A Post In Which I Answer 17 Questions About Books

1. What was the last book you read?

The Android’s Dream by John Scalzi 7081.jpg

A friend of mine recommended Scalzi’s Redshirts, and since reading Redshirts, I’ve been hooked on all things Scalzi. I love Scalzi’s writing, his creativity, and his sense of humor. And this book did not disappoint.

First, I love the obvious reference to Philip K. Dick. Second, Scalzi is brilliant at character development and world building. Third, the irrelevant humor and clever characterization of government, religion, business, and politics. Finally, although the story starts off with a juvenile (albeit intriguing) line, the action takes off from the beginning and doesn’t stop.

I recommend this book to those of you who like The Fifth Element, Terry Pratchett, and irrelevant humor, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

2. Top 7 book characters.

This is a tough one. But off the top of my head: Kate Daniels, Gin Blanco, Sherlock Holmes, Ford Prefect, Belgarath, Eve Dallas, and Hermione Granger

3. What is your favorite genre?

Urban Fantasy

4. Favorite author(s)?

John Scalzi, David & Leigh Eddings, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Ilona Andrews, J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts), Patricia Briggs, Jane Austen, Charlaine Harris, Douglas Adams, Sarah Addison Allen, Robin Hobb, Fredrick Backman, Rachel Joyce, Mary Shelley, Darynda Jones . . .  so many wonderful authors.

5. Do you judge books by their covers?

I try not to, but some covers just do not do the book justice. But I try to focus on the synopsis. If it’s a book I’m buying to keep, I will consider the cover if the book has multiple editions.

6. What is your favorite quote from a book?

dont-panic

Don’t Panic.

I like it because it’s short, simple, and works in most situations.

 

7. Do you have any signed books?

Yes! I have quite a few. I love my signed books.

8. Have you met any authors?

Yes.

9. Hardbacks or paperbacks?

Usually paperbacks because they’re easier to tote around. But I like hardbacks for the books I want to keep.

10. Buy books new, used, or go to the library?

All of the above. Mostly used and library. I buy new when I really, really want the book, it’s newly published (and therefore hard to find used), and I’m going to keep it.

11. E-readers or physical copies of books?

Physical

12. Prefer books set in the past, present, or the future?

I really don’t have a preference. But my fave genre, urban fantasy, is typically set in a parallel world of the present.

13. Do you mark/highlight/dog ear your books or keep them in perfect condition?

NO DOG EARRING! NEVER NEVER NEVER! It’s a horrible abomination to dog ear books.

I typically highlight/mark reference books. Otherwise, I try to keep them in good condition. I won’t say perfect, because a good book will look used.

14. Do you reread books?

YES! And again and again. I have reread most of my favorites multiple times.

15. Favorite villain in a book?

Professor Moriarty

16. Do you like to write reviews when you finish a book?

It depends on the book. But this year, I’m trying to make an effort to do it for every book I read.

17. Do you experience “book hangovers”?

Yes.

In the comments below, feel free to leave me a book recommendation. 

And if you’d like to answer these questions and be featured in a Questions post, contact me here.

My New Fave Bookish Addiction

If you hadn’t already figured it out, I love books. (See here, here, and here—there are more examples, but I didn’t feel like digging them up and I figured these were enough.)

I read a lot. And I always have at least one book on me at all times. Even when I’m not carrying a physical book, I have both the Kindle and Audible apps on my phone (although I prefer physical books).

Along with my love of books, I love all things bookish (bookstores, book websites, book accessories, book-themed tees, book-themed socks, book-themed [fill-in-the-blank]). And I like love to talk about books and all things bookish. Want to engage me in conversation? Ask me what I’m reading or for a recommendation or where to buy awesome bookish stuff.

And now with my love of all things books, I have finally found the perfect place for me. My new tribe. My new favorite bookish addiction. Continue reading “My New Fave Bookish Addiction”

The Book Rundown – March & April

So once again I have fallen behind on posting about books (as my last book review post was early March). Part of the reason I’ve fallen behind is I’ve read a few that I just don’t know exactly how to put into words what I thought (introvert/INFJ problems). And Part of it is I read so much, it’s hard to choose which books to review.

To remedy these two issues, I’ve decided to do shorter reviews so I can cover more books.

So introducing The Book Rundown! Continue reading “The Book Rundown – March & April”

On Writing Book Reviews (or What to Expect from My Reviews)

Everyone has their own style and method to writing reviews of books. Some people choose to retell the premise of the book, often copying the book blurbs from the back of the book or from Goodreads. Others use cute or funny gifs and jpgs to express their opinions. Some simply quote passages of the book. Others do that with their opinions interspersed. One review I saw consisted of photos of the places discussed in the book. There was no real review one that one.

I saw one review that consisted only of photos of the places discussed in the book. There was no real review one that one other than the number of stars she gave the book.

To each their own. Continue reading “On Writing Book Reviews (or What to Expect from My Reviews)”