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.

Want to get more book blogging news, events, and giveaways? Sign up for our newsletter!

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Featured Blogger: Stephanie of Bringing Paperback

Today please welcome Stephanie, 

who blogs at Bringing Paperback.

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

My blog's name is play on words. It can be read as both Bringing Paperback or Bringing Paper back.  

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for about 10 months now.

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

My book blog features book reviews for all types of young adult books all while adding a couple of blog posts in between. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Young adult, fantasy, and contemporary because those are the books I enjoy reading the most.

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?

I was pressured as to whether or not I should switch to wordpress, but I decided to stay with Weebly because I believe that if I work hard enough the domain site won't matter to the readers.

What's one book you think everyone should read?

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas!

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

No.. but I do use post its to write notes if I need to!

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

At home or at the library!

Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.

YES.. I can't leave without adding something to cart...

Book shelfie time! Take a "shelfie" of your bookshelves and share it with us.

I don't have much of a shelf.. instead I have a pile?! YAY

Check it out here!

What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?

I have learned that blogs can be whatever you want them to be!

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

I try my best not to! (but sometimes it just happens).

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

Paperweight by Meg Haston was a book I didn't particularly like, but I saw a lot of other reviewers liked!

To DNF or not to DNF?

Only ONE book ever. I was too scared to continue.

What's one book that intimidates you?

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (the same book I couldn't finish...).

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

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER!

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

I love to draw, paint, play volleyball, or bake!

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Harry Potter movie series is one of my all time favorites!

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

When We Collided by Nikki Want at Fiction Freak
A Court of Mist and Fury by Twirling Pages
Lady Midnight by Thinpaperback

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

All Rounder!

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Thank you for joining us today, Stephanie! 

Remember to check out Stephanie's blog, Bringing Paperback, 

and leave a comment or question.

Want to get more book blogging news, events, and giveaways? Sign up for our newsletter!

Email Address

Featured Blogger: Dinara Tengri

Today please welcome Dinara, who blogs at Dinara Tengri.

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

It's just my name. I wanted to keep it as simple as possible.

How long have you been blogging?

A couple of weeks. This is my second book blog. Last year I blogged for a few months.

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

It's a blog where I get to write about books I read. It's very simple. And very personal, and I am very honest in my reviews.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I love science fiction. I also enjoy fantasy and historical books (non-fiction, that is), and scentfic books (Stephen Hawking, Brian Greene etc)

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?

Sometimes I feel like I should adopt a certain writing style. I read other blogs and I think they do it better than me, and that I should write like them. I know from experience that this sort of thing never works, so I try to write as simple and honest as possible.

What's one book you think everyone should read?

The book I've recently reviewed, Voices from Chernobyl, by Svetlana Alexievich.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

You mean like leaving notes? Hell to the no :)

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

In my office. And by "office" I mean "my room".

Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.

I want to say yes. But I have no personal experience with them. Yet. So I'll wait with that one.

Book shelfie time! Take a "shelfie" of your bookshelves and share it with us.

So these four shelves are fiction only.

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

Most people are in love with Moby Dick. I hated it.

To DNF or not to DNF?

DNF. But only on occasion.

What's one book that intimidates you?

I don't think I've read a book that would have this effect on me.

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

Ray Bradbury's Mars. It's a magical place.

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

I recently picked up knitting. I also dance, and put together furniture from IKEA.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Favorite: The Martian
Least favorite: The Shining

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

• A Thousand Nights
• David Duchovny - Holy Cow
• it turns out that I can kinda deal with romance. occasionally.

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

I'm a quiet reader. But I have an opinion on everything I read.

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

Two Awesome Screen Sherlocks

There have been a lot of Sherlocks on our movie and TV screens. In fact, some think Holmes is the most prolific character in the history of film.

Today, Pamela from A Writer's Tales is here to compare two recent Sherlocks: Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey, Jr. Who's the best? The debate rages!

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I didn't use to be a Sherlock fan. Then I saw Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock and I was hooked. I read some, and then I watched the movie again, and I loved it!

So, obviously, this brings me to my first awesome Sherlock:

Robert Downey Jr.

Reasons to love him:

• The Jude Law and this guy duo makes for a pretty dynamic Sherlock and Watson. I like how the two look on screen and their antics. It' hilarious to watch them argue, but you know that behind that there's a real friendship.
• He nails arrogant.
• His facial expressions crack me up.

Also, the way they portray the inner workings of Sherlock's mind during a fight, or just in general, when it's important, was one of the things that drew me in in the first place. Aaand the soundtrack suits the situations in the movie so well!


Benedict Cumberbatch

Reasons to love him:

• HE IS BENEDICT FREAKING CUMBERBATCH
• His hair *cue heart-shaped eyes emoji*
• Alright, alright. He's also a big jerk and the fact that Sherlock takes place in modern day London gives a lot of room to do that even better. Lots of situations.
• While Mr. Downey achieved arrogant through several facial expressions, Mr. Cumberbatch has a straight face for everyone and he's so freaking superior that it makes you wan to both hug him and punch him the face. Perfect.

I don't feel the Sherlock-Watson chemistry here as strongly, but it's not missing either. There are plenty of awesome moments, and maybe it's just me and my Robert Downey Jr. + Jude Law obsession.


If you haven't noticed it by now, I really love Robert Downey Jr. :D I'd love it if they made another Sherlock movie. The last one had a very open ending and it'd be great if something was in the works! They will make a lot Sherlock fans super happy!

What is your favorite screen Sherlock?

Featured Blogger: Ally of The Scribbling Sprite

Today please welcome Ally, who blogs at The Scribbling Sprite.

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

"The Scribbling Sprite" actually started out as a username for random sites. I dabbled in writing; I was interested in mythical creatures. So I thought, what better name? When I decided to start a book blog I still thought it was fitting. 

How long have you been blogging?

About nine months!

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

I try to incorporate a variety of posts, such as reviews, tags, discussion posts, memes, etc.

I also focus a lot on interacting with my readers. I reply to all of my comments, and if commenters have their own blogs I try to pay back the favor and comment on theirs. My favorite part of blogging is definitely the community. :)

Also, I always include content warnings at the end of each review.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I try to review a variety of genres incuding Young Adult and Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Mystery/Thrillers, and Christian Fiction.

I love these genres and more, but YA Fantasy seems to be what I read most often.

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?

I constantly feel pressure to take the easy way out. Sometimes it's hard to be consistent with posting and I just want to throw together a post in just a few minutes and say, "I'm done!" But I push myself to come up with well thought out content. It eats up more time, but pays off in the end.

What's one book you think everyone should read?

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson. It's so heart-wrenchingly beautiful and unique. I think it really redefines what "Happily Ever After" means.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

In library books? NO NO NO. Please do not!

In your own books? If you're not blotting out any words, I don't see why you shouldn't. I don't do this, but it might be kind of cool to reread a book and see all of your past comments.

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

I typically blog at my desk in my bedroom. I read....well....pretty much anywhere!

Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.

I don't think so. I enjoy shopping on Amazon. Especially for *cough* books.

A $0.01 book + $3.99 shipping = Cheap. And a full bookshelf for me.

Book shelfie time! Take a "shelfie" of your bookshelves and share it with us.

What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?

I've learned how to have fun with my blog! When I first started all I could think was "how am I going to get people to read this?" When I DID get people to read my content it became less of a chore and more of an enjoyment. I learned to love interacting with other bloggers and my readers!

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

Its lover. I never decide to read a book solely based on its cover. But I'll carefully consider the opinion of a fellow blogger or reader I trust.

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

I really enjoyed Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire, despite its many negative reviews.

To DNF or not to DNF?

Not if I can help it. But if you're really not enjoying a book, why waste your time on it? There are too many GOOD books out there for you to be spending time on the ones you can't get into.

What's one book that intimidates you?

Les Miserables.

I've tried, and...haven't made it past the 14th page. :(

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

I almost put Hogwarts, but alas, there would not be much fun in that for a non-magical muggle like me, unfortunately.

But I think it would be fascinating to visit the Inkworld (of Cornelia Funke's "Inkheart").

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

Don't feel like reading? What??

Hmm...I think I stated this above, but I dabble in writing fiction. I also enjoy drawing (mostly using pencil and charcoal) on occasion.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Oh, that's tough. But one of my favorites would have to be the Anne of Green Gables miniseries with Megan Follows.

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

"You Shouldn't Care That I Love My Kindle" by Heather
"And They Lived..." by Christine
"Opinion: Writers Deserve More Respect" by Brett

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

The All-Rounder

Your responses showed you fitting into three different 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.

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.

I'd say this is accurate!

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Thank you for joining us today, Ally! 

Remember to check out Ally's blog, The Scribbling Sprite, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featured Blogger: Bri of No Books, No Life

Today please welcome Bri, who blogs at No Books, No Life.

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

I feel like when I'm not currently reading a book my life doesn't feel as full or enjoyable. I think that people who don't read aren't living life to the fullest and will regret it later.

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for about 5 or 6 months but I have been posting reviews on Goodreads for over a year.

What's one book you think everyone should read?

I really think that everyone should read the Extraction series by Stephanie Diaz. I really enjoyed the whole series and I really think that more people should find it and read it! Its really not as well known as it should be.

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

Most of the time I find myself picking up books because their covers lure me in. Whether it looks really beautiful or if it looks extremely creepy, 90% of the time that is what will lure me in!

To DNF or not to DNF?

I always try to finish a book no matter what. I feel like it is unfair to just give up on it for whatever reason but I have DNF-ed one or two books in my lifetime. I always feel bad when I do it though.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

My favorite adaption is The Hunger Games. Everything seemed to be just as I imagined it in the book and that made me love the book even more!

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

The All-Rounder

Your responses showed you fitting into three different 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.
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, Bri! 

Remember to check out Bri's blog, No Books, No Life, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featured Blogger: Marina of Till the last word

Today please welcome Marina, who blogs at Till the last word.

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

it means that we should read every book until the end, there are some books that aren´t really exciting while you are reading them but in the end it makes it worth reading.
also, it has something to do the fact that I cant start a new book until I finish the previous one.

How long have you been blogging?

3 months, it´s been really little, but I am planning on keep going.

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

i don´t think UNIQUE is the right word. I would say that it makes it interesting that I don´t have a special genre that I publish about, so you will find different reviews about many books.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

currently, I am writing a lot about science fiction, but I don´t have a preference.

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?

sometimes I feel the pressure about writing more, because I think it´s not enough. I didn´t really get over it, I just accept that I don´t have enough time.
and other thing is if I am good in what I do, to "deal" with it I give my reviews to other people so they can give me an opinion. I really learn a lot

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

HELL NO!! except it is an autograph

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

the kitchen, i feel more confortable there jaja

What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?

I learned that people prefers new releases rather that classics.

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

sometimes, it depends on the cover jajaaj

To DNF or not to DNF?

not to DNF

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

I watch a lot of series and movies. and I also go to the gym


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, Marina! 

Remember to check out Marina's blog, Till the last word, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featured #Bookstagrammer Memory, aka @Xicanti

Our featured #Bookstagrammer today is Memory, also known by her Instagram handle @Xicanti, and accompanied here by her wee poodle, Murchie. When not Instragramming, Memory blogs about books and food at In the Forest of Stories. Take it away, Memory!

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Tell us about yourself! Where do you work/play? What books do you like to read? Do you have any non-bookish hobbies? Any pets? What's your one great ambition?

I'm Memory, an avid reader of most things and a particular fan of SFF. I live with a tiny poodle named Murchie, who stands opposed to my Ultimate Life Goal, which is to pet every dog ever. He's much more supportive when it comes to my ongoing quest to eat all the tacos, though he does wish I'd share the spoils a little more often.

How did you get started blogging on IG? How long ago?

I first heard of Instagram through Kelly of The Written World. It looked like a lot of fun, so I signed up as soon as I acquired my first mobile device with a camera. I think that was around three years ago, but I'm bad with time.

IG started as a way for me to share pictures of my dog, Murchie, and my feed quickly expanded to include shots of my current reads, places I'd wandered to on my walks, and whatever I was eating. Around a year ago, I decided to combine the Murchie photos with the book photos; thus was my Murchie Plus Books series born.

Hashtags: What are some of your favorites? Do you have any "rules" when it comes to using hashtags?

I tag all my bookish pictures with #murchieplusbooks. When Murchie and I are apart and I've got to use a stand-in (usually someone else's pet, but sometimes one of my Funko Pop! bobbleheads) , I add #specialgueststar[stand-in's name].

Right now, I've also been tagging all my food pics so people observing Ramadan can filter them out if they deem it necessary. And I always tag my taco pics with #tacowatch2k15, which started as a joke on Twitter and has now become an actual thing.

What are some NON-bookish things you love posting?

Foooooooooood. Whenever I end up with a remotely photogenic meal, I Instagram it. Tacos have a particularly large presence on my feed on account of Ultimate Life Goal #2.

Selfies: Yes or meh?

Meh on my own account. I've taken maybe five selfies in my entire life, and at least two of those were alongside Murchie. I'm not a photogenic person. I do enjoy other peoples' selfies, though.

They say a picture's worth 1000 words. What story does your Instagram feed tell about you? Do you think it's accurate?

Surely anyone who stumbled across my feed would think I like dogs and comics and things one can eat. This is entirely accurate.

How do you integrate IG with your blog? Or do you?

Every Sunday, I do a round-up of all my Murchie Plus Books posts from the previous week. I include descriptive alt tags for my vision-impaired readers, and I add some additional commentary on the books and on anything cute or quirky Murchie may have done during the photo session.

What are four of your best or favorite photos/videos that you've posted in the past year?

A small grey poodle, Murchie, sits on a fuzzy red and white blanket. He wears an orange t-shirt and has his mouth stretched wide open. Behind him is a white Kobo with the cover of John Lewis's March, Book One on its screen.

Murchie stands on a patch of green grass, his ears perked. Slightly in front of him is a trade paperback copy of Tomboy by Liz Prince.

Murchie lays on a concrete step, his paws stretched out before him. He wears an orange t-shirt with brown trim. Beside him is a paperback copy of The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson.

Murchie lays on a black couch. Beside him is a white Kobo with the cover of Matt Fraction and Christian Ward's Ody-C on its screen.

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If you want more cute poodle pics, be sure to follow Memory's Instagram account. You can also connect with her on Twitter.