This week’s Blogger Made of AWESOME is the amazing Becca from I’m Lost in Books! Becca is something else- she’s the owner of the Google Plus Group Book Bloggers Do It Better, she blogs at I’m Lost in Books, and one of the people behind the blog Book Bloggers International. So, Becca has tons of balls up in the air and she is a juggling master!
Becca is also super-cool because she loves The Baby-Sitters Club- so she’s earned a spot in my bookish loving heart! Continue reading
Today, I have Wendi from H2O Bungalow hanging out and answering questions. Wendi is a blogger than I ran across thanks to Rebecca @ Love At First Book- and found myself visiting Wendi’s blog when I needed a jumpstart to my creative process. Essentially, I sit at Wendi’s blog and drool over her creative genius self!
But enough about why I like Wendi- read her Bloggers Made of AWESOME interview and become a fan of her as well (I just know you will!) Continue reading
Lisa @ Southern Girl Reads is a member of She Reads and that was how I became acquainted with her. As I began checking out her blog, I found that I really enjoyed her writing style and that we had similar tastes in books. I think Lisa is pretty fab- and I’m pretty sure ya’ll will agree!
Katie @ Doing Dewey is a fellow She Reads blogger (which def makes her 50 shades of AWESOME), but even more AWESOME- she is so supportive- and her blog always has some great reviews!
I knew I liked Katie because we’re both She Reads peeps- but reading her 50 Bookish Things Bucket List just put the cherry on the sundae!
Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Katie @ Doing Dewey
Katie- when did you begin blogging?
I started blogging in December 2011, during my first semester of grad school.
How did you come up with the name Doing Dewey?
I’d just gotten back into reading since my hiatus in under graduate and I’d discovered that I loved non-fiction a lot more than I remembered. I loved the idea of learning new things on a wide variety of topics and had just read in Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project where she makes a goal of learning about new things, so I decided to try reading my way through the Dewey Decimal system. I started blogging to track my progress, so Doing Dewey seemed appropriate.
What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?
I certainly hope so 🙂 I know I get so many great recommendations from other book bloggers, I’m never short of new book to pick up. I do think most of my readers are book bloggers, but I suspect that bloggers also reach a lot of non-bloggers through review sites like amazon and goodreads.
When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?
I love photography and would really like to make more time for it than I have been lately. I also enjoying gaming with friends. Recent favorites include Guildwars 2, Payday 2, and Battlefield 4.
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
I’m pretty sure I didn’t read any Austen until grad school and the gap in my reading experience I’m currently most embarrassed about is not having read anything by Neil Gaiman or Brandon Sanderson. Hopefully I’ll be fixing that soon though 🙂
Do you have a #literarycrush?
You know, the phenomenon of literary crushes is something I’ve never really understood. I’ve very rarely come across a guy I would date in a book (although I think William in Someone Else’s Love Story is probably an exception), but even the swoon-worthiest or most datable guys aren’t something I think about after I finish a book.
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?
Oh, all of them, really! I guess the ones I’m most excited about right now are Michio Kaku’s The Future of the Mind; Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers; and The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa.
In your opinion, what are the 3 best books of 2013?
I actually have as easy top choice, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. This is one of those books that I wanted to start handing out to people as soon as I finished it! I also loved The Time of My Life by Cecelia Ahern and The Book Thief, which was one of the only books that has managed to make love it despite making me cry.
You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?
Now that’s just crazy talk. On a beach vacation, I bring at least two non-fiction options, at least two fiction options, and probably a half dozen “light” books like chick lit or thrillers. Then I fill up any space I have leftover with more books. Haha, actually this could be one of my literary confessions – I always, always pack as many books as I have space for, just in case.
Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?
I will always prefer a tree book, but I’m getting a lot more comfortable reading ebooks. My least favorite thing about ebooks is the lack of finality when I finish one book and move onto another. It feels weird to still be holding the same physical object even though I’ve moved on to a new story!
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?
I love it! For starters, the women such as yourself who pick the books we read must have impeccable taste, because I’ve given 5 stars to every book I’ve read for She Reads. And the author chats on twitter are one of my favorite blogging events. Both the bloggers and the authors have been completely fantastic to interact with.
Do you watch the movies before you read the book? Or vice versa?
The book, if at all possible. I generally expect the book to be better, so I don’t like to have it spoiled for me. Plus it makes me enjoy movies more when I can be excited to see a book I read brought to life.
How do you organize your TBR shelf? Stacks? Nicely organized?
I organize my books that I’ve read and decided I love enough to keep, but my TBR books are just in piles. Fortunately, I only have room for so many piles on my dresser, so my rule is that once that’s full, no more ARCs for me. This makes ebooks somewhat problematic in terms of keeping my TBR pile manageable.
What is a popular book that you were just not that into?
I was completely not impressed by Divergent. I don’t buy that the world would ever end up the way it is in the book and there was a lot of that annoying plot device where people refuse to explain something for no reason but to draw out the story. Especially after the mixed reaction to Allegiant, I don’t plan to continue the series.
If you could be best friends with an author- who would you pick? And why?
I would be best friends with Marianne Morea (http://www.mariannemorea.com/). I recently wrote a review that was mostly positive but included some constructive criticism of her independently published re-telling of the Sleepy Hollow legend, Hollow’s End. She was nice enough to comment on my review and asked me to e-mail her if I had any more specific suggestions. She has generally been a pleasure to communicate with and I’ve got to imagine that anyone who can take criticism so sweetly and try to learn from it has got to be a nice person.
Liked Katie @ Doing Dewey? Visit her blog, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter pages.
Another week of AWESOME! Crystal in Bookland is a person that I met through Meredith @ Pandora’s Books (actually Crystal started following me- and I began checking her blog out!)
Crystal’s blog has a good mix of reviews and giveaways (and ya’ll know how I LOVE when blogs have giveaways!)
Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Crystal in Bookland
Crystal- when did you begin blogging?
August 4, 2013
How did you come up with the name Crystal in Bookland? Is it a play on words like Alice in Wonderland?
It is definitely a play on words like Alice in Wonderland! That is my all-time favorite book, one of the very first that got me started reading.
What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?
I believe so. Most of the books I add on my TBR are definitely recommended from other bloggers, whether it be something they posted about on their blog, twitter, facebook, or goodreads.
When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?
Mainly I’m spending time with my family and doing whatever my kids are demanding me to do….which I totally love!
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
Ahhh I haven’t read Divergent trilogy yet.
Honestly I haven’t read a TON of old classics either. For some reason my school never made us read things like that. I haven’t read anything most people had to in high school. So when people reference them…I’m in the dark. I keep saying one day I will read them….but you know how that goes.
Do you have a #literarycrush?
ADRIAN IVASHKOV <3333 He is my numero uno book hubby for life! Yes, while everyone is claiming their book boyfriends I got serious and snagged him up for the long haul…HA! 😉
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?
OH MY!! I REALLY don’t think you want that list SO let me just name a FEW. I’m a HUGE Richelle Mead fan so I’m definitely looking forward to Silver Shadows (Bloodlines #5), The Immortal Crown (Age of X #2), Nil by Lynne Matson, The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings, Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes, & Unhinged by A.G. Howard to name a FEW!
What is a book (or 2!) that you’ve read and LOVED- but did not get positive reviews?
Oh this is a tough question….I can’t really think of any I loved that the majority of people didn’t like it. BUT I’m currently in the middle of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey and noticed that it seems to be a toss-up between if people love or hate it…so far I’m on the loving side. Also The Host by Stephanie Meyer seemed to be a tough one for a lot of people but I loved it.
In your opinion, what book was the best book you read in 2013?
OH GOSH! I don’t even know how to begin to choose….you can’t make me choose Tamara!!! How about this….I will give you my favorite debut author read of the year….The Prophecy by Erin Albert. It is a high fantasy, fans of Game of Thrones and Falling Kingdom series will love it.
You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?
The Golden Lily by Richele Mead, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Crash Into You by Katie McGarry, got a little bit of mixed genres to keep me happy 🙂
Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?
Definitely tree book lover! I’m pretty bad about buying both print and eBook BUT I will choose a print, hands down, every time. I just LOVE the convenience of an eBook when going somewhere.
How do you find other blogs to read? Recommendations of other bloggers?
Mainly from Twitter. I will talk to people on there then follow their blogs. I have followed several from recommendations from other bloggers also.
Crystal, what are your favorite types of books to read?
Young Adult definitely, more specific….I’ve been one a big contemp and fantasy kick lately, but I’m really not picky and if you tell me to read something 9 times out of 10 I will 🙂
What is the best thing about the book- the cover, the first line or the last line?
The cover, I’m a complete cover snob and I have no shame!
What is a book that you’ve wanted to read, but just haven’t found the time?
There are SO many, off the top of my head because it’s staring at me right now…Shadow and Bone.
In your Twitter bio, you mention you are a contributor to Fresh Fiction. What, exactly, do you write for Fresh Fiction? Reviews of books?
Yes I am a reviewer for them. Shortly after I started my blog I also filled out a form with Fresh Fiction to become a reviewer for them. It’s sometimes hard balancing between reading books for them and the blog but I enjoy it.
Over the summer, Meredith @ Pandora’s Books and I “met” on Twitter. Both having won a book from Publishing Agency XYZ- and neither receiving them- we started chatting on Twitter and promising the other when/if the book arrived to contact each other. While the book never did arrive, we kept in touch. Meredith, being a YA blogger, and myself being more of a women’s fiction blogger- you would think we don’t have much in common- but I’ve been so impressed with watching her support other bloggers- that she’s become a person I like to check in on from time to time- even though I don’t read YA that much.
Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Meredith @ Pandora’s Books
Meredith- when did you begin blogging?
I started blogging on June 24, 2013
How did you come up with the name Pandora’s Books?
I really love Greek Mythology and the story of Pandora’s Box is one of my favorites. I thought it was a fun play on words!
What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?
I think blogs are great. They help readers connect with books that they might have otherwise never heard of. I know, personally, I’ve gotten a ton of book recommendations from fellow bloggers in the last four months. Had it not been for blogging, there are authors I never would have even heard of.
When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?
I’m a huge animal lover, so I love playing with my dog. I don’t watch a lot of television, but when I do, it’s usually on Netflix or DVD – old shows that I loved growing up and that are now off the air. Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, Roswell, Angel, Sabrina the Teenage Witch – Basically, every 90s teen show you can think of (and some early-2000 shows, too). I also love to write, so I do that when I can!
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
I don’t know if this is really a confession or not.. But I didn’t like Harry Potter when it first came out. My friend tried to get me to read The Sorcerer’s Stone, but I found the first chapter so dull! I also hated the hype around it, so I sneered at the idea of reading it. And then my 6th grade teacher started reading them to us at snack time. At first, I ignored it and read my own book at my desk. But I would catch snippets of what she was reading and slowly, oh so slowly, I got pulled in and it got to a point where I was the first person to rush over, waiting for her to start reading every day. And then I was just hooked. Now it’s one of my favorite series of all time. I’m so thankful my teacher decided to read them to us. If it weren’t for her, I don’t know when – if ever – I would have given Harry Potter a chance.
Do you have a #literarycrush?
I had no idea what people meant when they talked about Book Boyfriends until I read Splintered by A.G. Howard and was introduced to Morpheus *Swoons!* He is totally and completely my #literarycrush, hands down!
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?
Oh gosh, so many! Burning Kingdoms by Lauren DeStefano, Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott, The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa, Magnolia Springs by Kristi Cook, Alpha Goddess by Amalie Howard. Rachel Harris has at least two coming out in 2014 I can’t wait for, and Heather Lyons has at least two coming out, as well. I could go on – there are so many amazing books coming out next year!
What is a book (or 2!) that you’ve read and LOVED- but did not get positive reviews?
I really enjoyed The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White. I read some pretty awful reviews about it. When I first started reading it, I could get why people weren’t crazy about it and I wasn’t crazy about it either. But the second half of the book was amazing and I stand by the 4-star rating I gave it.
In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read in 2013?
Definitely Shadowlands by Kate Brian. I read it way back in January… And it is STILL my favorite. The ending was insane and I did NOT see it coming. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I’ve been a fan of Kate Brian for a long time now and I’ve read almost everything she’s written – both her Private series and Privileged series – and Shadowlands was my all-time favorite book from her.
You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?
Pivot Point by Kasie West, Unhinged by A.G. Howard and The Collector by Victoria Scott – I haven’t read any of these yet and they are ALL on my immediate TBR.
Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?
Tree book lover, all the way! While I have occasionally purchased eBooks and I’d never say no to an eARC or a review book in eBook format, I still much prefer being able to hold a book in my hand and flip the pages.
How do you find other blogs to read? Recommendations of other bloggers?
Pretty much every single blog I’ve found, I’ve found through Twitter. I’ve been on Twitter for years, way before I started blogging. I would just tweet about the books I loved and chat with my favorite authors, people would follow me, I’d follow others. I followed and “met” a lot of bloggers about a month before I made the decision to blog. And the blogs I follow have expanded from there. But it’s always through Twitter and usually at the recommendation of other bloggers or authors.
Meredith, you are a YA Book Blogger. Do you find yourself interacting the most with other YA book bloggers or do you like to mix it up and chat with bloggers who focus on non-YA books?
For the most part, I seem to gravitate toward other YA bloggers. Not intentionally, but since I follow a lot of YA authors and I read mostly YA, I seem to find other YA bloggers through my current friends. I’ve met a few bloggers who do a little bit of everything (some YA, some NA and some adult) and I’ve seen a few bloggers around who do just NA. I think I’ve interacted the least with full-time adult book bloggers.
What is the best thing about the book- the cover, the first line or the last line?
Hmm. That’s a tough question! Because, the cover is usually what draws me to a book and the first line is a big part of what makes me buy it – Whenever I pick a book up in the bookstore, I always have to read the entire first page. This is BAD when buying the second book in a series when I haven’t read the first book, as that first page can often have spoilers for book one. But it’s just one of those book buying quirks I can’t help! So, I guess I’d have to say the best part is the cover, because if the cover doesn’t demand attention, I won’t even pick the book up!
What is a book that you’ve wanted to read, but just haven’t found the time?
That’s such a long list and it’s so hard to narrow it down. If I REALLY had to pick just one, though, I’d have to say Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead. I’m a HUGE Richelle Mead fan and I’ve read and loved everything she has done – except Gameboard. I really want to read it as soon as possible!
Liked reading about Meredith @ Pandora’s Books? Check her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads pages out!
Britney @ Buzzing About Books is a blog that found me! Britney started commenting on several of my features and we began chatting off and on. The more I chatted with her, the more I liked her. Then I started checking her blog- and her blog is so cute. It’s like a sunny day at Buzzing About Books! Britney does review more historical fiction and Christian fiction- but I like that. I always find books that are interesting sounding at Britney’s!
Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Britney @ Buzzing About Books
Britney- when did you begin blogging?
I started blogging in July 2013.
How did you come up with the name Buzzing About Books?
I knew if I tried to use my name in some way, it would often be misspelled and hard for people to find me. So I was thinking of my first initial, B. Playing off that, I chose Buzzing About Books. I didn’t really know what direction my blog would take, but I knew it would be a place for me to share my thoughts and reviews and other book related buzz.
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 book blogs and think they are a wonderful way to connect with other book lovers. As a blog follower, I have discovered so many new-to-me authors and read books that I would not have read otherwise. I also love the dialog that is now available between writers and readers through blogs and other social media.
When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?
I love spending time with my family and traveling. I am married to an amazing man and we have three precious children. Being a stay-at-home mom, my kiddos keep me very busy and I love every minute!
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
I can think of quite a few, actually! I have a little issue with book hoarding collecting. I am notorious for reading about a great book, ordering it or downloading it, and then leaving it on the shelf as the TBR stack continues to grow. I have so many wonderful books on my shelves just begging to be read. I will read them all…..eventually!
Another confession is that I have never listened to an audio book!
Do you have a #literarycrush?
My husband is my only true crush. However, I will admit to using the word crush after hearing author, Reavis Z. Wortham, speak about his writing journey and his books. Reavis writes a murder mystery/thriller series set in Northeast Texas along the Red River. I have had the opportunity to visit with him on two different occasions and he is a delight; full of humor, wit, and wisdom!
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?
Any that I can! 🙂 Back to that first confession, I have so many books waiting to be read that I will still be reading through my stacks well into next year. I need to Conquer The Book Stacks more often!!
In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read in 2013?
Oh, that is a hard question for me. I have read so many wonderful books this year and can’t choose just one! When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell is one of the books that comes to mind. It is the sequel to her debut novel, Into the Free. I think these books were magnificently written. The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is truly an extraordinary story in which an accidental discovery brings an amazing life into view. Joanne Bischof’s Cadence of Grace trilogy is heart-wrenching and heartwarming; simply amazing! I could certainly go on!
You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?
I would grab three that I haven’t read yet. Looking at my shelves right now, I’m going to pick The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen, Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole, and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter.
Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?
I love having a book in my hand and almost always choose a physical copy over digital. That being said, I do enjoy my Kindle Fire. When we’re traveling, I love the ease and convenience of e-books. At home, I love grabbing a book off the shelf and turning the pages.
Do you stack your books on the nightstand or are you more of a bookshelf person?
I have books on my nightstand, bookshelves, and stacks beside my bookshelves. So many books, so little time!
What genres are your favorites to review on Buzzing About Books?
I love books and am a reader of several different genres. I always enjoy discovering new books and authors. The majority of the books I have reviewed so far have been historical fiction and Christian fiction.
Liked Britney’s interview? Get in touch with her by visiting her blog, Buzzing About Books.
Shannon at River City Reading is a blogger I noticed as she was interacting with 2 bloggers who I totally respect and admire. Seeing Shannon interacting with them gave me a good feeling about her- and I have not been disappointed! Her blog is smart- it’s a blog I can sit and read for hours.
Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Shannon at River City Reading
Shannon- when did you begin blogging?
February 2013, so I’m still just a baby blogger.
How did you come up with the name River City Reading?
I wanted to make a connection to Richmond, VA, the city I live in and love. Richmond calls itself the River City – so River City Reading was born!
What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?
Sometimes I wonder if my reviews are only reaching other bloggers or if they actually get to the more casual reader, but every once in a while there will be a great confirmation that I am helping to connect a reader with a book.
When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?
Working, reading and blogging definitely take up a big chunk of my time, but the rest of it goes to spending time with my husband and dog.
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
I’m incredibly guilty of judging books by their covers. I’m very easily won over by pretty covers and can just as easily turn down a good book with a bad one.
Do you have a #literarycrush?
I don’t find myself crushing on characters, but every once in a while I’ll get a little swoony over an author!
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?
I’m really excited about The Last Days of California by Mary Miller, Careless People by Sarah Churchwell and The Quick by Lauren Owen.
In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read in 2013?
Definitely The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I’m still thinking about those characters and feeling jealous of everyone else who gets to read the novel for the first time.
You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?
Cheryl Strayed’s Tiny Beautiful Things and two new books. I very rarely re-read, except for the books I’m constantly dipping in and out of like Strayed’s advice columns.
Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?
I love both equally! I usually have one book of each type going at the same time.
What has been your most liked (or shared) blog post? Why do you think it was so popular?
Book Blogging Survey Results We had so many people participate in the survey and it was just a topic that piqued so many interests.
If you could have dinner with any author (dead or alive) who would you pick? And why?
George R.R. Martin, because I totally want to pick his brain about EVERYTHING related to A Song of Ice and Fire. Did you think I would pick someone highbrow? I’m going for practicality. There are things I need to know.
Shannon, what genre is your favorite?
General contemporary fiction, but I have a soft spot for Southern fiction (specifically Southern Gothic)
As a blogger, what advice would you give to a new blogger or a person who wants to begin blogging?
I still feel too green to be giving much advice, but I would encourage everyone starting out with book blogging to jump right into the community as quickly as possible. Comment and participate without comparing yourself to others too much and you’ll realize how fun and supportive everyone can be.
Want to connect with Shannon? Visit her blog, Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook and follow her on Bloglovin!
Lisa and I are relatively new Twitter buddies. We started chatting some in 2013, talking about blogger things, why our Netgalley approval rating wasn’t at 80%, and more. Lisa is fun and charming- and her blog is cute as a button.
Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Lisa @ Books in the Burbs
Lisa- when did you begin blogging?
I started blogging in December, 2010. It’s hard to believe that I have been blogging over 3 years!!
How did you come up with the name Books in the Burbs?
I wanted a name that reflected who I was and what the blog was about. Living in the suburbs means different things for people, but for me, as a woman-it means to me: married, busy mom, kids, driving kids to their activities, minivan, dogs, etc. So, I thought it was a good word to use. I love books, so I started playing with it, and it evolved into: Books in the Burbs.
What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?
In the 3 years that I’ve been blogging, I have noticed a huge change in the world of books!! Before, to read a review about a book, readers were limited to print reviews in magazines. However, with the internet, readers have turned to everyday people, who blog their opinions on books read. Bloggers don’t have to be politically correct or cautious about what they write, because their job isn’t at stake over a bad review. There is a high level of trust between bloggers and their readers, and the reading world is taking notice.
Bloggers have the opportunity to connect authors with readers, without having to travel anywhere. Authors and readers can connect via Twitter parties, FB chats, interviews, and guest spots. It’s a fantastic way for authors and readers to connect in ways that weren’t always possible before blogging.
When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?
I usually have non-reading time when my daughter is at school, so this gives me an opportunity to meet up with friends for lunch, shopping, and getting manicures/pedicures (which I love!). It’s also my time to connect with close friends and family, because I find that human connection is so important to me! I think my kids would agree, as they get snuggle attacks when they get home from school!
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
What?!? You haven’t read Pride & Prejudice???? I LOVE that book!!! I’m a huge Jane Austen fan, so that’s a book that is a must read for everyone! LOL! My literary confession would be that I haven’t read any Harry Potter books, even though people rave about the books. I don’t have any desire or interest in them, so it’s not a series I have even considered reading.
Do you have a #literarycrush?
Mr. Darcy, of course! He’s the romantic character that charms Ms. Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice. See…you have to read the book! 😉
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?
Oh, there are so many great books that are continuously being released. I love Sarah Jio’s writing and am looking forward to her book, Goodnight June. I’m also a huge fan of Julie Klassen and can’t wait to read: The Dancing Master. There are a few more, so I’m really excited about 2014!
In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read in 2013?
Oh, that is sooo hard!! Because of the different genres I read, it’s hard to just pick one. The first one that comes to mind is: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty. It’s not very often that I carry a book with me to the dinner table, but with that one, I just couldn’t put it down. Then, after I finished the book, I had to reread the last couple of chapters!! It was a storyline that stayed with me for days!
You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?
1. Definitely the Holy Bible-NLT version. I don’t know why, but I always carry it with me on vacation. Opening it up and reading verses just lets me know I’m not alone and His peace covers me.
2. Anything Jane Austen. She’s my go to author and I love reading her books when I’m in a reading slump.
3. Anything that I’m needing to write a book review for that month! LOL! I’ve got to keep my reading up, even when I’m on vacation! 😉
Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?
I’m definitely an e-book lover! I love the Nook Glowlight and Kindle Paperwhite because the backlight is not as harsh as the ipad. AND-the charge holds for a very long time. With the amount of reading I do, I have to charge about every 10-12 days. I do love paperbacks, but I find that when I’m reading them, more people will stop me to ask what I’m reading than when I’m reading an e-book. Because that’s a pet peeve of mine-to be interrupted while reading-I definitely like the privacy an e-reader provides. However, the biggest reason I love e-books is because I know I’m a book hoarder and having everything on an e-reader hides that secret!
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?
I love being a member of She Reads. I was hugely honored to have been asked to join the team, and just feel like I’m a part of a really awesome woman’s club. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, and the books we get to read are a-m-a-z-i-n-g! I love how a book of the month will get so much publicity that the Twitter and Facebook feeds blow up with that particular book and author!! It’s a great opportunity for authors to garner a lot of exposure and for them to have reviews on so many fantastic blogs.
What is a book that you LOVED that did not get great reviews?
I had to look through my Goodreads book list to see how each book was rated overall. One that was quite dramatic of a rating: Between You & Me by Emma McLaughlin. I gave the book a 5 star rating, but the overall rating is a 2.87!! It’s a huge variation and I’m not sure why it didn’t get the positive recognition it deserves!
Do you have advice for book bloggers who are just starting their blogs?
1. Don’t hold back-create your blog!! Look at other blogs, read them, and from there-figure out your style. Otherwise, you will be overwhelmed if you wait and see and how you want to format your blog. It will change anyway, as you streamline your blog, so getting started is the hardest part!
2. Buy your domain name!! Nothing is more of a bummer than when you choose a blog name, only to see that someone else already has it.
3. Reach out to other bloggers and network with them. Book bloggers are so helpful, resourceful, and extremely supportive. We all love books and love sharing what we know. So, reach out and don’t be alone!
Want to connect with Lisa? Visit her blog, Facebook and Twitter!
**Editor’s note: Not reading Pride and Prejudice has been a previous #literaryconfession of mine from 2012. I did read it and enjoyed it!
The last Bloggiesta that I participated in- I worked my butt off on my blog. Creating new things. Cleaning the blog up. NETWORKING. This is when me and Pages Unbound crossed paths! Pages Unbound is run by 2 people (Krysta and Briana) and they love to blog (plus read!) This AWESOME post is from the perspective of Krysta as Briana had been getting the opportunity for other interviews- and they want the blogging world to know them as a unit- but also as their own personalities! I was happy to oblige and give Krysta some bloggy love! Psst.. Just in case you missed it- HERE is an interview Pages Unbound did on little ole me!
Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Krysta @ Pages Unbound
Krysta- when did you begin blogging?
Briana and I began our blog in May 2011, so I’ve been blogging for about two and a half years now!
How did you and Briana come up with the name Pages Unbound?
We threw around quite a lot of names, but Pages Unbound seemed to capture the spirit of really taking apart a book to look at how and why it works. I also think it reflects the magic of books—how they sometimes seem to come alive in a way you might not expect.
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 really exciting experience because it exposes you to a world I think many avid readers still do not know exists. It can be fun getting ARCs from publishers and things like that, but the real draw for me are the connections I can make both with authors and with other readers. I’ve read many books I might never have heard of if it were not for the blogging community. If I tend to agree with a blogger about what constitutes good literature and what books I think are good, I am definitely more willing to try a title I’ve seen reviewed on that blog, even if it is not a genre I typically read.
When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?
I like to watch movies, bake, and try to teach myself foreign languages. I think if I got lost in Italy at the moment, I could ask for the train station and maybe buy a newspaper. That’s totally useful, right?
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
I’ve never read The Iliad or The Odyssey. And I’m completely ashamed of myself.
Do you have a #literarycrush?
I don’t really have a literary crush. When I see a really great character, I want him to get together with his destined literary crush!
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?
All of them! I am trying to get through my complete Shakespeare, however, so that’s my number one goal for 2014!
What is a book (or 2!) that you’ve read and LOVED- but did not get positive reviews?
I can’t think of any book in particular, but I do have a fondness for novels that oftentimes have a bit of a sentimental element to them—A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter, for example. Though that’s a classic and well-beloved by many.
In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read in 2013?
No contest—Dante’s Divine Comedy. But John Freccero’s commentary Dante: The Poetics of Conversion was a close second. The two just go together.
You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?
J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Chaim Potok’s My Name is Asher Lev, and something light and fun. Maybe a Jessica Day George book or a fairy tale retelling.
Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?
I love paper books! The weight, smell, and texture of the book are all a special part of its bookishness.
How do you find other blogs to read? Recommendations of other bloggers?
I mostly find blogs when people come to comment on our blog. As for recommendations, there are so many great bloggers out there. I really like Simoa’s blog at http://animatedholiday.blogspot.com/, though. She talks about Pixar films, classic movies, and the always wonderful Audrey Hepburn.
Pages Unbound has a feature IF YOU LIKE. What is your favorite thing about this feature?
I like that it is the perfect feature for me! Whenever I read a good book, I want to know where I can find more books like it. Unfortunately, the recommendations generated by algorithms on various websites are often not close to what I want. You sometimes need the human element to discern what books have the same feel and spirit and that’s what we provide.
What is a book that you’ve wanted to read, but just haven’t found the time?
For years I’ve wanted to read Shelby Foote’s classic Civil War trilogy, but each book is about 800 pages and I never made it past the first few battles. But this upcoming year will be the year! (That’s what I’m telling myself, anyway.)
Want to connect with Pages Unbound? Visit blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!
Traveling With T 