The Sunshine Blogger Award

Hey everyone! I was tagged by Kourtni @ Kourtni Reads for the Sunshine Blogger Award!  Thank you so much Kourtni for nominating me!

Rules:

• Thank the person who nominated you.
• Answer 11 questions set by the person who nominated you.
• Nominate 11 bloggers to receive the award and write them 11 new questions to answer.

Kourtni’s Questions

If you could have a conversation with any book character, who would you choose?

I would love to have a conversation with Claire Fraser from the Outlander series because she has had such a crazy, full life filled with tons of adventures. She traveled through time, more than once, and chose to live in the past with the love of her life.  I bet she has tons of stories to tell.

What’s the most amount of books you’ve ever bought at one time?

A lot! But only because once a year my town has an annual book sale and the last day of the sale is a $5 bag sale.  So here’s a look at what I got at this year’s sale…

Have you ever dressed up as a book character for Halloween?

Yeah, kind of.  A couple years ago I dressed up as Sookie Stackhouse.  Technically she was a book character first but I wore clothes that were from the TV show based on the books, True Blood.

Do you prefer coffee or tea?

Neither, unless you give me a java chip frapp from Starbucks.  I’m not a fan of hot beverages in general but I can’t stand the taste of tea or straight coffee.

Do you schedule your posts in advance or just post them as you write them?

I do both actually.  When I have a good number of book reviews, I usually schedule those in advance to space them out and have posts on days when I’m not doing a weekly meme or other type of post.  I also schedule blog tour posts in advance so I know they get posted when they are supposed to and I won’t forget.  Otherwise, posts like Top Ten Tuesdays and WWW Wednesdays I usually post them as I write them.

What’s your favorite way to track your reading? Goodreads? On your blog? Some other way?

I love Goodreads and have been using it since 2011.  But I also keep a reading log in a composition notebook.  I started using it in 2010.  I also recently created a bullet journal and made a section in that to keep track of stats like male/female author, pub year, genre, etc.

Do you subscribe to any author newsletters? If so, which ones?

Yes, a few.  Sarah J. Maas, Evelyn Skye, Susan Dennard, Lauren Bird Horowitz.  There might be a few others but I’m not sure.

Do you prefer to give or receive book recommendations?

I love giving book recommendations!  I don’t mind receiving them but I already have more than enough to read without adding to the list haha.

What’s your opinion on spoilers? Do you love them or hate them?

I absolutely HATE them.  I get so angry when I come across a spoiler for a book or show I watch.  We don’t have cable (just Netflix, Hulu, and Prime) so I almost always have to be an entire season behind everyone.  It makes it really hard to navigate Twitter during The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones seasons!

What’s your favorite book that you’ve read so far this year?

Without a doubt, Nevernight by Jay Kristoff!  I was lucky enough to read it as an arc so I knew immediately that I needed to preorder it.  I also got the special limited Goldsboro edition because I couldn’t just buy one copy.

What’s a recent blog post that you’re proud of?

I actually really enjoyed writing and posting my blog tour post for Shutter by Laurie Faria Stolarz!  I got some great comments on the post of people interested in reading the book which doesn’t happen very often when I post reviews.

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I tag the following people for this award with the same questions!

• Ashley @ Socially Awkward Bookworm
• Brandie @ Brandie is a Book Junkie
• Yvo @ It’s All About Books
• Claire @ Art and Soul
• Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse

The NetGalley Book Tag

I was tagged for The Netgalley Book Tag by Ashley @ Socially Awkward Bookworm. It looks like a really fun tag.  I use NetGalley fairly often to read and review ARCs and have been approved for some really amazing titles over the past couple of years.

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Rules:

• Link back to the tag’s creator (Kourtni Reads)
• Thank and link back to the person who tagged you
• Answer the questions the best you can. If you don’t use NetGalley, you can substitute other sites or places where you get books!

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Questions:

Auto-Approved: Who’s one author whose books you automatically want to read, regardless of what they’re about?

I actually have quite a few authors that are always a must read for me.  Diana Gabaldon, Sarah J. Maas, Jay Kristoff, Lauren Bird Horowitz, Colleen Hoover, and Leigh Bardugo to name a few.

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Request: What makes you want to request a book that you see on NetGalley?

Usually I just scroll through the available books to request and if the cover appeals to me, I’ll click on it and read the description.  If it sounds good, I’ll request it.  I also will look for titles that I know I want to read for sure on NetGalley and request them immediately.

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Feedback Ratio: Do you review every book you read? If not, how do you decide what books to review?

I review every single title that I receive through NetGalley.  There have only been two times when that didn’t happen.  The first was because I was brand new to using NetGalley and didn’t realize that titles archived so I had one that I wasn’t able to read it in time to post my feedback. The other time I was approved and the next day when I went to send it to my Kindle, the title had already been approved.  Luckily with that one I happen to be on the street team for the author so I contacted her and she sent me a copy so I was still able to read and review it, just not for credit on NetGalley.

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Badges: If you could create your own badge to display on your blog, what would it be for?

I think it would be really nice to have badges for the genre you read and review most.  I think that would also help authors and publishers to see that badge on my blog to know the types of books I go for the most.

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Wish for It: What’s one book that you are absolutely dying to read?

Probably my most anticipated book for next year that I really want to get my hands on now is Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner.  I absolutely loved The Serpent King so I requested a copy of Goodbye Days from the publisher but I never heard back. *Insert crying face here*

I’m also going to have to copy Ashley a bit and go with the following two titles!  I requested Caraval awhile ago but still haven’t heard back.  I’ve heard so many good things about it and I’m dying to read it.  Also I would love to get my hands on a copy of Carve the Mark.

 

 

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2016 NetGalley Challenge: What was the last book that you received as an ARC that you reviewed? If you’ve never received an ARC, what’s the last book you reviewed?

The last ARC I read and reviewed from NetGalley was Bury the Living by Jodi McIsaac.  My review will actually be going live on Friday because I am a part of the blog tour for the book.  I really enjoyed it! So stay tuned for that review coming up this Friday!

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I tag anyone who wants to participate!

Reader Confessions

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a book tag!  This was actually a really fun one to do.  I was tagged for this one by Ashley @ Socially Awkward Bookworm!  Thanks for the tag, Ash!

QUESTIONS:

Have you ever damaged a book? 

I have damaged a few spines, bent some covers and pages, but all unintentionally.  I also did rip pages out of an old book I had to use the pages for a background to take photos with though.

Have you ever damaged a borrowed book?

I usually don’t borrow books, mostly because I have my own to read. But when I do borrow books, I always keep them in the condition in which I borrowed them because I know that IF I borrow my books, I would want them to be treated the same way.

How long does it take you to read a book? 

It really depends on the book, to be honest.  I tend to read YA books faster than adult books and contemporary books faster than fantasy or historical fiction books.

Books that you haven’t finished?

I used to try really hard not to DNF books but now, I’ve come to realize that if I get to a certain point and just don’t care about the book, then I will stop reading it. Life is too short and there are too many books for me to continue wasting my time on something I am not interested in reading.  Some of my more recent DNFs include Between Two Fires, The Lightning Thief, and Shatter Me.

Hyped popular books that you don’t like?

I actually just mentioned a couple in the last question.  I really could not get into The Lightning Thief or Shatter Me.  Both books are extremely popular but they just weren’t for me.  I also feel that way about We Were Liars, The Knife of Never Letting Go, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.  I have a really hard time with the hype monster.  I generally have to wait months after a release to read a book if it is super hyped OR I have to stay away from the blogs and social media entirely so I can read the book right away without the hype affecting my feelings for the book.

Is there a book you wouldn’t tell anyone you were reading?

Not that I can think of.  I read anywhere and everywhere so people can see what I’m reading all of the time.  I think people should be able to read whatever they want to read without feeling ashamed for their choice.

How many books do you own? 

All together between physical, Kindle, and audiobooks (but not including duplicates) I own a little under 1,400 books.  Definitely a daunting number but I can’t imagine not having the books I own.

Are you a fast reader or a slow reader? 

Again, this depends on the type of book.  I’m a slow reader when it comes to non-fiction, a a fast reader when it comes to YA and contemporaries and a slower-ish reader when it comes to adult historical fiction and fantasy.

Do you like to buddy read?

Yes! It’s so much fun reading with someone else so you can discuss the book as you read!

Do you read better in your head or out loud? 

Without a doubt I read better in my head.  I don’t often read out loud unless I’m reading a story to my goddaughter but I would much rather read in my head than out loud.

If you were only allowed to own one book what one and why? 

Wow…. you’re asking the owner of 1400ish books that I can only choose one?!  What a sick, cruel joke!  I guess if I had to choose one it would be Outlander by Diana Gabaldon because it encompasses so many genres – fantasy, historical fiction, romance, etc.

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I tag any of my followers who haven’t done this tag yet!  Go for it!

The Goodreads Book Tag

I have been seeing the Goodreads book tag on a lot of blogs lately and it looked like fun so I decided to tag myself!  To see more of my Goodreads, feel free to add me here!

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What is the last book you marked as “READ”?

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

What are you currently reading?

My current physical read is The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson.  I am also listening to The Great Hunt for my audiobook re-read.

What was the last book you marked as “TO READ”?

All the Little Liars by Charlaine Harris – I was approved for this ARC yesterday via NetGalley.  I loved the Sookie Stackhouse series and have been meaning to read her other series so I’m excited to read this one.

What book do you plan on reading next?

I’m not exactly sure yet.  I anticipate finishing The Heart of Betrayal by Monday and I haven’t quite finalized my August TBR yet so we will see what I’m in the mood for on Tuesday.

Do you use the star rating system?

Yes, I do.  I only wish that Goodreads allowed half stars.  Sometimes it is too hard to decide between the whole star ratings so it would be a lot easier if we could use half stars.

Are you doing the 2016 Reading Challenge?

I am!  My goal this year is 110 and I’m already way ahead of schedule so I’ve been debating increasing my goal.

Do you have a wishlist?

I definitely do.  It’s such an easy way to keep track of the books that I really want.  Also makes it easy when it is close to my birthday and Christmas to show friends and family what I’m hoping for 🙂

What book do you plan on buying next?

Beyond the books I have pre-ordered I don’t really have a plan to buy any.  I’m trying to be better about buying books this year.  So my next pre-ordered book to be released is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child!

What is your favorite quote?

I have a lot of favorite quotes but the one that really speaks to me right now is the following from L.M. Montgomery in Anne of Green Gables.

“It was November – – the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds, deep, sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind-songs in the pines.  Anne roamed through the pineland alleys in the park and, as she said, let that great sweeping wind blow the fogs out of her soul.”

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year, November especially because of my birthday and the weather.  This quote embodies everything I love about fall.

Who are your favorite authors?

Jane Austen, Robert Jordan, Lauren Bird Horowitz, Sarah J. Maas, Colleen Hoover, Diana Gabaldon – just to name a few.

Are you a part of any Goodreads groups?

Yes.  I’m in a couple of book clubs and a group dedicated to polls.

What could Goodreads do better?

Like I mentioned above, allowing us to give half star ratings would greatly improve the rating system.  Also, it would be great if there would be a way to easily record re-reads including the dates.

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I tag anyone who wants to do this tag!

The Ultimate Game of Thrones Tag

I saw this awesome tag on A Novel Glimpse and knew I had to do it because I LOVE Game of Thrones!  Thank you to The Orang-utan Librarian for creating The Ultimate Game of Thrones Tag.

Rules

1. Mention the creator Orang-utan Librarian (me) so I can see all your your answers
2. Answer all the questions
3. Tag people and keep it going!

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Part 1: Book Questions

“We do not sow”- A book you would not be willing to invest in

I read Vampire Academy and really hated the writing and pretty much everything about the books so even though The Glittering Court sounds really interesting, I would not buy it because of the author.

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“Fire and blood”- A book that produced strong emotions

Oh my gosh. There are several books that could fill this slot but I think the most recent was definitely The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner.

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“Winter is coming”- Your favorite winter read

I love rereading Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen in the winter.  I get a really cozy feeling whenever I read it.

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“Family. Duty. Honor.”- A book about strong family ties

I love the feeling of family between Jamie, Claire, Brianna, Roger and Jemmy.  In this book especially in the series.  Their family dynamic is one of my favorite parts of this book.

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“Growing strong”- A book you had low expectations of but that grew on you

I don’t always have the greatest luck choosing titles from NetGalley so when I got this ARC back in December 2014, I had super low expectations for it.  I read it, loved it and ended up giving it 5 stars!

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“Ours is the fury”- A book that made you furious

I hesitated to put this here for a few reasons, the first of which being that I haven’t even finished it yet. And the second being I don’t want people to take it’s placement the wrong way.  I LOVE this book.  It is SO good!  But there is one character in it that makes me ridiculously furious!  My most recent Goodreads status updates and texts with my friend who has already read the book amount to me wanting to either go and murder this character or hire an assassin to do it for me.  I loathe this character.  She certainly gives the book drama and interest but omg I hate her haha.

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“Unbowed. Unbent.Unbroken.”- A book you have unwavering devotion to

Never have I loved a book more than this beautiful one right there.  People have mixed feelings about it because of some horrible things that happen in it, but looking at it from a historical stand point… those things happen.

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“A Lannister always pays his debts”- A book you feel indebted to

In college, I was a history major and that required a lot of reading outside of class.  That pretty much meant that I wanted nothing to do with reading for fun during my free time even though I loved reading.  But senior year, second semester when my class load was much lighter, I decided to see what all the fuss was about with this book.  The movie was going to be released in a few months so I picked up the book at Walmart and devoured it.  I immediately went back to Walmart and bought the rest of the series and read all 4 books in a weekend.  So essentially I feel indebted to this series for breaking a 4 year long reading slump.

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Part 2: Fan Theories

Who do you want to win Game of Thrones?

Honesly, Tyrion is my favorite but I don’t ever see people supporting him on the Throne so I would have to go with Jon or Sansa.  I am not completely caught up on 5th season so I’m not sure what is going to happen in season 6.  NO SPOILERS PLEASE!

Who do you think will make it to the end and who do you think will die?

This is probably impossible to say.  Everyone knows how much George R.R. Martin loves to just kill off whoever, no matter how popular they are so it’s anyone’s guess who will make it to the end.

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Part 3: My Game of Thrones

Would you win or die?

I would totally win because I am so awesome! 😛

What house are you?

I love House Stark and House Targaryen but if I had to choose between the two I would go with Stark.  Also, I took this quiz like The Orang-utan Librarian did and came out with House Stark so looks like I’m set with that.

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As for tagging people, I tag anyone who loves (or even just likes) Game of Thrones!  Have fun! 🙂