Hello Friday! Hello Follow Friday with book bloggers! Meet Brenna and her amazing book recommendations!
Follow Brenna M's Book Blog: http://brennam.booklikes.com/
What are you reading right now? How do you like it?
City of Hope by Kate Kerrigan. So far, I am enjoying this. It’s set in 1930’s in Ireland. Historical fiction always interests me., but I’m just starting off so we’ll see. The character is a strong female character who just loses her husband, and goes back to New York City rather than stay in small town Ireland.
The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright. I’m just a chapter or 2 into this one as well, but I am liking this one a little better. Add a little mystery to the historical fiction, and my interest is peaked. A woman purchases an old house sight unseen and wants to renovate. And the mystery starts as she arrives to find it delapitated and with a lot of old folklore stories about it.
Which book made you a book lover?
The Cay by Theodore Taylor. I was 9 years old and saw the movie with James Earl Jones and just had to read the book. Ever since then, my love for books and libraries started. I loved disappearing into the Caribbean in the Cay and that idea of disappearing into a book is just as strong. The thought of visiting a different US state or a different country sometimes makes me feel like I have actually been there. All of this just by browsing a shelf or two at the local library.
How did your book blogging adventure start? What do you enjoy the most about it?
About 5 years ago, I saw something posted about a book giveaway. It was on Goodreads and I signed up for that one and a few others. I actually won 2 of them almost right away. I did not feel comfortable about not at least rating it. So for any book I have received either in a giveaway or offered from author, I rated it and wrote a review. Some time later, every book I read was reviewed. One of the things I was and still am not fond of on the one site, though, is there is not a lot of interaction between myself and the friends list I had. And that meant fewer reviews that I read, and fewer recommendations from friends. I found Booklikes and started to share my reviews and a few quotes. I found it a lot more interactive when it came to having a strong feeling about a book and wanting to talk about it. I’ve met a lot of great people, and my “friends list”/followers list is a little more international as well.
You mention that you have Italian, German and irish roots in your family. Does it reflect your reading preferences?
It does reflect a lot more than I realized at first. My grade school was not very diverse but did encourage a lot of reading. The books that I tended to lean to and pick out myself always were in a different culture (i.e. a book set in the south or in England, or with the main character being from a foreign country).
Which books are you most excited recommending to your followers?
The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko by Scott Stambach. I loved this book and cannot wait to read more of Mr. Stambach. This was his debut novel, set in an orphanage for “gravely ill” children because Ivan was born with physical disabilities. Mr. Stambach has used humor, heartach, love and hope beautifully in this book with a not so “perfect” main character. I couldn’t help but love Ivan by the end of the book.
Tobit and the Hoodoo Man by E.S. Kraay is another one I really enjoyed. This is a combination of historical fiction set during the Civil War and mystical realism. 3 dimensional characters through the book, good story telling, definitely I found it well written and I didn’t want to put it down.
Tin Lily by Joann Swanson. Another debut author. I found this book short, yet captivating. This is a young adult novel, and the topic is a tough one from the first chapter when Lily witnesses her mom’s murder.
How do you find new books to read?
My more fun way to do this is, time willing, to walk up and down a few of the aisles of the library. The closet one has a library staff pick area, a seasonal area or a topic specific area (i.e. photograpy, gardening, politics, whatever), and even a teen pick on the endcaps of the aisles. Always fun going through those aisles. Used book sales are of interest to me, too. I love browing the books and seeing what pages have been earmarked or if the person put their name in it to see where it came from.
Are you an adventurous reader picking up new genres or are you loyal to your favorite book genres?
I am gradually getting better at being adventurous, but young adult and historical fiction still tend to be the go to genres.
How much time do you spend reading daily?
Unfortunately it’s not always daily. I try to get at least a half an hour in every day, if not more.
What are you three favorite book covers?
I’m not sure if I really have a favorite cover. I do check them out, sometimes the first impression with the title helps me to decide. But I usually don’t spend too much time on them. (sorry, front cover artists).
You write: My local library is one of my favorite hangouts. How often do you visit your library?
I try at least twice a week. If i take too long in getting back, the staff start asking where I’ve been!
Why reading is important to you?
It’s my down time, relax time. A way for me to get out of the stress related run on sentences runnig through my head after a long day at work. A perfect stay-cation kind of moment.
How do you choose your next book to read?
See # 6. For the official next book, I tend to read series books in order and close to gether. If not part of a series, it doesn’t always make sense how i pick them. Sometimes, it’s a combination of the cover, title, and blurb sounding interesting (sometimes this does disappoint, though). Other times it’s an author or subject i want to get back to reading.
A paper book or an e-book?
Paper book definitely. It’s a way for me to chill out away from electronics.
Three titles for a sunny spring day?
The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
Favorite quote?
It seemed clear that wars were not made by generations and their special stupidities, but that wars were made instead by something ignorant in the human heart”
― John Knowles, A Separate Peace
If you could pair a book with a drink, what would you prepare to sip while reading?
Steaming hot green tea
Shelfie time! Please share your home library photos :)
ARCs
Signed by author
Thank you!
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Meet Sissy, a lover of romance books with an impressive number of (nearly) 1,000 book reviews!
Follow Romance Book Reviews For You on BookLikes: http://sissymae.booklikes.com/
When was the very first time you thought “Books. My love!”?
I was a young girl when my neighbor Lois introduced me to her Harlequin Romance books. I quickly became addicted to Romance Books.
How did your blogging adventure start? Can you name three things blogging changed in your (reading) life?
My Blogging adventure started about three years ago. I have been a hardcore reader and just loved the books so much that I wanted to leave reviews for other people looking for a good book. Reviews where a big thing for me when I was looking to read a book. I like to see what the other person thought even if it was bad. I happened to find NetGalley reference in one of those reviews from there I went to the NetGalley website and found a life changing site for me.
Blogging changed my reading life by opening my eyes to some of what goes on with getting a book out.
How much for the author and the assistant to get release blitz, book information and etc out to the bloggers. Just how they keep on top of that part is amazing. When I was just a reader it was just a treasured book now I can see the ‘blood sweat and tears’ that go into making that book. That in turn has made me try to be more organized, making sure that I do all I can to help get the word out. On a personal note I have found some very good authors that I may not have every found if I didn’t get into blogging.
As a blog reviewer I have tried to read different romance stories that as a regular reader I would not have wanted to read. Which would have made me miss out on some great stories and authors. Honestly, this is a time-consuming job to review and posting book blitz. But its one that I truly love and enjoy!
What are you reading now? How do you like it?
I just found a new author named Monique Orgeron and I have been reading her ‘Stern Family Saga’ books. Ms. Orgeron isn’t the only books I have on my reading table but her books are ones that I just can’t get out of my mind. I think most readers will understand when you read a great book and you just keep thinking back to it. I also just finished reading Stacy Reid book The Duke and I.
Do you read one book or several at the same time?
This is something that has changed. I used to be a reader that would only read one book at a time. I still try to stick with that attitude but have become flexible that I can jump around.
Your blog title is all about romance books! Why romances?
It is just a personal preference for me. I love to read other books such as Harry Potter, Eragon and things similar. I love to collect cook books too. Romance books have a special place in my heart. Romance book have always been my go to place when I need to take a break from troubled times in my life.
Which books are you most excited recommending to your followers?
Gosh, that would be hard to say. I have so many favorite authors that I don’t think I could write them all down. I have my solid go to authors such as Donna Fletcher, Lynsay Sands, Lisa Kleypas and some newer ones Leilani Love, Lauren Smith and of course Monique Orgeron.
I your short bio you write “I also enjoy writing reviews and finding new authors and books.” How do you find new authors?
I found that GoodReads, Facebook, Twitter and most social media sites are a good source for that. I also look to other bloggers to help me find author via their reviews.
You’ve reviewed nearly 1,000 books on your BookLikes blog! WOW. What’s your book review process? Any tips for beginners?
I don’t really have a review process. I pick books that catch my eye, that I like the story, the author is someone I have read before or sometimes I look for new authors. If I know that I am not going to read it right away I place a date on my calendar to remind me to review the book. I try to review the book as soon as I can after reading it. I like to write when my emotions are still fresh from the book but that isn’t always the case.
What are your three favorite book covers?
Again, this would be to hard to say. But in general, I like Historical Romance Covers: Regency, Victorian or Highlander.
How do you decide what to read next?
As I touched on earlier social media sites are great places to go. But something I used to do and still do to this day is go to my local library site on OverDrive. With my library card you can log on and access ebooks there. My local library site on OverDrive gives me a search section where I can suggest book to them. On this search site to recommend books it shows me what books are going to be coming out soon. So, I mark them suggesting they get that book and quickly goes to the GoodReads site to find that book and mark it ‘To Read”.
What are the new releases you’re impatiently waiting for right now?
Lynsay Sands, Lisa Kleypas, Leilani Love, Lauren Smith and Monique Orgeron.
For, Leilani Love, Lauren Smith and Monique Orgeron I just want their next book ASAP.
What’s your reading spot? We’d love to see the photos :)
I have read everywhere I go like lunch breaks, when I have to wait for an appointment but mostly on my comfortable couch at home.
If you could meet one literary character, who would it be?
Well it wouldn’t be from any of my Romance Book stories, I like them where they are. I love seeing historical photos and hearing stories about the past. So, I would choose a historical figure to see how life was back in their day.
Ebooks or paper books?
I lean toward ebooks more since I discovered them so many years ago. I find them more portable and easier to keep track of. I like paper back books too but just find ebooks so much easier to have.
Your favorite quote?
“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.”
William Styron
Shelfie time! Please share your home library photos :)
I don’t actually have a physical library most all my book are eBooks.
Thank you!
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Missed previous Follow Friday talks? Use ffwithbookbloggers tag or click the catch up links:
#24 Follow Friday with book bloggers: Kat's Books ->
You can nominate your blogger friends to the Follow Friday interview! Leave the URL address and a short note in the comment section below.
See you next Friday!
Let's meet Sandy, a book lover behind the My Never Ending List blog, a proud owner of the TBR pile of nearly 4K books and a huge supporter of libraries!
Follow My Never Ending List blog on BookLikes: http://sandy.booklikes.com/
What are you reading now? How do you like it?
I am currently reading The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd. I’m just getting into it and so far, I’m really enjoying it. I’m really excited about her new novel coming out this year. I really loved The Madman’s Daughter’s series that she wrote and I want to give her other series another go this year.
When have you discovered that books are your passion?
I remember as a child, going down to our streets corner to the book mobile to check out books. As I had my children, I started to realize how much fun books as we read together and as they grew and we shared what we read. My passion for book exploded when I went back to school for my education degree. I took a literacy class and we had to read a certain number of children’s/teen books out of a list of different genres. I went crazy and exceeded the requirement. I even wrote up my thoughts on a recipe card for each book so I would have it for further reference.
Your blog title in “My never ending list”, does it refer to your TBR pile? How big is it?
Yes, my blog title refers to my TBR pile which is monstrous now. I used to try to contain it but I have now given up. I have decided that I like too many books and why control it? Everyone that knows me knows that I love books so I might as well let them see the numbers. I have tried to put every book that I own on that list (if I haven’t read it) so I don’t purchase another copy plus all the books I would love to read. It’s a pretty good list! Right now, it stands at 3,825.
The Never Ending List - Bookshelf
How did your book blogging start? Have blogging changed anything in your (bookish) life?
My book blogging started when I was in my Children’s Lit class and I started writing up the recipe cards for the books I was reading. I was starting to read more and then I found GR. I decided to post a few reviews online so that I would remember what I had read them and I wouldn’t have to resort to the recipe cards and my plastic file box. I was definitely nervous about filing my reviews online those first few times. Blogging has definitely opened up many new avenues for me and made my life more fulfilling. I love reading what others are reading and how reading is impacting their lives. I get lots of recommendations from others and I like being part of a great community of individuals who made you feel welcomed and accepted.
According to your reading challenge page you’ve read 287 books in 2017! Wow! What’s you reading plan for 2018?
I did read a lot of books in 2017 but 66 of those books were children’s picture books. I set my goal this year at 150 books.
The Never Ending List - Reading challenge page
In your short bio you write “I read almost every genre and I enjoy venturing into unfamiliar territory”. What’s the most unfamiliar bookish territory you’ve explored and enjoyed?
I just finished reading a western today. My first western and l really liked it. I am really into historical fiction and this genre was totally new to me a couple years ago. Now, I can’t get enough of it. Graphic novels and memoirs are a couple other new genres that I have recently dived into this past year. I have to thank all my good friends at BookLikes for that as their reviews have spiked my interest.
What are you three favorite book covers?
My favorite book covers would be: The Museum of Heartbreak (nostalgia), The Wager (look closely at this one), The Continent (just beautiful).
You’re a library volunteer. Why libraries are so special to you?
Are you sure you want me to get started on libraries? I am a huge supporter of libraries. Most libraries today are not just about books, they are about much more, there are endless opportunities at most libraries. They provide resources for individuals to be successful, be engaged with others, to grow, and have fun. I wished everyone would check out their library as see what they have to offer and I wished the libraries would tell their patrons what services they provide besides books.
One of my most rewarding opportunities at the library is our summer outreach program. All summer long, once a week, we head out to a kid’s summer camp and take books, a craft and computer tablets. We spend 2.5 hours each week, rotating the kids into the 3 sections. Weekly switching out books and crafts. We leave the books weekly so they have something to read. I love to see them get excited over the books and to hear them talk about what they read. This will be our third year and the kids get excited when we come. Some of these children have never been to the library and for some of them, this is their only exposure to books for the summer. This is a win-win situation.
Which books are you most excited recommending to your followers in 2018?
The Wife Between Us was excellent. I could not quit talking about this novel when I was finished. A Girl Like That was intense. This is one novel that packed a punch and one that your definitely don’t want to miss. If you haven’t read a novel by Megan Shepherd, I highly recommend it. In 2018, her latest novel Grim Lovelies is coming out and I’m excited to get my hands on it.
You work with children. How do you encourage them to read books?
That’s a great question. I have a lot of children tell me that they don’t like to read. I try to talk to them about what they do like and what they like to do in their free time. It’s amazing how much they will tell you if you will just listen to them. Sometimes they will tell you about sports, hobbies, pets, vacations ideas, vacations, etc. things that get them excited. These are ideas that lead me into book topics, authors and titles with them. I also keep some children’s graphic novels and magazines in my bag with me and pull these out and we talk about how these are reading too. This brings a smile on their faces, something fun and sometimes short.
Do read one or several books at a time?
I usually read one book and then listen to one audio book in my car. In the summer, I listen to a Playaway while I walk.
You love reading and cooking. If you could name a perfect book+dish couple, what would it be? We’d love the recipe too ;)
Family Night by Tim Miller would go perfect with Lasagna Stuffed Chicken. This is not your typical family, no. You want to stay away from this father who is teaching his children about cannibalism.
So, fix yourself this wonderful dish where red meat is not the center attraction: https://thestayathomechef.com/lasagna-stuffed-chicken/
Favorite quote?
It would have to be you live and you learn I say this a lot especially when someone makes a mistake.
If you could meet one author, who would it be?
I would like to meet Lois Lowry. I had the opportunity to meet her when she came to Iowa for a book reading a few year ago but I had to go to my father-in-law’s birthday party in Illinois. I was crushed that I couldn’t attend but I asked my oldest son if he would go for me and get one of my books signed for me. He made his mother extremely happy as he went and got The Giver signed for me but for Christmas I got one of the best presents ever! He presented to me a tape of her presentation that night, it was like I was there. It was so sweet and a total shock!
Shelfie time! Please share your home library photos :)
Thank you!
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Missed previous Follow Friday talks? Use ffwithbookbloggers tag or click the catch up links:
You can nominate your blogger friends to the Follow Friday interview! Leave the URL address and a short note in the comment section.
See you next Friday!
BookLikes gathers book lovers from all around the world. We're happy to introduce Nicole, a blogger who reads and reviews in English and German.
You can follow Nicole's blog on BookLikes here: http://hoffnungswolke.booklikes.com
When have you read your very first book? What was it?
I actually can't remember and it hurts my soul to admit that. I know that when I was in my last year of school, I started going to the local library with my friend and that's when I real got into reading and was at the library all the time. I didn't do reviews or anything and never really talked about it. The first book series that I read religiously were the CSI books and I couldn't shut up about them in a German CSI forum. Oh, the good old days.
What made you start writing about books/book blogging?
Reading slowly became more and more of a part of me. A huge part, the part that kept my brain quite when my anxiety got to much. Just an escape that I really needed. But I don't have anyone around me that is really into books and I couldn't just keep bottling all my book feelings up and because the internet has everything, I soon found Goodreads and that's when I found my people. I was super nervous writing reviews, so in the beginning I only did the star rating. Then when I found BookLikes, I actually started to write reviews and was comfortable enough to share my thoughts and opinions.
I got much more comfortable sharing my thoughts and my opinions. I just love talking about books and connect with people that like the same books. I always feels super proud when I see some read the same book as me and also liked it, or hated it the same as me and I don't feel so alone lol
You live in Germany and read in two languages: English and German. Do you experience the book differently depending on the language you read it in?
Not all the time, but sometimes I really experience the book differently. Sometimes I feel like the translations don't really work. Some jokes fall flat and things like that. When reading a book in English, I feel like I actually get to experience the authors work and his words.
Do you prefer reading in English or German?
This is a tough question. I'm pretty comfortable with my English skills at this point, so it's not that much harder to read the English version instead of the German once, unless I'm reading in the middle of the night fighting sleep. Most of the time I prefer reading in English, simply because in German translation they like to change names of characters or places, so that when I write a review and I have read the book in German, I actually have to check and make sure that the names are right.
We’ve read that you’re a TV show fan. Can you recommend a good one?
It changes all the time, to be completely honest. I'm currently re-watching Covert Affairs and it reminds me how much I loved this show and how much it helped me through a really difficult time. Other than that I loved Leverage (the most perfect show that I need everyone to watch). Shows that are actually currently airing: Brooklyn 99 and The Good Place are my absolute happy place, I don't do well with comedy shows but these two are perfect. See, I cheated, I can't just talk about one show.
What’s your book review drill? Do you review all the books you read?
I'm like 99,9% sure that since I started writing reviews, I have reviewed every book that I have read. Even the ones I didn't like, I either tried to focus on the good parts or I just left a little review.
What are your three favorite book covers?
I'm just gonna mention the covers of books I read this year
The story is seriously amazing and really creative.
The writing is so great and really transported me in the middle of this world...
Read a full review of The Castaways ->
Any tips for beginning bloggers?
The most cliche tip I can think of is: Be yourself!!! And be honest. You don't have to pretend to like a book that everyone loves but you just don't get it. And also the other way around, don't feel like you can't enjoy a book that everyone hates. It's your blog and you do you. This is your space to talk about the things you love.
Which books are you most excited recommending to your followers?
I made it my mission this year to recommend The Best We Could Do and Ich, Eleanor Oliphant Roman to everybody.
HOLY MOTHER OF EVERYTHING. This graphic novel/comic,
whatever you wanna call it, is everything. Seriously...
Read a full review of The Best we could do ->
What’s your reading spot?
My bed, it's the most comfortable place in my room.
A paper book or an e-book?
Both. I never thought I would ever be a e-book person but I'm reading more and more e-books. Nothing can replace a paper book, the feel, the smell and the weight of it in your hands. But I'm really enjoying e-books when I'm out and about. I also receive all the ARCs I read as a ebook, so I had to get used to it at some point. Downside to reading an ebook on my tablet or phone, I'm pretty lost if it has no power and I can't find the charger. Been there, donw that.
Three title for a spaceship travel?
I could only think of these three...I need to read more space books.
Favorite quote?
I'm going to share one that even though I read the book three years ago, I still think about this quote a lot. It's really powerful.
“Wir sind imstande, Überschallflugzeuge und Raketen ins All zu schicken, einen Verbrecher anhand eines Haars oder eines winzigen Hautpartikels zu identifizieren, eine Tomate zu züchten, die im Kühlschrank drei Monate lang völlig faltenfrei bleibt, und Milliarden von Informationen auf einem Mikrochip zu speichern. Wir sind imstande, die Leute auf der Straße sterben zu lassen.”
― Delphine de Vigan, No and Me
I'm trying to translate it as best as I can.
"We are capable of sending supersonic aircraft and rockets into space, identifying a criminal based on hair and tiny skin particles, breeding a tomato that's gonna stay wrinkle-free for three months in the fridge, and saving billions of information on a microchip. We are capable of letting people die on the streets."
― Delphine de Vigan, No and Me
If you could meet one literary character, who would it be?
I have to go with a character that I actually read about this year, it's Ellie, the main character in the book A Messy, Beautiful Life. She was going through much and through everything she was so strong and just great. She was really inspiring to me and I would love to meet her. She is also one of those characters that I would love to check up on, you know, see how she is doing after the book ended.
Shelfie time! Please share your home library photos :)
I don't have the space that I would need to make my shelves look pretty and all that, so I just use all the space I have and put as many books there as I can, it's not pretty, but oh well...
Thank you :)
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Missed previous Follow Friday talks? Use ffwithbookbloggers tag or click the catch up links:
You can nominate your blogger friends to the Follow Friday interview! Click here and leave the URL address in the comment section.
See you next Friday!
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