Thursday, September 29, 2016

Featured Blogger: Filipa from Down The Reading Hole

Today please welcome Filipa, 
who blogs at Down The Reading Hole.

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

I love Alice in Wonderland - it is my favourite childhood story - so, instead of falling down the rabbit hole, I decided to fall "down the reading hole" which is pretty much the same because down the reading hole there is a whole incredible world full of imagination!

How long have you been blogging?

For over 4 months.

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

I try to make my book reviews rich and helpful to both readers and authors alike, explaining both the things I enjoyed, what I didn't like so much and how it could maybe be improved. I often create bookish discussion posts and I also interview authors and host giveaways. I also have an online shop on Redbubble full of cute bookish products! 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Young Adult because I'm a teenager and who doesn't love YA? I also like contemporary romances - not the sloppy kinds, but well-developed romances with complex characters. Fantasy, because sometimes I just like to take a break from reality. Historical fiction mainly connected to WW2 because it is still a way to learn about History in a more fun way.

Every blogger feels pressure at some point. What's something you feel pressured to do or not do on your blog? How do you deal with it?

When I read a book everyone likes and gives 5 stars to and I just feel that it deserves 3 stars. Sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed of writing a "bad" review of a book everyone loves but, truly, no review is a "bad review". We should respect each other's opinions and if I don't like a book, I still try to show what things were good and what was wrong.

What's one book you think everyone should read?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It is so inspirational and gives me a strong will of chasing my dreams. I think that everyone would benefit from reading it.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

You mean scribbling on books? Well, I hate doing it but in school I had to do that on my required reading.

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

My room! I read on my bed and I blog on my desk by the window facing a green field - whimsical!

Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.

I LOVE AMAZON! Well, it might be the evil empire because it makes me lose loads of time and I search for awesome new books.

What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?

Mainly how to promote my blog on social media and also how to write more fun and engaging posts.

Do you judge a book by its cover, or its lover?

The cover.... Sorry... It's just that when I'm in a bookshop, pretty covers attract me much more. Of course I won't buy a book just because it has a nice cover, but the cover makes me pick it up and read the synopsis. If I like that, I buy it!

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

HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy, especially the last book The Amber Spyglass.

To DNF or not to DNF?

I hate to leave books unfinished! The only book DNF was Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. I just wasn't expecting that gross language and I couldn't go on with it.

What's one book that intimidates you?

I don't think I'm really intimidated by books, except really large ones like Count of Monte Cristo.

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

Anna Shirley's Avonlea - Green Gables more specifically!

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

I write :P - kinda the same thing - or I draw, or watch TV. I also play tennis and do horse riding.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

The book to movie adaptation of Golden Compass (from HIS DARK MATERIALS) was really bad. It completely destroyed the future of the trilogy in the cinema. 

What are 3 favorite posts or reviews you've read by other book bloggers?

"HOW TO HOST A GIVEAWAY ON YOUR BLOG–LEGALLY" by Parchment Girl
"{Confessions of a Bibliophile} Me Before You {SPOILER ALERT!!!}" by The Loquacious Bibliophile
"Another way to get free books" by The Belgian Reviewer

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

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, Filipa! 
Remember to check out Filipa's blog, Down The Reading Hole
and leave a comment or question.



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