Top Ten Bookish Blogging Confessions
I tried to keep this week about blogging confessions, but kept straying towards bookish-related blogging confessions, which I suppose makes more sense. I’ve always wanted to do a “confessions” series of posts (fits nicely with my blog theme, right?) but I haven’t managed to get round to it yet, it takes some planning. So, without further ado, I bring you my Top Ten Bookish Blogging Confessions… be prepared for all the gifs.
1. I went a little ARC crazy when I was first approved on NetGalley: When I started blogging I used NetGalley to find my next reads, and for a while that worked really well. Then, because of blogging, I discovered all these amazing books that are already published and out there that I had missed out on, so I started playing catch-up. That was still working OK until exam season hit, so now I have a little bit of a backlog to get through. I decided to start with a clean slate, so anything I book-in or request now is already scheduled, and when my exams are over I’ll start allocating more time to the ones I missed.
2. I buy books at a quicker rate than I can read: I think a lot of book-lovers are guilty of this. I bought a “normal” amount of books when I was younger, you know – I’d buy them at the rate I could read them – but even then I heard a chorus of: “Why do you need to own them? Why can’t you borrow them from the library?”, “You’ll never read them again you know.“, “They take up so much space, where are you going to put them all?” But you guys, you guys are enablers! Since I’ve started blogging I genuinely care less about what other people think of me and my book-buying. Sometimes I try to put myself on a book-buying ban, which might work for 3-4 weeks before I give in. It’s all about the books, I spot a deal/bargain/sale and I’m on it.
3. I’m an extroverted introvert: People who know me would probably seriously question this and declare me an extrovert through and through, but that just isn’t the case. I’m very much a mix of both. Extrovert personality traits include being sociable, practical, good conversationalists, outgoing, confident, and being able to show affection. Introverted personality traits include individuals who prefer to be in the company of very few people, they are prone to thinking, analyzing psyche, brooding about the future, being idealistic and less social. I’d say I’m smack in the middle, though only people close to me tend to see my introverted side. You might wonder what this has to do with blogging (and reading) – I have to try and keep a balance. If I stay my extroverted self for too long I can start to feel drained and dissatisfied, so I go back into my introverted shell for a while and recover (sit in, read books, blog, close the world out). Equally, if I stay in my introverted bubble for too long it can become a bit dull and depressing and I need to burst out again.
4. I can get really frustrated with complicated over-analysis of a book: I think this is part of the reason I’ve avoided the Classics for so long. Typically, the Classics tend to have more “book snob” readers than most genres and they love to deeply critique everything. I’ve done that, I’ve studied English Literature, and that’s fine, but it’s not the only way to read. When I’m not studying a text I read as a hobby, I read to escape, to unplug, unwind etc. I don’t want to over-think dramatic irony or symbolism. I tried to find a post I read a few weeks ago, the blog contacted multiple authors and asked them to provide a response to an analysis of their book, the best example was the analysis of blue curtains, and how they reflected the harsh and cold relationships in the story, while serving as a reminder of clear blue skies and more optimistic times. When the author read this they replied, “No, it means the curtains were fucking blue”.
5. I love reading books about things that don’t happen in real life: I suppose this fits in well with the fact I love the escapism that comes with reading. My sister prefers a good dose of reality in her books and sometimes I do too, I really like NA, YA, contemporaries and “issues” books, but I also spend a lot of time reading about plenty of things that just don’t happen in real life. I love dystopians and paranormal reads (though I’m still petrified of high fantasy), I love books and series where there is amazing world-building (Harry Potter, The Mortal Instruments, The Hunger Games), and just sometimes I wish some elements of these books were true.
6. I can’t really read more than one book at a time: I’ve tried. I know some people who do this and they think it helps them read more efficiently. I start out with maybe two or three books, and I try to make sure they’re very different so I don’t get any plot points confused. But usually, one of them ends up being amazing and I get drawn in to reading it until it’s finished, or one gets heavy and complicated and I put it down until I’ve finished the others so I can give it my undivided attention. The only time this works for me is if I’m reading for fun and reading a textbook or studying at the same time. In that case I use reading to procrastinate 😀 I’d like to be a multi-reader but for now I’m book-monogamous.
7. I’d really, really like more time to reread: Before blogging I used to reread my favourites more often. Now, because there are so many new and brilliant books being released that I’m actually aware of, I’m finding my rereading is taking a hit. I’ve recently reread the entire Mortal Instruments series and I’m currently on book 6. According to Goodreads the reread took me just over a month (I also read two other books in that time, and *tried* to study). I argue with myself over reading new books (because I already own so many and my TBR is HUGE) and rereading favourites. It’s a never-ending mess of confusion.
8. I’d LOVE to find the time to write more original content/discussions or even participate in more discussion memes: This blogging caper is a lot harder than it looks. I feel like I’m starting to get into my groove with it a little more and I have a ton of ideas for posts I’d like to write. Sometimes it’s easier to participate in a meme or discussion tag than generating the whole post as a standalone, and I tend to wait for that to happen (like with this confessions post), but there are stand-alones I want to write, it’s just hard to find the time. If I spend too much time blogging, I get no reading done. Or I end up in that introverted bubble I talked about earlier and have to go out and be sociable for a while instead. I’ve started scheduling over this exam period, and it seems to be working well, so I’m going to try and keep that up to see if it affords me the extra time to write thoughtful posts. Quality over quantity and all that jazz.
9. Sometimes I question why I read and wonder what else I “should” be doing: Again, this probably goes back to my introvert/extrovert internal battle. Sometimes, I’m in love with books and reading, and imaginations and characters, and authors and covers and all that good stuff. And sometimes, I question the amount of time I spend reading/blogging/reviewing etc. when I could be doing something that others might consider “more productive” with my time. I’m not exactly going to start mountaineering or ice skating as a hobby, but I could be doing more of those “social” things that I sometimes crave, or I could spend more time on my career or freelancing, or even just cleaning and decorating – something that would be useful and productive in my real life. Anything really, except sitting still reading about a world that doesn’t exist and people I’ll never meet for 3 hours straight… But then I love it, so why question it?!
10. I’m going to end this post in true Book Geek fashion. “The pen is mightier than the sword”. I think words can be very powerful, they can be life-changing.
There are so, so many more bookish and blogging related confessions I could share – I may need to make this a regular feature. Are there any of my confessions you can relate to? Or do you have some I haven’t mentioned at all? Link me up to your TTT post!
Confessions of a Book Geek 
“I’d love to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the US, but that just isn’t realistic for me (I live in the UK)”- Same here, same with Disney too. It costs just so much money! Personally I think the UK should have it’s own HP theme park (yeah okay we don’t have great weather but we do have theme parks), because hell, we created the damn thing! #ragerant
I definitely need to attend a book convention! Again, stupid UK. Malorie Blackman has just set up the first book conference the UK really has, with YALC, but it was too short notice and too expensive to get to London for this weekend 😦 le sigh.
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Ahhh – sorry guys! I thought I had this scheduled and was updating it before going live, but it was scheduled and was posted already while I was updating it!! Oops! It’s finished now though! Thanks for commenting though! The HP studio visit was on my Top Ten Bookish Bucket List I think, I was copying the post layout for this blog!! Hahaha there’s a bookish confession for today!! But yes, while we’re on the topic I agree, considering HP is a massive British institution it only makes sense that there should be an impressive celebration of it here. I’d heard of YALC but I’m in an even worse scenario – I’m based in NI (I say the UK most times because who could be bothered making the definition?!) but there’s even less signings and conventions over here!
Haha I love “le sigh”. Apologies – but my Confessions post is finish now if you want to nosy 😀 R x
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HAHA! Not a problem ;3 I’ll re-read it now. I’m somewhat lucky, I mean at least the waterstones in Liverpool gets some good author events in (Rainbow Rowell on friday, I was shocked! I’m going) and Sarah J Maas and Leigh Bardugo in August (not going to that one, as much as I’d like to. Too busy/broke)
Personally, I agree. Yes buying books takes up space. But is that really such a bad thing, if you choose to decorate your living space with books you’ve truly enjoyed and may actually read again- even if you don’t? Unless there is something else you will fill that space with, then why not? Some people collect art, we collect books. (same difference to me)
Over analysis= YES. hahaha That is what got me into a reading slump of 5 years in secondary school. Not every breath a character takes needs to be analysed, some things just *are*. It takes all the fun out of reading and breaks up the story ridiculously. It interrupts the flow of the novel.
The endless debate of re-reads. I love reading favourites but yes, that is precious time I could be using to discover a *new* favourite. Ooooh times are hard. (No but really!)
Brilliant post 🙂
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Awww I’ll likely NEVER see those authors in the flesh!! Sometimes there’ll be a signing in Dublin, but rarely up here in the North. I guess if it was someone I really wanted to see I’d travel down but I don’t think it’s publicized well enough here. You need to HUNT out the info, if there even is much available. Industry needs to get it sorted!
The books/space issue was one my mum drilled into me when I was younger, so I used to get rid of older books before buying new ones. When I hit my “reading isn’t cool” phase (yes, I know, I’m ashamed – though it wasn’t so much I thought it wasn’t cool anymore just that I had other priorities), I got rid of all my “kiddie” books, my Jacqueline Wilson and Roald Dahl collections because I thought I’d never reading them again and needed to read older books – so I gobbled up Chick Lit for three years instead. I regret this so much. In fact, I’ve considered trying to replace some of my favourites (and I might even read them again) because I loved them so much and would like to have them in my collection.
I hit my slump around then too, I studied Eng Lit for A Level and didn’t do a lot of reading besides what was assigned – the over-analysis killed me. It got to the point where as long as you could justify what you were saying, you could literally turn anything in a novel into something else. If a character is wearing a red dress it could symbolize love, or death, or violence, even if they aren’t major themes in the novel, as long as you could provide a reference or evidence to justify your critique. I get that authors can sometimes have subliminal messages in a text that aren’t even intentional due to the nature of human psychology – but why can’t we just pick up on it subliminally too? Why do we have to dissect something down to its very punctuation?! Just leave it be!
Thanks 😀 and thanks for reading the finished version again!! Haha 🙂
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Definitely agree there. The only reason I know about Rowell/Maas and Bardugo coming to liverpool was because of following the waterstones twitter. The author/book events definitely need more publicity! You could always do a day trip to liverpool ;3 fly out from belfast first thing and get the last flight back, I’ve done that before to visit a friend there haha!
Basically. I finished A level english and didn’t read until two years later when I started University.
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Hahaha. You can add one day return flights to my blogging expenses now as well as books!! What date is it? I’m going to look up flight costs just out of curiosity!! I know someone who went over on the boat for the day 😀 R x
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errr sarah and leigh are like the 6th august or something
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Quick search – £74. They just need to start coming to NI!! Lol R x
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;3 I’ll mention it to waterstones in L1 that I have friends in NI who really want more YA authors to appear there- they may be able to email and suggest it
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I’m going to go and “like” this. Start a campaign!!!! 😀
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Number 3 is really interesting. I think I’m the same. I’m very sociable and have a lot of friends, but I really enjoy my own company too. I get frustrated when I have too many things planned and can’t dedicate a day to myself where I don’t have to speak to anyone!
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Haha YES! It is a strange one. Obviously everyone has a little of both in them, but most people tend to gravitate towards one or the other. I have gone through phases – 16-21 was quite extrovert, but as I’ve gotten a little older (and gotten back into reading) I’ve found my inner introvert hiding in the corner. Now it changes on a weekly basis, particularly at weekends. I’m quite extroverted professionally. It’s at the weekends I notice the difference – sometimes I just take a weekend out and don’t plan anything social, I read, watch movies, make dinner and invite a friend round maybe, just “chill” time as I call it. I “potter” about and do bits and pieces I need to do. Other weekends you couldn’t keep me in if you tried. I have Saturday nights planned from Tuesday afternoon (this weekend was planned yesterday) and I have a packed schedule that means I’m barely in the house. Too much of one and I crave the other 🙂
Again, I was a numpty this morning when I had this post scheduled to go live – I was using an older post to format it, and it went live while it was a jumble of bookish confessions and an older TTT of things on my bookish bucket list, so I’m not sure which version of the post you’ve seen! It’s all fixed now if you want to take a nosy at it 😀 thanks for commenting! R x
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I agree with you on so many of these points! We really do need a UK-based book convention!! I would definitely be there!! (Starts saving pennies for accommodation in hope someone in the trade sees this and sets it up!)
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Hi, thanks for commenting! I just realised my mistake when I started receiving comments early – I was using an old TTT to format this post and posted it by mistake when it was half done!
The book convention was featured on a TTT from a while ago called Top Ten Things on My Bookish Bucket List (you can check the full post out here if you’d like to – https://confessionsofabookgeek.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/top-ten-tuesday/). I’ve completed this week’s post on Bookish Confessions aswell. There should be a TTT for embarrassing blog-related things you’ve done and I can add this in as number one! 😀
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Hey, don’t worry!! I do things like this too! And I still would like a UK based convention- I think it worked well as a confession too!!
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Thanks! 🙂
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#4 really speaks to me. As you know, I LOVE classics, but I don’t love over analysis. I read classics because I enjoy them, and I think over analyzing can just strip all the enjoyment out of a book. I DO think it can be helpful to have some historical / cultural context when reading classics, and I love a book that is deep enough to re-read and gain something new, but mostly I just want to enjoy what I’m reading!
Try Melissa @ http://avidreader25.blogspot.com She reads and reviews lots of classics but she isn’t pretentious about it.
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Aw damn. I was using an old post to copy the formatting and I posted it instead of updating it and scheduling it. Argh!!! Thank you for being quick off the mark and reading my TTT so quickly though – *bloggy hugs and kisses*. I’ve finished it now, not sure if you read the finished version or the mish-mash of old post and new post… LOVE your comment on this though and thanks for the link. I think the Classics need to align themselves as being more approachable and not just literary fiction that you have to have a degree to read, it needs a PR make-over! R x
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Don’t you hate it when that happens? No worries, I re-read the 2nd half. 🙂
I think #5 is part of the reason I love classics – a lot of them are based in reality, but it’s not MY reality, so I get that same fantasy world feeling. Does that make sense?
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Hopefully it won’t become a habit!! 🙂 Yes! I’m hoping that I’ll fall for the Classics for that reason, because many of them have historical elements so it’s still fantastical to us? My sister and I were chatting the other day about this, and she even goes so far as to say, for example, in a novel we both read, that she didn’t like the fact the kids of 19/20 had so much disposable income, she kept thinking it wasn’t realistic – so she likes proper realism in novels. It doesn’t put her off completely but it will be something she thinks of. Whereas I don’t question that kind of thing at all – if I focus too much on things like that I’ll unravel the story completely – it’s fictional so I let it be fictional. That and I’m sure there are 19/20 year olds out there with that kind of cash, so lets read about it! It’s kind of the same argument people have with books depicting murders, or cheating or some other controversial topic, and they say it isn’t realistic. Ummm, I’m pretty sure murders and cheating happen, just because it doesn’t happen in your reality, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening, right now, somewhere in the world. So I like to read about it because it’s kind of like “experiencing” it. Am I getting all deep and losing all meaning now????? 😀
R x
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Good point about mysteries! I adore mysteries, but I certainly wouldn’t want them to be my reality! Eek! I do find it grating when a mystery that seemed to be realistic suddenly throws in something paranormal (I’m not opposed to paranormal, I just don’t like having to switch gears 3/4 of the way through a book).
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I really like paranormal, but I don’t like when it’s thrown in to an otherwise “normal” book. Just no! Lol 🙂
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I can’t read more than 1 book at a time.It’s just beyond me! 😮
And I have so many books on my tbr list,that I wonder if ever I would have time to re-read my favourites!
As for 4,here is the picture:
I understand what you mean,but great books become classics because they are multi-layered.Merely finishing a classic doesn’t equate to appreciating its content.To do so,you’ll also have to find more about the allegories and symbolisms.Lord of the Flies,for example,wouldn’t be the masterpiece it is,if everybody contented himself with the superficial story of boys being stuck on an island.The same goes for Animal Farm.
I find myself in these book snobs.Sadly.But I don’t think it’s wrong or snobbish to attempt to decipher some things in the book.For instance I recently watched an interview of Kazuo Ishiguro,in which he was asked about the meaning of Never Let Me Go.It turned out that I was right on some allegories,but I was happier with the fact that there indeed was something to be decrypted in the book! 🙂
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I don’t think there’s enough time in one lifetime to read all the books I want to read. There’s so many great stories and so much wisdom out there that one person surely can’t take it all in?! Hahaha – that’s the picture, though a blog did contact multiple authors and present them with the analysis too (if anyone finds the blog please post a link!). I think with the examples of Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm though, the author intended for those allegories and symbolisms to be there, they expect the reader to question and analyse as that’s the audience they wrote the book for, and I think that’s maybe a little different than analysing a piece of work where that wasn’t the author’s intention? I don’t think it’s possible to read the Classics without looking into the text at least a bit, even if it’s to understand what was going on in the world at the time the author wrote the book, because without that context it can make reading them more challenging, but when I studied Of Mice and Men (a 103 page book!) it took us 6-8 weeks to analyse it page by page, sentence by sentence, and I think that ruins the Classics for a lot of people. It definitely put me off until I watched an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and felt that I was missing out on something.
I should probably just clarify my personal definition of a “book snob” because you definitely don’t come across as one to me (or we wouldn’t be chatting!) because to me it’s when someone looks down on others for not analysing in the detail they do. You know I read a lot of contemporary/YA/NA etc. but I have an interest in Classics, and you don’t judge me for my reading choices, but encourage me with my interest in the classics too, even if I don’t discuss them very eloquently or intellectually. And that’s the difference, there are some “book snobs” who go so far as to judge and intimidate others with their opinions and make others feel stupid for either not wanting to analyse to that depth, or simply not being able to. Some people are naturally interested in the classics and in analysing them, but for a “book snob” it’s not really in their nature, they’re doing it to “keep up with the Jones'” and that usually comes across. To me in-depth analysis begins to make it feel like learning (I’m all for learning being an eternal student and all!) but I read and write a lot for a living, and I’m always doing one course or another, so when I read for fun I mostly want to fall in love, have my heart race or run off to a world of werewolves and spiders – “fluffy” writing that I can sink into and stay there for a little while 🙂
Thanks for commenting 🙂 As always, loving your opinions R x
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I think the confessions idea is a great series of posts to do! I totally understand what you mean by being an extroverted introvert. I get the same way- if I spend too much time on either side of the fence I start feeling like I need to mix things up a bit and I hop on over to the other side for a while. I’ve always thought it’s a bit strange, but it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way! 🙂
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Thanks, I thought it would tie-in nicely with the name I’ve got going on… Once these exams are over I’ll need to get my thinking-hat on for it and plan it out. We should set up an extroverted introvert support group!! 😀 it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who goes through these phases and isn’t too sure which they are! R x
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OH my! I love you list! I think all reading buy faster than they read. I have a bad habit of saying, “I own it I can read it anytime” and running to the library for a new novel.
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Thanks! I don’t use the library enough, if I did I could stop spending money on books! 🙂
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I have been NetGalley approved for about a year now, and one publisher auto-approved me for their books. I *still* go crazy on it, and I’m really bad about keeping track of NG books versus what I get from Amazon. Since I get so many books for my Kindle, I don’t buy as many books anymore. I only buy books to complete series I have (that I want to have) or from authors I know, knowing I will enjoy the book. That’s been one drastic change in my book habits.
#3 – I think I am exactly the same way. My mom says I’m outgoing, but I don’t think so – and D can confirm that from friends’ parties we’ve been to.
#7 – yes! I haven’t re-read in at least two years now. 😦
#8 – this is something I’m trying to think through and get cranking on my blog, so I’m studying up about the common (and odd-ball) things I see others write about. But I know my problem will be continuing to publish consistently with new ideas. I think I’d run out of topics!
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I backed away from NetGalley for a while until I can catch up. I don’t even browse because my click-finger itches when something catches my eye! So, I’m on a NetGalley ban. My plan was to reduce the number of books I bought and only buy the ones I know I’ll love or if it’s an author I love, but I get drawn in by amazing deals sometimes and end up buying anyways. I try not to spend too much though. On average I’ll spend around £20 and get 10 books, new, so that’s pretty good. I have a lengthy TBR to get through and I plan to cut back a little on the buying after that. *Plan* to. Apparently a lot of people have a strong mix of introvert and extrovert in them from the comments I’ve been getting, maybe we’re “normal” after all! I MADE myself reread TMI before I was allowed to read book 6, it was tough, but worth it. I wouldn’t reread a 6 book series too often though, it took the best part of a month! For the original posts thing, I’m working on a few ideas over the summer, but I’ve kind of accepted the fact that I find it easier to join in memes and tags for discussions and topic posts, most of the time I think of something and it’s been done one way or another, so I adapt what type of posts are out there and join in (always tagging the originator!). R x
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I can totally relate to all of these, ugh! I balance between extrovert and introvert, I have too many books, I go wild on NetGalley (just banned myself through summer…), I lack time to reread, even read in general, and I can hardly focus on more than one book at a time.
I love reading unrealistic books as well, reality is boring and too normal. And also I try to ESCAPE reality by reading, so… 😀
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Hey 🙂 I’m definitely not alone being an extroverted introvert then?? Or are you more of an introverted extrovert?? They’re a little different! Haha we have A LOT of things in common! And yes, I 100% agree with your escapism comment, that’s my favourite thing about reading! R x
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Love your blogging confessions, so many of them ring true for me. I wish I could post more original content, but it’s finding the ideas and being motivated enough to do so. I also buy books faster than I ever have hope of reading them, I also add far more books to me TBR list than I can ever hope fo getting around to. I don’t mind though, it means there will always be some book I haven’t read lying around for those days when you just don’t know what you fancy reading.
Great post.
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Thanks 🙂 I have a few ideas I’m going to work on over the summer. I’m getting better with scheduling so that helps. And I’m not going to let it get to me anymore. Hardly any ideas are completely original, so I usually wait for a meme or tag to come around and add what I wanted to say to a post on it. I don’t know if/when my book buying will slow down… it’s a bit daunting at the minute! I’m actually afraid to count them and plan to go through them soon and clear out the ones I don’t really want to read anymore. I have books from before I started blogging that I’m just not interested in. Blogging has made me more informed as a reader too so I pick my reads with more care now. Thanks for commenting 🙂 R x
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The first time I found out about Netgalley & Edelweiss I went crazy, but luckily I have it better under control now. I think we all know that feeling: we love to buy books even when we have a TBR pile to the moon and back. I don’t really think about what else I could do with my reading time, probably a lot, but I love reading so why bother? 😀 I reread a lot and I always read books at the same time, so that’s where we’re different. Thanks for sharing your confessions!
Mel@thedailyprophecy
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It didn’t take long for me to cut-back, thankfully. It was going fine until I started finding out about all of these amazing books through blogging, and once I was aware of them if I spotted them on offer I was snapping them up… I need to work on it! I sometimes think about what I could be doing with my reading time, and I agree I love reading so let’s not complicate the situation, but there’s that wee voice in the back of my head, bit of a vicious cycle. How do you fit in rereads with current reads? I get distracted by new things easily!! Thanks for commenting! R x
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I don’t typically review classics because I’ve always found that over-analyzing them takes the enjoyment out of reading them. I’ve often wondered if authors from the past would read analytical reviews and laugh at the absurdity.
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I think quite a few of them probably would!!! 😀
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I’m with you on #6, I just can’t have more than one book going at a time. I’m in awe of people who can though!
Just found your blog and I’m now a new follower through bloglovin 🙂
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Hi, welcome to my little piece of the Internet 😀 thanks for commenting and following! I have tried to multi-read a few times and it just doesn’t work, I naturally tend to stick to a book until I see it through, or put it down if it’s annoying me and come back to it. I have maybe 3 books near me at the minute that I’ve “paused” and left lying open face-down where I was at with them, which means it will take forever for them to close properly again. Sigh. R x
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I’d love more time to read so I could finally re-read some of my favorite books! I totally went a little crazy when I first started on Netgalley, so my percentage isn’t very good AT ALL! And I’m ALWAYS reading more than one book at a time. It’s usually about 3. I have an ebook, audiobook, and usually a physical book as well. I like having options of which kind of reading I’m in the mood for, or able to do at any particular moment. Great confessions! 🙂
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From what I’ve seen today, not many of us have a good % on NG!! I’m around 50% I think with about 10 outstanding reviews/feedback. I only recently figured out how to work EW, so I’ve banned myself from the site because I have my schedule planned out for the summer at least and the last thing I need right now is more review copies!! I wish I could read more than one at a time, do you find you read more because of it? R x
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I was able to identify with so many of your points, especially the one about not being able to read more than one book at the time. I tried that when I was in high school an had to read books for my classes, but at the same time wanted to read something else just for fun… yeah, in the end, that didn’t work very well.
Thanks for stopping by and suggesting a some sort of collaboration. We really should see what we can come up with 🙂
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I’ve tried and tried. I can’t! We should have a think about it – I’ve a few ideas for collaborations and regular guest spots, or an actual feature between the two blogs. Send me an email through the Contact page so I can send you what I’ve been thinking about and we can chat about it 🙂 R x
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Oh my goodness. Number three! Finally someone who understands! That is exactly how I feel: I’m outgoing, friendly, sociable, etc, but after a while I need to recharge and be alone. So many people think you have to be one way or the other, but I am not. I like people, but I don’t get my energy from them.
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There’s been one or two of us commenting on here, Stefani. We aren’t alone!! 😀 YES! That’s it exactly, I enjoy my extroverted and social self, but it doesn’t recharge my batteries, my me-time recharges my batteries so I can be my extroverted and social self. Too long without a bit of one or the other and I’ve noticed it affects my mood! R x
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What you said is me exactly. 🙂
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” I can get really frustrated with complicated over-analysis of a book” OMG I completely agree with you on this!
And I totally wish that I had more time to re-read too!
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Haha I love your caps!! Glad I’m not the only one 🙂 R x
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I think everyone goes a bit crazy upon first setting up accounts on galley sites. I definitely did, and will now spend the rest of my life trying to get caught up! (And my percentage is something like 32%, LOL, so you have me beat!)
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That’s why I have an EW account but I refuse to let myself near it for a while!!! R x
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Gosh, I fellow blogger who knows my own heart! 🙂 I basically feel the same way about everything except probably the only-reads-one-book item because at the moment, I’m reading like 3 or 4 books LOL 🙂 I especially can relate to 7, 8, 9, and 10! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by.
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I think you’re the first person who identifies with #9! I’m glad I’m not the only one who questions my time-consuming and obsessive hobby! 🙂
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Although I’ve been blogging for about 6 months now, I’m still obsessed with NetGalley and Edelweiss. Although I don’t request much since I know I most likely won’t get accepted from the bigger publishers. But, I still love them!
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If it’s something you want you should try! I wasn’t blogging for very long when I was approved for The Geography of You and Me and pre-approved by Hachette. I’m just staying away until I get my TBR down and my reviews sorted – hopefully by the end of the summer, but I keep picking up great reads – I have the Infernal Devices trilogy and Under the Never Sky trilogy and Delirium trilogy all waiting for a marathon!! 😀
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The flack that classics get in being the main go-to books to analyze is kind of funny to hear about. Personally, I think you can find [insert some rhetoric/trope/device here] in every book; it’s just going that extra distance and give credit to the actual analyses rather than just skittering through and reading for simply the enjoyment of reading.
In terms of curating more “original” discussions, that’s a real doozy for me too. I feel like I go through so many potential ideas that could work but they’re all flops cause I don’t really know how to go about it. And as much as I’d like to have someone beta-read these ideas…I don’t even have any content to let them beta read haha. Pretty frustrating stuff!
Cheers,
joey via. thoughts and afterthoughts
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I really think there’s leverage in that idea I posted on your TTT – a “he said/she said” feature with both sexes opinions on the same topic/book/genre etc. Conversational. Funny. I like it.
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I’m SO with you on 5 and 7!! I’ll pick a magical adventure over contemporary any day. Although I do love contemporaries that tug my feels, because, heck yeah I want to inflict pain on my already shredded feels, right? It’s only natural. I LOVE City of Bones. x) I’ve only read 2 books so far, but it’s fast becoming my go-to series. Hehe. And rereading? I would looooove to have time to reread. But I don’t. 😐
Thanks for stopping by mine!
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Enjoy the next four books!!! They’re brill! I love the whole shadowhunter world and have the Infernal Devices series ready to marathon soon! Thanks for commenting! R x
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That Dead Poets Society gif ♥ Totally agree with No. 5, I love those worlds and how amazingly complete and real they feel!
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I’d love more time to reread as well. I’m so happy to find books I love but I get sad when I might not get to ‘visit’ them again.
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