Featured Blogger: Laura from 125Pages

Today please welcome Laura, who blogs at 125Pages.



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

I had a reading class in college where our reading speed was clocked as part of a project. I averaged 125 pages read an hour, so I thought that was a unique name for my site.

How long have you been blogging?

Since April, 2015.

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

I read a wide array of books, so I don't feel tied down to any genre. I also read a lot, 5-7 books a week on average, so there is always a new review to check out. I host a bi-weekly feature called Author Tuesday that features author interviews and book giveaways. I also host The United States of Books, a weekly feature with 8 other bloggers where we read a book from each state. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I am open to most genres. I am partial to paranormal, YA, women's fiction, thrillers, memoirs and Urban Fantasy. I like to experience new worlds and get to do that through books, so I try not to limit what I read. I am partial to anything with vampires, angels, or shifters as I find them to be such fun reads.

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 feel pressured to accept books for review. I average 50 review requests from authors and PR companies a month, and that doesn't include the books I select from Netgalley, Edelweiss and other publisher sites. I feel bad that I cannot read every book offered to me, but some are just not a fit for me. I have been learning to deal with it by enforcing strict review request rules. If a request is not submitted correctly, I immediately flag it as a no.  

What's one book you think everyone should read?

Such a hard question! I would have to go with a series - Harry Potter. The themes of love, friendship, renewal and redemption are something that readers 8-80 can relate to.  

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Hell to the no. Books are not to be marred, they are to be loved and treasured.

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

Curled up on my couch with a kitty on my lap.

Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.

I say no. Amazon has opened up a world of books that I personally may have never found before. Decent prices and fast shipping enable me to add to my book collection easily. I can understand why some people don't love Amazon, but to me easy access to affordable books (and other stuff) is important.

What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?

To be more open to books I initially considered as not my type. I will read a review and it may touch on just what I love in a book. I have found some great books that I would never have read before. 

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

Cover judger here. I will walk through the library and pick up books based solely on its cover, then will read the back cover. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

I cannot seem to make myself DNF. I keep hoping the book will redeem itself so I keep reading.

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

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. 



Thank you for joining us today, Laura! Remember to check out Laura's blog, 125Pages, and leave a comment or question.

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Featured Blogger: Melanie of Melanie's Diary

Today please welcome Melanie, who blogs at Melanie's Diary.

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

I've always been big on keeping a diary, and blogs these days are like the modern version. Of course, my mom is reading it this time, but that's okay.

How long have you been blogging?

I started back with Xanga. That would be 2005, I think. It was a lot of fun and a great way to keep up with my friends, but because it was such an open diary, sometimes I'd say too much and caught some backlash with that. You learn as you go.

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

In between book reviews, I'll write about any damn thing. I went to Central Park, or had a vacation in the Middle East, or I found a doll from my childhood I'd put away and now I'm awash in memories. Anything.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

As far as reading/reviewing goes, I'm open to almost any genre. I love a story with some suspense, but I also like biographies and historic novels (like Dickens or L.M. Montgomery). I'm also reading a few comic book series that I like to write about from time to time.

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 feel very pressured to tackle "important topics" like mental health or sexual harassment or the rights of one group or another. It gets so heavy and opens the door for people to vehemently disagree. I just want to write about something I love. Bloggers who do tackle important topics are writing about causes they love, and they should absolutely do that, but it's not right for me to pretend to be passionate about something I just agree with.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

I'm all for it. I've bought used books where previous owners have written notes. Some of them are interesting (and some people can't underline a text without crossing it out). For me, it's a great way to help collect my thoughts, especially on a second or third read through. 

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

I love book covers so much. There have been times where I would read something solely based on the cover without even reading the blurb on the back (I'm not a fan of back blurbs).

To DNF or not to DNF?

Life is short, you know? If I'm not feeling a book (or movie, or experience, etc), I don't feel obliged to finish. The few times I have pushed through a book I wasn't into has never once been a positive experience.

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

I would love to see Prince Edward Island (from Anne of Green Gables fame). That series was a big part of my childhood.

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

Most people know I write my own books, so we'll count that as a hobby. I also love to travel, I love trying new, weird food (like brains or haggis). I keep my inner child alive by getting my dolls out. And who can avoid that classic favorite: watching TV. There are stories on TV, so I'm not sorry.

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Thank you for joining us today, Melanie! 

Remember to check out Melanie's blog, Melanie's Diary, 

and leave a comment or question.

The French Thrill

Today, please welcome Emma, who blogs at Words and Peace and also runs France Book Tours. She's here to tell us about the next big thing—French thrillers!



Scandinavian countries used to be at the top for crime fiction, detective fiction or mysteries, but now the big thrill is coming from France!

Even the British think so: the French Fred Vargas and Pierre Lemaitre recently won the International Dagger Award. British readers love Fred so much they have actually given her this award four times already.
In France itself, Pierre Lemaitre won the prestigious award Prix Goncourt in 2013, proof that the genre is indeed in great shape. His thriller Alex, translated in English, is soon to be a movie.

Each year more than 16 million thrillers and crime novels are sold in France, that is 25% of sales in bookstores. Over 1,500 new books in that genre are published in France every year.


So, what’s so special about French crime fiction?

According to The Independent, the French have the perfect combination, with real writers who are also masters at storytelling.


I would like to highlight here a few examples:

Plots are often based on specifics pertaining to France:

Its history. Jean-François Parot is a good example with his series of historical mysteries featuring Nicolas Le Floch, an XVIIIth century policeman. Gallic Press has been publishing them in English.
For more recent history, there’s Le dernier tigre rouge, just published by Jérémie Guez (born in 1988), on the French Foreign Legion.

New social realities. Pascal Garnier comes to mind here. He died a few years ago, but his novels are still popular and are being translated, also by Gallic Press whose mission is to offer the best of French in English. Moon in a Dead Eye takes place in a gated community for senior citizens. His detailed and atmospheric descriptions seem to me quite characteristic of the French literary genius that gave birth to its great classics.







There’s also the very recent Aux animaux la guerre, by Nicolas Mathieu, with an unfortunately common situation these days: a factory closes in France, hundreds of workers are unemployed, and they are ready to do anything to express their hatred of a vanishing world.
 And La faux soyeuse by Eric Maravelias, in a Paris suburb struggling with violence and AIDS!


Cultural elements. One of the most popular icon of French culture is certainly wine. And here one big name comes out: The Winemaker Detective series by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Alain Noël Balen. Le French Book, which does a fantastic job at making French fiction better known to the English speaking world, has just translated and published 4 volumes.

New kinds of murderers, new place given to technology. I’m thinking here of another great French woman author of thrillers: Frédérique Molay. Her latest novel, Crossing The Line (Le French Book), shows a mastery in the procedural genre, combined with a very original inspiration. Her style is also extremely visual, probably a trait common to many works in this new wave of French thrillers.








Some other current names in this genre called roman policier or polar in French are Dominique Manotti (don’t tell me the French don’t have women writers!), Caryl Férey, Michaël Mention, or DOA (for Dead On Arrival!), among others.

Because of its success, publishers naturally turn to crime fiction, and several have just started new collections. For instance:

• «Crimes gourmands», (Fayard) this time on food and chefs!
• «Suspense» (Héloïse d'Ormesson) for psychological thrillers written by women
• «Crimes et monuments» (Éditions du Patrimoine) for historical thrillers

It sounds like the perfect time has come to encourage English translators, or best, for you to learn French!

Now Featuring: Carolina G from A Girl That Likes Books

Today please welcome Carolina, who blogs at A Girl That Likes Books.


What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?
The URL (green mushroom) comes from the green mushroom on Mario that gives you extra lives, just like books do the same. The title of the blog itself, A Girl that Likes Books seemed like a perfect description of who I am, a person that really likes to read and share her thoughts about her reading


How long have you been blogging?
I posted my first post on June of 2011, but is was only in September of the same year that I started reviewing and posting regularly, so I guess we can say almost 3 years now.


Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
I am still working on making it unique, it is not easy with so many amazing blogs out there! But I do try to always have constructive critiques/reviews as much as possible, and recently I started working on a weekly item: This week in the news, where I try to talk about book related topics that I didn't already heard about on the blogs I follow and this includes news from Canada where I live and Colombia, my country of origin.


What genres do you write about most, and why?
I know I gravitate mostly around fantasy, because it takes me quite away from my "work" reading which are mostly scientific articles. But since I joined the Sword and Laser bookclub I've been more in contact with SciFi and I've made myself a challenge to read all the Alfaguara award winners, a prize for Hispanic literature since I didn't want to loose the habit of reading in Spanish.


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 think the biggest pressure I've felt is how to make my reviews original because you don't want it to sound like a book report but you also want to make it attractive to your readers. What I decided to do was to write it as I would talk to with my friends and get the feeling that it has made the reviews more fluid and even more approachable. At least I sure hope so!


What's one book you think everyone should read?
Oh I would say Momo by Michael Ende. Most people know him for The Never-ending Story, which is also a great book, but Momo was possibly one of my favorite books as a child and when I re read it as an adult all the magic was still there. I think a recurring theme in these 2 books is not letting go of your child wonder and the power of imagination. I think is beautiful!

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
I personally can't. I even did a post on that ^-^. One reason being that I use the library a lot, and so you can't really do that to books that are not your, right? Then in the books I own, I like to keep sentences or moments that I liked marked with sticky notes but I can't get myself to write on them.

http://greenmushroom1up.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-notes.html


What's your favorite place to read or blog?
During summer I really like a rocking chair I have on our terrace, but living in Canada, reading outside is not a year-long option sadly. I have 2 favorite spots around the house: 1. a papasan in our living room, that sometimes I have to compete with my cat for; 2. a red chair that is in our office. If you want, you can see both on my reviews, I usually have a picture taken on where I've been reading each book.


Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.
That's a hard question, particularly with the recent Hachette situation. I think they have a business model that obviously work for them. they have cheap prices, and they have the convenience of getting stuff delivered to your door. That said, they offer this to any product, not just books, and to all of the sudden take the speech of "oh we are here for the readers"...no, if you were you wouldn't block readers that might only have you as an option to get a book they are dying to read. You are there FOR YOU, is it evil? is it selfish? As most big corporations, it is. Right now, with the famous (infamous actually) letter they send out they are looking more ridiculous and greedy than evil. But hey, that's just my opinion.


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 that the best way to tackle a post is with full honesty. The community of bloggers and readers is so supportive that I don't feel bad saying: you know? I didn't like this books because X, Y and Z. We might disagree sometimes, but is has always been with the best of attitudes, and is such a nice thing to feel like comments and reviews are being fully honest :)

I've also learned that you should do your best to answer ALL comments, if they are reaching you should do the same. Sure, sometimes you loose track when you have a big day, but do your best to always answer.


Do you judge a book by its cover, or its lover?
None; while I am attracted to covers, it will be most of the time the synopsis that will convince me of giving it a try and as for their lover, since I strongly believe that a book is completely different to each person I can't judge the book by who liked it or who didn't.


One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?
The Book Girl (http://www.thebookgirlreads.com/) once reviewed and giveaway a copy of Jersey Angel. Her review made it seem like a very nice YA, non fantasy book. I was lucky enough to win a copy...and I was struck by how much I disliked the book. I can't even...


To DNF or not to DNF?
Most of the time I always finish my books, particularly library ones. I feel really bad when I DNF a book, but hey! sometimes we just don't click me and the book and I see no point on making us both miserable.


What's one book that intimidates you?
Consciousness Explained by Daniel Dennett. My bf read it but it took it over a year, is so dense! He said it was a very good book, but I look at them and I feel like I won't be able to read it.


If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
There is a lot that I want to see in the UK since a lot of books that I have loved have taken place there. Then there is Sweden due to all the noir novellas I've read recently that I loved!


How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
I cook, mostly bake. I was playing a lot of WoW too with the bf, but he is finishing his thesis now, so I am waiting for him to be done to start playing again.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?
LOTR, the movie version by Peter Jackson for favorite.
For least-favorite...I have to say that while visually I quite enjoy it, I have to go with The Hobbit by Peter Jackson...it just went so over the place with CGI and 3 movies...Sigh!


What are 3 favorite posts or reviews you've read by other book bloggers?
Why I’m Not Reviewing Self-Published Books at River City Reading
Personally: Amazing What a Haircut Can Do at Estella's Revenge
Grown-Ups and YA at Books Without any Pictures

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


Thank you for joining us today, Carolina!

Remember to check out Carolina's blog, A Girl That Likes Books, 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 George Lichman of The Thirty Year Itch

Today please welcome George Lichman, 

who blogs at The Thirty Year Itch.

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

A lot changed for me in my late twenties and into my early thirties. I had an itch, as it were, for something but couldn't quite place it. My political views, works views, and even goals in life were taking shape during this transition. I also started reading. A lot. Mostly fiction, but nonfiction too. So I thought since I was about thirty years old when all this change seemed to be happening, The Thirty Year Itch seemed an appropriate name for the blog.

My early writing was not just about books. It included politics, life experience, human interest. My writing during those early years helped me discover who I am today and helped me decide what is important in life, not just for me but for society.

Since I got married and had two children, I had to reduce the effort I put into my blog. One way I did that was to focus mostly on books and book reviews. Even with the more narrow focus, I still don't read or post as often as I'd like; my children and family are first, and I want to read for pleasure, not purely for the sake of the blog. But my goal while my children are young is to keep the blog going and hope that as my children grow up I'll have more time to read and write. 

How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging for about 7 years. 

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

The Itch probably isn't as unique as I'd like to think it is, but there are a few things that might make it stand out a little. First, I don't necessarily post only about books; anything is fair game, but books have dominated the last few years.

I also try to make my reviews a little different, too. While I won't review a book I didn't like, I will and usually do point out things about books I  think could have been better, areas where they missed the mark. It is part of the very lose format of my reviews. I have found few other bloggers who do this.

Finally, I am a full time working police officer. I think that gives me a unique perspective as a reviewer of the crime fiction genre. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Cringe fiction, including thrillers, legal thrillers, traditional mystery, and police procedurals. 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

Of course my mother read to us a lot as children, but my most memorable experiences include books like Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing and Superfudge by Judy Blume, all the Beverly Clearly Books, Encyclopedia Brown, The Boxcar Children, Charlotte's Web, and more. Most of these were introduced or suggested by my third grade teacher, Mrs. Alice McClelland.

However, despite enjoying books as a child, I took some time off as a young adult. I was reintroduced to reading as an adult in my mid to late twenties when a friend suggested a book that he said would have me hooked in the first two pages, and if not, he'd never suggest another one. The book was The Death and Life of Bobby Z. by Don Winslow. He was right! And I've been reading ever since. 

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

I don't usually reread books over and over. There are a few I've read more than once, but usually many years apart. Flowers for Algernon, Of Mice and Men, To Kill A Mockingbird are a few. 

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

No.

"That is not how we treat our books."
Mom, circa 1980

What's your favorite place to read?

Home. In my recliner or on the couch. With a fire in the fireplace. 

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

My glasses I suppose! 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

To small in number! (I would love more shelves!)

My TBR pile is...

Not getting any smaller!

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

As I mentioned before, The Death and Life of Bobby Z. because it introduced me to reading for pleasure as an adult. Several other nonfiction books helped me question things and define who I have become. Imperial Life in the Emerald City, Son if the Revolution, The God Delusion, Fiasco, and so many more. 

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

Not one book, but the Lincoln Lawyer series. I live Michael Connelly's Bosch series, they are among my favorite. But I can't seem to get into The Lincoln Lawyer books, even though they are lived by so many others. Connelly is still one of my top five authors, but just not that series. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

I almost always finish. Can only think of two or three that I have given up on, and even then it was tough and I always meant to get back to them!

What's one book that intimidates you?

For a while it was Gone Girl. And it wasn't the book per se, but the hype it had received. It was so highly reviewed and got so much attention that I was afraid that if I didn't like it then I didn't get it. I have that concern about a lot of books, classics mostly.

Gone Girl was great, by the way. 

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

Gozo. An island in the Mediterranean near Sicily. It was where Creasy went to rehab and prepare to avenge the death of the little girl he was charged with protecting in Man on Fire by AJ Quinnell. 

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

I work hard, spend lots of time with my beautiful children, and like to eat good food and try new kinds of beer. 

What's your least favorite book to movie adaptation?

Man on Fire. Other than the character's names and the very loose premise, the book and the movie were nothing alike. Not even set in the same country. 

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Jen's Book Thoughts 

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

The All Rounder

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Thank you for joining us today, George! 

Remember to check out George's blog, 

The Thirty Year Itch, and leave a comment or question.

Featuring: Charlotte of A Place on the Bookshelf

Today please welcome Charlotte, who blogs at A Place on the Bookshelf.


How long have you been blogging?
5 months :)


Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
My blog not only features discussions about books and the odd review but I talk about my Creative Writing course at university and talk about other bits too - like crafts and fashion/beauty. Hopefully it appeals to many other bloggers out there!


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
Yes! I love writing annotations in books, but then that's because I love the look of a used book and putting your own mark on things! When I was doing coursework in English at secondary school and we had to annotate books I got really excited...haha


What's your favorite place to read?
I love reading in bed or on the sofa with a blanket and a cup of tea. As long as I'm cosy and warm I'm happy to read there!


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...
Extremely full. But organised! At uni, I have one shelf of 'to be read', one shelf of 'read' and my last shelf is other things like plays and books for my course.


My TBR pile is...
Ridiculously large. But I will tackle it! I keep meaning to read certain books but then buy newer ones and forget about the ones I have left at home...


What's one book that intimidates you?
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace - it's around 1000 pages long and has footnotes that are endnotes, so you'd have to keep flicking back and forth to figure out what's going on. Eventually I will read it but reading something a little simpler is more motivating, especially during assignment time!


How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
I like to blog and do crafty things and watch a lot of TV and films...oops. At the moment I'm working on a Christmas stocking for my dog, Jack :) I also like to bake, although I haven't done that for a while. Most of my time is taken up with uni work though.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?
My favourite ones are The Shawshank Redemption, The Great Gatsby, The Green Mile and Fight Club.


What are 3 of your must-read blogs?
A Bookish Heart
Hailes Heart Fashion
A Beautiful Mess


Thank you for joining us today, Charlotte!

Remember to check out Charlotte's blog, A Place on the Bookshelf, and leave a comment or question for her below!

Priscilla from Priscilla and Her Books

Today please welcome Priscilla, who blogs at Priscilla and Her Books.



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

Priscilla and her Books. It's pretty straightforward, I would say.


How long have you been blogging?

I'm a newbie book blogger. I've been in the blogosphere since late November 2012.


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

I include memorable book quotes.


What genres do you write about most, and why?

It varies. I've been reviewing a lot of fantasy books these days.


What's your earliest memory of reading?

I was 10. My parents enrolled me in a day care centre. I wasn't too fond with the idea at first, but when I spotted the mini library at the recreation room, I changed my mind. The rest of the kids were more interested in the computers games (neopets, sonic), so I had the library to myself.


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

Matilda by Roald Dahl. I misplaced (the worst thing a reader could do) the copy so I plan to buy a new one. The Third Eye by Lois Duncan has a special spot in my heart, as well.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

If it's in pencil, I think I can handle that. Ultimately, it's the content. Your feelings, opinions, favourite characters etc...


What's your favorite place to read?

A comfy couch in a quiet room. With hot chocolate or honey lemon tea!


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

If I'm reading on my tablet, my glasses.


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

my buddies.


My TBR pile is...

increasing day by day. I really want to read S. by J. J. Abrams and Doug Dorst!


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

I haven't found a book like that. I look forward to reading it.


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

I didn't enjoy Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.


To DNF or not to DNF?

Gosh, I had to google this stands for! It depends. If it's a badly written book, stop reading it. I always say that life is too short for crappy books.


What's one book that intimidates you?

Any book that has horror, gore and/or violence.


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

This is a fabulous question, though, can I get back to you?


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

Writing or basically just scribbling thoughts in my journal. I also enjoy blogging and hunting for vintage apparels and music on spotify.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

The Help is probably my favourite. It's different, but in a good way. The entire cast especially Jessica Chastain (my bias) did a beautiful job.


What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• http://alittleblogofbooks.wordpress.com/
• http://www.brainpickings.org/
• http://thegaudyblog.com/

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

All-Rounder!


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

Kris from Murder Lab

Today please welcome Kris, who blogs at Murder Lab.

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

Murder Lab is a workshop for the mystery/thiller genres. "Murder" because ... it's for mysteries and thrillers. "Lab" because a) I like thinking of mystery and thriller writers like mad scientists in a lab cooking up literary Frankensteins. And also because I am a mad scientist in my day job.

How long have you been blogging?

My first blog was a travel blog detailing a solo trip to Egypt that I took in October 2010...sort of like an online diary that I kept just to keep myself sane on the trip. After that, I was hooked.

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

As mentioned before, Murder Lab is a niche blog, strictly focused on the mystery and thriller genres. The blog is fairly interactive; we have a very cool, loyal following and discuss everything from plot and character development to book reviews to ins and outs of publishing and marketing.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Mysteries and thrillers

What's your earliest memory of reading?

When my brother was 5 and I was 3, he was in kindergarten and thought it would be funny to teach me how to read. So every day he came home from kindergarten and worked on it with me, which we kept secret from our parents. One day I went in and showed my mom that I could read. She thought I was some kind of child genius and didn't believe me when I told her my five-year-old brother had been teaching me for the entire school year.

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

I don't tend to re-read books. There are always so many new ones!

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Hell to the no. 

What's your favorite place to read?

On the couch, by the fire, in the winter, wearing sweats, with a cup of something hot next to me, covered in sleeping dogs.

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

Not really.

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

Overstacked.

My TBR pile is...

Too high.

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

Angels and Demons, by Dan Brown. I was already into reading mysteries and thrillers and writing mysteries and thrillers, but this book really was the one that made me want to write historical thrillers. So it's fair to say it shaped my focus.

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

I can't think of one, or rather, I can always find someone else as freaky as I am to like the same book.

To DNF or not to DNF?

Sob. I always finish books, even if I hate it. Annoys me.

What's one book that intimidates you?

Anything by Khaled Hosseini. Even though he's outside of the genres that I normally read, I absolutely love his books and they make me feel like, "wow, just when I thought I could write..."

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

I have to agree with the previous blogger who said "The Great Library of Alexandria." This place features prominently in my own novel, and shaped the world as we know it, and yet, we don't even know what it looked like or exactly where it was. Damn. I would love to visit Alexandria in its heyday, browse through the library, and climb the lighthouse.

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

Writing. Oh, wait...

Hanging with my husband and my dogs, watching movies, walking on the beach, having a drink somewhere with a cool view...

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Mystery Writing is Murder
Murder is Everywhere
Sisters in Crime

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

Virginia Voelker from The Literary Brigand

Today please welcome Virginia Voelker, 

who blogs at The Literary Brigand.

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

I liked the visual of somebody laying in wait deep in the library to ambush people with books. And a cutlass. You have to have the cutlass. Possibly held between your teeth.  

How long have you been blogging?

Just over two years.  

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

I'll read pretty much anything. If I think it's interesting in some way I'll review it. Genres and age don't deter me. As far as I'm concerned a well written book is a well written book, and even a badly written book can be very interesting.      

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Fiction, Mystery, and Science Fiction are the genres that seem to draw me the most. I think I tend towards those areas because they can be the most formulaic but also the least formulaic.  

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I had a fourth grade teacher who handed us a reading list at the beginning of the school year, and pointed us toward the library. We had to give him a certain number of oral book reports by the end of the year. I was horrified. I don't think I'd ever read a chapter book by myself before. Then "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" captured my imagination, and I never looked back. Best assignment ever.  

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

"Little Women" was the first book I read over and over, and is probably the book I've reread most over the years. "Anne of Green Gables" has to be a close second. I had a friend in elementary school named Kristen. She got me started on the Anne series, and so many other books. She also taught me all the etiquette that goes with borrowing books. No bent pages, no spills, no broken bindings. She was a life saver even at 11. It's so hard to be a reader in a family of non readers. I'm pretty sure she lent me my first bodice ripper in high school too. We lost touch long ago but I always expect to run across her book blog one day. She had great taste.  

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Yes, but only if you're loaning it to someone, and only in pencil.  

What's your favorite place to read?

Curled up in bed. Three pillows, one sheet, one blanket, one glass of wine, and stack of books.  

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

Besides my library card?   

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

lagging behind their work load.  

My TBR pile is...

two feet four inches tall at this moment. Which is good because my bedside table has a functional height limit of three feet two and a half inches. Please don't ask how I know that.  

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

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This was probably the first "classic" that I picked up and read on my own rather than for a school assignment. I have read many others since then. But this one was my gateway drug, if you will. It made a lot of other books seem like they might be interesting. Without Doyle I never would have read H. Ridder Haggard, or Dumas, or possibly Austen and the Brontes. And that would have been sad. 

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

The whole Ya Ya Sisterhood thing left me cold. Twilight too.  

To DNF or not to DNF?

I'm a big fan of the skim. I'll at least look at the last few pages.  

What's one book that intimidates you?

 "A Hundred Years of Solitude" by: Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Actually really all of Marquez. I have tried. I just can't.  

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

The Gladstone Library Bed and Breakfast in England. Trying to talk my husband into it someday soon.  

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

Mostly right now I knit, and I play video games. There used to be more, but being a parent has focused my energy.  

What's your least favorite book to movie adaptation?

Disney's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". I hate it with a passion.  

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Lady with Books
Scandalous Women
Craft

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

Eclectic Reader. Not really surprised by that.  

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Thank you for joining us today, Virginia Voelker! Remember to check out Virginia's blog, The Literary Brigand, and leave a comment or question.