Jennine from My Life in Books

Today please welcome Jennine, who blogs at My Life in Books.

What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

My blog started out titled Keep Inspired and was about writing as well as reading. I soon realized that I wanted to talk about books more than anything because they have always been such a big part of my life. And I always make connections between books and real life - hence the name change to My Life in Books.

How long have you been blogging?

My blog turned one year old on July 12, 2013! It's been a great year. I've finally met a whole community of people as crazy about books as I am!

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

I think I have a very wide range of genres in which I am interested. I also try to see how any given book connects to life.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Lately, I've been reviewing new Christian nonfiction - which are like self-help books. The reason is I've been on a mission to better understand relationships in order to be a better wife, mother, friend, and person.

I also like to write about fiction, specifically contemporary and historical, because I can both learn new things and relate it to life.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I played hookey in third grade to stay home and read. It was the first time I ever read an entire book in one day. The book was "Ribsy" by Beverly Cleary and I was quite proud of myself. I still have that book too.

What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?

This is a loaded question, so I'll answer both parts. As a kid I reread Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" books all the time. But, I'm a high school English teacher, so I've also reread many books every year as I've taught them. "To Kill a Mockingbird" has the highest number of rereads so far. And though I don't generally reread books, I love rereading this one because I've learned, noticed, discussed something different every time. It is the epitome of seeing life in books...I call it the Literary Bible.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

NO!!!!!! As a matter of fact, I don't like e-readers, but have discovered I do like to read nonfiction on an e-reader because I can highlight and note, something I'd never do in a book.

What's your favorite place to read?

In bed or on my bench outside in the shade on a warm day.

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

In every room of my house. Some people have a TV in every room...I have a bookshelf in every room. I bought my kids shelves to match their furniture and then over the years have filled their shelves with my books. I haven't used a library in years...everything is in my own private library. From room to room my books are sorted by genre and by ABC order (author last name) within the genres.

My TBR pile is...

Out of control. Well over a hundred at this point.

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?

I can't seem to get into David Sedaris's books, but it seems everyone loves him.

What's one book that intimidates you?

"War and Peace." My most sophisticated of reading friends have warned me about their attempts to read it, so that worries me. But, I do have the best translation possible for Russian lit, so I plan on attempting it.

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?

Not feel like reading? Okay, I don't think that's ever happened. 

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

I don't care for the movie version of "To Kill a Mockingbird." I know, I know, it's a classic and Gregory Peck is the epitome of Atticus. Yes, but I think it changes the focus of Scout and Jem too much. Hey, at least this is a researched position. In grad school I wrote a 20-page paper on the publication history of TKM and it included the making of the movie, so I feel justified ;)

What are 3 of your own must-read blog posts?

To the Dark Side and Back
All that Glitters is not Gold Anna Karenina
Book Banning Belittles

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

Hmmm...looks like I'm the ultimate reader? Lol

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, Jennine! Remember to check out Jennine's blog, My Life in Books, and leave a comment or question.