Leah from Books Speak Volumes

Today please welcome Leah, who blogs at Books Speak Volumes.

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

I named my blog Books Speak Volumes because I love the power books have to expose readers to new ideas about humanity and the world around them. I also liked the multiple meanings of "volumes," associating the word with both mass and leather-bound books!

How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging since Jan. 2012, when I took a social media marketing class required me to create a blog. I fell in love with the book blogosphere and have kept up with it ever since!

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

My blog is home to book reviews, musings about the reading life, and quotes. I believe it's unique because I write about an eclectic blend of contemporary bestsellers, well-known backlist titles, indie releases, and classics. I also feature a lovely quote from a recently read book each Friday!

What's your earliest memory of reading?

My earliest reading memories are of reading with my mom before bed-time. Shel Silverstein's books were particular favorites!

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

The book that I've re-read the most is the collective Harry Potter series. I read the first book at age 9 in 1999, and I was at just the right age to grow up with Harry. I read each book countless times, and some of my hardcovers are in absolute tatters -- torn and missing covers, broken spines, loose pages. They are truly the only books I love as much now, at 23, as I did in elementary school.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Sure. I like underlining notable passages, but I always do it in pencil so I can go back and erase if I later change my mind!

What's a book that's changed your life?

Can I cheat and pick two? The Bell Jar and The Handmaid's Tale are two of my favorite books, and they have had a huge impact on my awareness and understanding of feminist issues. Reading these books and the commentary about them has led me to seek out more and more information about feminism, and I have learned a lot because of them.

What's one book that intimidates you?

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. I read it for a high school English class and had NO idea what it was about. I've since read Mrs. Dalloway and loved it, but I'm still afraid of that first book!

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

Hogwarts! I love the magical world Rowling created, and I'm convinced the owl with my acceptance letter somehow got lost in time and space.

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

In addition to reading, I'm passionate about travel. I've had some great opportunities to travel around the US and Europe, and I'm always craving my next adventure!

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Books and Reviews
The Relentless Reader
The Book Wheel

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

Your responses showed you fitting into three different 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. 

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, Leah! Remember to check out Leah's blog, Books Speak Volumes, and leave a comment or question.