TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question: Choose Your Next Read: How do you go about choosing what you read next? Do you have a schedule you follow, or do you read whatever makes you happy at the moment?
I have a Review Books To Read spreadsheet where I update what books I've received, time frame if given, publisher and date released. I have stuck to this until quite recently where studies and work have taken up more of my spare time then I would have liked. I still read but not quite as much, if you have noticed. I definitely miss curling up on the couch with a good book and have slowly been getting back into. Fingers crossed I'll have some reviews up soon.
Sometimes though, I do get into a reading slump when it comes to review books. It's not that the books are bad or unreadable, it's more that the pressure of getting the books reviewed by a certain time frame tend to weigh in a little to the point where I can stop reading for a few days. I've found that picking up one from my own TBR pile does help. It also depends on my mood as to what I'll pick up next. Nine times out of ten I will reach for the review pile but there are those days where I like to shake things up a little.
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question: Issue Books: Which books have you found to be very rewarding when it comes to tackling tougher issues?
My first thoughts on this went straight to Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. I picked this one up after hearing it was on the banned list and read it. I was thoroughly surprised at how well the book was written and couldn't understand for the life of me why they would ban it from schools (not sure if it has changed since) because taking a book away from teens reading it doesn't take the problems themselves away. Because this sort of thing happens alot more than people realise. That's my thoughts anyhow.
This is the only one I can actually think of. I need to get more books like this on my reading pile I think!
Throwing the question out to all of you:
Which books have you found to be very rewarding when it comes to tackling tougher issues?
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Book Blogger Influences: Has there been a particular book blogger who's influenced what you read? Share with us a review/book blog that convinced you to pick up a certain book.
There have been a number of Book Blogger influences over the last couple of years. I think the biggest one would be The Story Siren. There is so much going on that there is always something awesome posted up when I go to look.
Ink Crush is another very awesome blog that I frequent! She's an Aussie blogger too so that makes it super awesome knowing that! She lists alot of Aussie YA reading material but it's not limited to just that. If you have time, make sure to check it out!
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Musical Stories: If you could read a book about any song, which song would you love to see written down in story form?
I thought I'd really struggle with this one but when I scrolled through the list of songs in my phone I could have picked quite a few that I would love to see in book form so here's mine.
Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. This could be taken quite literally and be turned into a Paranormal about a guy collecting hearts in his jar and a girl who has survived him and determined to do what she must to stop him from coming back for her. How spooky would that be ;)
No, I can't take one more step towards you
'Cause all that's waiting is regret
Don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore
You lost the love I loved the most
I learned to live half alive
And now you want me one more time
[Chorus:]
And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are?
I hear you're asking all around
If I am anywhere to be found
But I have grown too strong
To ever fall back in your arms
And I've learned to live half alive
And now you want me one more time
[Chorus:]
And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are?
Dear, It took so long just to feel alright
Remember how to put back the light in my eyes
I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed
'Cause you broke all your promises
And now you're back
You don't get to get me back
[Chorus: x2]
And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart
You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
Don't come back for me
Don't come back at all
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
'
My second pick would be Run For Your Life by The Fray. Just listening to the words makes you think how much of a tough story it would be to write. Both songs I picture being paranormal stories.
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Book Series Finales: Which book, from any series has been your favorite ending? What about your least favourite ending?
Such a tough question!
Best ending to a series:
These two have to be my favourite endings of series that i've been reading. Both have strong leading females with sacrifices and big decisions to make in the last book.
There are so many series I've read but not all the finale books have lived up to my expectations.
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Book Blogger Retreat: If you could gather up a handful of book blogger friends to spend a weekend away talking books, where would you go? Tell us about it.
Photo was taken by David de Groot
Seriously?? If this were possible I'd be gathering a heap of Bloggers and heading to either Mount Tamborine for an awesome laid back weekend or Surfers Paradise, where we could all relax on the beach or chill out in a hotel/motel and read and share good books and have some wine.. or even Bundy Rum and coke!
If it were Mount Tamborine we could all head out to check out the awesome scenery and even find a good spot to do some serious reading! There are some really pretty spots in the Hinterland and loads to see.
Then there's the coast with it's awesome beaches!!
So what do you think?? You coming with me?? Hahaha if only this was a possibly. How awesome would that be!!
So I throw the question out to you. If you could gather up a handful of book blogger friends to spend a weekend away talking books, where would you go? Tell us
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Social Networking: Do you use Twitter or Facebook to promote your blog? How has it benefited your book blogging experience? If not, how do you promote your blog? Share your twitter handle and/or Facebook link!
Definitely use Twitter!! Mostly I use it to spread the word on cool stuff and let everyone know when I've just put up a new blog post. It's good to have up if you want to keep up to date with what's going on and best of all, I can take it with me wherever I go.
Not a big fan of Facebook compared to Twitter. I suppose I use Facebook more for family and friends to share photos and things like that. Not so much to spread the word of my blog.
As I've got two blogs going at the moment this one and My Alter Ego Charlie, I also use two twitter accounts. You can find Spellbound stuff tweeted from Meeka_21 but writing and more personal stuff goes up as AlteregoCharlie
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Promote An Author: Is there a particular author you wish got more recognition? Pick one author and tell us why we should read their work.
My definite recommended author would be Kirsty Eagar who wrote Saltwater Vampires, Raw Blue and her new one called Night Beach which will be released in April of this year! I can't wait to get my hands on Night Beach.
Saltwater Vampires was the first book I'd read of Kirsty's and it was sent to me by Penguin. Within the first few pages I was hooked. This is a unique take on the vampire legends and the description of the Australian landscape is just beautiful. I have to say, one of the more creepy books I've read about Vampires.
Raw Blue was totally different to Saltwater Vampires but I loved it just as much!
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Required Reading: Which book from your school days do you remember reading and enjoying? Is there a book published now that you'd like to see in today's curriculum for kids?
From memory the only book that I remember reading in highschool was One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey which was an awesome book, and though when I watched the movie in year 9 ( I think that was in 1998.. wow.. that long ago? lol) I loved the movie even more. Jack Nicholson played an awesome Psych ward patient!
There are a few books I'd like to see in high school today. The first one would be Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden. Actually the whole series of that really. I think there could be alot learned by reading these books and they are quite an enjoyable read!
The Messenger/I am The Messenger by Markus Zusack. Although I think this should be aimed at mature teens I think this could be another one that is both entertaining and something that teens would also enjoy and take something away from. This is also one of my favourite books of all time!
Which book from your school days do you remember reading and enjoying? Is there a book published now that you'd like to see in today's curriculum for kids?
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question: Book Blogger Pride: What do you take pride in when it comes to blogging?
Tough question. I still feel like a new blogger, learning the ropes still.. even after two years at blogging. I take pride in the reviews I write, as tough and time consuming that they can be, and I'm glad that my thoughts on books may help someone decide whether they'd like to give a particular book a try. I also take pride in making my reviews Spoiler Free.. and warning readers before they get to a bit that may contain little giveaways in the review.
The biggest and best things about this blog are the people that take the time to pop in to have a look, the Authors, some who I've met and others that have taken the time to contact me and participate on the blog, the fellow bloggers I share this awesome community with. I never would have dreamed two years ago that I'd meet so many awesome people that would share a love of books like me!
I'm also proud to say that I'm an Aussie Book Blogger, aye Lol,
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Love Stories: What are some of your favorite fictional love stories?
Wow! Good question. Looking at my bookshelves now, the first one that I can't help but mentioning:
Claire and Shane, from the Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine. I absolutely love these two. They've been through thick and thin, the ultimate strain on their relationship but they are still such a strong pair that I almost sigh!
Sam and Grace from The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater. It doesn't matter whether it's Shiver, Linger or Forever I loved each book and the way things happen in each. I guess deep down it would have been nice to feel that kind of love as a teen. (Showing my age? I hope not lol)
I could keep going but I think I'll stop there. One couple from The Hunger Games Trilogy would be mentioned here too but I may ruin it for other readers who haven't jumped onto this bandwagon yet :)
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Book Appeal: When you're browsing goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?
I won't lie here. A good eye catching cover is the first and foremost thing for me. Bright covers usually win hands down for me but covers that are tastefully done definitely grab my attention. An unusual title is another reason I'd pick a book up.
Three Examples of covers and titles that have won me over:
These three books were bought by either cover or title. Blink and Caution was both, The Registrar's Manual for Detecting Forced Marriages won me over by the title for sure, and Between was the cover alone.
When I'm usually out and about and I encounter a book where I'm on the fence, I'll quickly jump onto Goodreads just to see the star rating and a quick review. If the star rating is over 4 I'll buy it, but if it's lower, I'll skim read a review here and there to see if it's up my alley.
I usually read bloggers reviews if I'm at home and can't decide which books I want to order next. I tend to frequent a few popular blogs, usually the ones who have similar tastes to mine before I decide to buy, or skim over.
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question: Buy or Borrow: Where do your books that you read come from? The bookstore? The library? Do you prefer to own a book, or have it on loan?
The answer to this one for me would definitely buy! It also depends on how quick I want the book as to where I go shopping for them. For instance, if I don't mind waiting a week to two I'd look at Book Depository. The shipping is free and it's awesome for saving money on pre-orders.
Booksamillion is another fantastic shop but being in Australia the shipping is a bit more expensive. I think the last time I bought a book I paid for the most expensive which was like $30 or something like that for shipping but true to their word, four days later I had my book. So that was pretty cool!
Booktopia is pretty good for buying bulk load of books. The prices for the books are pretty good and Australia wide for up to 100 books it's only $6 or so dollars for shipping. The only downfall with this one is the time it takes. If it's not urgent, then go for it but sometimes I've had to wait a few weeks because they've had to get the book in from either overseas or publishers. There are some better options out there if you don't want to wait.
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question: Recommend It: Which book from the last 10 you've read would you recommend to a friend?
I'd recommend Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I was a late comer to both books and wish that I hadn't waited so long to read these.
Another book I'm thoroughly enjoying but haven't finished yet is Silverbirch by Rob Kaay and while I'm still reading so far I've enjoyed this immensely.
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question: 2012 Must Reads: Which books are at the top of your list to be read this year (new or old releases)?
Well it's hard to say since I've read the top ones I've been meaning to read all last year. Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare were two. These were amazing books, something I was even quite surprised I loved so much. The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins were the other lot that were right at the top to read. In the last two days I've read the first two, devoured them really. I'm now up to Mockingjay which I ended up buying the epub edition since I couldn't get to the shop this afternoon. That's how much I NEEDED to read this! lol. The other series will be The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare which I'm hoping to get to in the next month. Since I loved Clockwork Angel and Prince I'm sure I will like this as well!
Apart from that, most of my TBR that have sat on the shelves from last year will be high on the list to read. That and of course the fantastic review copies that have been coming in.
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Reading Resolutions: What are some of your reading goals for the new year?
I guess my main reading goals this year are to outdo last years which was 100 books read. Goodreads is a brilliant website for keeping track of it too. So I decided to aim it at 120 and see how I go. Fingers crossed ;) My other goal is to knock my own TBR pile down by at least a third which is like 30 or so books last time I checked.
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
First and Last: What was the first book you read in 2011 and the last you finished in 2011? How do you feel about these books? Would you recommend them to other readers?
The first book I read for this year was The End of Marking Time by C.J West. This was a great read with a killer twist to it. I don't think this book is for everyone but for those of you that are curious to see what it would be like to treat criminals differently this sure is worth trying.
The last book I've read (so far) is Arrival by Chris Morphew and it is book one in The Phoenix Files. I picked this up last year while at the Brisbane Writer's Festival and only now getting to read it. I liked it! It's from an Aussie Author a year younger than me! And being Aussie, I picked this up, willing to give our own Authors a go. I really liked it, but the plot is similar to other stories I've read.. which kind of sounds silly when I say it like that, since most stories are like other plots.. but yeah.
This technically won't be the last book I've read as I'm trying to get Cinder finished and start on Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare before this year is up. Yes, I have finally picked this book up, and the funny thing was.. it was a few quotes I read on Goodreads from this book that actually got me to reading it so yeah. Can't wait!
What was the first book you read in 2011 and the last you finished in 2011? How do you feel about these books? Would you recommend them to other readers?
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Dear Santa: Which books made it to your Christmas wish list this year?
Dear Santa,
I don't think I've ever written you a letter. Maybe I have. But if I haven't I guess this would be the first. I'd like to say I've been a good girl.. but then I'd probably be lying and get whacked onto the naughty list before I even finish this letter. So I've been mostly good. All I ask for Christmas is a handful of books. Just a couple. Here they are:
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Book to Movie: Which book turn movie do you feel did the best adaptation? What about the worst?
My first pick would have to be the Harry Potter series. I actually watched Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone before I read the book but the moment I saw it, I picked up all the books and read every single one of them. Nothing beats that first film though. All that magic!
The second book to movie that comes to mind that I really enjoyed was Speak by Laurie Anderson. This was one of those movie's that I found was quite true to the book. It also shows how frighteningly easy for things to get quite out of hand!
The last one that comes to mind is.. yes you guessed Twilight. I was very up in the air about the pick for Edward. Somehow I expected something... more! He did end up working out in the end. While this wasn't the best book to movie adaptation, it was okay. I didn't like the added scenes that weren't in the book though.
TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by Ginger at GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.
This Friday's Question:
Writing Reviews 101: What's your process for writing book reviews? Any tips or suggestions you would recommend to other bloggers?
I don't really have a set process when I'm writing book reviews. The two things I do use when I'm reading are Goodreads 'Update Status' if I come across lines or dialogue that I like, and a notebook I keep handy for things that irked or intrigued me about the writing and the characters. I don't usually have a set time that I do the reviews in, but usually within a few days are best since I do read alot.
The one thing I do try to make sure of, is to not spoil anything for anyone who hasn't read the book. I always add a little note in red if the book is not the first in the series as sometimes reading the plot and my thoughts might ruin the first book. I do my best never to read the synopsis of a book that's not the first if I've never read the series. Weird.. I know!
I don't think I've got any particular tips or suggestions. I guess the best thing I've found works is the Goodreads and a nifty little notebook to write down stuff the stood out for me. Sometimes you can miss those things and if there is action or a particularly captivating scene later in the book, you may forget what irked you or that special thing and not include it.
