eighteenth century. Sound like fun? You'll feel positively wealthy being able to munch on some luxuriously white chocolate studded with lemon, cashew, and ginger while you read about Jamie and Claire's trials and tribulations during the  the second Scottish uprising.

Midnight Harvest & A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Get ready for a delicious witching hour with Deborah Harness' bestseller and this melt-in-your-mouth dark, rich chocolate treat.

Peppermint Crush & These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

This classy heroine is as cool as peppermint to her companion-- but can she really be blamed? After crash-landing on a mysterious planet and finding herself stuck there with just one taciturn guy for company, their quest for a way back to civilization (if they survive at all) is plagued by their haltingly evolving relationship. You'll need this Peppermint Crush as sustenance for this thought-provoking page-turner!

Mocha Buzz & The New York Times Presents Coffee Shop Crosswords

What could be more satisfying than sitting down with your morning hot mug of coffee, a great crossword puzzle, and a bite of coffee-infused chocolate on the side? Talk about a GOOD MORNING!

Every year, dozens of movies based on books are released, and 2016 is certainly no different. Of course the quality of the adaptations always vary (we like to say that you should never judge a book by its movie!), but here are a few books that we're especially hoping will be well-adapted when they hit the big screens this year. In the mean time, let's keep our fingers crossed and if you haven't read any of these yet... now is the time!

When Eric opened The Bookloft in May 1974, we were both fresh out of college. Watership Down topped the NYT Fiction Bestseller List, the House Judiciary Committee had just opened impeachment hearings against Richard Nixon, and we’d all been blithely singing along for years with the Beatles’ When I’m 64. The lyrics were sweet, the likelihood of our actually being 64 someday, pretty unimaginable.

Peter May's trilogy evokes the stark beauty of the Hebrides; so much so, that the landscape almost seems to be another character.

We're fortunate to live in the same beautiful area as the three incredibly talented writers and cooks, Ruth Reichl, Darra Goldstein, and Alana Chernila.