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 Suzy of Fiction Dreams

Today please welcome Suzy Turner, who blogs at Fiction Dreams.

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

Fiction Dreams was about day dreaming about books and fiction. Dreaming about all those wonderful stories out there.

How long have you been blogging?

Probably about 8 years or so but Fiction Dreams is still in its infancy - I created it last summer (2013)

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

Fiction Dreams specialises in books by women and/or for women. I've always loved women's fiction, whether it's chick lit, YA urban fantasy, romance, drama, historical or even horror and more! I've always tended to be drawn to books written by women so I wanted a place to celebrate those awesome women.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I am actually an author as well as a book blogger so I tend to read and write the same genres - chick lit and YA. However, since starting Fiction Dreams, I have read a lot more different genres and I find my tastes are far wider today than they were before. I've recently been introduced to the New Adult genre and I love it! 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I remember reading a book called Z for Zachariah when I was a kid. It had quite an impact on me at the time. In fact, I've just ordered it. I can't wait to see what I think of it so many years later!

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

The book I've re-read the most is actually Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. Surprisingly it's not the kind of book I would have imagined enjoying but whenever I pick it up, I can't put it down!

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

No, no no no no!! A book should be cared for and looked after. The only writing I agree with is an autograph!

What's your favorite place to read?

If it's not too hot or cold, I like to sit in my hammock in the garden and read. But otherwise, I love to curl up on the sofa. We are building a new summer house at the moment and I have a feeling that might become my new book nook :)

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

Well, my Kindle of course! I'm obsessed with it. What a fantastic invention. Note: I still adore my paperbacks too though. Oh, and my special Kindle cover which has a light attached to it so I can read at night and not bother my husband!

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

... full of books I haven't read yet. Since starting Fiction Dreams, I've been reading so many books on my Kindle that I haven't had time to read all those lovely paperbacks.

My TBR pile is...

... HUGE! And I'm so happy about that. I just adore having all these awesome books piling up reading for me to review :)

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

I'd actually say Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Not because it was so utterly spellbindingly amazing (which I admit to feeling at the time!), but because it kind of encouraged me to get off my butt (or on my butt) and start my own writing career.

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

The Time Traveller's Wife. I just could not get into it. Everybody else was raving about how awesome it was and when I read the synopsis, I figured it would totally be my kind of book. But nah... just wasn't, for some reason. *shrugs shoulders*

To DNF or not to DNF?

Life's too short to do stuff you don't enjoy so if I'm reading something that just isn't singing to me, then I'll stop reading. I used to feel guilty about it, but not any more. It's my time... I want to enjoy my time :)

What's one book that intimidates you?

War and Peace. Say no more.

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

Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, no question! In fact, I've just booked my next holiday where I get to visit them in Orlando!! YAY!! So excited... *almost falls off seat*

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

Watch my favourite TV shows and movies. At the moment I'm obsessed with Elementary, The Hart of Dixie, Castle. I'm even obsessed with Say Yes to the Dress!!
I'm also a huge yoga fan. I started 4 months ago because of a bad back and I'm like a new woman! I LOVE it :)

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

The Devil Wears Prada was pretty awesome - it was just as good on screen as off, which is unusual. The Bridget Jones books too.
I recently watched Vampire Academy (I haven't actually read the books yet though) and I was very disappointed.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• Books a la Mode
• Girls Love to Read
• Parajunkee 

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

The All-Rounder


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

Featuring Stephanie of Cover2CoverBlog

Today please welcome Stephanie, 

who blogs at Cover2CoverBlog.

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

Well it is super simple, because I am horribly uncreative with names. Reading a book cover to cover, front to back. My husband helped me pick it out. I really like it and think it is to the point and easy.

How long have you been blogging?

I have been a blogger for a little over 2 years, but it feels like forever. It really does take over your life (in a good way).

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

I tend to really enjoy the Young Adult and Middle Grade genres, and I know there are a lot of us out there but I just hope that my honesty in my reviews keeps it unique. On some very rare occasions I also have my younger sister (now 13) write reviews as well. I have a lot of younger siblings and cousins, so sharing books and reading is my passion.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Young Adult and Middle Grade, they keep me low-stress. I work 40 hours and run my blog too, so when I read I like it to be on the lighter side and something I can bring to work to read at lunch ... so no raunchy covers...

I love YA for the drama and pseudo-romance themes and enjoy the MG adventure for the witty ways to get kids to read. I love both for the world-building that allows me to escape into other places from the comfort of my couch. 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

Oh wow! Great question. I remember a lot of them, so I am not sure which is my earliest... but I was a horrible reader in Elementary school so they had me in a special reading program that paired the younger kids up with the 5-6th graders to help up. My mentor was a girl who was awesome and she helped me learn to read without me feeling dumb. When our tutoring sessions ended she gave me a copy of The Polar Express. To this day it is still one of my favorite books and when they made the movie in 2004 I (embarrassingly enough) cried through most of it over the memory of the book and how much it has impacted my life.

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

I am really not the type to re-read books, there are just too many to get to even once! But I have re-read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and the Harry Potter books.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Depends on the book!

For school books --I say go for it if you can, I kept lots of notes in my college books plus post its and highlighting. They can really be helpful for studying

In my 'for fun' reading books -- only if it is an authors signature :) For my review books if I want to note something I write it down in a notebook or type it up for my review later.

What's your favorite place to read?

I have a few, most of the time it is on my couch with blankets and with my dog and my cat piled on top of me. I am also a fan of a good bubble bath and a good book - so relaxing.

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

My iPad (does that count?). I use it to read. I have apps for reading all over it, plus Goodreads and Audible in case I need them to look things up. I also have my TBR list in Evernote on it to update as I read things. 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

a mess! I don't have enough shelves so they are stacked and double-stacked and I have piles all over. 

My TBR pile is...

Neverending. I am trying to be better though.

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

Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger, I read it as a teen and it was wonderful – it is about unrequited love and sexual awkwardness. It really had an impact and I still think it is one of the best YA books I have ever read. Highly recommend it!

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

Most recently, Weather Witch by Shannon Daleny. I was not a fan but a lot of the bloggers I follow seemed to really like it. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

When I began blogging and even as a reader, I would never DNF a book or a series for that matter. I always finished them even if I hated the next book or chapter.

Recently I have allowed myself to DNF a few books (Weather Witch included) because I could not get through them - it was painful, and reading should be enjoyable. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

Easy! A Game of Thrones and the A Song of Ice and Fire books. My husband, who is a proclaimed non-reader, has actually read them and loves them (funny because he hates reading). They scare the crap outta me, they are huge and have a huge following and I can't bring myself to read them (...yet).

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

I got: 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. 

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Thank you for joining us today, Stephanie! 

Remember to check out Stephanie's blog, Cover2CoverBlog, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Maddy of Symphony of Words

Today please welcome Maddy, 

who blogs at Symphony of Words.

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

It's relative and I think it can be interpreted in many ways, but for me, music is a very important part of my life - almost as much as reading and blogging, but not quite :P and I believe that some books have to the ability to make words sound like music, and most of the time they're my favorites, hence I chose the name Symphony of Words.

How long have you been blogging?

Oh, only about 3 months now. I started in March 2014.

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

It mainly focuses on the YA genre and all other sub genres. I guess what makes it unique the most is the music theme I have going, since it's a passion of mine that just can't be sated. Also, I think my header is pretty unique. Because I made it myself. Um. Yeah. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Mostly YA, since, well, I'm fifteen. I guess I just love how much can happen in fiction in the lives of teens and young adults that isn't realistically possible in this world. But then there are the contemporaries, which make me realize how much of fiction is tied to reality, and the whole things just makes me giddy with happiness. 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

A book on animals of the planet :) it was gifted to me by my cousin on my eighth birthday.

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

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. I can never get over that book. 

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Hell. To. The. No. :P 

What's your favorite place to read?

The settee of my room which overlooks the neighborhood. I love the drag air and reading combination. Makes me want to dance. 

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

Definitely my bookmarks. I never know which page I'm on if I don't have a bookmark. Also, a reading light. I'm basically a night owl and if I find something really interesting to read, I need my reading light charged and ready to go ASAP. 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

Nonexistent. Which means I don't currently have any bookshelves. I've just shifted to India from KSA, so all TNT books are just piled up inside my cupboard, covered my desk, and stacks and stacks of them in drawers and tables. I need to get a bookshelf ASAP. 

My TBR pile is...

currently housing approximately 300 books that need my immediate attention. 

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

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry. 

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

Everyone seems to love the Harry Potter books, but I take one look at the first page and can't bring myself to read them. Concerning HP, I broke the ultimate book blogger rule: I reasoned with myself by saying that I have seen and loved all the movies. What's the point of reading? I know, GASP. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

If I don't like a book and can't continue it, definitely DNF. I state the why's and how's of course, but I can never force myself to continue a book I don't enjoy. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor. If you've read it, you'll know why. *shudder*

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

Book Expo America, and live there forever. 

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

I watch movies, listen to music, scour YouTube for bloggers, try to learn French, and practice my coding skills (which are sadly at beginners stage as of today). I also love moving little things here and there and try to give my room a new look. 

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Probably The Hunger Games, but after a few weeks, I'm betting my answer will change to Divergent, since I love both books, and THG movie was beyond my expectations.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Nose Graze
Xpresso Reads
Effortlessly Reading 

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

Well, what do you know!

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, Maddy! 

Remember to check out Maddy's blog, Symphony of Words, 

and leave a comment or question.

L.A. Times Festival of Books: A Book Lover's Dream

Please welcome Anastasia from Here There Be Books as she gives us a little more information about the LA Times Festival of Books!

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2013 Festival Logo

The LA Times Festival of Books is a big celebration of books and authors and the people who love books and authors! It happens every year on an April weekend; this year's festival was my third time going.

Author Joyce Maynard and I during a signing of her book,
Labor Day (one of the freebie books I got this year!).

I'm still trying to figure out how to make my festival trips awesome, but I think the secret is in packing my schedule full of panels and signings. (Which I didn't do this year-- mistake!-- and that's why I'm determined to make next year EVEN BETTER.) 

The best part of this year's festival for me was definitely meeting up with fellow bloggers. Worst part: listening to an author read his poetry in the style of William Shatner.

The shuttle stop at Union Station. The festival shuttle is free
and runs about every 20 minutes or so.

Here is some advice on how to rock #bookfest, which I have curated from years of wandering around not knowing what to do.

Talk to the people in the booths! They're trying to sell you something for sure, but they can also be really nice. Do NOT sign up for the "win a getaway" contests. They just want your information for nefarious purposes.

Bring water, an umbrella/parasol, sunglasses, sunscreen, and anything else you'd need to feel comfortable on a sunny day. This year's festival had weird weather-- cold in the morning, scorching in the afternoon. Since most of it is outside, I was alternatively freezing and burning! Yay, fun!

Keep an eye out for the freebies. You can get some nice things if you're not afraid to stand in line for a little bit. This year I got two signed books, a coffee mug, and drink samples. Yummy!

Meet people in shaded places. Some fellow book bloggers and I met up during the festival (exciting!) and I was super glad that we managed to get under some trees. Other good places to meet: the steps of Bovard Auditorium, the secluded area between the food court and another building, and that one place I found but am not telling about because it's my secret place so there.

Speaking of meeting people: the Tommy Trojan statue is a central, easy-to-spot monument that works great for both finding your friends AND figuring out the festival map.

The YA panel was in 2013 and has Kiersten White, Rachel Cohn,
Tahereh Mafi, Michelle Gagnon and mod Aaron Hartzler. 

Ditch the panels you're not into and be prepared to stand in line for AGES for the ones you really want. Every year there's at least three Big Time Authors doing panels/readings/interviews, outside of the many celebrity-turned-authors. For instance, this year John Green and Rainbow Rowell were both there doing panels and signing stuff, and the lines were INSANE. 

If you want to be guaranteed a seat, be sure to get a ticket online before the festival starts. And after the panel, prepare to stand in MORE lines-- this time for the autographing session! The signing line for John Green was wrapped around an entire park twice. If you really want that signature, bring comfy shoes and a good attitude.

The Keurig machine where festival goers got freebie
full-sized samples of their choice of flavor. Yummy!

Eat at the food trucks. They're expensive, but DELICIOUS! I had a smoked apple pork crepe with apple chutney and some sort of salad. omg, so good! Protip: get your food early, as in before noon. After noon it is PACKED, but before is surprisingly empty of people in lines.

 And most of all: have fun! If you aren't having fun, get a smoothie and try again.

Featuring Kim of Sophisticated Dorkiness

Today please welcome Kim, 

who blogs at Sophisticated Dorkiness.

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

The name of my blog, Sophisticated Dorkiness, comes from a conversation I had with a friend in college. This friend had really good taste in music compared to my, comparably, dorky favorites. He told me that it's ok to have dorky tastes in some areas as long as you can be sophisticated in others. I like to think of "sophisticated dorkiness" as loving both high-brow and low-brow things and not being ashamed of either. 

How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging for six years, since May 2008. 

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

Even though I love to read a variety of genres, my blog has become known for reviews and writing about nonfiction. I love having that niche because it helps me focus on what books to write about and on what books to accept for review.

I recently started a feature called the Nonfiction Recommendation Engine where I offer personalized recommendations to readers. I think that feature has been really popular. 

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I write primarily about nonfiction, but I also love to do reviews of graphic novels, audio books, and literary fiction. 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I've always been a fast reader, so when I was a kid I used to check out huge stacks of books from the library. Eventually, I started picking out books based on how fat they were. That's how I ended up reading Little Women when I was very young and all of the Michael Crichton books when I was in middle school. 

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

I've read Frankenstein four or five times for different classes in high school and college. 

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Depends? I use to write in books in college all the time, but I do it less now... I'm not sure why. I love seeing my marginalia in old books, so maybe I should start again!

What's your favorite place to read?

If it's nice, I love to be outside with a book. Otherwise, I love curling up on my couch with a mug of tea and my cat, Hannah. 

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

I tend to take notes in a Google Doc that I access with my cell phone, but if that's not available scribble on the Post-It note I'm using for a bookmark. 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

very full, but very specifically organized. 

My TBR pile is...

out of control!

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

The book that made me finally understand how amazing, deep and complicated that literature could be was Heart of Darkness, which I read for the first time when I was a junior in high school. 

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

I have a soft spot for Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe. It's not very good and really weird, but I spent a lot of time picking it apart for my senior paper in college and so it's weirdness has endeared it to me. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

I'm coming around to Camp DNF, but it's been a slow transition. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

I don't have a specific book, but two authors who scare me a bit are Haruki Murakami and Toni Morrison. I think I'm worried I won't be smart enough to "get" their writing. 

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?

I try to do some crafting -- cross stitch and crocheting -- and cooking when I have time. I also like to watch television. 

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

I hated the adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I thought it was really awful. 

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

The 3R's Blog
Write Meg!
Estella's Revenge

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

The Exacting Eclectic Reader

Your responses showed you fitting into two different groups - the exacting reader and the eclectic 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.

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, Kim! 

Remember to check out Kim's blog, Sophisticated Dorkiness, 

and leave a comment or question.

Mark Your Calendars: DWJ March

(Granny Diana by yellow crayola crayon)

Who: Organized by Kristen M. of We Be Reading with contributions by many others

What: A month-long celebration of all things Diana Wynne Jones

When: March, every year since 2012

Where: The We Be Reading blog and the DWJ March tumblr and #dwjmarch on Twitter

Why: Jenny of Reading the End hosted a Diana Wynne Jones Week in August 2010 which was a big success. Sadly, Diana passed away the next year in March of 2011. So, when the first anniversary of her death came around, Kristen decided to resurrect the dedicated week, make it a month instead, and spend all of March celebrating Diana’s life and work rather than solely mourning her passing.

The events and features vary each year to keep it fun and have included daily prompts, guest posts, read-alongs, watch-alongs and giveaways. The 4th Annual DWJ March will begin on … March 1, 2015! All fans (and even those new to DWJ) are welcome to join and participate as much or as little as they can. Details will go up on the blog and tumblr in February.