Featuring Allison of The Book Wheel

Today please welcome Allison, 

who blogs at The Book Wheel.

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

I named my blog The Book Wheel for so many reasons! Wheels never end and revolve. My love for books is constant, never ending, and my entire world revolves around books. Or, you could say that books make the world go ’round. Or, that books make MY world go ’round. Or, that the wheel of invention is dependent on books. Or, that books propel us forward. Or, that knowledge depends on a never ending supply of information. Or, that books provide never ending knowledge. Or, that the supply of books is never ending. Like I said, there are a lot of reasons! 

How long have you been blogging?

Officially? Since July 2012.

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

The Book Wheel is an independent review site for the everyday reader. I focus primarily on literary fiction and political non-fiction. What makes it unique is that I have a weekly news roundup and a live chat bar that users can use to connect with each other.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Mostly literary fiction and political non-fiction. Literary fiction because I love the genre and can easily fall in love with a book that fits within it, and political non-fiction because I'm in grad school for public policy and love politics!

What's your earliest memory of reading?

According to my parents, I've been reading since I was three. I was Mother Goose at my preschool graduation because I was the only one who could read the script. My first memory that's my own, however, is reading Charlotte's Web in one sitting when I was six. I will never forget how accomplished I felt! 

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

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. I read it for the first time when I was 10 and reread it every summer. I cry every time and I'm pretty sure it's the reason I have two dogs.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

No! Unless, of course, it's an overpriced textbook. I'm okay with writing notes in the front if you're giving it as a gift, but definitely not within the story itself. Although, I used to circle the spelling errors and send them to the publisher, so I suppose that's okay.

What's your favorite place to read?

I have this fantastic, 4-feet wide round chair that I call my reading chair. It's in my library, right by the fireplace, and it's the perfect place to cozy up with a book.

Update: Awesome Reading Chair Alison Has! 

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

Other than my Kindle? I have this awesome lap pillow that folds out three different ways and is perfect for holding my book, no matter what position I'm in. 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

All over the house.

My TBR pile is...

Entirely too long.

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

Other than Where the Red Fern Grows? Probably Good Without God: What a Billion Nonreligious People Do Believe by Greg Epstein. I read it a while ago and a lot of what he said has stuck with me. It's a great book for those who aren't religious, but it doesn't have any of the anti-religion aspects that a lot of those types of books have.

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

I really enjoyed Atlas Shrugged. I think it's a great story and one that everyone should read, regardless of whether they agree with Ayn Rand or not! As for what book everyone else likes..... I have so many. I couldn't get into Tenth of December, The Luminaries, The Help, The Book Thief, or Room.

To DNF or not to DNF?

DNF! There are too many great books out there to waste time reading ones you don't like. If I'm not hooked by 75 pages, I put it down.

What's one book that intimidates you?

Anna Karenina is one. Come to think of it, anything by Tolstoy intimidates me! 

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

Definitely F. Scott Fitzgerald’s birthplace in St. Paul, MN.

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

There are other hobbies? I'm currently in grad school, so free time is pretty precious. I'm hooked on Law & Order: SVU and drink enough coffee to call it a hobby. If I make it out of the house, it's to wander aimlessly through the Rockies.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Honestly, I stay away from adaptations. I saw the Harry Potter movies years after they came out and enjoyed them, but chances are if I loved a book I won't see the movie.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Love At First Book
Bookalicious Mama
Books Speak Volumes

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

The 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.

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Thank you for joining us today, Allison! 

Remember to check out Allison's blog, The Book Wheel, 

and leave a comment or question.