Sunshine Blogger Award – Take Two

Thank you to Carol @ Reading Ladies Book Club for selecting me for this award. I’m going to try to be less tardy with these going into the new year, especially since she developed some great quesitions.

The rules for this tag are simple

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their page (Thank you, Carol!)
• List the rules
• Answer the 11 questions
• Nominate 11 new bloggers and ask them 11 new questions

My Answers to Carol’s Questions

1. What is your favorite genre to review?

Surprisingly, that would be contemporary or literary fiction. It can sometimes be the hardest because generally there’s an overarching theme or grand emotion that be difficult to articulate. However, they tend to be my most mentally challenging stories to read. They make me think so it stimulates my brain to write a review worthy of the book. Thrillers are my least favorite as I fear giving something important away.

2. Where is your favorite place to read?

I have a double seat recliner in my TV room that is just ideal. To my right is a table with my device docking stations and to my left are the receptacles for drinks. It is technically our enclosed sunroom but we installed our wide screen television here.  It also has a fireplace.  When my hubby is watching something I’m uninterested in, I’m reading or listening to an audiobook using my wireless headphones. Nirvana.

3. Do you remember your first book hangover?

The first that comes to mind is Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. I read it as a young teen, maybe 14-years old and it haunted me for years. I’ve never forgotten the story, not so much the crime but Capote’s brilliant writing that made me feel.

4. What is your favorite snack and/or beverage while reading?

I only drink water and coffee so it would be my morning cup of java while reading. It’s truly relaxing. I don’t tend to eat while I’m reading…don’t have a reason why but maybe it’s because I’m so focused on the story.

5. What was your favorite children’s book?

I loved Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy books, which had me completely convinced my dolls came alive at night. That caused no end of challenges for my parents. I also loved The Bobbsey Twins.

6. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve never ever read …..

Anything by Jane Austen. All the references to Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility go right over my head. And, she was a woman ahead of her time so I should have read her books. One day…

7. Three people I’d invite to a literary dinner party are…

I’m going to assume these could be people alive or passed on. Toni Morrison because I don’t always feel like I understand her stories; Harlen Coben because he has a wicked sense of humor and wit; and Nora Roberts because she is the #3 highest selling writer and elevated the romance genre to new heights. This would be the most interesting dinner discussion with three extremely diverse people on every level.

8. The blogger/bookstagramer that has most inspired me is… (and why)

That would be Jennifer ~ Tar Heel Reader! When I first began blogging, she was one of the first bloggers who visited and commented on mine. I paid attention to those who frequented her site, lots of varied and interesting people. She led me to some great sites, which had me created LOTS of new relationships. And, she’s responsible for me adding SO many books to my shelf. Jennifer is a kind, generous person with lots of talent.

9. If I dressed up as a literary character for Halloween, I would choose to be …

This is a really hard one.  I’m going to go with the Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz. Years ago I rented a witch costume from the NC School of the Arts for Halloween and LOVED that!!! I felt “witchy.”

10. If I could introduce one literary character to another literary character, I would introduce… (because)

Oh, I’d like to put Maurice Swift from John Boyne’s A Ladder to the Sky with Humbert Humbert from Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita. These are two of the most despicable characters I’ve encountered in fiction who operated without impunity in society. Both were predators of a different sort but I bet they would look on each other with disdain but not recognize they were looking in a mirror. I’d love to watch that interaction. Rather sadistic, right?

11. Are you a DNFer or a FINISHer?

Definitely a FINISHer. I’ve only given up on one book as an adult reader. There’s a lot of that fear of it getting better and me missing something and/or just needing to see how it all ends up. I really don’t think I can change.

My Nominees

I think I’ll leave this up to any and all who might find this fun. If you decide to accept this tag, link back here and let me know.

My Questions

1. What inspired you to begin blogging and is it that same inspiration that keeps you doing it?
2. What or who influences your reading choices and have you ever been swayed to read a book, author or genre you knew wouldn’t work because of that influence?
3. How do you decide what to read every month and do you have a system to keep it organized?
4. Are you able to read a book after seeing the movie and vice versa?
5. Is your favorite genre today the same as it was when you were a teen?
6. Would you describe yourself as an introvert or extrovert? How does that impact your blogging approach?
7. Do you have a significant presence on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook & Twitter? Do your approaches differ on each?
8. Is there a genre you don’t enjoy but wish you could?
9. What’s the worst reading slump you’ve ever experienced and how did you dig out of it?
10. Do you have aspirations for your blog? If so, what are you doing to get there?
11. Are you content to be an avid reader or do you have dreams of being a writer?

Thanks for reading my answers! Let me know what you think and if you might choose to accept this tag!