Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

Guidelines

1. Thank the blogger that nominated you and link back to their website.
2. Post the award's logo on your blog.
3. Answer the ten questions you have been asked.
4.Nominate ten other bloggers and ask them ten other questions.

 
I was nominated by Bekka of Great Imaginations! Thank you so much! I love surveys like this, and I really needed something fun and different to put on the blog this week anyway while I wait for some reviews to come through soon so this worked out perfectly. Have a look after my answers to see the list of questions and who I nominated!

　

　

1. What is your biggest reading pet peeve?

Only one? Really? Ugh. I have a few though. If I had to choose from dog-earing to touching a book’s pages with greasy food hands to being interrupted constantly, I guess I would choose the interruptions. I HATE being interrupted while I’m lost in a book--especially if it’s good and all I want to do is just sit there and be immersed in it. “What are you doing?” DUH I’M READING. LEAVE ME ALONE.

2. Do you prefer paperback, hardcover, or ebook?

Hardcovers are prettier on the shelves, I’ll say that. But paperbacks are cheaper and easier for me to hold/tote around. So I do prefer paperback…but I generally hate the wait on them to release if the book released in hardcover first (it takes about nine months before it will come out on paperback after hardcover and sometimes I just can’t wait that long, dang it). Ebooks are great for when I just really need a space saver or have no other option, but on a personal level I read them a lot slower--the screen hurts my eyes after so long--so unless they’re ARCs, I usually don’t get them too often.

3. What is the very first book you remember reading?

I read Green Eggs and Ham with my dad when I was maybe 4 or 5? If you’re talking my first big, ‘grown-up’ title, it was The Shining when I was around 11. Still, there were many books before that one. I always remember being a reader.

4. If you could experience reading one book for the first time again, what book would you pick?

Harry Potter. I have many beloved favorites, but I think that’s the one series I would love to experience “first time” feelings for all over again because it’s HARRY POTTER. Enough said.

5. What is your favorite cover trend? Show some examples.

I love covers that show objects more than people I think. And darker shades. I’ve always loved Melissa Marr’s covers. Flowers or unusual looking bugs. Fantasy covers are usually eye-catching for me. Masks. Here are some of my latest most favorite covers in the last few years:



　

6. If you had to pick one genre to read for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Wow that’s tough. If I say Fantasy, that’s not exactly being too specific, is it? I guess it could toward any of its sub-genres like Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Epic…etc.. If that counts--that’s what I’d pick. I could probably find enough enjoyment out of that for the rest of my life. Haha. Although I would miss a lot of my regular Contemporary romances and horror that I read regularly as well. Boo.

7. Who are your top three authors?

Rude Bekka is rude.

Melissa Marr. Stephen King. Laini Taylor.

This changes sometimes. Though Marr and King are always in my top two at least. And Taylor is always in my top ten at least. It’s so hard narrowing a top three.

8. What has been your favorite read this year?

I’m not finished with it yet, but I’m pretty certain it’s going to be Dreams of Gods and Monsters. Lyn gifted it to me before BEA and I’m just starting to get around to it in the last few weeks (I know, sad) and though I’m a bit slow reading it… I LOVE IT.

9. What book or book series would you like to see made into a television show?

I was going to say Daughter of Smoke and Bone, but the more I think on that the more I realize I’d rather that be films--more of a budget so it can have the effects and makeup it needs. Television show though, I was really holding out hope for that Delirium (Lauren Oliver) show. Or maybe a do-over with Vampire Academy and turn that into a show.

10. Tell us one weird fact about you.

Ha! One.

Okay then…

I have a bit of OCD. Not self-diagnosed or anything like that-- it’s an actual issue, and while I joke around about it and stuff, it’s not really a joke in the end. I have to have certain order with things. People can’t take books off my shelves. I must take them myself, and then they can look, hand them back to me and I’ll put them back. Dishes can’t go in the left side of the sink until they are rinsed properly (because rinsing is done in the right side only). Etc… There’s a list I don’t want to get into really on everything. Lol. But yeah, that’s my “weird” fact. I do get picked on for it, but oh well. I used to get bothered by it, but I don’t so much anymore. Now I’ve just learned to joke around mostly while continuing to keep up with my own routine.

　
　

So that’s it!


　

Who do I tag?

Well I tag my co-blogger, Taylor, for sure! I want to see her answers pop up here sometime soon at least.

I also want to tag Lyn of Great Imaginations. Jessie of Ageless Pages Reviews. Christina of Reader of Fictions. Alexia of Adventures in Reading. Nikki of There Were Books Involved. And the other five tags can just go to anyone else reading this that want to do it! :P


My questions:

1. Tell us three interesting facts about you.

2. What’s your favorite memory that involves books/reading?

3. Who are your top five fave authors?

4. What’s the worst book you read this year?

5. What’s the best?

6. Who is your favorite character of all time? (If there hasn’t been a film and you could cast them, would you? If so, who would you choose?)

7. What book would you choose to turn into a movie or tv show right now if you could?

8. What covers usually catch your attention? Give examples.

9. If you had to reread your favorite book only for the next two years anytime you wanted to read, or give it up entirely for the rest of your life and read a new book instead--except the new book could be really bad--would you?

10.What’s the worst thing you could do to a book out of these: fold pages, spill food/drink, read in the bathtub, write inside, or bend the spine back?

　

　

　

　


 

　

Blogger Trick-Or-Treat Hop: Year Two!

It's already been a year, an exciting one, and I'm happy to be joining the ladies from Great Imaginations for another wonderful edition of Blogger Trick or Treat! Want to know what the Blogger Trick or Treat is about? Go check out more info at the link above on Great Imaginations for all the fun!

This is actually going to be a dual post with two different topics between my co-blogger, Taylor and me, so I hope you enjoy! We love Halloween and had a lot of fun creating this for you guys!

First up is Pixie!

What kind of costumes I think my favorite characters would wear if they dressed up for Halloween:

 Karou (Daughter of Smoke and Bone) - I think this might be too obvious but I would totally see her dress up as Maleficent. And she'd rock that costume!

 Adrian (Vampire Academy/Bloodlines) - I don't see Adrian dressing up in much other than something simple. He wouldn't want to cover his face or put a bunch of makeup on. Lol. So I'm thinking old-school mobster style when it comes to his character. Also, I'm sure he wouldn't object to the classy suit since it'd make him look good.

 Alex (The Ashes trilogy) - She's such a tough kick-butt girl, with a vulnerable side, in a dark and bleak world that I think she needed something cute and fun. Not the typical "sexy girl" costume.

 Peeta (The Hunger Games) - I couldn't resist. You know it would've been your first thought too.


And though he's not a book character, you all know I'm a huge Supernatural fan. So I just have to put this here for the fun of it:

And what if YOU want to dress up as some of your favorite book characters? I have ideas for those as well!

I'm a big fan of Pretty Little Liars also. Moreso the television series. And if you watch the show, I think you would be in agreement with me that their costumes are a great inspiration for Halloween ideas.

Katniss is an affordable and easy DIY costume. I probably have an outfit similar to this in my own closet-- minus the bow & arrow.

I loved loved the fashions of The Great Gatsby & it's one of my fave books. I think that'd be a fun costume choice!

And you can't go wrong with anything Harry Potter themed.

I could've named more characters here because this was so fun thinking about, but I didn't want to have you here all day. Taylor still needs to share her part! :P What do you think about the characters' costumes? Would you agree? Are there any characters and matching costumes you immediately think of as well? What character would you most want to dress as for Halloween? Sound off in the comments! (P.S. I'd loooovee to do anything that requires hours of makeup work and props one year. Something major!)

Taylor's turn!  She has a great little short list below so check it out! :)

Heeyyy! Oh, before I get started: I'm curious, Pixie, didn't you say one of your favorite candies at Halloween was Twizzlers? I couldn't remember for sure or not. Lol.

Pixie: Yep! I love me some Twizzlers! :D Don't you forget it. The black licorice kind is actually my fave & people think I'm really weird for it. Hahaha. :P

Taylor's Top Five Halloween Reads

Okay! For my part of the post I'm gonna share a few of my favorite Halloween Reads with y'all! So first up is: 

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

I love Neil Gaiman! And this was one of the first books of his that I ever read and is easily a favorite! It had just the right amount of creep factor in there and also a great storyline. And I think the movie is pretty darn good too!

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

Practical Magic was a favorite of mine growing up, and back when I was younger I thiught it was kinda scary but in the good way! It was a repeat read every year, and still is to this day. And of course the movie with Sandra Bullock is on my list of favorites as well!

Ashes Trilogy by Ilsa J. Bick

This series is one I started after being recommend by Pixie! And I have to say its oh so very good! Its definitely creeptastic in the best way! I still have to read the last book but if its anything like the first two I'm sure I'll love it!

Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

I love everything about this book and its perfect for Halloween. And the movie with Gerrard Butler.. Amazing! 

And last but certainly not least......

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

I had to. Everyone knows I'm a Harry Potter fiend! Lol. So of course this would be on my list. But really, if you've never read these books you're seriously missing out one one of the best series you'll ever pick up. I can't share my love for these books enough, and they will be required reading for my future kids one day! ;) 

And I'm also gonna throw in one more book, but this one is a book that I haven't read but plan to read this year on Halloween. And that book is:

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs

This is another one recommend by Pixie and I've heard so many good things about it from her and from other bloggers as well! So I'm really looking forward to diving right into this one!

What are some of your favorite Halloween reads? Have you read any of these books? Do you have any books you plan to read/have read this year for Halloween? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Halloween!

Follow Friday (52) -- Blogger Hop (7)

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee’s View and Alison at Alison Can Read. If you want to participate, it's easy. To learn more and enter, check out: Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Join the fun and make some new friends!

Please consider following via email subscription, Google Reader, RSS feed or the new LinkyFollowers feature if you can’t follow through GFC as a non-Blogger member anymore. Thank you, and thank you all for your continued support!




Q: This Sunday in the U.S. is Mother’s Day, in celebration, what are some of your favorite books with strong mother/child relationships?


The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Harry Potter (Mrs. Weasley!)

Follow the Blogger Hop at Crazy-For-Books!

Q: Who is your favorite book character? I’ll give you a maximum of two choices, but they have to be from different genres!


Crap. Only two? *headdesk* I can’t do that! It’s torture. I have so many favorites for so many reasons. Ugh.
Fine. Okay. I’ll give two. But it doesn’t mean they’re my only two! I’m stubborn.


Adrian Ivashkov (Vampire Academy, Bloodlines). Oh, how he makes me laugh. If he were real…well, never mind.


Scarlet (by A.C. Gaughen). Total mindbender and love the humor, wit, and courage.




Have a great weekend and happy reading!

Blogger Hop (6) - Follow Friday (9)

Follow the blogger hop at Crazy-For-Books!

How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?

Being from a relatively small area, my nearest large-chain bookstore (Books-A-Million) is almost an hour away sadly. So when I get the opportunity to go there, I always make sure it’s to go there for a large amount of books in most cases because I don’t make many trips to that store. Haha. Often, I’ll just order my books online through sites like Amazon or Barnes and Noble if I get them in excellent condition used. Or I may go with Book Depository if that turns out to be the better deal. I’m a bargain hunter generally. I go for the better price wherever that may be. As of recently, I’ve been quite thankful (and lucky) to receive some amazingly wonderful books through giveaways and accepted requests from NetGalley as well. I also borrow/swap with friends sometimes.

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee’s View. If you want to participate, it's easy. To learn more and enter, check out: Parajunkee. Join the fun and make some new friends!

Q. What do I do when I are not reading?

LoL, this is a funny worded question. It made me giggle a bit.

Anyways, when I’m not reading, I’m writing mostly. A few months ago, I completed my second novel, have been working through edits and revisions, and I have two other novels in progress as well. One I just started will be the sequel to the novel I just completed.

I also blog, of course. And then I have my family life. I love hanging out with my best friend when I can…playing around on the internet (I have a Twitter addiction, I think) and I love going to concerts or getting an occasional tattoo.

But mostly, I’m a homebody and just enjoy my reading, writing, and blogging. ;)


Happy Friday!!

Blogger Hop (5) - Follow Friday (8)

Follow the blogger hop at Crazy-For-Books!



This week’s question isn’t a question at all! I thought I would do things a little differently this week and give all of you a chance to promote a giveaway (or two!) from the blogosphere.

The catch?

IT CAN’T BE YOUR OWN GIVEAWAY!

Gotcha!

You have to find another blogger who is having a giveaway and promote their giveaway for them! If possible, promote a giveaway from a blogger doing the Hop (hey, you are visiting other blogs anyway, right?). Have fun with this one! It’s not an easy task this week!


I have a few I'd like to advertise actually and very gladly!

My friend Ange over at Moonlight Reader is hosting an awesome giveaway that is open until August 1st. It's in celebration of having 500 followers! How amazing! ^^






Just a YA Girl is hosting her 100 followers giveaway as well. Some good selections there, too. :)






Over at "Everyday Is An Adventure", you can enter to win "The Girl Who Was on Fire".
Just click HERE.




I'm sure there's more giveaways I could shamelessly promote, but my brain gets a little fuzzy late at night. :P

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee’s View. If you want to participate, it's easy. To learn more and enter, check out: Parajunkee. Join the fun and make some new friends!

Q. Let's step away from besties...What is the worst book that you've ever read and actually finished?

I really can't think of one at the moment. Usually if the book is really that bad, I don't finish it. I might get three-quarters of a ways through it, and only have about 50-75 pages, but then just put it down if it's that bad. I try to finish books I read... and try to find some kind of trait that I can like about it in some form- even if I don't like most of it.

As of recent times, about the only book I can think of that was really terrible for me, but I managed to get through more than half of it- was "Thirst" by Christopher Pike. But that was a book I had attempted last year.

Of course, I know there's fans out there, but remember we all have our different tastes. :)



Happy Friday!!

Blogger Hop (4) - Follow Friday (7)

Follow the blogger hop at Crazy-For-Books!


“What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?”

Usually what keeps me reading is the instant pull of a character (or characters). If the character isn’t what’s pulling me to keep reading, then it’s something with the way the author has caught my attention with the first chapter. A unique experience or setting, or already setting up the plot to capture my interest right away.

What makes me stop reading and put a book back on the shelf? I try not to do that too often. I try to always finish my books, no matter how long it may take me to get through it, or how much I’m disliking it. If I’m not connecting with the MC, then it‘s possible that I’ll put it down, though. I like to develop character connections. If I don’t feel anything toward a character, then I feel flat and detached toward the story in most cases and can’t finish. Or if I do finish, it’s usually not that great of a read.

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee’s View. If you want to participate, it's easy. To learn more and enter, check out: Parajunkee. Join the fun and make some new friends!

Q. ACK! Your favorite book/movie character (example Hermione Granger played by the Emma chick) just walked into the room! Who is it and what would be your first reaction? You get extra points if you include visual stimulation.

Ah, I’d love, love, love to meet Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy). I have been a huge fan of his ever since the first movie came out. Maybe that sounds a bit weird, seeing as how I’m going on twenty-seven years old, but hey… the guy is gorgeous and he’s only 3 years younger than I am. Haha.
Let’s see.. My reaction? Uh, I’d very likely make a fool of myself by stumbling over my words and blushing so red that I’d match my hair. Honestly, I’m real shy in person with anyone. I wouldn’t have one of those “crazy-screaming-fan-girl” moments.. I would just be really shy and quiet. In a complete state of shock very likely.

Another book/movie character I wouldn’t mind:
Jackson Rathbone. Wowzers.
I’m not much of a fan of Twilight, honestly, but this guy is just soooo adorable! I’d make a complete fool of myself with him, too. Haha!

Happy Friday!!

Blogger Hop (3) - Follow Friday (6)

Follow the blogger hop at Crazy-For-Books!




“When did you realize reading was your passion and a truly important part of your life?”



I realized it a young age. My father read to me a lot when I was real little, starting as a baby, and then he began teaching me how to read on my own when I was three and four years old.  When I began asking for books, and started my collection, at around the age of six, instead of toys... I believe that's when realization struck that reading and books were going to be a huge part of my life from then on. I started writing when I was around nine and ten years old, only driving my passion deeper. :)

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee’s View. If you want to participate, it's easy. To learn more and enter, check out: Parajunkee. Join the fun and make some new friends!

Q: In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer… let’s talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?


One of my favorite fairy tales has always been The Little Mermaid (the orginal one). But I also love Alice in Wonderland as well. ;)
When it comes to stories that revolve around the fae, I have two favorites and it's hard for me to choose between the two- so don't ask me to do that! Haha! I love both the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr and The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa.
Reading stories that revolve around the fae are some of my favorite reading material actually. I've read a bunch, and many have made it to my favorites' list. Melissa Marr, Julie Kagawa, Holly Black, Janni Lee Simner, Richelle Mead, etc. Also, I definitely can't forget an old favorite: A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare.
I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading this species. There's so many different varieties... as well as ways you can shape them and mold them in writing for a unique experience. :)


Happy Friday!!

Blogger Hop (2) - Follow Friday (5)

Follow the blogger hop at Crazy-For-Books! (This week, guest hosted by Lori’s Reading Corner)




“Who is the one author that you are dying to meet?”





There's so many authors that I want to meet! First let me explain that I live a bit out of the way of everything. Whenever I want to go to a concert, the closest drive for me is almost an hour and a half away. Or sometimes it's almost four hours away if the event is a really major one. And as an added note just to show how out in the country and small town I live, I'm a little over an hour from a Books-A-Million, and thirty minutes from the nearest Wal-Mart. Ha! I've checked my favorite authors' schedules countless times, and they usually never travel close enough for me to go to a signing unfortunately. But one day I'm determined to make a huge roadtrip and just go. Even if it means driving six or seven hours.

Back to the subject at hand. If I can ever make it possible, and I really hope to, I'd absolutely love to meet Richelle Mead or Melissa Marr. They're two of my top favorites. :) Honestly, though, I'd want to meet any author that I admire. Meeting Stephen King would be outstanding, too. He was one of the authors that inspired me into writing and reading when I was ten and eleven years old. :)










Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee’s View. If you want to participate, it's easy. To learn more and enter, check out: Parajunkee. Join the fun and make some new friends!  

Q. The magic book fairy pops out of your cereal box and says “you and your favorite character (from a book of course) can switch places!” Who are you going to switch with?



One of my favorite characters is Rose Hathaway of The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. She's strong, brave, loyal and has spunk. Not to mention, two very gorgeous guys. ;) Haha.. I liked Rose's character from the first moment I read the series. She kicks a lot of ass. But she still has her soft side, too. So, Rose would be one of the many characters out of my favorites' list that I'd likely switch with if I was given that choice. :)




Happy Friday!!

Blogger Hop (1) - Follow Friday (4)

Follow the blogger hop at Crazy-For-Books!

“Share your favorite post from the last month and tell us why it’s close to your heart!”

My favorite post as of recently would have to be my review of Divergent. It's absolutely going to be one of the best reads of the year for me, and I still can't stop thinking about that book. Loved, loved, loved. :)

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View. If you want to participate, it's easy. To learn more and enter, check out: Parajunkee. Join the fun and make some new friends!

This week's question:

“What are you doing to prepare for an upcoming zombie apocalypse and/or the return of Mel Gibson to the silver screen (both of which could be terrifying)?”

A:

I live out in the middle of nowhere practically. Zombies like cities it seems from all the material I've read and watched, so I don't think I have to worry much when the Zombie Apocalypse occurs. However, I do have a good stockpile of non-perishable food and water to last if I need to lock myself up in my home for an extended time. I'm what you call a "couponer". Haha.. I also have a few weapons. Bats, golf clubs, axes (hey, we chop firewood around here still), and a river with boats, etc. if needed. ^^ I think we're handy and ready. Haha!

As for Mel Gibson... that's a whole other terrifying thing in itself. o.O

In all seriousness, though, I used to enjoy his acting back in the day... before he went psycho. The Patriot is probably one of my favorite films. I miss THAT Mel.

In other unrelated news to the follow posts, I may be making a few small changes to the blog this week- maybe some layout tweaks here and there. I'm not sure yet. Just wanted to give a head's up, though, in case I did. :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

~The Bookaholic