Topic. Sorry, it's a few days late ><
What is your earliest/favorite childhood memory?
So I have 2. The first is from when I was like 3, and I am pretty sure that I don't actually remember it, I've just heard it so many times that I think I remember it.
So. . . . I was in the bath chillin' and my mom walked out to get a towel because I was done and wanted to go outside to play. (I couldn't I had just taken a bath and it was bed time.) So while my mom was out getting a towel, well I decided to go outside and play. So I did. I got out of the tube and went outside. Naked. And grabbed my wheelbarrow.
Yeah. Sorry of my childhood. What? I'm not supposed to do that? Well, let me do it in way that's 20 times worse than if you had just let me get my way.
I do remember most of my preschool year. Including one time when I cut my finger and had to go to the nurse for a band-aid. And then got in trouble for cutting my finger 'cause I was playing with scissors.
One of my favorite memories is from a birthday party. Maybe 1 or 2 grade. I was still friends with a girl that I later came to despise, so it was very early in grade school. Anyways, she gave me this hideous sweater and when I opened the package my first reaction was to go "Ewwww. What is this?' My mom very quickly reprimanded me. I looked at her and turned tot he girl who gave it to me (the girl I later came to hate) and said. "Sorry. Thanks. I love it." I don't know why I think this memory is so funny, but it makes me laugh. Maybe because I went from hating it to loving it.
Yep. So those are my memories. Can't wait to hear yours.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Oops!
Hey Katie, at least you weren't the LAST to post on this topic! In my defense (and it's a pretty poor one) I was suffering from severe spring-break-itis on Thursday and could barely bring myself to do anything that WASN'T getting ready to get out of dodge. BUT, now that I have had a whole day off to myself and am sitting down to start on all the millions of school-related things that must get done over spring break (what do you mean, spring break isn't called "catch-up week"?) I'm realizing I didn't post on one of the posts that should be the easiest to write. Oops. In penance (and procrastination) I will answer extra questions from the list.
Day 03 - The best book you've read in the last 12 months
Adult: Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan.
YA/MG: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver
Day 04 - Your favourite book or series ever
I figure Harry Potter is a given, so I'm going to go in a different direction. I have read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern four times since I first discovered it approximately two years ago (twice by audiobook, which Jim Dale reads absolutely beautifully). You must all read it. Then, once you have, you are all invited to a midnight dinner at my place, because I SO want to have a Night Circus themed party someday. Or perhaps this could be the theme of our "Meet in the Middle" project?
Day 15 - Your "comfort" book
The Neverending Story, hands down.
Day 25 - Any five books from your "to be read" stack
This is probably NOT the best one to pick, because my "to-read" shelf on GoodReads is over 700 books long. In order to narrow it down, I've picked five sequels that I really need to get to, like, yesterday.
The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson
Dark Triumph by Robin LeFevers
Cress by Marissa Meyer
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
[The sad part is I either own or have checked out of the library all but one of these books since last August. Some of them I have checked out more than once. *facepalm*]
Day 39 - Favourite place to read? Can you read on a bus/car/train?
I can read anywhere. I'd prefer to read in a small space with a blanket, warmth, and very few people, because I get easily distracted by people walking by - in the car while someone else is driving is perfect! I hate to seem anti-social (I have enough trouble making friends as it is) so I tend to look up any time anyone goes past, unless I'm absolutely certain I'm somewhere where I won't run into anyone I know. That makes it hard to make any progress on reading, and gets too frustrating for me to really get into the story and enjoy it.
Day 49 - If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
This is a hard one. I can, and do on occasion, read in French, just because I think French is beautiful. However, I would prefer to read a novel in its original language if I could, so since many of my favorites were originally written in German, I would love to learn that (and I'm working on it as my second language for my degree, woohoo!). Also, someday I think it would be fun to learn Japanese so I could read manga in its original form. (And since I love languages, why don't we throw in Gaelic and Italian too - no, I'm not an overachiever, why do you ask?)
Day 55 - Favourite film adaptation of a novel? Most disappointing film adaptation?
As a kid, I loved the film The Secret Garden (Dickon was CUTE, y'all!). Recently I liked Stardust because even though it didn't stick to the letter of the original, it kept to the spirit of it. Also, the most recent one I saw was Austenland and it was adorabibble and terrible at the same time and I loved it. Most disappointing? I dunno, I have a pretty easy time of separating books from movies so I never feel like a movie completely failed. I had a few complaints about some of the Harry Potter adaptations I guess.
Day 03 - The best book you've read in the last 12 months
Adult: Mr. Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan.
YA/MG: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver
Day 04 - Your favourite book or series ever
I figure Harry Potter is a given, so I'm going to go in a different direction. I have read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern four times since I first discovered it approximately two years ago (twice by audiobook, which Jim Dale reads absolutely beautifully). You must all read it. Then, once you have, you are all invited to a midnight dinner at my place, because I SO want to have a Night Circus themed party someday. Or perhaps this could be the theme of our "Meet in the Middle" project?
Day 15 - Your "comfort" book
The Neverending Story, hands down.
Day 25 - Any five books from your "to be read" stack
This is probably NOT the best one to pick, because my "to-read" shelf on GoodReads is over 700 books long. In order to narrow it down, I've picked five sequels that I really need to get to, like, yesterday.
The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson
Dark Triumph by Robin LeFevers
Cress by Marissa Meyer
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
[The sad part is I either own or have checked out of the library all but one of these books since last August. Some of them I have checked out more than once. *facepalm*]
Day 39 - Favourite place to read? Can you read on a bus/car/train?
I can read anywhere. I'd prefer to read in a small space with a blanket, warmth, and very few people, because I get easily distracted by people walking by - in the car while someone else is driving is perfect! I hate to seem anti-social (I have enough trouble making friends as it is) so I tend to look up any time anyone goes past, unless I'm absolutely certain I'm somewhere where I won't run into anyone I know. That makes it hard to make any progress on reading, and gets too frustrating for me to really get into the story and enjoy it.
Day 49 - If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
This is a hard one. I can, and do on occasion, read in French, just because I think French is beautiful. However, I would prefer to read a novel in its original language if I could, so since many of my favorites were originally written in German, I would love to learn that (and I'm working on it as my second language for my degree, woohoo!). Also, someday I think it would be fun to learn Japanese so I could read manga in its original form. (And since I love languages, why don't we throw in Gaelic and Italian too - no, I'm not an overachiever, why do you ask?)
Day 55 - Favourite film adaptation of a novel? Most disappointing film adaptation?
As a kid, I loved the film The Secret Garden (Dickon was CUTE, y'all!). Recently I liked Stardust because even though it didn't stick to the letter of the original, it kept to the spirit of it. Also, the most recent one I saw was Austenland and it was adorabibble and terrible at the same time and I loved it. Most disappointing? I dunno, I have a pretty easy time of separating books from movies so I never feel like a movie completely failed. I had a few complaints about some of the Harry Potter adaptations I guess.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Failure at it's Finest
So it's still Saturday the 8th, right? Because that's when I was supposed to post. Fail...
Day 03: The best book you've read in the last 12 months.
Basic Wills, Trusts, and Estates for Paralegals by Jeffrey A. Helewitz.
*snork* No, no, that's just my smart-ass way of saying that I haven't had much time for "fun" reading throughout the past year because I've been in school. In all seriousness, the best book I've read in the past year or so is The Diviners by Libba Bray (thanks, Anne!). This book is set in the 1920s, the premise being that there is a series of murders occurring in New York City, and the main character, Evangeline (or Evi, as most call her), helps to solve them with a neat little gift she's had for the past few years. Turns out that there are young people all across NYC with little gifts, and no two are alike (i.e., diviners). So far the characters have not all come across one another; some still don't know about others, and it'll be interesting to see how they meet each other throughout the series. This book is creepy as all get-out and hella interesting and I am very excited for the rest of the series.
Day 12: A book or series of books you've read more than five times.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Enough said.
Day 13: My favorite children's book.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I was *hooked* on this book as a kid. When I was in preschool, we had story time every day, and every day, I would walk up to my teacher and request that this book be read. I didn't care that it had been read to us every day of the week already. I wanted to hear it again.
Day 25: Any five books from my to-be-read stack.
So thanks to Anne, I have a number of book series started, but none of them have gotten past the first novel. Here are all of the "book twos" I plan on reading at some point:
1.) Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, the sequel to her Throne of Glass.
2.) Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman (released in March of 2015), the sequel to her Seraphina.
3.) Insurgent by Veronica Roth, the sequel to her Divergent.
4.) Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, the sequel to her Cinder.
5.) Dark Triumph by Robin LeFevers, the sequel to her Grave Mercy.
Okay, so maybe five wasn't enough...
6.) The Secret Prince by Violet Haberdasher, the sequel to her Knightley Academy.
And one more, that Anne *didn't* recommend to me =P
7.) Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, the final book of The Hunger Games series.
There are others, but I should probably stop there, but I will mention that I've written down almost all the of the books that you guys have recommended in past posts =D
Day 27: If a book contains __________, you will always read it (and books or series of books that contain it).
Dragons, dragons, dragons! If dragons exist in a book, I am more likely to want to read it. I think dragons are the most fascinating and widely interpreted mythical creatures in the world, and I love them. Maybe it's because I was born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon, or maybe it's because I have a fascination with all animals, real or mythical, but dragons have always captured and kept my imagination and interest. Dragons are a huge part of the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini (damn good books), and the Seraphina series by Rachel Hartman. Not to mention The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The only exception so far is Game of Thrones...probably not gonna happen...
Day 50: The most intimidating book you've ever read? The most intimidating book you're too nervous to begin?
Emma by Jane Austen. Have you seen the size of that book?! It's huge!
Day 55: Your favorite and your most disappointing film adaptation.
My favorite film adaptation to a novel is probably Northanger Abbey, original work by Jane Austen, starring J.J. Feild as Henry Tilney and Felicity Jones as Catherine Morland. The film-makers did an amazing job of portraying Tilney and his teasing, playful personality as well as the contrast between Tilney and the anti-heroes around him (namely John Thorpe, Austen's obligatory sleazebag, and General Tilney, Henry's father). In a big city where innocent little Catherine is easily taken by people with questionable morals, she finds the gem of Henry Tilney, who shows her that trust can still be found, even in the most unlikely of places. And she reads way too many novels, by the way.
My least-favorite film adaptation is Eragon, original work by Christopher Paolini and the first book in his Inheritance series. Gracious, how Fox f***ed this up...there are missing characters, plot holes, inaccuracies galore, and why oh why does Saphina have wings like a bird?! The book specifically talks about the membranes of her wings and how they are punctured and broken at various points during altercations, and the way they warm Eragon when she protectively drapes them over him at night. Plus, it's just a stupid idea! Dragons are reptiles! They don't have feathers! I realize it's a fantasy novel, but there is still such a thing as biological accuracy. And I hear they're trying to make an Eldest movie, after the second book in the series. How?! There are so many missing characters and plot holes to the first one that they've buried themselves into a hole that they can't possibly expect to climb out of!
So yes, terribly sorry for posting late. Life has been a bit insane. As an aside, I was offered a job today. It's for the local Municipal Court as a file clerk. I don't know if I want the job, honestly, but I'm starting to think that maybe I should just go for it and see if something better pops up down the road. It'll at least be a stepping stone, right? What makes me feel guilty about doing that is that, from what I hear, everyone working there right now has been there for at least two years. Jobs there don't have a high turnover rate. They're a family, and they've thought enough of me to be a part of that family, so I feel bad thinking that I'll just keep the job for a few months and then find something "better." I won't unload my entire thinking process here. Suffice it to say I have a lot to ponder.
I love you guys!
Day 03: The best book you've read in the last 12 months.
Basic Wills, Trusts, and Estates for Paralegals by Jeffrey A. Helewitz.
*snork* No, no, that's just my smart-ass way of saying that I haven't had much time for "fun" reading throughout the past year because I've been in school. In all seriousness, the best book I've read in the past year or so is The Diviners by Libba Bray (thanks, Anne!). This book is set in the 1920s, the premise being that there is a series of murders occurring in New York City, and the main character, Evangeline (or Evi, as most call her), helps to solve them with a neat little gift she's had for the past few years. Turns out that there are young people all across NYC with little gifts, and no two are alike (i.e., diviners). So far the characters have not all come across one another; some still don't know about others, and it'll be interesting to see how they meet each other throughout the series. This book is creepy as all get-out and hella interesting and I am very excited for the rest of the series.
Day 12: A book or series of books you've read more than five times.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Enough said.
Day 13: My favorite children's book.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I was *hooked* on this book as a kid. When I was in preschool, we had story time every day, and every day, I would walk up to my teacher and request that this book be read. I didn't care that it had been read to us every day of the week already. I wanted to hear it again.
Day 25: Any five books from my to-be-read stack.
So thanks to Anne, I have a number of book series started, but none of them have gotten past the first novel. Here are all of the "book twos" I plan on reading at some point:
1.) Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, the sequel to her Throne of Glass.
2.) Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman (released in March of 2015), the sequel to her Seraphina.
3.) Insurgent by Veronica Roth, the sequel to her Divergent.
4.) Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, the sequel to her Cinder.
5.) Dark Triumph by Robin LeFevers, the sequel to her Grave Mercy.
Okay, so maybe five wasn't enough...
6.) The Secret Prince by Violet Haberdasher, the sequel to her Knightley Academy.
And one more, that Anne *didn't* recommend to me =P
7.) Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, the final book of The Hunger Games series.
There are others, but I should probably stop there, but I will mention that I've written down almost all the of the books that you guys have recommended in past posts =D
Day 27: If a book contains __________, you will always read it (and books or series of books that contain it).
Dragons, dragons, dragons! If dragons exist in a book, I am more likely to want to read it. I think dragons are the most fascinating and widely interpreted mythical creatures in the world, and I love them. Maybe it's because I was born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon, or maybe it's because I have a fascination with all animals, real or mythical, but dragons have always captured and kept my imagination and interest. Dragons are a huge part of the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini (damn good books), and the Seraphina series by Rachel Hartman. Not to mention The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The only exception so far is Game of Thrones...probably not gonna happen...
Day 50: The most intimidating book you've ever read? The most intimidating book you're too nervous to begin?
Emma by Jane Austen. Have you seen the size of that book?! It's huge!
Day 55: Your favorite and your most disappointing film adaptation.
My favorite film adaptation to a novel is probably Northanger Abbey, original work by Jane Austen, starring J.J. Feild as Henry Tilney and Felicity Jones as Catherine Morland. The film-makers did an amazing job of portraying Tilney and his teasing, playful personality as well as the contrast between Tilney and the anti-heroes around him (namely John Thorpe, Austen's obligatory sleazebag, and General Tilney, Henry's father). In a big city where innocent little Catherine is easily taken by people with questionable morals, she finds the gem of Henry Tilney, who shows her that trust can still be found, even in the most unlikely of places. And she reads way too many novels, by the way.
My least-favorite film adaptation is Eragon, original work by Christopher Paolini and the first book in his Inheritance series. Gracious, how Fox f***ed this up...there are missing characters, plot holes, inaccuracies galore, and why oh why does Saphina have wings like a bird?! The book specifically talks about the membranes of her wings and how they are punctured and broken at various points during altercations, and the way they warm Eragon when she protectively drapes them over him at night. Plus, it's just a stupid idea! Dragons are reptiles! They don't have feathers! I realize it's a fantasy novel, but there is still such a thing as biological accuracy. And I hear they're trying to make an Eldest movie, after the second book in the series. How?! There are so many missing characters and plot holes to the first one that they've buried themselves into a hole that they can't possibly expect to climb out of!
So yes, terribly sorry for posting late. Life has been a bit insane. As an aside, I was offered a job today. It's for the local Municipal Court as a file clerk. I don't know if I want the job, honestly, but I'm starting to think that maybe I should just go for it and see if something better pops up down the road. It'll at least be a stepping stone, right? What makes me feel guilty about doing that is that, from what I hear, everyone working there right now has been there for at least two years. Jobs there don't have a high turnover rate. They're a family, and they've thought enough of me to be a part of that family, so I feel bad thinking that I'll just keep the job for a few months and then find something "better." I won't unload my entire thinking process here. Suffice it to say I have a lot to ponder.
I love you guys!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
YAY, Books!
Day 02 - A book or series you wish more people were reading and talking about.
I really like The Star Shards Chronicles. I originally found them in a bargain bin in a book store, so I assume they weren't selling well. But they looked interesting, and I read them, and I love them. And I wish more people knew about them an loved them as well.
Day 07 - Least favourite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise
When a character does something out of character or something completely illogical for the sake of the plot. It just completely ruins the story for me, especially if it's a series. Usually, if it's just one book, I can look past it (as long as it only happens once), but I've given up on book series when they employ that plot gimmick way too many times. Sorry, I was enjoying you, but no.
Day 26 - OMG WTF? OR most irritating/awful/annoying book ending
Tess of the D'urbervilles. WTF? Seriously.
Day 32 - Bad book habit? Do you ever dog-ear books? Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Not even with textbooks?
As most of you girls know, I'm very meticulous about taking care of my books. I don't dog-ear them, I don't crease spines, I don't write in the margins, and I don't use my dust jackets as bookmarks. But I do skip to the last page of every book to read the ending before I've actually gotten all the way through it. Every single book, the only exception being the Harry Potter series.
Day 40 - What is your policy on book lending?
Only if I know you are trustworthy enough to give it back or if I don't care about the book enough to care if you give it back.
Day 55 - Favourite film adaptation of a novel? Most disappointing film adaptation?
Favorite - honestly, any movie adaptation that I prefer to the book.
Most Disappointing - Ella Enchanted. Excuse me while I go cry in the corner.
I really like The Star Shards Chronicles. I originally found them in a bargain bin in a book store, so I assume they weren't selling well. But they looked interesting, and I read them, and I love them. And I wish more people knew about them an loved them as well.
Day 07 - Least favourite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise
When a character does something out of character or something completely illogical for the sake of the plot. It just completely ruins the story for me, especially if it's a series. Usually, if it's just one book, I can look past it (as long as it only happens once), but I've given up on book series when they employ that plot gimmick way too many times. Sorry, I was enjoying you, but no.
Day 26 - OMG WTF? OR most irritating/awful/annoying book ending
Tess of the D'urbervilles. WTF? Seriously.
Day 32 - Bad book habit? Do you ever dog-ear books? Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Not even with textbooks?
As most of you girls know, I'm very meticulous about taking care of my books. I don't dog-ear them, I don't crease spines, I don't write in the margins, and I don't use my dust jackets as bookmarks. But I do skip to the last page of every book to read the ending before I've actually gotten all the way through it. Every single book, the only exception being the Harry Potter series.
Day 40 - What is your policy on book lending?
Only if I know you are trustworthy enough to give it back or if I don't care about the book enough to care if you give it back.
Day 55 - Favourite film adaptation of a novel? Most disappointing film adaptation?
Favorite - honestly, any movie adaptation that I prefer to the book.
Most Disappointing - Ella Enchanted. Excuse me while I go cry in the corner.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Your Eyes Do Not Deceive You
OMG? WHAT? MAGGIE? Where the hell did you come from?
. . . . Hi! Soooooooooooooo, it's been a while, 'cause I'm awful at remembering to post. I usually am thinking of you guys and I go, "Oh yeah, I need to post." And then it never happens.
Story of my life.
Anyways. On with the questions!!!
Day 01 - A book series you wish had gone on longer OR a book series you wish would just freaking end already (or both!)
Lemony Snicket -You did not need 13 books. I understand why you wanted them but the middle few are just painful to get through.
There's a Manga called X-day. It was only 2 volumes but it was freaking amazing and I wished they did more with it! The ending, while realistic and fitting with the tone and the mood of the series (oooohhh look at me getting all English teacher-y), wasn't as satisfying as one would hope.
Day 25 - Any five books from your "to be read" stack
1. Divergent
2. Night
3. The Wave
4. Fahrenheit 451
*All 4 of these are books we are reading in English 10 and I need to read them . . . not that it's really happening but you know. I tried.
5. Shatterglass
*OMG I LOVE TAMORA PERICE - this is the last book in the Circle Opens quartet and I don't want it to end!!!
Day 40 - What is your policy on book lending?
They can keep it for all I care. I very rarely re-read books. It's hard enough for me to read through them the first time. Honestly my policy is if I can't remember what you borrowed, then obviously I didn't care that much. Now - this does not apply to ANY of my signed copies of books. That's why you buy a non-signed copy.
Day 52 - Favorite fictional villain?
Umbridge - she unites people in hatred against her. . . no one likes that bitch.
Day 54 - What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters : WTF Why is Kronos alive? What the hell? Who is that? Is that supposed to be . . . ? Are you freaking serious? *Summary of my watching experience*
Day 56 - The most money I've ever spent in the book shop at one time?
Don't want to talk about it.
OK, well. I miss you all terrible and hope to see you soon!!!
LOVE!!!!!!! Mags
. . . . Hi! Soooooooooooooo, it's been a while, 'cause I'm awful at remembering to post. I usually am thinking of you guys and I go, "Oh yeah, I need to post." And then it never happens.
Story of my life.
Anyways. On with the questions!!!
Day 01 - A book series you wish had gone on longer OR a book series you wish would just freaking end already (or both!)
Lemony Snicket -You did not need 13 books. I understand why you wanted them but the middle few are just painful to get through.
There's a Manga called X-day. It was only 2 volumes but it was freaking amazing and I wished they did more with it! The ending, while realistic and fitting with the tone and the mood of the series (oooohhh look at me getting all English teacher-y), wasn't as satisfying as one would hope.
Day 25 - Any five books from your "to be read" stack
1. Divergent
2. Night
3. The Wave
4. Fahrenheit 451
*All 4 of these are books we are reading in English 10 and I need to read them . . . not that it's really happening but you know. I tried.
5. Shatterglass
*OMG I LOVE TAMORA PERICE - this is the last book in the Circle Opens quartet and I don't want it to end!!!
Day 40 - What is your policy on book lending?
They can keep it for all I care. I very rarely re-read books. It's hard enough for me to read through them the first time. Honestly my policy is if I can't remember what you borrowed, then obviously I didn't care that much. Now - this does not apply to ANY of my signed copies of books. That's why you buy a non-signed copy.
Day 52 - Favorite fictional villain?
Umbridge - she unites people in hatred against her. . . no one likes that bitch.
Day 54 - What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Everything. Literally anything. . .oh shiny. . .sorry what was I saying? Right I get super distrac
Day 55 - Favourite film adaptation of a novel? Most disappointing film adaptation?
Ok my favorite adaptation isn't of a novel per se - it's a graphic novel. Batman: Under The Red Hood. It was brilliant, wonderful. As a stand alone and with background. They did a great job filling things in for people who are so-so with Batman, but stuck so true to the story line, and got such good actors that for a veteran like me it was like reading the book for the first time all over again.
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters : WTF Why is Kronos alive? What the hell? Who is that? Is that supposed to be . . . ? Are you freaking serious? *Summary of my watching experience*
Day 56 - The most money I've ever spent in the book shop at one time?
Don't want to talk about it.
OK, well. I miss you all terrible and hope to see you soon!!!
LOVE!!!!!!! Mags
Monday, March 10, 2014
Books, Books, and More Books
Whoo books! I think we're all fans, yes? Here are my answers to a handful of these questions.
Day 2: A book or series you wish more people were reading and talking about
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood. I love these books. They're like, Lemony Snicket meets Jane Eyre (I came up with that comparison all on my own, too. The fact that some book critic said the same thing on a dust jacket just shows how accurate a description that is), and yes, it works. The series is currently four books long; it will eventually be six books long, and more people need to discover it.
Day 3: The best book you've read in the last 12 months
Was this whole topic contrived so that I had an excuse to talk to you all about Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell? . . . Maybe. But guys. Let me talk to you about this book.
I finished this book last week, and not only is it amazing, it is about us. Figuratively speaking, of course. Whenever any novel tries to cover people in a "fandom," we usually end up getting portrayed as weird social outcasts/deviants instead of real people with a passion. But Fangirl nails what it is like to be a person in love with and caught up in the fervor of a Harry Potter-like obsession. Fandom and fanfiction writers specifically aren't shown as deviant, plagarizing, slightly crazy stalkers in this book, but as real people who love writing and love getting the chance to explore and expand a world they identify so strongly with.
The non-fandom aspects of the book are brilliant, as well, and you should all go read it.
Day 25: Any five books from your "to be read" stack
The Unseen Guest and The Interrupted Tale by Maryrose Wood; A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent by Marie Brennan; Jane by April Lindner; and Underdogs by Markus Zusak
Day 31: What books do you have on request at the library? How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time? How often have you returned books to the library unread? What do you currently have checked out at the library?
On Request: Cress by Marissa Meyer; Longbourn by Jo Baker; The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson
How many checked out at any given time: Waaaaaay too many. I might have a bit of a problem. And I'm actually getting a lot better about returning books unread. It takes me a while and several renews to get through them, but I usually read the books I check out.
Currently checked out: All the books listed under Day 25, and also Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, and a collection of Emily Dickinson's poems.
That's all I'll force you to read for now! :) Looking forward to hearing some of your responses!
Day 2: A book or series you wish more people were reading and talking about
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood. I love these books. They're like, Lemony Snicket meets Jane Eyre (I came up with that comparison all on my own, too. The fact that some book critic said the same thing on a dust jacket just shows how accurate a description that is), and yes, it works. The series is currently four books long; it will eventually be six books long, and more people need to discover it.
Day 3: The best book you've read in the last 12 months
Was this whole topic contrived so that I had an excuse to talk to you all about Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell? . . . Maybe. But guys. Let me talk to you about this book.
I finished this book last week, and not only is it amazing, it is about us. Figuratively speaking, of course. Whenever any novel tries to cover people in a "fandom," we usually end up getting portrayed as weird social outcasts/deviants instead of real people with a passion. But Fangirl nails what it is like to be a person in love with and caught up in the fervor of a Harry Potter-like obsession. Fandom and fanfiction writers specifically aren't shown as deviant, plagarizing, slightly crazy stalkers in this book, but as real people who love writing and love getting the chance to explore and expand a world they identify so strongly with.
The non-fandom aspects of the book are brilliant, as well, and you should all go read it.
Day 25: Any five books from your "to be read" stack
The Unseen Guest and The Interrupted Tale by Maryrose Wood; A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent by Marie Brennan; Jane by April Lindner; and Underdogs by Markus Zusak
Day 31: What books do you have on request at the library? How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time? How often have you returned books to the library unread? What do you currently have checked out at the library?
On Request: Cress by Marissa Meyer; Longbourn by Jo Baker; The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson
How many checked out at any given time: Waaaaaay too many. I might have a bit of a problem. And I'm actually getting a lot better about returning books unread. It takes me a while and several renews to get through them, but I usually read the books I check out.
Currently checked out: All the books listed under Day 25, and also Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, and a collection of Emily Dickinson's poems.
That's all I'll force you to read for now! :) Looking forward to hearing some of your responses!
Friday, March 7, 2014
Books Books Books
Okay, so since it's late on Friday and I'm up and Maggie's not, I'm gonna take the topic this week and make her come up with one next week.
And I wanna talk about books. Big surprise, right? I always want to talk about books.
So, recently, an internet friend of mine showed me this amazing, massive, two-month-long Book Meme that is amazing and I'm totally gonna get around to it on Tumblr at some point. Now, don't worry. I am gonna post the whole thing here, but I am not going to make you fill the whole thing out. That would be madness, and none of us have the time.
Rather, I would like you to look over the list and pick THREE (or five or ten or however many you feel like tackling, but let's try for three) "days" to talk about, in some amount of depth. I want more than just a title; I want some whys and wherefores to your decisions. :)
All right! Here goes!
Day 01 - A book series you wish had gone on longer OR a book series you wish would just freaking end already (or both!)
Day 02 - A book or series you wish more people were reading and talking about.
Day 03 - The best book you've read in the last 12 months
Day 04 - Your favourite book or series ever
Day 05 - A book or series you hate
Day 06 - Favourite book of your favourite series OR your favourite book of all time
Day 07 - Least favourite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise
Day 08 - A book everyone should read at least once
Day 09 - Best scene ever
Day 10 - A book you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving
Day 11 - A book that disappointed you
Day 12 - A book or series of books you've read more than five times
Day 13 - Favourite childhood book OR current favourite YA book (or both!)
Day 14 - Favourite character in a book (of any sex or gender)
Day 15 - Your "comfort" book
Day 16 - Favourite poem or collection of poetry
Day 17 - Favourite story or collection of stories (short stories, novellas, novelettes, etc.)
Day 18 - Favourite beginning scene in a book
Day 19 - Favourite book cover (bonus points for posting an image!)
Day 20 - Favourite kiss
Day 21 - Favourite romantic/sexual relationship (including asexual romantic relationships)
Day 22 - Favourite non-sexual relationship (including asexual romantic relationships)
Day 23 - Most annoying character ever
Day 24 - Best quote from a novel
Day 25 - Any five books from your "to be read" stack
Day 26 - OMG WTF? OR most irritating/awful/annoying book ending
Day 27 - If a book contains ______, you will always read it (and a book or books that contain it)!
Day 28 - First favourite book or series obsession
Day 29 - Saddest character death OR best/most satisfying character death (or both!)
Day 30 - What book are you reading right now?
Day 31 - What books do you have on request at the library? How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time? How often have you returned books to the library unread? What do you currently have checked out at the library?
Day 32 - Bad book habit? Do you ever dog-ear books? Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Not even with textbooks?
Day 33 - Do you have an e-reader? What format do you prefer to buy books in?
Day 34 - Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
Day 35 - Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Day 36 - Most inspirational book you've read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
Day 37 - Least favourite book you read this year (so far?)
Day 38 - What is your reading comfort zone? How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Day 39 - Favourite place to read? Can you read on a bus/car/train?
Day 40 - What is your policy on book lending?
Day 41 - What makes you love a book? Is it the same thing that will inspire you to recommend a book?
Day 42 - Favourite genre?
Day 43 - Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
Day 44 - Favourite biography?
Day 45 - Favourite cookbook?
Day 46 - Favourite reading snack?
Day 47 - Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
Day 48 - How often do you agree with critics about a book? How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
Day 49 - If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
Day 50 - Most intimidating book you've ever read? Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
Day 51 - Favourite poet?
Day 52 - Favourite fictional villain?
Day 53 - Name a book that you could/would not finish. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through?
Day 54 - What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Day 55 - Favourite film adaptation of a novel? Most disappointing film adaptation?
Day 56 - The most money I've ever spent in the book shop at one time?
Day 57 - How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Day 58 - Do you like to keep your books organized?
Day 59 - Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you've read them?
Day 60 - Are there any books you've been avoiding?
And I wanna talk about books. Big surprise, right? I always want to talk about books.
So, recently, an internet friend of mine showed me this amazing, massive, two-month-long Book Meme that is amazing and I'm totally gonna get around to it on Tumblr at some point. Now, don't worry. I am gonna post the whole thing here, but I am not going to make you fill the whole thing out. That would be madness, and none of us have the time.
Rather, I would like you to look over the list and pick THREE (or five or ten or however many you feel like tackling, but let's try for three) "days" to talk about, in some amount of depth. I want more than just a title; I want some whys and wherefores to your decisions. :)
All right! Here goes!
Day 01 - A book series you wish had gone on longer OR a book series you wish would just freaking end already (or both!)
Day 02 - A book or series you wish more people were reading and talking about.
Day 03 - The best book you've read in the last 12 months
Day 04 - Your favourite book or series ever
Day 05 - A book or series you hate
Day 06 - Favourite book of your favourite series OR your favourite book of all time
Day 07 - Least favourite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise
Day 08 - A book everyone should read at least once
Day 09 - Best scene ever
Day 10 - A book you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving
Day 11 - A book that disappointed you
Day 12 - A book or series of books you've read more than five times
Day 13 - Favourite childhood book OR current favourite YA book (or both!)
Day 14 - Favourite character in a book (of any sex or gender)
Day 15 - Your "comfort" book
Day 16 - Favourite poem or collection of poetry
Day 17 - Favourite story or collection of stories (short stories, novellas, novelettes, etc.)
Day 18 - Favourite beginning scene in a book
Day 19 - Favourite book cover (bonus points for posting an image!)
Day 20 - Favourite kiss
Day 21 - Favourite romantic/sexual relationship (including asexual romantic relationships)
Day 22 - Favourite non-sexual relationship (including asexual romantic relationships)
Day 23 - Most annoying character ever
Day 24 - Best quote from a novel
Day 25 - Any five books from your "to be read" stack
Day 26 - OMG WTF? OR most irritating/awful/annoying book ending
Day 27 - If a book contains ______, you will always read it (and a book or books that contain it)!
Day 28 - First favourite book or series obsession
Day 29 - Saddest character death OR best/most satisfying character death (or both!)
Day 30 - What book are you reading right now?
Day 31 - What books do you have on request at the library? How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time? How often have you returned books to the library unread? What do you currently have checked out at the library?
Day 32 - Bad book habit? Do you ever dog-ear books? Do you ever write in the margins of your books? Not even with textbooks?
Day 33 - Do you have an e-reader? What format do you prefer to buy books in?
Day 34 - Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
Day 35 - Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Day 36 - Most inspirational book you've read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
Day 37 - Least favourite book you read this year (so far?)
Day 38 - What is your reading comfort zone? How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Day 39 - Favourite place to read? Can you read on a bus/car/train?
Day 40 - What is your policy on book lending?
Day 41 - What makes you love a book? Is it the same thing that will inspire you to recommend a book?
Day 42 - Favourite genre?
Day 43 - Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
Day 44 - Favourite biography?
Day 45 - Favourite cookbook?
Day 46 - Favourite reading snack?
Day 47 - Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
Day 48 - How often do you agree with critics about a book? How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
Day 49 - If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
Day 50 - Most intimidating book you've ever read? Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
Day 51 - Favourite poet?
Day 52 - Favourite fictional villain?
Day 53 - Name a book that you could/would not finish. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through?
Day 54 - What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Day 55 - Favourite film adaptation of a novel? Most disappointing film adaptation?
Day 56 - The most money I've ever spent in the book shop at one time?
Day 57 - How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Day 58 - Do you like to keep your books organized?
Day 59 - Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you've read them?
Day 60 - Are there any books you've been avoiding?
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