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.