Curious Wren {Bookish} Blog Party

Twitter is so useful sometimes! One never knows who they might meet up with over there. :) I happened to "meet" a fellow booklover recently and found out she had a new blog in the works. Then I saw she had a fun blog party going on to celebrate that very thing and thought, "I should join in!". So here I am. If you'd like, head over to Curious Wren and check out all the festivities! :)


1. What was the last book you read, and would you recommend it?

I just finished The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay and it's DELIGHTFUL. So yes! I would recommend it. It's not out until November, so you have a bit of a wait, but let me just say that it will be worth that wait! Because there is something about Ms. Reay's writing that creeps in your heart and refuses to leave. So mark your calendars! :)

2. Describe the perfect reading spot.

All that is required is comfy seating and a good book. If the book is amazing, any place is perfect because I won't stay in reality long! So my environment doesn't really matter in that case.

3. Favorite book beverage? Tea? Coffee? Hot chocolate? Tears of your readers?

Tea! Hot, cold, either way it's wonderful. Especially if it's chai! :D

4. Share favorite quotes from four books.

"If the right person tells a story, I guess it doesn't matter how many times you've heard it. Your heart still hears it brand new." ~ Natalie Lloyd, A Snicker of Magic

"Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that scare you the most." ~ Erynn Mangum, Paige Turned

"A thief never makes a noise by accident." ~ Megan Whalen Turner, The Thief

"You know who Mr. Darcy is?"
"I exist, therefore I know who Mr. Darcy is." ~ Cath Crowley, Graffiti Moon

5. What is your most loved fantasy read? Dystopia? Contemporary? Sci-fi? Classic?

I actually have to pick only ONE for each of those categories? You should know how impossible that is! So I may choose more than one...

Fantasy: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge (I don't know if these are considered fantasy, but I'm choosing them anyway.)

Dystopia: The Gifting series by K. E. Ganshert

Contemporary: My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay

Sci-Fi: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufmann and Meagan Spooner

Classic: Persuasion by Jane Austen, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

6. List three authors you’ve collected the most books from.

Erynn Mangum
Jennifer E. Smith
Laura Frantz

7. What are your thoughts on magic in literature?

I don't mind it, so long as I know it's just make believe.

8. What types of book covers capture your imagination most strongly? Feel free to include images.

I'm not sure I can really pinpoint a certain type of cover that will always make my eyes happy. I love different covers for differing reasons. For example:

I love the artwork that characterizes middle grade novels much of the time. Like the new covers for the Nancy Drew stories!

But I also love artwork on adult fiction as well. This is one of my very favorites.

Then there are some that are strikingly different and awesome.

Yet simple ones can work really well also. I love the colors of this one!

And sometimes all you need is a fabulous font over a picture. :)

While other times all you need is a remarkable dress!

See? I like all kinds. (Permit me to direct you to my Pinterest board for more favorites.) I should note that one thing I really love about them is when they match the story inside. Some are amazing, but have nothing to do with what the book is actually about. When the perfect cover happens to a delightful story (such as with Cruel Beauty, which you should totally read if you haven't yet!), then I am a very happy booklover!! :D

9. Mention the first book character that comes to mind. Elaborate on this.

My mind is still full of Lucy from The Bronte Plot. I wasn't really sure about her at first, she took a bit of warming up to. But by halfway through I suddenly realized that somehow she'd snuck into my heart and I was right there with her every step of her journey! I fell in love with her introspective moments and her love of literature. And I was rooting for her to realize her mistakes and make them right, even as I understood her reasoning. I'm not sure I can really describe why I love her so, but I do. Kudos to Ms. Reay for creating such an unforgettable character! :)

10. Do you lend out your books? Or is that the equivalent to giving away your babies?

I do! I love to share my favorite stories with friends. I'm just particular on getting them back in a timely manner (because I miss them!) and in good condition (I have experienced getting a book returned with the cover torn or all messed up and it made me very sad).