Hey darlings! 2015 is already starting off really great- with a great author spotlight for your reading enjoyment!! Today, Sonja Yoerg, author of HOUSE BROKEN, is here to give us the scoop on the person she is when she’s not being all serious and author-ish!
Look for her interview about HOUSE BROKEN to post on January 7th and for her book to be in stores on January 6th! Continue reading
Carrie is back ya’ll! And she’s talking #literarycrushes, #literaryconfessions and other bookish goodness! Continue reading
This week, I have Wesley from @ Library Educated as the Blogger Made of AWESOME! I can’t take credit for finding Wesley- Ashley from Closed the Cover introduced me to Wesley and a bloggy friendship was quickly made. Read on for the details of how Wesley named her blog and much more!
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.
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!
Photo Credit: Author Provided
Yesterday, the interview with Julie Kibler posted. Today, it’s about the fun side of Julie- #literaryconfessions, #literarycrush, and more!
Author Spotlight: Julie Kibler
Julie- who are some of your favorite authors?
As a kid, my favorites were, of course, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Frances Hodgson Burnett. From young adulthood on, I always loved Maeve Binchy and Rosamund Pilcher. In recent years, I’ve been especially engrossed by books written by Chris Cleave, Chris Bohjalian, Elizabeth Berg, and too many others to name. I actually hate to name favorites, because tomorrow I’ll remember a different one and think, “OOPS.”
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
Many more than I’ll ever admit. Maybe one is that I am a Bronte girl, much more than an Austen girl. I always enjoy movies made from novels by any of them, but I have never made it all the way through a Jane Austen novel! Ack!
Do you have a #literarycrush?
Recently I was painfully, heart wrenchingly in love with Will Traynor, right along with Louisa Clark in Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You. Longstanding crush? Probably Rochester from Jane Eyre. I always seem to fall for the complicated, difficult heroes.
What books have you been looking forward to reading in 2014?
I have a stack of books calling my name, but a few from friends I’m especially looking forward to. Ellen Marie Wiseman’s What She Left Behind is burning up the charts since it released a few weeks ago and I can’t wait to get started. Lydia Netzer’s second novel, How to Tell Toledo from the Night Sky, will be out this summer. I loved Shine Shine Shine! I want to read other books by Rainbow Rowell (I LOVED her YA novel Eleanor & Park in 2013). I could go on and on.
What was 1 book in 2013 that everyone was buzzing about- but you have not read?
Probably Elizabeth Gilbert’s Signature of All Things. I would like to read it, but haven’t yet.
If you could be best friends with a character from a book- who would it be? And why?
This sounds morbid, but if I’m ever diagnosed with a terminal illness, I hope I’m surrounded by friends such as the characters in Elizabeth Berg’s Talk Before Sleep. Berg has a way of writing characters that just seem to “get” life — and me! I read the things they think and say and nod and smile and say, “Yes.”
*Thanks to Julie for sharing her #literarycrush and #literaryconfessions- among other things! Connect with Julie via Facebook or website!
This week’s AWESOME blogger gets to debut my new blog button (created by yours truly!)
Kerri at Turn The Page Reviews is a member of She Reads!
Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Kerri @ Turn The Page Reviews
Kerri- when did you begin blogging?
I started blogging in late February of 2013.
How did you come up with the name Turn the Page Reviews?
Actually it’s a funny story. I tried and tried for a few weeks to come up with a good one, but almost everything I liked was already taken. So my 12 yr old daughter suggested Turning the Page, which we changed to Turn the Page reviews. When I get really into a book, my hand has the page ready to turn constantly.
What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?
I am amazed everyday at the quality of reviews and posts that I read from my fellow bloggers. I definitely think blogs help people choose books- I know it helps me.
When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?
I just started running-yikes. I did a 5k last week in NYC. It was amazing.
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
I am quick to put away a book if it is not working for me. This isn’t something I am proud of- I have gone back and read books that I have ended up loving.
Do you have a #literarycrush?
Sirius Black (and of course Mr. Darcy-wouldn’t it be great to find someone that was the two combined?)
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?
I am going to try to read some of the books that have been on my TBR- The Secret History, The End of The Affair, Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock.
Any books that you are looking forward to read in 2014?
I haven’t looked that far ahead- any suggestions?
In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?
That’s a real hard one, since I feel there have been SO many amazing books out this year- but I did really love the first book I read for the She Reads Book Club- The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow.
You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?
Harry Potter, Pride & Prejudice, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy- I love rereading while I am on vacations, so I can give some attention to the family also.
Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?
I prefer a paper book, but am finding it necessary to read some on the e-reader.
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 is such a great organization. They do such a wonderful job of highlighting women authors. I love their online Book Club selections.
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?
I think a good opening line, since I need to really be pulled in.
If you could go on a literary road trip- where would you go?
To Hogwarts and Narnia.
Real place? Then Paris- like Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
Want to connect with Kerri? Visit her blog!
Today, Kelly Harms is back to reveal her #literaryconfessions and #literarycrush!
Author Spotlight: Kelly Harms
What are some of your favorite books, Kelly?
All the usual suspects in the dead girl canon, and a list as long as my arm amongst the living. It’s nearly all fiction that trips my trigger, with an exception made for the dear departed Laurie Colwin’s Home Cooking.
If you could choose to be a character in a book- who would you choose?
Jane Bennett. I’ve always wondered if it would be possible to be both completely beautiful and completely good. Also: Bingley’s my type, and I’ve already mentioned my interest in owning a big house.
If you were not an author, what would you like to be?
A financial planner. I like telling people what to do with their money. I’m also a fiscal voyeur.
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
Of course I do! I couldn’t finish Ulysses. I just had to lie down and quit it. I think back on that day as a moment where I chose life.
Do you have a #literarycrush?
Walt Longmire—both on the screen and in the books. Oh my, my, my in his duster coat and clink, clink, clink cowboy boots. Whew.
What is your favorite song?
The Water is Wide. I can play it pretty well on my ukulele.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Hot dogs. Baked inside a pretzel. Sold at the mall by surly teens. Dipped in ranch dressing.
*Thanks Kelly Harms for agreeing to the Author Spotlight!
Want to contact Kelly Harms? Find her on Twitter and Facebook or at her website!
Photo Credit: Goodreads
Earlier this week, I interviewed Suzanne Redfearn, author of Hush Little Baby. Today she is back to reveal her #literarycrush and what literary character she would be!
Author Spotlight: Suzanne Redfearn
What are some of your favorite books, Suzanne?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Power of One by Bryce Courtney, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
If you could choose to be a character in a book, who would you choose?
Okay, I thought about the obvious amazing literary protagonists like Jane Eyre and Katniss, but let’s be real here. If I could choose to be anyone? Wonder Woman of course. I mean let’s face it, the woman looks great, she hasn’t aged a bit since 1941. She has bullet-deflecting bracelets, a deathly tiara, and the amazing lasso of truth. She kicks butt on injustice and looks great doing it, every woman’s dream.
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
I am not well read in the classics. Always on my to do list, but they never quite make it to the bedside table.
Do you have a #literarycrush?
I’m in love with Jean Valjean from Les Miserables, a quiet beaten hero like no other.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
My secret guilty pleasure it watching cheesy reality television with my kids! I especially love Survivor and Love in the Wild (it’s so bad, it’s irresistibly good).
Are you a hardback, paperback, or e-book kind of reader?
When I’m writing and doing research, I use my iPad because I need to access a lot of books quickly, but for pleasure, there is nothing better than a real book. Hardback is a rare treat, mostly I read paperback.
What are some of the books in your TBR (To Be Read) list?
At least a dozen including The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and The Circle by Dave Eggers.
*Thank you Suzanne Redfearn for agreeing to this author spotlight!
If you would like to read the interview with Suzanne I posted earlier, please click here.
Another AWESOME blogger feature! Ya’ll that normally read my blog know how I love giveaways. How I love spreading the news during my mash-up posts. During a looking for giveaways to feature, I found Gina’s blog. I started reading and checking her blog out more frequently. Then I decided it was time to feature Gina here!
I hope you enjoy learning more about Gina @ Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!
Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Gina @ Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Gina- when did you begin blogging?
May 18th, 2009 – so many moons ago!
How did you come up with the name Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers?
It was actually a play on words when I was just goofing around, bouncing ideas around…and it stuck. 😉
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 the bloggy world of it all is here to stay but I will admit that it takes a certain dedication to stick it out in the long run. You’ll run into highs and lows of readers passing through, comments being made, conversations sparking, even the dreaded writer’s block or reading rut but if you keep it about what you like, keep it personal, it won’t become a chore as opposed to the fun filled hobby it began as.
The “good” or “bad” of a book is really determined by the individual reader so my answer to the connections question is this…it IS connecting the readers of the world with bookish possibilities. Sometimes I’ll run across something highlighted on a site I never would have looked twice at on the shelf…yet I find myself drawn to it.
When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?
Umm…that’s a hard one! Let’s see, working…spending time with family, including my fur-babies (pups, gotta love ‘em!)…indulging my love of music/movies…and of course, buying more books. I’ve a serious weakness for our local stores, and the library’s bookstore. 😉
Do you have any #literaryconfessions?
I have not read, much to the chagrin of my coworkers/friends, and still only have tentative plans to read….THE HUNGER GAMES. Yep. *ducks objects thrown*
Do you have a #literarycrush?
Hmm, not in the sense of one guy above all others, but I usually find one in each read that I prefer in some fashion. I mean there’s Julian from The Forbidden Game series, Edward from Twilight (and no, not the vampire aspect of him either), then almost any of the Sullivan brothers from Bella Andre’s series, most recently Gabe….and the list continues. Guess I’m just a sucker for the idea of a great guy….
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?
Too many to name! One of the many….THE GIRL WHO SOARED OVER FAIRYLAND AND CUT THE MOON IN TWO by Catherynne M. Valente. This series, aside from the uber fabulous titles themselves, is FANTASTIC! It’s rated for the Kids Fiction genre, but totally works on a higher level as well and helps build vocabulary strength in all!
In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?
No fair! I don’t usually pick favorites. If I was hard pressed, my list would include at the very least…anything by Steven Manchester (most recently THE ROCKIN’ CHAIR), LOOKING FOR ME by Beth Hoffman, STORMING THE CASTLE by Christopher Healy, SAND CASTLE BAY by Sherryl Woods, THE SILENCE OF BONAVENTURE ARROW by Rita Leganski….you said this year so far, right? 😉
You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?
Now see, I’m an equal opportunity reader…my only requirement would be that they be different types of books, different genres if at all possible. Variety IS the spice of life after all.
Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?
Tree book tree book tree book all the way! It’s true, I read SOME ebooks, but they are on a limited basis. I much prefer the experience of reading with an actual physical book. The chance to unplug and unwind with my favorite past time is just heavenly.
What has been your most liked (or shared) blog post? Why do you think it was so popular?
Well of course the MOST popular are always the ones with contests…let’s face it, almost every reader is out to get more books to feed their habit. 😉 Aside from the contests, it really depends on the day of the week. Guest Posts go over well to some degree as do the book spotlights because they are a quick hit and go, but I gotta say, the classic review posts garner some attention too. My site is not one that garners a lot of comments (*sniff sniff*) but the page counts, time spent and interactions with other readers via other social media outlets make it worth my while.
If you could have dinner with any author (dead or alive) who would you pick? And why?
Seeing as how I wouldn’t have any clue what to serve a dead author (not to mention, how awkward would that be?!), I suppose I’d most like to sit down and chat in person with some of my current author acquaintances. Whom specifically? Again with the favorites! (Jk!) No, seriously, I’d want a dinner PARTY with Beth Hoffman, Marilyn Brant, Dorothy Dreyer, Melissa Marr…hey, was there a fire code limit on the number of attendees?
Liked reading about Gina? Find her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Goodreads. Also visit her blog, Bookbrowser, BlogLovin’ and LibraryThing.
Traveling With T 