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: 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: Muhammad Saad Khan of DePorridge

Today please welcome Muhammad Saad Khan, who blogs at DePorridge.

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How long have you been blogging?

A month

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I usually read YA,general fiction,classics,fantasy and sci fi.But I also read any ARC that I win/receive. 

What's one book you think everyone should read?

The Quran 

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

no

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

Both

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

Hogwarts

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

Soccer and MOOCs

What's your favorite or least favorite book to movie adaptation?

The Fault in our Stars

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

Eclectic Reader

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Thank you for joining us today, Muhammad Saad Khan! 

Remember to check out Muhammad Saad Khan's blog, DePorridge, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featured Blogger: Vivien from Reading in Wonderland

Today please welcome Vivien, who blogs at Reading in Wonderland.

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

Before I created my blog, I talked to two of my friends. But, we couldn't agree on anything. So, I combined two of my favorite things: Alice in Wonderland+Reading+ Reading in Wonderland.
Unfortunately, that url was taken.

How long have you been blogging?

6-7ish months

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

I make too many references to random things. Pop culture references, music references, books, fangirl, etc. I dish out my feelings with almost no filter. I use too many gifs to aid this process.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I read mostly Fantasy and Contemporary books. I love Fantasy books because I really enjoy seeing an author's creativity. I love seeing how well they translate their ideas to words. But, after reading too many Fantasy novels. I NEED SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

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 pressure to write AMAZING reviews that get featured into books daily. Unfortunately, I don't read that fast and I have to contribute to goodreads. So, I kinda made a really unorganized system.

What's one book you think everyone should read?

Stolen: A Letter to my Captor. ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOK.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

IT'S A SIN! There's a reason why post-its and notepads were created....

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

I love reading on my couch, balancing on a leg of a chair, or on my bed. Unfortunately, my laptop is messed up so I have to use the desktop computer in my parents' room.

Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.

YES! It distributes weird smelling books... ok.... that happened once. I prefer getting books at my local book store. Amazon ruins book shopping. I love running around the bookstore looking for book and grabbing it once I find it.

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

Eh...better not...I'm insecure with my face

What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?

How to write better reviews.

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

I judge books by their covers. I mean, everyone does. You look at a cover before you read the synopsis.

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

Any mainstream book that booktubers spoke about let me down...so much hype over such poorly/unintriguing books

To DNF or not to DNF?

DNF very bad books with no substance

What's one book that intimidates you?

Lolita

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

Hogwarts...lol no. Probably into the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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

I cook or yell at people. Food & Raging=Life

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Least favorite: Percy Jackson
Most: ANYTHING Nicholas Sparks

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

Vivian Divine Is Dead by Khanh
Kill Me Softly (Beau Rivage, #1)  by Khanh
Shatter Me by Emily May

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

The All Arounder

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

Featured Blogger: Riley from Book Blogs!

Today please welcome Riley, who blogs at Book Blogs!

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How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for about a year and a half now!

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

No! The only writing that should be in books is the actual story not anything else!

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

At the beach, I love reading while hearing the waves crashing on the sand!

What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?

I have learned so much such as how to get noticed and make better posts. Other bloggers have been so kind and helped me so much and I'm so thankful! 

What's one book that intimidates you?

There are so many books, such as A Tale Of Two Cities, that I want to read yet I can never bring myself to read them because they look so thick and the text looks really small and I'm afraid I'll get bored!

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

I love to figure skate, I love jumping and even just gliding across the ice. It makes me feel so free! :)

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Thank you for joining us today, Riley! Remember to check out Riley's blog, Book Blogs!, 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.