Today please welcome Melinda Ott,
who blogs at West Metro Mommy Reads.
-------------------------
Well, first of all, my blog started out as something else...sort of a lifestyle/Mommy blog. So, West Metro Mommy = West of; Metro = Portland, Oregon; Mommy = well, that should be pretty self-explanatory.
I had been blogging for a while and then realized that I really just wanted to focus on books, so I added "Reads" onto the end to make it a bit more legit and here I am!
How long have you been blogging?
I just went back to my very first blog (which is in virtual limbo land, having not been updated in YEARS), and my first EVER blog post was March 22, 2006. So, do the math.
Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
You know what makes my blog unique? It is the only book blog out there that is written by ME! How's that for an answer?
Honestly, I can't say that there is anything unusual about my blog....I like to read and I like to write about what I read.
I do also host the weekly meme "Saturday Snapshot" because, well, I have delusions of being a photographer.
What genres do you write about most, and why?
Uh...I'm guessing here....
Historical Fiction - My degree is in History and, well, I love it.
Literary Fiction - Which, in my definition, is book club fodder.
Memoirs - Because sometimes truth is more entertaining than fiction.
What's your earliest memory of reading?
Probably being read to as a child. Strangely, I didn't enjoy reading myself until I was a tween/early teen. Not sure why that is....
What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?
I try to read "The Scarlet Letter" every year. I fell in love with it when I read it in High School and I find something new every time I read it.
Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
Yes, unless it is a borrowed book. Then, it's just rude.
What's your favorite place to read?
My favorite place = By a window
My usual place = on the toilet.
Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?
Hmmm....
Well, I have several bookmarks--necessary since I tend to have several books going at once.
I also rely heavily on a spreadsheet I created to handle my review schedule and my TBR list.
Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...
buckling under the weight and very dusty.
My TBR pile is...
on a table next to my bed.
What's a book that's changed your life?
One of the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary was the first book I willingly read on my own and enjoyed.
One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?
One of my favorite books is the "The Known World" by Edward P. Jones. I've discussed it in a couple of book clubs and it always seems like I'm the only person who liked it.
I also hated "Eat, Pray, Love." Go ahead, judge me.
To DNF or not to DNF?
I'm all for DNF-ing. I mean, there are too many good books to read to waste time on the bad ones.
That being said, it is very hard for me to actually DNF a book. I've done it a couple of times, but I always feel like I'm letting myself down when I do.
What's one book that intimidates you?
"Bring Up the Bodies" by Hilary Mantel. I read "Wolf Hall" and enjoyed it but it took me for-freakin'-ever to finish. I want to read "Bring up the Bodies," but I just don't know if I have it in me to tackle another Mantel book.
If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
Green Gables on Prince Edward Island.
I would also add all the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites, but this sounds more like a "dream list" question and I'll actually be visiting many of the LIW places this summer.
How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
I have young kids, so my free time is usually spent with them.
I try not to watch too much television, but I have a handful of shows that I quite enjoy--Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy, and Grimm.
What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?
My favorite would probably be Mary Poppins because the movie is such an improvement on the book (Yes, I saw "Saving Mr. Banks"...I get it, but I still didn't like the literary Mary Poppins).
My least favorite--and this should be EVERYONE'S least favorite--is the Demi Moore version of "The Scarlet Letter" (shudder!)
What are 3 of your must-read blogs?
The Relentless Reader
S. Krishna's Books
Peppermint Ph.D.
What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)
I'm an "All-Rounder."
-------------------------
Thank you for joining us today, Melinda!
Remember to check out Melinda's blog, West Metro Mommy Reads,
and leave a comment or question.
On the toilet = YES. <3
ReplyDeleteI have been to Laura's home in Missouri, where she wrote all of the books!! It is such a favorite memory! Loved it!!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! If I get my way this summer, we'll be able to visit all the sites, except her MO home (that is just a bit too much out of the way....)
Delete