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15 Day Book Blogger Challenge: Day 1

Jul 8

So, April over at Good Books and Good Wine is doing this awesome thing, friends, where she’s set up 15 different prompts/challenges related to books and blogging. We answer, link up, chat with everyone about their answers, and then move on to the next one. Sounds AWESOME. There’s no set dates to start, and I don’t think you need to do all 15 right in a row, but I’ll definitely be participating because I love ALL OF THE THINGS about this.

The prompt for day one of the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge is coming up with 15 bookish confessions. I think I’ve got this one in the bag, but let’s see how we do! In the meantime, everyone should head on over there and check out the other mini challenges April’s got going!

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Reading Recommendations: A Challenge Update

Jun 17

Remember how just about two months ago I decided that I was going to read more books that people recommended to me, so I made up a challenge for myself? And then I talked about it once more and then…*crickets*? Well, the good news is that, even during my silence, I was reading the books in my initial pile of recs! YAY! I even managed to review a few. LOOK AT ME GO. But you know what the BEST part is? My friends know me well and didn’t steer me wrong, because I’ve loved all of the books that they’ve recommended to me. In fact, I loved them so much that I’m adding a few more! HUZZAH!

So, of the books in my original pile–UNDER THE NEVER SKY, THE SCORPIO RACES audiobook, something by Sarah Ockler, BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS, THE AVIARY, the FABLES graphic novels, and INCARNATE, I’ve read four of them, and reviewed three: UNDER THE NEVER SKY, THE SCORPIO RACES audiobook, and THE BOOK OF BROKEN HEARTS by Sarah Ockler. The only one I read but haven’t reviewed yet is the first volume of the FABLES graphic novels by Bill Willingham, but let this be an indication to you all how much I loved it: before I’d even finished reading volume 1, I ordered volumes 1–3 online and now own them. SO GOOD.

This book is the best kind of recommendation for two reasons: One, I had not even heard of it until April from Good Books and Good Wine recommended it to me on Goodreads, so it was a completely new book to me. I instantly added it to my shelf and put it on my radar because HELLO, it sounds awesome. And two, not long after April told me about it, my darling friend Alyssa from Books Take You Places told me that I needed to read it as well. BOOM. DOUBLE REC. I requested it on NetGalley and have it on my kindle to read. Thanks, ladies. It sounds EXCELLENT. These two lovelies are behind my new love of Juliet Marillier, so I know they’re on the money.

I’ve known about this book for awhile–I think I read somewhere that Maggie Stiefvater loved it and because she’s AMAZE I put it on my radar–but shout out again to my girl Alyssa, who read a little ways back and basically told me to get off my duff and read it. YES, MA’AM. On my kindle.

I just realized that these three books were recommended to me by the same two ladies. Not intentional, mind you, just a coincidence! But just this weekend I saw that April read and LOVED this book, AND that she recommended it to me on Goodreads, where she assured me that it’s an Amy book. Seriously, her recs have never led me astray, so I’m glad that I waited on line for this one at BEA this year because I have a copy all ready to go. It really does look so amazing. The map in itself is STUNNING, friends.

So that’s where we stand right now: Four books read, three reviewed, three more added to the list. I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THEM ALL. What about you guys? Have any books that your friends have told you are right up your alley? Read them along with me! It’s THE BEST TIME.

Filed Under: 2013 Reading Challenge, Fun Stuff Tagged With: reading recommendations

Classics Retold: King Arthur

Apr 24

BOOM. LOOK AT THAT BADASS. Guys, I am beyond excited to be participating in the Classics Retold Project. A bunch of awesome ladies are hosting this event together so that between May 25th and the whole month of September, each participant will have a chance to choose and read one source classic from a LITERAL CRAP TON of classics in any genre: mythology, ancient tales, medieval legends (HOLLA! That’s where I’m at thanks to the awesome host of those tales, Alyssa from Books Take You Places), to American, Gothic, and British classics AND MORE. Because of the aforementioned crap ton of source material, each lovely hostess is in charge of a different group (details below). After the participant reads the original classic they’ve chosen, they need to find some retellings or other versions of the same tale to read/watch and then chat about it all. If you haven’t guessed from the title of this post, I’m hitching my cart to one of the most epic legends from the British Isles: KING EFFING ARTHUR.

THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING by T.H. White

I know that, technically, I should be reading Thomas Malory’s L’MORTE DE ARTHUR, but THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING is a classic in its own right, and so I’m going to stick with the book that isn’t likely to make me cross-eyed. I am DROOLING with excitement over this. I mean, IT’S KING ARTHUR. If you know me at all, you’ve probably seen me nerd out the BBC show, Merlin, before. That’s because I love this myth, and I am a perpetual sucker for anything Arthurian.

SO. MANY. BOOKS. Friends, there are so many King Arthur retellings/reworkings/reimaginings out there. I’m definitely going to try to read these books, but I’m still on the lookout for others. I’ve already read quite a few YA retellings so I’m looking for ones that are new to me. (Books I’ve already finished: Jane Yolen’s SWORD OF THE RIGHTFUL KING, Meg Cabot’s AVALON HIGH, and Jennifer Anne Kolger’s THE DEATH CATCHERS.)

SONG OF THE SPARROW by Lisa Ann Sandell

I’ve actually owned this book for some time. I bought it not realizing it was a story in verse–not usually my jam. But I was attracted to it because it’s the story of Elaine of Ascolat, the daughter of one of King Arthur’s men, who befriends Arthur’s older sister, Morgan. Elaine is in love with Lancelot, a HUGE secret, and all the shenanigans are thrown into further turmoil when Guinevere arrives. I’m so glad to finally have some motivation to read this one.

OVER SEA, UNDER STONE (The Dark Is Rising #1) by Susan Cooper

I’d never heard of Susan Cooper until just recently, and now I’m all over it. This series is about a family of kids in modern times who basically go after the holy grail and other Arthurian-ish things. Sounds SO GOOD.

WINTER OF MAGIC’S RETURN by Pamela F. Service

YO. This one sounds SO LEGIT. So, there’s been a nuclear holocaust, right? And Merlin is RESURRECTED and, believing that magic has returned as well, goes on a QUEST with two friends to find King Arthur. I MEAN…

THE WINTER PRINCE by Elizabeth Wein

I had no idea until recently that CODE NAME VERITY wasn’t Elizabeth Wein’s first book. But it isn’t, because she’s written a series of Arthurian retellings focusing on Medraut, who I’m thinking is Mordred, the son of a British king named Artos, who I’m thinking is Arthur. Seriously, NOTHING about ANY of these books sounds less than AWESOME to me, so I’m looking forward to this one, too.

Also, TOTALLY WATCHING THIS:

I am SO. EFFING. EXCITED. If you want to participate in this most excellent event, check out the other hosts and their themes!!

Alyssa @ Books Take You Places: Ancient to Renaissance Classics

Brittany @ Book Addict’s Guide: Mythology Classics

Charlene @ Bookish Whimsy: 19th Century and Gothic Classics

Alison @ The Cheap Reader: Children’s Classics

Wendy @ Excellent Library: American & Miscellaneous Classics

Filed Under: 2013 Reading Challenge, Fun Stuff Tagged With: 2013 challenges, classics retold, King Arthur

Reading Recommendations: A Challenge

Apr 10

In Which I Challenge Myself to Leave My Reading Choices at the Mercy of Others

I’ve been thinking quite a lot lately, friends, about the books that people tell me I need to read. Those particularly egregious books I’ve missed that people think I would love, or the books that everyone else has read that I haven’t managed to work into my schedule yet. You know, the books that make people go, “AMY. WT ACTUAL F. WHY HAVEN’T YOU READ THIS YET, YOU SLACKER/DUMMY/PERSON WITH QUESTIONABLE PRIORITIES.” Since this seems to be happening more frequently lately, and since I just had TREMENDOUS success with a beyond solid recommendation to read Juliet Marillier’s DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST (thanks, Alyssa and April!), I’m going to make reading books that are recommended to me officially A THING. That’s right folks: I’ve created a reading challenge for myself.

So what are the guidelines of this project that I’ve just created kind of on the spot? Basically, I’m going to give myself until the end of May to read the following books. I’m not going to make myself nuts by planning on reading 10 books because that’s not really possible in addition to the other books I need to read. Besides, I don’t think there are 10 books that fit my admittedly fluid idea of “books that are recommended to me.” I’m trying to pick books that people who know my tastes at least a little bit have said, “Amy, I think YOU would love this book.” That kind of thing. There might be a few more general recommendations of books that lots of people have loved, too, but I’m really interested in reading books suggested to me by people who’s opinions I trust. And so, THE LIST:

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Filed Under: 2013 Reading Challenge, Fun Stuff Tagged With: 2013 challenge, recommendations

Blogger Love-A-Thon Interview

Feb 23

Say Hi To Justin from Justin’s Book Blog!

I’m so excited to be participating in this completely wonderful event hosted by Alexa from Alexa Loves Books and Katelyn from Tales of Books and Bands. Thanks so much for putting this big blogger love-fest together, ladies.

I’m also excited to let you guys get to know Justin from Justin’s Book Blog a little bit better! So without further ado…TO THE INTERVIEW!

1. Give us a few details about yourself! How long have you been blogging? What’s your real life like when you AREN’T blogging?

I’ve been blogging for almost 2 years now, will be 2 years this August. It’s something I wasn’t extremely serious about when I started blogging but over time it has become something that I couldn’t see myself not doing. As for what I do outside of blogging? I mainly just read and do school work, that is mainly all my life will consist of for the next six years or so. Going for a degree in Mechanical Engineering, so I got a lot ahead of me. Really doesn’t leave much free time.

2. What is your favorite quote from a book? Why this one? (Or more, if you can’t narrow it down that far!)

I really had to think about this one. There are so many great quotes in books, but there is one that really stands out in my mind. It is probably one of the more iconic book quotes from my childhood. There really isn’t anything to spectacular about it, but considering how young I was in 1998 when the book came out here in the US I just really loved when this quote was said in the book.

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
― Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling

3. What is the last book you read and gave five stars to? What made it so special?

As of typing this, the last book I gave five stars was The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski. This book was absolutely incredible. It is New Adult, which is a genre I really want to get into more as the year goes on. If you haven’t had the chance to read it yet, I highly suggest checking it out.

4. Is there one book that you’ve always wanted to read but haven’t yet? Which one?

Wow, there are so many. One that comes to mind is The Maze Runner by James Dashner. I have had this book forever, but have never got around to actually reading it yet. One of these days I will though.

5. Have participated in any blogging or bookish events? Which ones? Any favorite memories?

I’m guessing you mean things such as ALA, BEA, etc. If so, no I haven’t. I do want to though, and I plan to try to go to ALA in Chicago later this year but we will have to see. As far as just normal signings go, I have been to two of them. The most memorable being one for Jen Calonita and Jackson Pearce. The reason that one is so memorable is because that was the first time I had met someone that recognized me from my blog and that was pretty awesome and I made a pretty great friend having met her.

6. What is the most recent book blog you added to your reader? Which one has been there the longest?

You know, I honestly don’t even use Google Reader. I did use it some when I started, but it has been a very long time. So I honestly can’t even answer this. I mainly use Twitter and other things to find different posts.

7. In your heart of hearts, do you prefer books with happy endings, or ones with endings that are less so?

I like happy endings, but I don’t really like it to be clear from the start. I like books that have moments that really make you wonder how it will turn out in the end. I know that is a short answer, but I can’t think of a better way to put it.

8. What are some of your favorite posts from your blog?

Some of my favorite blog posts would have to be all my author and blogger interviews that I have done. I love getting to interview authors because it allows me to dig around and try to figure out what they were really aiming for with a book or whatever the topic of the interview might be. And I love getting to interview other book bloggers because it allows me to get to know more bloggers than I would otherwise. You can see my author and blogger interviews here: http://www.justinsbookblog.com/p/author-blogger-interviews.html

9. Do you have an ereader? Do you prefer it over printed books? Why or why not?

I do, I have an older Kindle looking to upgrade it to the new Paperwhite here soon. Not really a fan of the colored readers/tablets. As for what I prefer more.. I prefer printed books when it comes to the finished version of a book. However, when it comes to galleys I prefer to have them on the ereader.

10. What’s the best, most satisfying thing to you about book blogging?

There are a lot of wonderful things about book blogging, but one of the most enjoyable is just being able to do what I love and get more people interested in all of the awesome books that are out there. Know that might sound cheesy, but having someone tell you that you convinced them to pick up a certain book and that they also enjoyed it is one of the best feelings ever as a blogger. And I don’t see myself cutting blogging out of my life anytime soon.

Thanks so much for your great answers, Justin! Now, everyone go check out his blog; it’s super!

Filed Under: Bloggy Business, Fun Stuff Tagged With: bloggers, interview, love-a-thon

Happy Birthday, Pride and Prejudice

Jan 30

In Which We Celebrate the 200th Birthday of Pride and Prejudice, Belatedly

I know, friends. Th 200th birthday of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE was technically yesterday. I’m a little behind. But who said that we can’t celebrate this wonderful book EVERY day?! Not me. I always enjoy checking out different editions of books. I love to see the covers and the different designs. I especially love the way each different cover sends out different vibes. And because I was going for different, I shied away from using covers that have some kind of painting of a young, 19th century woman or women on the cover. We’ve all seen those, right friends? Check out these BEAUTIES instead! You can click the covers for links to Amazon or Barnes and Noble if you’re struck with the desire to flash these pretties on your own shelves!

Dover Thrift Edition (part of a three-book set)

Penguin Drop Cap Edition

(Just bought this one myself. It’s RED!)

Popular Penguins Edition

Splinter Edition

(GORGEOUS!)

Belknap/Harvard University Press Hardcover Annotated Edition

Barnes and Noble Leatherbound Edition

Amazon Digital Annotated Kindle Edition

Signet Classics Edition

Headline Publishing Edition

HarperTeen Edition

Penguin Classics Clothbound Edition

Illustrated by Hugh Thomson Edition

(This edition’s cover is ALL OVER the place: on shirts, bags, iPhone cases, ereader sleeves. EVERYWHERE.)

Voyager Press 200th Anniversary Annotated Edition

Digireads Edition

Marvel Graphic Novel Volume 1

(I can’t even.)

Filed Under: Fangirl, Fun Stuff, Pretty! Tagged With: book covers, fangirl!, fun stuff, Jane Austen, pretty, Pride and Prejudice, special edition

Peace Out, 2012: End of Year Book Survey

Dec 28

(Side note: I’m purposely not including books that I’ve read this year that aren’t out yet. I don’t know why, because I would CERTAINLY have put Scarlet and Prodigy on this list. Probably because I don’t want to be a spoiler. Whatever my reason, only 2012 releases and earlier below. And, seriously, get on those two book up there. AWESOME x infinity.)

1. Best Book You Read In 2012? (You can break it down by genre if you want)

Ok, then I will! First, though, I’m going to say that, by and large, I adored lots of books that I read this year. I feel like if I read a book that was the first in a series, I was made a fan for life. I am going to break it down into categories in a sec because I have way too many favorites that I want to share with you all, but I’m going to offer these two books right here as my tied for number 1 most favorite books of the year: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson and Cinder by Marissa Meyer.

Fantasy: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin, The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

Sci-Fi/Dystopian: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Contemporary: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson, Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith, Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley (I will stop now. Clearly, 2012 was the Year of the Amazing Contemp)

Historical Romance: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Mixed Genre: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (historical fiction, paranormal), Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (paranormal, historical fiction, alternate history)

MG: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan, The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy, A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. OK, so just BEAR WITH ME HERE. I still wound up really enjoying The Raven Boys. Honestly, I did. I’m invested. I’m more than ready for book number 2. I felt all the things, thought the end was gripping, and the whole book had this really boss mysterious atmosphere that was amazing. BUT. It was definitely a slow start for me, and even though I enjoyed the whole thing, it still left me with lots of questions, and sometimes things that I didn’t understand on the first read. Which isn’t always bad. So you know essentially what this is, putting The Raven Boys here? It’s me saying that I was waiting to be instantly sucked into this one like I was to The Scorpio Races, and I wasn’t. Don’t give up this one, though. You’d be missing out.

Also, The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats, because I thought both main characters were unlikable…way unlikable. And Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, because I was expecting AMAZE, and got merely very good with lots of promise.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer. Guys? I’m pretty absorbed in this series about the Merrick brothers. The elemental stuff is interesting for sure, but I’m OBSESSED with their relationship. I love reading about them, mostly because I have never read any YA books about brothers, and this set is the bomb. Also, Unraveling by Elizabeth Morris, because I couldn’t put it down, and because it DIDN’T blind me with science–it gripped me.

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2012?

I seem to be recommending the Pink Carnation series to lots of people lately, which is excellent. I don’t know how many of them are actually going to READ it, but you know. And Tiger Lily. And, always, The Scorpio Races.

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

Completed series: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead & The Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima

Incomplete: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer & The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

Jodi Lynn Anderson, for one. Marissa Meyer for another. So awesome.

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Hands down, This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers. If you’re a regular round these parts, you should have an idea that I don’t really do zombies. I don’t like horror books. I don’t watch The Walking Dead (have NO desire at all, so sorry, fans). But this book was really outstanding. Lots of tension and fear and ANGST. And fear.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

Cinder. Unraveling. Insurgent. Guys, none of these books were small, although Cinder was no doorstop at 387 pages long, But Unraveling was 445 pages and Insurgent was freaking 525 pages!! I read them all in less than two whole days.

9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

I am a big rereader. I reread the following books this year that I usually reread every year, sometimes because I’m just craving them and sometimes because I’m in a rut and I know that these books will at least temporarily get me out of it: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols, Legend by Marie Lu. For sure, I’m going to reread Cinder by Marissa Meyer and Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, but I’m always struck randomly with the desire to reread stuff, so you never know.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?

Like I could pick just one:

11. Most memorable character in 2012?

My immediate thought: Tiger Lily, yo. But other characters that I still think about, even after finishing their books months ago? The Merrick brothers from Brigid Kemmerer’s Elementals series, Cinder, AND OMG ALSO ALSO: KVOTHE.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

Tiger Lily. No contest.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?

Book that made me cry the most: A Monster Calls, Tiger Lily

Book that made think the most about difficult things: Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser

Book that sucked me into the world the most: The Name of the Wind, Cinder

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?

The Name of the Wind, Vampire Academy, The Demon King. Egregious oversights x 3. All now rectified.

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?

Umm, what? How am I supposed to choose this?! WAH SO HARD! But here are a few of my favorites:

“Sometimes love means not being able to not being able to bear seeing the one you love the way they are, when they’re not what you hoped for them.” ― Jodi Lynn Anderson, Tiger Lily

“Still, the longer I was around her, the more I could see the colors of her mind and the recesses of her heart. There was a beast in there. But there was also a girl who was afraid of being a beast, and who wondered if other people had beasts in their hearts too.”― Jodi Lynn Anderson, Tiger Lily

“Mum says when wanting collides with getting, that’s the moment of truth. I want to collide. I want to run right into Shadow and let the force spill our thoughts so we can pick each other up and pass each other back like piles of shiny stones.”
― Cath Crowley, Graffiti Moon

“So young,” said Wyman Manderly, “Though mayhaps this was a blessing. Had he lived he would’ve grown up to be a Frey.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Dance With Dragons (BOOM. Wyman Manderley is MADE OF BOOM.)

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012?

Longest Adult book: The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (992 pages)

Longest YA: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (549 pages)

Longest MG: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan (586 pages)

Shortest Adult: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson (264 pages)

Shortest YA: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller (214 pages)

Shortest MG: Sleuth or Dare by Kim Harrington (179 pages)

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

This is actually kind of hard for me this year! Last year I had A Dance With Dragons to fall back on! But…if we’re talking about something that made me want to shout from the rooftops because it was emotional and gorgeous and I loved it so much? The end of Tiger Lily. THAT LETTER!

But if I’m being honest, I REALLY had to have a chat about a certain series-ending book that isn’t coming out until next year that I’ve been lucky enough to read early. (I know, I know, breaking my own “2012 reads only rule from up top there. BUT I MUST, JUST THIS ONCE.) Friends, it upsets me to say that I was not pleased. I can’t even tell you all what book I’m talking about because I don’t want to be mean or be a spoiler, but the more I think about it, the more I am disappointed pretty hugely. No lie? To me, it was the worst book of the series, which is a horrible way to go out, you know? Lots of venting necessary. I don’t think I’ll be alone, either. SIGH.

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

Romantic: Jase and Samantha from My Life Next Door. These two kids had a pretty strong relationship that really impressed me, mostly because I love how it depicted a young relationship that never rang false. I totally believed that Jase and Samantha were one of those high school couples who would for real stay together.

Also, for pure steaminess, Grayson and Leah from Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols.

Friendship: Cinder and Iko from Cinder. LOVE THEM.

Family: The Merrick brothers from Storm/Spark. Guys. I am more absorbed by the relationship between these brothers than I am in the paranormal element in this series. Seriously. I don’t think I’ve ever read any books that focused so much on the relationship between brothers, but the Merricks are wonderful because they struggle, they fight, they annoy each other, but they’re loyal and they love each other.

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson.

20. Best Book You Read That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

The Name of the Wind. I still can’t figure out why I hadn’t read this book before, but basically EVERYONE told me that I had to read it because NOT reading it was dumb, and EVERYONE was right. This book was legit.

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012 (optional)

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2012?

Books Take You Places, Bunbury in the Stacks, and The Book Addict’s Guide. I can’t believe that I only just met Alyssa, Heidi, and Brittany this year. I CAN’T. Because they’re all wonderful, thoughtful, fun, ladies and all of that shows in their blogs. I love that they are some of my favorite people to fangirl with on Twitter over books that we’ve both–or all!–loved. It’s the best feeling. Check these ladies out, friends.

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012?

I really liked writing my review of Tiger Lily, with the quotes and all. And I also really enjoyed writing my review of Second Chance Summer, because it’s one of the only times I’ve ever welled up writing a review from remembering how emotional the book made me while reading.

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

There were some great responses to my post about DNFing, which of course, I have not responded to yet because I’m a horrible slacker. Also, there was a fun discussion–well, it was fun for us Avatar/Legend of Korra nerds–on one of my recaps. I’ll talk about those shows all day.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?

I am constantly blown away by the insightful, in-depth discussions on Stacked. I really enjoyed this one about what bloggers should expect from pubs, and this really fascinating post about profanity in YA and its impact on feminism in YA books. Seriously great, thought-provoking stuff. Reading Kelly’s posts helps me see things more clearly and organize my own thoughts.

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

BEA. Again. It’ll probably be BEA maybe for a long time. It’s such a great event, and one I’m so glad that I can participate in with relative ease and at very little cost to myself. PLUS PLUS!! This year I got to meet so many awesome people!! Can’t wait to get together with them again next year and spend some more time hanging out.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

Mah birfday!! No, not MY birthday, my blog birthday. My baby is ONE!!!

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

By Comments: Top Ten Tuesday (20)–Books I’d Play Hooky With–has 51 comments, narrowly beating Top Ten Tuesday (17) about my top ten favorite foreign edition book covers, with 42 comments.

By Views: This Excuse Me While I Fangirl post about Legend of Korra Fanart got 4,058 views. @$&!! 4,058!!!!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

I’m a big fan of my Excuse Me While I Fangirl posts because I love getting my nerd on, so I’m always going to say that I wish people checked those out because I want to nerd out with people all the time.

9. Best bookish discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

I love trolling Etsy for bookish things! I know that’s a copout, saying Etsy, but it’s true.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

SIGH. Guys, I had such high hopes for my challenges this year. I was going at a great clip in the first half of the year on my Goodreads challenge and the Debut Author Challenge, but I started working in the spring and my reading time nearly went the way of the dodo. The one challenge I DID complete, though, was the Completely Contemporary Challenge. HUZZAH! Not so much for the Mythology Challenge and the Historical Fiction Challenge, and I outright BOMBED my own personal challenge to read a bunch of books I’ve had on my shelves forever. Oh well. I’ll probably lower my expectations for myself next year, knowing more about how I need to organize my time.

Looking Ahead…

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

Days of Blood and Starlight, for sure. Mastiff, because I refuse to list this book as the answer to this question THREE times. Bitterblue, which is happening soon with the Cashore Goodtimes readalong!!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

THIS QUESTION. So, ok. I know I’ve already mentioned Scarlet and Prodigy waaaaaaaay back up top there, but I’m going to bring them up again here because I loved these books and can’t wait to hold real finished copies in my hands. I also can’t wait for Isla and the Happily Ever After, The History of Luck (JANDY NELSON!! PLEASE!! RELEASE YOUR BOOK IN 2013!!), and lots more. LOTS.

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?

I want to get myself on something resembling a schedule. But mostly I want to be able to schedule my posts ahead of time. I almost never do this, and it’s a strain on my time. Thankfully it’s not something I mind doing, otherwise I’d go crazy! But I’d really love to be able to bang out a bunch of reviews and schedule them and not have to worry about finishing a book and writing a review instantly in order to have any content at all.

So, pat yourselves on the back, friends. You’ve just officially read the longest post on my blog.

Filed Under: Fun Stuff Tagged With: bloggy business, fun stuff, survey

Tripping Over My First Blogoversary

Oct 29

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Over the course of time, lots of things have happened on October 29th. John Glenn went back into space at age 77 (astronauts are the best). Richard Dreyfuss and Winona Ryder were born. Duane Allman, one the greatest guitarists in the WHOLE WORLD died on October 29th. The stock market crash known as “Black Tuesday” started the Great Depression on October 29th. In 1964, there was this MAJOR jewel heist from The American Museum of Natural History. And, one year ago today, I wrote my first post on Tripping Over Books. Small potatoes, friends, but a big deal in the life of moi.

I can’t believe it’s been a year already. This must be what new mothers feel like on their first baby’s birthday. What happened to the time? One year seems like both hardly any time at all, and more than enough time for something epic to have a huge affect on my life. I know I’ve said before that I feel like I can be more myself on this blog, talking to you all about books and nerdy things and life, and that’s the truth. So THANK YOU for every time you’ve visited, commented, shared your thoughts. It’s been an incredible year, and that is really all down to you. Here’s to another year full of awesome people, awesome books, and more good times than we know what do with!

Filed Under: Bloggy Business, Fun Stuff Tagged With: bloggy business, blogoversary, good times

Readathon: The Finish Line

Oct 14

So, friends, the readathon is over. Alas, I only finished a book (TEXAS GOTHIC) and a half (THE HALLOWED ONES), but I kind of did the readathon on a whim and planned very little. Next time it’s ON. I’m not sure about the whole 24 hours, though I’m definitely game to try!

End of Event Survey:

Which hour was most daunting for you?

Probably the one where I fell asleep for good: about 1 am. I just couldn’t keep my eyes open AT ALL.

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

I think I’m going to keep is short and sweet next time. Maybe some graphic novels, too. I could get down with that.

Which book did you enjoy most?

Honestly, I really enjoyed TEXAS GOTHIC, and THE HALLOWED ONES kept me up quite frankly longer than I thought I could manage. They are/were both pretty legit.

Which did you enjoy least?

Liked ’em both! Well, I am so far. Not finished with THE HALLOWED ONES yet. Today. Amish vampires and football. Recipe for winning.

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again?

For sure! I’m going to do it up BIG next time!

Filed Under: Fun Stuff Tagged With: readathon

Handing in My Readathon V-Card

Oct 13

It’s true. I’ve never done a readathon before, even though I can’t exactly imagine why because I LOVE reading and I LOVE being able to hunker down and plow through some books. But Dewey’s October Readathon sounds like just the thing right now. I have to admit that the 24 hours business is daunting, though, because I am basically tired all the time, but whatevs. I’m giving it a go. I’m only going to pick 5 books and see how far I get. Although I can tell you right now that MAYBE I’ll finish two. Also, it’s highly likely that I’ll stop for a nap sometime. But a girl can dream, right? So, here we go!

Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement Moore

Just started this one actually, so I’m keeping it on my Readathon list because I want to finish it. Also, ghosts and cowboys and TEXAS FOREVER. I’m kind of loving it right now.

The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle

Amish vamps? OF COURSE, I WILL! I have heard so many good things about this book. I’m looking forward to reading something perhaps a little creepyish in time for Halloween!

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1) by Julie Kagawa

Because Julie Kagawa writing more fairy books? Definitely reading it. Also, little Ethan Chase is all shirtless on the cover. It’s hard not to be intrigued.

The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan

Psh, I can almost guarantee that I am not going to finish this book. It’s like 600 pages long. But it’s the continuing saga of one PERCY JACKSON, and even if I don’t finish it today (or, you know, start it even), it’s going down soon.

It’s In His Kiss (Bridgertons #7) by Julia Quinn

Guys, I LOVE the Bridgertons. I’m sad that I’m on book 7 of 8! But then I can jump into some other hot historical romances, too, and I’m always a fan of that. This 7th book is about Hyacinth, the youngest of the lot.

Let’s see how we do, friends!