Hi Everyone,
So today, I have something a little different on the blog. As the title says, it’s a book blogger blind date. Thanks to Jillian at Rant and Rave About Books I get to have a blind date with the lovely Amy from Novel Gossip in the USA!
We both decided that we would ask each other 5 questions, and we’d answer both sets so essentially it’s a mini Q&A 🙂
Happy Reading….
*Amy’s questions to me*
1. When you walk into a bookstore/library what section do you head for first? Or do you head for a particular author instead of a genre? Second place you browse?
I will always and ever head straight to the crime fiction section. It’s what I love to read so it’s my happy place. I don’t go straight to an author unless they have a new book out and I don’t already have it! The second place I go to is the new fiction section, you never know what you might pick up there and there’s always loads to look at!
2. Have you ever been to any author events? Book signings etc?
Up until the weekend, my answer to this would have been no!!! However, I went to Dublin for an author/blogger meet up and it was lots of fun. I met some familiar names in blogging, met lovely authors and got starstruck meeting Liz Nugent, an excellent Irish writer whose second book has just been published!
3. You’re picking up a book as a gift for a friend, what book do you choose? Why?
I rarely pick up books as gifts for my friends, funnily enough. Not many of them are avid readers, so I wouldn’t know where to start though. I do give my Mother-in-Law books as gifts though. We have similar taste in books, so I give her books I think she might like based on either what I’ve read, or what other bloggers are buzzing about.
4. Do you take actual notes while reading? Or write in your books/highlight passages?
I never used to take notes, EVER!!! And then I got busy! I had to multi-read so taking notes was the only way I could keep track of the different books and plots going around in my head. I still take notes now, but not as often because I try to write my review as soon as possible after finishing a book. That doesn’t always happen though! I don’t write in my books, maybe a proof I would have written a note. I read a book recently and the plot was spoiled early on by a simple typo and I had to make a note of it so I wouldn’t forget to address it! I never highlight passages!
5. Genre you stay away from? Why?
Romance and erotic fiction. I’m not really a romantic person, and I don’t like cheesy books so I find it very hard to read them. I don’t mind if there is a small bit of something in a book, but I wouldn’t sit down and read a romance novel. The same can be said for erotic fiction. It’s just not my thing, it makes me cringe so no. Just no! 🙂
*And now mine to Amy*
What made you start blogging? Was there a particular reason?
Well, I’ve always liked to write, almost as much as I read. I also wanted an organized place for all my reviews because Goodreads just wasn’t cutting it. I read so much that sometimes I’ll remember that I liked a book but I can’t remember details, so having somewhere to keep all my past thoughts was appealing. I toyed with the idea for a bit and my husband encouraged me to just do it. I’m so glad I did, the online book community is amazing!
What is the one book you will recommend every time someone asks you what to read?
Lately I would say The Passenger by Lisa Lutz. I read it a few months ago and it’s still stuck with me. It’s got everything I love in a novel, mystery, intrigue, suspense. That changes often though as I read so frequently.
Have you a favourite genre? What is it and why?
Mystery/Thriller. I read a lot of genres (Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, YA, etc) but I pick mysteries most often.
How do you shelve your books? Alphabetical/ Genre/ Colour/ Whatever way the stack?!
Well…right now they’re mostly in storage as we’re in a temporary rental with not much room. When we eventually move and get settled they’ll be by color I think.
All time favorite book/author? Explain…
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. It’s the type of book that I feel like I could recommend to literally anyone regardless of age. It opens up a whole new world of magic and wonder for readers.
*And my answers*
What made you start blogging? Was there a particular reason?
For myself really. I had just had my daughter and I needed something to keep my mind occupied when she was sleeping, especially in the early days. Also, I’m pretty sure I was boring my family and friends with my constant ranting and raving about books so I figured why not concentrate my efforts into putting it all in one place and thus, Bibliophile Book Club was born.
What is the one book you will recommend every time someone asks you what to read?
Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes. Every time. It is just a stunning example of a psychological thriller in every sense. The fact that it can happen makes it even more frightening.
Have you a favourite genre? What is it and why?
I love crime, in all shapes and forms.Thrillers, mysteries, psychological suspense, I enjoy them all. To be fair though I have a big grá (Irish for Love) for Scandinavian crime fiction especially. The cold climate makes it all the more chilling… Pardon the pun!!!
How do you shelve your books? Alphabetical/ Genre/ Colour/ Whatever way the stack?!
Oh Lord. Wherever they fit! At the moment, although organised, my shelves are fit to burst. I try to go by genre though. I mainly have crime though so its easy to keep it all together. I have some sci-fi, YA and the odd feel-good book too, so they are all grouped together. I’m short on space as my youngest has her toys on some of the lower shelves too so I’m sure I’ll have more room when she outgrows whatever is there at the moment!! Here is the most recent pic of my TBR shelves, but more have been added since I took this photo!!!
All time favorite book/author? Explain…
The Harry Potter series will always have a special place in my heart if I’m honest. It reminds me of my younger years. At the moment though, I’m massively loving Ragnar Jónasson’s Dark Iceland series, they are just wonderful! I’ve had the absolute privilege of having a quote used in his book, so it’s hard not to love them!!
There you have it! The only least awkward date I have ever been on!!! 😉 I guess its easy when you have something in common!
Its all about the books! ❤
Thanks to Amy for taking the time to answer my questions from all the way across the Atlantic!
