Featured Blogger: Arabella of The Genteel Arsenal

Today please welcome Arabella, who blogs at The Genteel Arsenal.

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

The blog title came about because I liked the Dr Who quote about libraries being the greatest arsenal you could ever have and another quote from Terry Pratchett about bookshops being like genteel blackholes that know how to read. I think of libraries as being genteel arsenals, that arm readers against all the challenges life can throw at them.

How long have you been blogging?

Since 2009, maybe earlier, I have changed platforms since starting and I am no longer really sure when I started, it may have been 2008.

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

It is unique because it is my opinion and my reaction to what I read. I guess it is also a bit eclectic, my interests are really broad ranging and sometimes I blog about books related to work. I am just really curious, so read a lot, any genre or any topic.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Mostly contemporary literary fiction, with some classics and non fiction. The non fiction is mainly history or natural history but it could be anything really. When I am working in young adult libraries I read and review YA and kids literature but YA becomes sporadic when not employed in those environments. I also read the occasional steampunk and crime but my taste in crime tends towards the quirky, authors like Christopher Fowler or Ben Aaronovitch.

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 some pressure to respond to comments but I do try and make a point of finding time to respond and to visit other blogs and leave comments although sometimes I just like to visit blogs and not feel I have to comment.

What's one book you think everyone should read?

That's hard but for girls I think Jane Eyre is a must read.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Definitely yes, only in books you own, although I rarely do it myself I do sometimes underline and occasionally make a personal observation. I really love some of my second hand editions where previous owners have made their own observations and responses, for me they add to the character and appeal of the book. I also feel that it is wrong to fetishize books and get all precious over keeping them pristine. While I feel it is right to value and look after books I also feel there is nothing wrong with showing your love by interacting with the text and wear and tear that goes with reading a text over and over again. A paperback can be replaced, it is not a medieval manuscript.

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

In my library at home or sitting in a cosy coffee shop.

Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.

Yes I suspect Amazon is the evil empire for a number of reasons, just one big one is the monopoly they seem to have built with buying up other retailers and the fact that their pricing has damaged the smaller bricks and mortar independents, some of whom provide amazing service and product knowledge that will be really missed if it disappears. I personally make a point of supporting good independents but that is not to say that I don't buy online, I do but I tend to support smaller online providers.

What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?

I have learnt not to be afraid of being myself and saying what I think.

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

Both, I guess. But don't you just hate it when you buy a book for the cover and what is between the covers actually disappoints?

To DNF or not to DNF?

In theory I believe life is too short for bad books, in reality I find it very hard to give up on a book.

What's one book that intimidates you?

James Joyce Ulysses and I feel bad for never being brave enough to start it. 

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

Northern England, Haworth and the Yorkshire moors of the Bronte sisters. I have visited once before but would go again if opportunity arose. I would also love to visit Whitby, made famous as the landing place of Dracula.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Rarely does a movie do justice to a book but I think Emma Thompson's adaptation of Sense and Sensibility was just brilliant.

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

Not surprisingly this was the result:
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, Arabella! 

Remember to check out Arabella's blog, The Genteel Arsenal, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Angelica from Paperback Princess!

Today please welcome Angelica, who blogs about young adult novels and chick lit at Paperback Princess.

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

I've been told that I'm a bit high-maintenance and princess-y and because I am always with a book whether it's on my phone, ereader or a printed copy, they thought it'd be perfect....I had a shortlist then enlisted my Facebook friends to help me choose which was the best. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I cannot articulate enough how much I love the YA-genre. Prior to Twilight it was hard pressed to find fantastic YA novels but since then our shelves have been bombarded with GREAT YA Authors and stories and I love, love, love it!

In YA there are no rules, it doesn't have to be realistic, the characters do not have to be mature, they can be sullen but still great, they can be bratty but still emerge at the end as a hero, I think that's what I love about YA, no rules.

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?

Definitely keeping up with the Joneses so to speak.

There are so many fantastic blogs out there who have fabulous content and seems to be reviewing all the soon to be released popular books and I sometimes get caught up in the whirlwind on trying to keep up.

The best way to deal with this pressure is to be true to yourself. Be reasonable with your personal expectation of yourself and your blog.

Being organised also helps. I got a Blog Planner which helps me see what posts are scheduled for which days, so if I do a review I can see the best spot to slot it in.

You don't need to beat the best, you only need to be the best you can be. 

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Definitely not. I only excuse this for Author Signing. 

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

I'd love to say this:

but unfortunately I am not that lucky. I read where I can, the bus, the train, my study, in bed, at stoplights...ok I'm kidding about the last one (kinda). 

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

I love beautiful covers, I most especially love the covers with beautiful dresses featured on it like The Selection Series by Kiera Cass. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

I used to persevere when reading a book, but since becoming a book blogger I have changed my stance on this.

I now DNF as there are just so many fantastic books out there that I don't want to waste my time forcing myself to read ones I can't get into when I can spend that time reading another book that won't be so torturous to read. 

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

Definitely Warner Bros London so I can see the Harry Potter Studio. I'd love to taste a Butterbeer and shop at Diagon Alley. 

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

Shopping, makeup, scrapbooking watching movies and TV series' and spending time with my loved ones. 

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Whilst I'd love to see my fave books on the big screen, most often than not it's really disappointing as the movie doesn't capture the story as well as the book, but one exception was the Harry Potter series.

I also enjoyed watching The Hunger Games, Vampire Academy, Divergent and City of Bones, but they certainly wasn't anywhere as good as the books. 

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

Featured Blogger: Laura of Born and Read

Today please welcome Laura, who blogs at Born and Read.

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How long have you been blogging?

I'm a relative newbie - I started my blog in June 2014.

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

Like pretty much every book blogger out there, I love books, and I've worn out all my friends talking about them, so now I'm trying out a new audience. I like to think that what makes my blog unique is me - ok that sounded really conceited. But what I mean is that everyone has their own personal take on things, and that's what makes everyone's blogs unique. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I mostly write about literary fiction, because that's what I read the most of, but I'm really trying to broaden my reading horizons, so I've been reading (and blogging about) a bit of YA and romance as well. 

What's one book you think everyone should read?

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, although I am halfway through All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and it is freaking fantastic, so that one as well.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Hmmm, it depends. Definitely no writing in someone else's books, but I have been known to write in the margins of my own. It's pretty rare though - if I read something I love I usually take a photo of it and type it out later. 

Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.

Oh man, I really don't know. I have a Kindle and I love it, but I also feel a little twinge of guilt every time I buy a book from Amazon. I also think that living in Australia means I don't necessarily see all of Amazon's reach. We don't have an Australian Amazon (yet), so no one's getting their nappies delivered by drones and the postage charges kind of price them out of the physical book market here, at least for me.  

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

Everyone I come into contact with loves Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and I couldn't stand it! I thought it was a great idea with a complete lack of follow through. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

That is the question...for which I don't have a definitive answer. I lived strictly in the no quit zone for ages, but recently I've realised that life is too short to read something I'm not enjoying. But that doesn't mean I don't feel intense guilt when I DNF.  

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

I thought the movie version of The Book Thief didn't suck. I was really surprised with how much I liked the movie, because I loved the book so much and this usually means that the movie will be a gigantic disappointment. 

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

The Best and Worst of Literary Love
Review: How to be both – Ali Smith
Negative Reading Experiences and Second Chances

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, Laura! Remember to check out Laura's blog, Born and Read, and leave a comment or question.

Angelique from Angel Reads

Today please welcome Angelique, who blogs at Angel Reads!



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

The meaning being Angel Reads the name of my book blog is pretty simple, My names Angel and I post about the books I read. Haha. It not that creative.


How long have you been blogging?

I have been really blogging for about 4 months but i have had my blog going for about 7 months.


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

I don't really know what makes my blog unique. I just post true reviews about the books I read.


What genres do you write about most, and why?

I post a whole heap of genres, but i think the Supernatural/Dystopia/Fantasy is what I mostly write about. I have always liked these types of books so they are the books that I mostly read.


What's your earliest memory of reading?

My earliest Memory of reading was probably after Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone come out in the movies. I watch the movie and loved it, so my mum brought the book and she read it too me. I think I was about 4 or 5.


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

Any of the Harry Potter Books. I love them the most and I just can't stop reading them.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

If they are for school then I'm kinda ok with it, but I try my best not to. 


What's your favorite place to read?

My favourite place to read is in my bed under the blankets in the winter especially. I just love cuddling in my blankets. In Summer i love sitting outside on the chairs in the backyard.


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

A Pen and paper or my laptop, so I can write notes how I feel about the book and write quotes that hit me. I love quotes so if I read one that I love I need to write it down.


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

full and I need more.


My TBR pile is...

Big! opps haha. There is just so many good books out or coming out they just keep on bringing so many good books out.


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

I have said this Series alot but Harry Potter it was my Childhood, I grew up with it.


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

hmmm I can't think of any.


What's one book that intimidates you?

The Inheritance Cycle they are just so big and bulky.


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

The Wizardry World of Harry Potter haha. I just love Harry Potter.


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

I like to draw or paint. I'm not the best but it's fun.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Hmm My favourite Harry Potter or the City of Bones I thought that was done pretty goof. Least favourite Percy Jackson.


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

All-Rounder!


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

Shelleyrae from Book'd Out

Today please welcome Shelleyrae, who blogs at Book'd Out.

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

There wasn't any specific meaning when I chose it, I just wanted something with 'book' in the title - it turned out to be prophetic though - I am often booked out months in advance!

How long have you been blogging?

Three years, it doesn't seem as if it could possibly have been that long though.

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

I read a a lot, around 250 books a year so I post around 5 book reviews a week, sometimes more, rarely less. Around half of the books I read and review are by Australian authors as I am an avid supporter of the Australian Women Writers Challenge and Australian authors in general. Book'd Out also hosts the annual Eclectic Reader Challenge.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Most of what I choose to read and review is for adults and I prefer contemporary fiction. I consider myself an eclectic reader, but I tend to read a lot of general fiction, crime fiction and its various subgenres and women's fiction/chicklit. I also enjoy Urban Fantasy and the odd non fiction title. I'm willing to read anything that piques my interest though.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

My earliest memories probably involve the fortnightly visits by the mobile library. The big green bus would park just a few meters away from our house and I would spend hours in there. I was always reluctant to see it leave.

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

I rarely re-read books, though I know I read Are You There God, It's Me Margaret and Forever by Judy Blume more than once as a pre-teen.

What's your favorite place to read?

I'll read anywhere, though most often I am curled up in the corner of the lounge. 

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

My Kindle Touch and my iPad - I read on both and love being able to take my books with me where ever I go.

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

groaning! 

My TBR pile is...

out of control!

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

Every book changes my life in some way -I think every book has something to teach us.

To DNF or not to DNF?

I DNF maybe a handful of books a year - it's never an easy choice to make and I always feel irrationally guilty.

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

I watch a lot of TV... from drama's to documentary's to trashy reality shows.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

I love the Anne of Green Gables mini series, I watch it whenever it's on.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Giraffe Days
Kittlings Books
Alpha Reader 

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

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, Shelleyrae! Remember to check out Shelleyrae's blog, Book'd Out, and leave a comment or question.

Monique from Write Note Reviews

Please welcome Monique, who blogs at Write Note Reviews.

Questions:


What is the name of your book blog?

Write Note Reviews http://writenotereviews.wordpress.com/

How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging seriously about January 2012 after I left my job as a newspaper editor. I’d been fortunate enough to review books while working in media, so I just made a few calls to my contacts and went from there. Now I review regularly for about 10 publishers in Australia.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I review across a number of genres, but most books probably fall into the contemporary fiction, historical fiction, crime/thriller/suspense and romance categories.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I don’t really remember not reading. I’ve always had my nose in a book. Well, nearly always! I think I inhaled books.

What was the first book you read over and over?

Probably The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Still love it!

What book have you re-read the most?

That’s hard. It’s a toss-up between Jane Eyre and Anne of Green Gables.

What's your favorite place to read?

In my new reading chair. It’s gorgeous! I picked it up at a garage sale last week and it is a beautiful French-style chair with walnut carving around the legs and arms. Other than that, anywhere I can be uninterrupted.

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

A blanket in winter. I can read without munchies … but I am partial to them, especially popcorn.

Finish the sentence:

My bookshelves are...

groaning under the weight of all my books.

My TBR pile is...

overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Is that possible?

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

I don’t think I can limit myself to one. Different books have met different needs at different times. Reading books about living in Italy have affirmed my outlook on the way I cook and live (sadly, without the actual living in Italy bit); the Bible has met spiritual needs at different times; cookbooks never fail to inspire me. All books have changed my life because they have enhanced it and allowed me to embrace my imagination and the thoughts of others.

One book you like that no one else seems to? How about a book that you dislike and everyone else seems to love?

I’ll answer these together. No specific titles are coming to mind, but the way I see it, we’re born with different tastes, desires and needs. Sometimes a book will meet a certain need for you, but doesn’t for others. Does that make it no good? No. It’s all subjective. Like a good wine, books are bound to taste different for every consumer.

What's one book that intimidates you?

Les Miserables. I have tried to read it, but have not yet succeeded.

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

Also a hard question … as a child I wanted to see the Lake of Shining Waters with Anne (Anne of Green Gables), as well as Mary’s secret garden (The Secret Garden) with Dickon and Mary. These days, I’m easily swayed by all the wonderful places I read about, but the Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy as described by Marlena de Blasi would probably be at the top of the list.

How about non-book related hobbies?

What do you do when you don't feel like reading? Cook. I love cooking feasts and treats for my family. I also enjoy writing, photography, walking and going to op shops.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Can I choose two? Chocolat and Lord of the Rings.

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

Funny that … when I started book blogging, I thought it was a pretty original idea. Not, as it turned out. Mine is ‘unique’ in that it’s my voice … other than that, I add a bookish treat idea to the end of each review – a book and a treat all in one.

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

I’m an eclectic reader, or as I say, a bit of a licorice allsorts.

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