Featuring Kim of Sophisticated Dorkiness

Today please welcome Kim, 

who blogs at Sophisticated Dorkiness.

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

The name of my blog, Sophisticated Dorkiness, comes from a conversation I had with a friend in college. This friend had really good taste in music compared to my, comparably, dorky favorites. He told me that it's ok to have dorky tastes in some areas as long as you can be sophisticated in others. I like to think of "sophisticated dorkiness" as loving both high-brow and low-brow things and not being ashamed of either. 

How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging for six years, since May 2008. 

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

Even though I love to read a variety of genres, my blog has become known for reviews and writing about nonfiction. I love having that niche because it helps me focus on what books to write about and on what books to accept for review.

I recently started a feature called the Nonfiction Recommendation Engine where I offer personalized recommendations to readers. I think that feature has been really popular. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I write primarily about nonfiction, but I also love to do reviews of graphic novels, audio books, and literary fiction. 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I've always been a fast reader, so when I was a kid I used to check out huge stacks of books from the library. Eventually, I started picking out books based on how fat they were. That's how I ended up reading Little Women when I was very young and all of the Michael Crichton books when I was in middle school. 

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

I've read Frankenstein four or five times for different classes in high school and college. 

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Depends? I use to write in books in college all the time, but I do it less now... I'm not sure why. I love seeing my marginalia in old books, so maybe I should start again!

What's your favorite place to read?

If it's nice, I love to be outside with a book. Otherwise, I love curling up on my couch with a mug of tea and my cat, Hannah. 

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

I tend to take notes in a Google Doc that I access with my cell phone, but if that's not available scribble on the Post-It note I'm using for a bookmark. 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

very full, but very specifically organized. 

My TBR pile is...

out of control!

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

The book that made me finally understand how amazing, deep and complicated that literature could be was Heart of Darkness, which I read for the first time when I was a junior in high school. 

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

I have a soft spot for Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe. It's not very good and really weird, but I spent a lot of time picking it apart for my senior paper in college and so it's weirdness has endeared it to me. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

I'm coming around to Camp DNF, but it's been a slow transition. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

I don't have a specific book, but two authors who scare me a bit are Haruki Murakami and Toni Morrison. I think I'm worried I won't be smart enough to "get" their writing. 

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

Hogwarts!

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

I try to do some crafting -- cross stitch and crocheting -- and cooking when I have time. I also like to watch television. 

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

I hated the adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I thought it was really awful. 

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

The 3R's Blog
Write Meg!
Estella's Revenge

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

The Exacting Eclectic Reader

Your responses showed you fitting into two different groups - the exacting reader and the eclectic reader.

The expression 'so many books, so little time!' sums up your life. 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.

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, Kim! 

Remember to check out Kim's blog, Sophisticated Dorkiness, 

and leave a comment or question.