It’s time for another edition of Bloggers Made of AWESOME! This time, it’s Julie from Girls Just Reading. Julie is a She Reads blogger, Days of Our Lives watcher (we used to spend way too much time tweeting back and forth and catching up with the plot lines) and avid lover of books. For that, and many other reasons- Julie is made of AWESOME.

 

Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Julie @ Girls Just Reading

Julie- when did you begin blogging?

I began blogging in August 2007 and had no clue what I was doing. J

Girls Just Reading is a group of bloggers. How did ya’ll come up with the name? Do you know each other in real life or only through social media?

Girls Just Reading was the brain child of Lisa, our founder. She was initially going to do this solo but then asked Jenn and I to join her on this adventure. We’ve been up and blogging since August 2007 and have pretty much learned how to do this blogging thing on the fly. In 2010, Alice came along for the ride and we’ve been fast reading buddies ever since, even though none of us live in the same city!

We actually all met because of the tv show ALIAS. We were all big fans and met on a message board. We did a book club on there but when the show finished and no more message boards, we took it here.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

Blogging is a hobby for me. I do it to share my love of books and reading. It is easy to get caught up in getting ARCs but for 2014 I’m going to be reading a lot of books that have languished on my shelves. I try not to keep up with the Jones when it comes to blogging.  For me, we are obviously doing something right because we’ve been around for 6 years and still going strong.

As for other blogs, I tend to read those that I share common genres with for recommendations. I also love discovering new blogs via Twitter. It’s always fun to meet book lovers.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I have kids, so I’m running them somewhere or keeping them entertained. I do love to watch tv and I used to love movies but I find that these days I prefer books for my entertainment. I love to hang out with my friends and when a favorite band comes in to town I’m almost always there for a live show.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions? 

I have tried to read several Jane Austen books and I just can’t do it. They bore me. I know, I know I’ll be ridiculed for it. I have no desire to read any of the books that are coming  out about supporting characters of her novels either. Now, I will watch the movies based on her novels though.

 

Do you have a #literarycrush? 

I don’t think I really have a literary crush. When I was reading the Stone Barrington series by Stuart Woods, I will admit to finding him sexy but there’s no character out there that instantly pops into my head.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?

Answer: All of them. LOL Here are a couple that are on my radar:

Fallen Beauty by Erika Robuck (quickly becoming a go-to author for me)

The Wife, the Maid and the Mistress by Ariel Lawhon

I’m sure there are tons I don’t know about. I try not to look in advance because then I freak out. I’m also looking forward to taking on my huge pile(s) of books that I’ve bought but not read.

In your opinion, what book was the best book you  read  in 2013?

Book, 1 book?!! That’s like asking me if I have a favorite child.  😉

I’m going to say The Fault in Our Stars by John Green because I don’t read YA (seriously I don’t) and this book was just pure gold. It might have had a teen protagonist but the themes were very universal.

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner – I love her and it’s been sitting in my pile for too long

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn – LOVED Gone Girl and keep wanting to read this one

Perfectly Matched by Heather Webber – It’s the 4th in the Lucy Valentine series and I miss her.

Also, it would probably be more like 5 for me on a beach vacation.  🙂

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I literally just used my e-reader for the first time a week ago. I liked it and I think it’ll be great for some galleys and chunksters, but I will always prefer tree books. My thought is though, as long as people are reading, does it matter the vehicle?

You are a member of She Reads- an organization that helps women find great books. What is the experience like- helping authors get the word out about books and connecting women with great books?

It’s wonderful to be part of an organization that is trying to get the word out on writers, period. There are so many debut authors that no one would hear of if not for word of mouth. We all know that they don’t get the same mainstream media time as others. I love the community as well. We all get pretty excited for the books and the authors are so open with us as well.

In your opinion, what do you think is more important- a good opening line or an ending that leaves you wanting to discuss the book with everyone?

All of it.  🙂  The opening line of a novel can set it up brilliantly but if the ending doesn’t live up to the opening line then it was all for naught.

If you could go on a literary road trip- where would you go?

I honestly don’t know. Seriously, you stumped me.   🙂

 

Did you enjoy learning a bit more about Julie? Wasn’t her reviews of THE WIFE, THE MAID and THE MISTRESS  and FALLEN BEAUTY fab? If you need more Julie, check out her blog, Kids Just Reading, or follow her on Twitter.

 

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T