Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews is a fellow She Reads blogger. So, naturally, I adore her for that. But she’s quick-witted, charming and knows the importance of finding a good pair of jeans. I think Rhiannon would be an excellent person to sit down and talk with for hours while enjoying a glass of wine!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews

Rhiannon- when did you begin blogging? 

I began blogging about three years ago and was posting such a crazy variety of topics (lipgloss ratings, coupons, book reviews, recipes, my academic work.) I decided last September to streamline and focus on just one of my passions, book reviews. September 17th is my 1 year blogversary for Ivory Owl Reviews and I have learned A LOT!

 

 

How did you come up with the name Ivory Owl reviews?

Last summer, my mom and I were shopping in downtown St. Charles and she found this ceramic, ivory and blue, owl that I thought was so adorable. I sat it on my nightstand next to all my books and joked that he was going to help me with my book reviews.

 

 

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

I love being able to create my own community of readers. I believe anyone who loves to read has a connection but not everyone likes to read the same style of books. With blogs, I’ve been able to see what people generally like at a glance and decide if I would like to follow them. I personally like having my blog so that when someone asks me to recommend a book to them I can simply direct them there instead of trying to rack my brain on the spot to give a good recommendation.  I also like knowing other bloggers to direct someone to when I don’t think our styles are similar.

 

 

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

I love to cook. Some people dread the time it takes to make a meal but I like having a glass of wine, listening to an audio book and whipping up dinner. I try new recipes I collect from Pinterest and my family gives me their critiques. I even like cleaning up dinner because no one comes in the kitchen (knowing they’ll be put to work) so I take my time and maybe have another glass of wine while I load the dishes and wipe down the counters. I also like to go walking at the park. It helps me clear my head and get my creativity flowing. I’m also a crazy coupon lady! Not like the ones on TV but I love saving money and would say I’m intermediate/advanced not full blown crazy!

 

 

Do you have any #literaryconfessions? 

I’ve not read Fifty Shades and I can’t stand Henry James or Hemingway.

 

 

 

 

Do you have a #literarycrush? 

This one stumps me. I don’t think I’ve ever swooned over any characters. I love Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in the movie version of “Gone with the Wind” but I didn’t read the book so I’m not sure if it is the character or Gable himself I would have my crush on (Maybe not reading Gone with the Wind should be a #literaryconfessions!)

 

 

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

My number one most anticipated book of 2013 is Maddaddam by Margaret Atwood. It is the third book in the Maddaddam trilogy with Oryx & Crake and The Year of the Flood as the first two books. I squealed and did some seriously goofy dance moves when I saw that my request had been accepted for an ARC. I’m currently re-reading Oryx & Crake and then The Year of the Flood to be fully refreshed before I dive in. My close second is Joshilyn Jackson’s Someone Else’s Love Story. I love anything she does but read an excerpt at the beginning of the year and am especially excited because it is set in Atlanta.

 

 

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

I can never just pick one! Can anybody? My Top Four: Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver. The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara. A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White. The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro

 

 

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

This summer I loved Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky, On Grace by Susie Orman Schnall, and The Wishing Tree by Mary Beth Whalen.

 

 

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

I like them all. I read paperbacks in the bathtub, listen to audiobooks and read on my Ipad, and listen to books on CD in the car. I like all formats but I do love the smell of a physical book.

 

 

Rhiannon- you are a member of She Reads. To you, what does that mean for women readers? Does She Reads give them a voice in this book world? A place to go and say “These are the kinds of books I want to read?” 

I think we are able to give praise to books and authors that may not have gotten the attention they deserved. That makes me feel good. I enjoy the sense of comraderie on the site. I’m a Twitterer (Twitterholic?) and I can chat about anything I’m reading at any time and someone is sure to join in or respond. Since we are all reading the book at the same time (kinda) we can all chime in. I find it easier and more enjoyable than a physical book club. We don’t have to get out of our pajamas or find a sitter to participate.

 

 

 

 

What is your favorite line/quote from a book?

“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.”

― Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

 

Roughly translated to “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

 

 

Do you judge a book by it’s cover?

I am drawn to certain covers so “yes.” Unless I am searching for a particular book, the one with the best cover is the one that usually gets picked.

 

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about Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews, check out her blog, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+