Featuring Sarah from Sarah's Book Shelves

Today please welcome Sarah Dickinson, who blogs at Sarah's Book Shelves.

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

I no longer have "book shelves" in the physical sense. Years ago, my husband decided my volume of books was overwhelming (especially since we lived in a small NYC apartment at the time) and presented me with a deal/threat: "you either buy a Kindle to stop this train or I'm giving away every single book you own".

Obviously, I chose to save my existing book collection by buying the Kindle and it worked because I haven't bought another hard copy book since. My blog is the virtual substitute for my book shelves and is now my "happy place".

How long have you been blogging?

Just over 2 years

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

I'm coming at this solely as an avid reader. I've never worked in the book business and am not affiliated in any way with publishers, authors, publicists, etc.

My reviews are honest reflections of my opinion of the book and I'm not afraid to post critical reviews. I think differing opinions add to the breadth of the discussion, especially about heavily hyped books. I also think it's important for my blog readers to get a good sense of my taste in books and books I didn't like contribute to that.

I realize this is a controversial issue and the fact that I will post critical reviews does not mean I don't respect or value authors. I have tremendous respect for anyone who is able to publish a book and absolutely believe we, as bloggers/reviewers, have the much easier job. For these reasons, I try to be respectful and very clear about the reasons I didn't like a book. I also believe that reading is a matter of taste and there is room for a variety of opinions.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I write about what I like to read...which is mostly contemporary fiction, with some general nonfiction, historical fiction, memoirs, sports books, and cooking/food books thrown in.

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

Growing up, I loved The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I remember reading it over and over and being enchanted by the secrets behind that tall gate.

Now that I have my blog, I rarely re-read books because there are so many great books out there that I feel like I'll never get a chance to read them all! But, the two "adult" books I've re-read are The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy (because I could read him writing about paint drying) and The Gold Coast by Nelson DeMille (because the main character, John Sutter, is salty and hilarious).

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Hell to the no! Back when I read actual books (rather than ebooks), I had strict rules for anyone borrowing a book from me: no dog earring, no breaking the spine, no dropping it in the sand (or water), and NO WRITING IN IT!

Now Amazon has thoughtfully allowed me to highlight and make notes without ruining paper books! So, thank you for that!

What's your favorite place to read?

Anywhere I can get a few free minutes! During my kids' nap times, while stretching at the gym, waiting in lines, on trains...but, given the choice, my favorite place to read is on the beach.

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

My Kindle, hands down. I was anti-Kindle for awhile until my husband forced me to buy one to stop my alarmingly growing book collection in its tracks (see the story behind my blog's name). I've never looked back...

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

in an alarming number of packing boxes in my basement. We're in a rental house and I'm waiting until we get somewhere permanent with lots of built-in bookshelves to unpack them. Despite my love for my Kindle, I do still love being surrounded by shelves full of books...and I love nosing around other people's bookshelves. It helps me determine if he/she is a kindred spirit!

My TBR pile is...

actually a spreadsheet, is hundreds (196 to be exact) of books long, and growing every day. I'll never make a dent in it...there are far too many great books out there!

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

I didn't like The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty and it seems the rest of the world did! The main character (Cecilia) is one of those mothers that terrify me and it annoyed me to be in her head for 400 pages.

To DNF or not to DNF?

Depends on the book, but usually I finish. I will especially finish a book if it's popular, even if I don't like it. I want to be able to write about it and add a differing opinion to the discussion.

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

Panem from The Hunger Games out of curiosity to experience the crazy world Suzanne Collins created. And, West Egg from The Great Gatsby for the luxury and mystique.

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

I spend most of my time taking care of my three year old son and one year old daughter, but when I have some free time I love running, playing tennis, going to the beach, cooking (and eating!), and the Summer Olympics.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

I'm one of those people that thinks the book is always better than the movie.

But, the TV show adaptation of Friday Night Lights (based on the book by H.G. Bissinger and the subsequent movie adaptation) blew away the book and the movie. In my opinion, it's the best show that's ever been on television and the most realistic portrayal of high school and marriage I've ever seen. And, don't get me started on Tim Riggins (and, Coach Taylor, for that matter)!

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• River City Reading
• The Novel Life
• Words for Worms

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

The All-Rounder



Thank you for joining us today, Sarah! Remember to check out Sarah's blog, Sarah's Book Shelves, and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Brenda from Daily Mayo

Today please welcome Brenda Priddy, who blogs at Daily Mayo.

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

It's sort of vain. A long time ago, I read a story about how there was a girl who was the "mayo" of the group- the girl who could get along with everyone. I thought that fit well with me. The Daily part is half newspaper inspired and half inspired by how often I try to post. 

How long have you been blogging?

I started back in 2009 just for fun, but it wasn't until 2013 that I started getting more serious about it. 

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

The focus of Daily Mayo is how to make reading more enriching. I like to create content that is fun and a little outside the box. I recently did a post on The Game of Thrones, where I came up with cocktails to fit many of the women in the book. I also like to create book lists to inspire people to read beyond their comfort zone. On Thursdays, I host Quote Me Thursday, where I share some of my favorite quotes from books and authors. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Science fiction is my first love, but recently, I've been delving a lot into contemporary fiction and literary fiction. I like the how the emphasis is placed on characters rather than plot in these genres. The writing is so different!

What's your earliest memory of reading?

When I was learning to read, I struggled with it. I remember thinking it was impossible. But a few months later, I read a story about a deaf man who said the wrong words (not a very politically correct story), which I thought was hilarious, Since then, I've loved to read. 

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

I have probably read either Little Women or Anne of Green Gables the most. I loved reading about spunky girls growing up! I also read the Ramona books a lot. 

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

I have never done it, but I don't see why you couldn't. I guess I never thought I had anything of enough value that would add to the story to warrant writing in one. 

What's your favorite place to read?

Probably bed. 

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

I really should use more bookmarks. Generally, my phone or, ironically, my Kindle, often end up as my bookmark. 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

overflowing and I need to buy more. 

My TBR pile is...

Too long right now. I've stopped taking review requests for a while until I can catch up!

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

I guess Anne of Green Gables changed my life. I loved that she was able to be feminine and educated and smart at the same time. 

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

I don't think I liked the Divergent series as much as other people. It just didn't stand out to me. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

I used to be like, "no, finish all the books!" But now, I don't have time or energy to read a book I don't like. So I will abandon books more frequently now. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

I don't think any. If a book is difficult to read, and I think it has merit, I'll read it, but I despise books that are written just to be difficult. 

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

Like a fictional world? I think I would love to visit Inkworld. It sounds beautiful! Middle-earth would also be fun as long as it was during one of the peaceful times. 

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

I like to be active and just do things. I'll pretty much do whatever. Play games, go to flea markets, run around with my kids, whatever. I also really love board games. The difficult ones. 

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Have you ever seen the cartoon version of The Return of the King? That was pretty terrible. 

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• Book Riot
• Go Book Yourself
• Parajunkee's View

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

The Eclectic Reader



Thank you for joining us today, Brenda! Remember to check out 's blog, Daily Mayo, and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Judith from Leeswamme's Blog

Today please welcome Judith, who blogs at Leeswamme's Blog.

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

Good question! People ask it all the time.

Leeswammes' Blog... Well, in Dutch, "luiwammes" means "lazy person". I substituted "lees" (read) for "lui" (lazy) and so you get something like "lazy person reading". It doesn't actually mean anything in Dutch. Almost by accident, it became the name of my English-language blog. Not handy, in hindsight!

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for four years. I had no idea about the incredible community and the review copies and all those giveaways. I just started to share my reviews with others.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

It was actually a book that was read to me, age 2 or 3. I knew it by heart so I could "read" it and it looked like I knew what I was doing.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Noooooo! No folding corners either, nothing. I make an exception for study books: They should be written in. 

My TBR pile is...

As large as a book case. And that's no lie. I have a separate book case for my TBR. A small one which can just about handle the 100-odd books that my TBR contains. It's a constant struggle to get the pile down. I don't like owning books I haven't read. What's the use of that? :-)

To DNF or not to DNF?

Absolutely DNF! With my TBR, why spend time reading a book that's not much fun? I do give each book at least 100 pages to draw me in, though. And I always write a review, finished or no.

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

I would love to visit the Edinburgh Festival! It's not very, very far away for me, but I hate any kind of queues, and there are long online queues for getting tickets.

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

Funny you should ask! I don't do much that's not related to books. I volunteer in the school library and have my own editing business. Other than that, I like cycling and walking.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• Under My Apple Tree
• 52 Books or Burst
• Book'd Out

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

The Involved Eclectic

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

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 to a limited range of authors.




Thank you for joining us today, Judith! Remember to check out Leeswamme's Blog, and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Suzy of Fiction Dreams

Today please welcome Suzy Turner, who blogs at Fiction Dreams.

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

Fiction Dreams was about day dreaming about books and fiction. Dreaming about all those wonderful stories out there.

How long have you been blogging?

Probably about 8 years or so but Fiction Dreams is still in its infancy - I created it last summer (2013)

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

Fiction Dreams specialises in books by women and/or for women. I've always loved women's fiction, whether it's chick lit, YA urban fantasy, romance, drama, historical or even horror and more! I've always tended to be drawn to books written by women so I wanted a place to celebrate those awesome women.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I am actually an author as well as a book blogger so I tend to read and write the same genres - chick lit and YA. However, since starting Fiction Dreams, I have read a lot more different genres and I find my tastes are far wider today than they were before. I've recently been introduced to the New Adult genre and I love it! 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I remember reading a book called Z for Zachariah when I was a kid. It had quite an impact on me at the time. In fact, I've just ordered it. I can't wait to see what I think of it so many years later!

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

The book I've re-read the most is actually Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. Surprisingly it's not the kind of book I would have imagined enjoying but whenever I pick it up, I can't put it down!

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

No, no no no no!! A book should be cared for and looked after. The only writing I agree with is an autograph!

What's your favorite place to read?

If it's not too hot or cold, I like to sit in my hammock in the garden and read. But otherwise, I love to curl up on the sofa. We are building a new summer house at the moment and I have a feeling that might become my new book nook :)

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

Well, my Kindle of course! I'm obsessed with it. What a fantastic invention. Note: I still adore my paperbacks too though. Oh, and my special Kindle cover which has a light attached to it so I can read at night and not bother my husband!

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

... full of books I haven't read yet. Since starting Fiction Dreams, I've been reading so many books on my Kindle that I haven't had time to read all those lovely paperbacks.

My TBR pile is...

... HUGE! And I'm so happy about that. I just adore having all these awesome books piling up reading for me to review :)

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

I'd actually say Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Not because it was so utterly spellbindingly amazing (which I admit to feeling at the time!), but because it kind of encouraged me to get off my butt (or on my butt) and start my own writing career.

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

The Time Traveller's Wife. I just could not get into it. Everybody else was raving about how awesome it was and when I read the synopsis, I figured it would totally be my kind of book. But nah... just wasn't, for some reason. *shrugs shoulders*

To DNF or not to DNF?

Life's too short to do stuff you don't enjoy so if I'm reading something that just isn't singing to me, then I'll stop reading. I used to feel guilty about it, but not any more. It's my time... I want to enjoy my time :)

What's one book that intimidates you?

War and Peace. Say no more.

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

Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, no question! In fact, I've just booked my next holiday where I get to visit them in Orlando!! YAY!! So excited... *almost falls off seat*

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

Watch my favourite TV shows and movies. At the moment I'm obsessed with Elementary, The Hart of Dixie, Castle. I'm even obsessed with Say Yes to the Dress!!
I'm also a huge yoga fan. I started 4 months ago because of a bad back and I'm like a new woman! I LOVE it :)

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

The Devil Wears Prada was pretty awesome - it was just as good on screen as off, which is unusual. The Bridget Jones books too.
I recently watched Vampire Academy (I haven't actually read the books yet though) and I was very disappointed.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• Books a la Mode
• Girls Love to Read
• Parajunkee 

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

The All-Rounder


Thank you for joining us today, Suzy! Remember to check out Suzy's blog, Fiction Dreams, and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Stephanie of Cover2CoverBlog

Today please welcome Stephanie, 

who blogs at Cover2CoverBlog.

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

Well it is super simple, because I am horribly uncreative with names. Reading a book cover to cover, front to back. My husband helped me pick it out. I really like it and think it is to the point and easy.

How long have you been blogging?

I have been a blogger for a little over 2 years, but it feels like forever. It really does take over your life (in a good way).

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

I tend to really enjoy the Young Adult and Middle Grade genres, and I know there are a lot of us out there but I just hope that my honesty in my reviews keeps it unique. On some very rare occasions I also have my younger sister (now 13) write reviews as well. I have a lot of younger siblings and cousins, so sharing books and reading is my passion.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Young Adult and Middle Grade, they keep me low-stress. I work 40 hours and run my blog too, so when I read I like it to be on the lighter side and something I can bring to work to read at lunch ... so no raunchy covers...

I love YA for the drama and pseudo-romance themes and enjoy the MG adventure for the witty ways to get kids to read. I love both for the world-building that allows me to escape into other places from the comfort of my couch. 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

Oh wow! Great question. I remember a lot of them, so I am not sure which is my earliest... but I was a horrible reader in Elementary school so they had me in a special reading program that paired the younger kids up with the 5-6th graders to help up. My mentor was a girl who was awesome and she helped me learn to read without me feeling dumb. When our tutoring sessions ended she gave me a copy of The Polar Express. To this day it is still one of my favorite books and when they made the movie in 2004 I (embarrassingly enough) cried through most of it over the memory of the book and how much it has impacted my life.

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

I am really not the type to re-read books, there are just too many to get to even once! But I have re-read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and the Harry Potter books.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Depends on the book!

For school books --I say go for it if you can, I kept lots of notes in my college books plus post its and highlighting. They can really be helpful for studying

In my 'for fun' reading books -- only if it is an authors signature :) For my review books if I want to note something I write it down in a notebook or type it up for my review later.

What's your favorite place to read?

I have a few, most of the time it is on my couch with blankets and with my dog and my cat piled on top of me. I am also a fan of a good bubble bath and a good book - so relaxing.

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

My iPad (does that count?). I use it to read. I have apps for reading all over it, plus Goodreads and Audible in case I need them to look things up. I also have my TBR list in Evernote on it to update as I read things. 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

a mess! I don't have enough shelves so they are stacked and double-stacked and I have piles all over. 

My TBR pile is...

Neverending. I am trying to be better though.

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

Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger, I read it as a teen and it was wonderful – it is about unrequited love and sexual awkwardness. It really had an impact and I still think it is one of the best YA books I have ever read. Highly recommend it!

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

Most recently, Weather Witch by Shannon Daleny. I was not a fan but a lot of the bloggers I follow seemed to really like it. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

When I began blogging and even as a reader, I would never DNF a book or a series for that matter. I always finished them even if I hated the next book or chapter.

Recently I have allowed myself to DNF a few books (Weather Witch included) because I could not get through them - it was painful, and reading should be enjoyable. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

Easy! A Game of Thrones and the A Song of Ice and Fire books. My husband, who is a proclaimed non-reader, has actually read them and loves them (funny because he hates reading). They scare the crap outta me, they are huge and have a huge following and I can't bring myself to read them (...yet).

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

I got: The All-Rounder

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. 

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Thank you for joining us today, Stephanie! 

Remember to check out Stephanie's blog, Cover2CoverBlog, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Maddy of Symphony of Words

Today please welcome Maddy, 

who blogs at Symphony of Words.

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

It's relative and I think it can be interpreted in many ways, but for me, music is a very important part of my life - almost as much as reading and blogging, but not quite :P and I believe that some books have to the ability to make words sound like music, and most of the time they're my favorites, hence I chose the name Symphony of Words.

How long have you been blogging?

Oh, only about 3 months now. I started in March 2014.

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

It mainly focuses on the YA genre and all other sub genres. I guess what makes it unique the most is the music theme I have going, since it's a passion of mine that just can't be sated. Also, I think my header is pretty unique. Because I made it myself. Um. Yeah. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Mostly YA, since, well, I'm fifteen. I guess I just love how much can happen in fiction in the lives of teens and young adults that isn't realistically possible in this world. But then there are the contemporaries, which make me realize how much of fiction is tied to reality, and the whole things just makes me giddy with happiness. 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

A book on animals of the planet :) it was gifted to me by my cousin on my eighth birthday.

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

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. I can never get over that book. 

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Hell. To. The. No. :P 

What's your favorite place to read?

The settee of my room which overlooks the neighborhood. I love the drag air and reading combination. Makes me want to dance. 

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

Definitely my bookmarks. I never know which page I'm on if I don't have a bookmark. Also, a reading light. I'm basically a night owl and if I find something really interesting to read, I need my reading light charged and ready to go ASAP. 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

Nonexistent. Which means I don't currently have any bookshelves. I've just shifted to India from KSA, so all TNT books are just piled up inside my cupboard, covered my desk, and stacks and stacks of them in drawers and tables. I need to get a bookshelf ASAP. 

My TBR pile is...

currently housing approximately 300 books that need my immediate attention. 

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

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry. 

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

Everyone seems to love the Harry Potter books, but I take one look at the first page and can't bring myself to read them. Concerning HP, I broke the ultimate book blogger rule: I reasoned with myself by saying that I have seen and loved all the movies. What's the point of reading? I know, GASP. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

If I don't like a book and can't continue it, definitely DNF. I state the why's and how's of course, but I can never force myself to continue a book I don't enjoy. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor. If you've read it, you'll know why. *shudder*

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

Book Expo America, and live there forever. 

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

I watch movies, listen to music, scour YouTube for bloggers, try to learn French, and practice my coding skills (which are sadly at beginners stage as of today). I also love moving little things here and there and try to give my room a new look. 

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Probably The Hunger Games, but after a few weeks, I'm betting my answer will change to Divergent, since I love both books, and THG movie was beyond my expectations.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Nose Graze
Xpresso Reads
Effortlessly Reading 

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

Well, what do you know!

The Exacting 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.

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Thank you for joining us today, Maddy! 

Remember to check out Maddy's blog, Symphony of Words, 

and leave a comment or question.