Michelle of That's What She Read

Please welcome Michelle, who blogs at That's What She Read. 

NAME OF MY BOOK BLOG(S): That's What She Read 

I HAVE BEEN BLOGGING SINCE: January 2009 

GENRES COVERED MOST ON MY BLOG:  Everything and anything, although I have somehow avoided erotica. 

MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF READING: 
I remember reading Little Women the most, although I know I read other, easier books before then. For some reason, I always consider that my first official book. 

FIRST BOOK I READ OVER AND OVER: 
I think it was the entire Little House series. I read them so many times, the covers are falling off and now that my daughter is reading them, the bindings are falling apart too. Those are some well-loved books. 

THE BOOK I HAVE RE-READ THE MOST TIMES: 
Tough one. In my lifetime, it's probably a tie between Gone With the Wind and Dracula. 

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO READ: 
My bed. But now that it is spring, my recliner in my screened-in porch. There is something so peaceful about reading while being able to be surrounded by nature and its soothing sounds. 

MY MUST-HAVE READING ACCESSORIES: 
Nothing. I'm a purist and just prefer to read without food or even drink. I enjoy having my dog on my lap or a cup of coffee at my side, but neither of those are must-have accessories. 

MY BOOKSHELVES ARE: 
Filled to overflowing. I need more but know I can't even begin to mention it to my husband. 

MY TBR LIST/PILE IS: 
Too big and growing larger every day. At last count, I own/have a review copy of over 600 books. Embarrassing. 

A BOOK THAT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE IN SOME WAY: 
Atlas Shrugged was the first book that made me feel empowered, that I didn't have to work for a collective good but could do my best for me. It probably isn't the message Ayn Rand was trying to share, but that's how it made me feel. 

A BOOK I LIKE THAT NO ONE ELSE SEEMS TO: 
I can't think of any; I'm sure they exist, but I've probably blocked them from my mind. 

A BOOK I DON’T LIKE THAT EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO LOVE: 
This list is way too long. In recent months, Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter and Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver are the two biggest books that left me feeling very flat but about which others still gush. 

A BOOK THAT INTIMIDATES ME: 
Ulysses - and it takes a LOT for me to be intimidated by a book. 

IF I COULD GO TO ANY LITERARY DESTINATION I WOULD CHOOSE: 
My dream has always been to travel to Prince Edward Island and do the whole Anne tour. Me and millions of other women who love the story. Lately, I want to go back to Budapest and really explore it for its literary history. Books like The Historian make that city come alive in a way I completely missed when I visited it so many years ago. That and London. As much as I love Dickens, I really need to hit London. 

MY FAVORITE NON-BOOKISH ACTIVITY: 
Cooking. I love to cook almost as much as I love to read, but given a choice between the two, I'd rather read. Which is why my day-to-day cooking is so drab. 

MY FAVORITE BOOK TO MOVIE ADAPTATION: 
Gone With the Wind; I have always loved that movie. 

MY BOOK BLOG STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD BECAUSE: 
I really don't think it does, given my small group of followers. However, if I must answer it, I'd say because I am honest but fair. I try to keep all reviews professional and explain why something does or does not please me based on my personal experiences without trashing a novel or an author completely. I can only react to a book based on my past, and I try to make sure others recognize that. 

MY MUST-READ BLOGS (PLEASE LIMIT TO 3): 
Devourer of Books - because she has a toddler and twin babies and still manages to read more than I do, The Pioneer Woman - because she is all kinds of awesome, and Fizzy Thoughts - because Fizzy Jill is also all sorts of awesome and I really need to meet her. 

MY READING PERSONALITY (http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/) IS: 
(How's this for confusing?) Your responses showed you fitting equally into all four reading personalities: 
Involved Reader: You don't just love to read books, you love to read about books. For you, half the fun of reading is the thrill of the chase - discovering new books and authors, and discussing your finds with others. 
Exacting Reader: You love books but you rarely have as much time to read as you'd like - so you're very particular about the books you choose. 
Serial Reader: Once you discover a favorite writer you tend to stick with him/her through thick and thin. 
Eclectic Reader: You read for entertainment but also to expand your mind. You're open to new ideas and new writers, and are not wedded to a particular genre or limited range of authors.

Thank you for joining us today, Michelle! Remember to check out Michelle's blog, That's What She Read, and leave a comment or question.