Friday, February 24, 2012

Feature & Follow Friday: Week #4

Feature & Follow is hosted each week by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  It's a blog hop, where bloggers can expand their following, and get to know each other!

Question of the week: Take a picture or describe where you love to read the most.


I read mostly in my room, on my bed.  My room is pretty small, so I don't have any room for a nice overstuffed chair (which I would kill to have).

I'm one of those readers that like to have absolute quiet when I'm reading, otherwise I get distracted.  So I always close the door, and light a few candles (I can assure you that I am not writing any sort of sex scene right now), and I plug in my fairy lights, and just lay or sit on my bed and read.

My goal this summer is to redecorate my room, and one of my main things I want to do is turn my closet into a reading corner.  I plan on expanding upwards, as there is a smaller closet on top of my bigger closest, so I want to get that out, and add shelves so that I can put the books that are in piles on my floor up on those shelves, and than I was going to add a nice chair, and fairy lights to spruce up the area, and paint it a nice lavender colour.

So yeah, my current reading space is my bed, by dream reading space is my closet!

What is your current reading space?

- Brittany :]

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Booking Through Thursday: Week 5



Booking Through Thursday is a weekly blogging meme, that asks a question a week, mostly related to books and/or reading.  This weeks question is:

'What do you look for when reading a book blog?  does the blogger have to read the same genre?  Do you like reviews?  Personal posts?  Memes?  Giveaways?  What attracts you to a book blog?'

When reading a book blog, I always look for people who put their own opinions in reviews.  There are some book blogs out there that, when doing reviews, simply write a small summary about the book.  I don't come to book blogs to just read about the book, I go to see what you have to say about the book itself.  I like that sort of rawness to a book blog, than feeling like the blogger is sucking up to the writer when they really don't put their own input into the review.

A book blog doesn't have to like the same genre as I do.  I love reading book blogs that have different genres because it will most likely make me go and pick up a book of that genre to read!  It's so nice to span your book genres.

So all in all, what attracts me to a book blog is someone who is honest with their reviews, and puts heart and soul into what they are writing.  They don't have to be great writers themselves, they don't have to have a snazzy layout, all that matters is that they love books just as much as I do!

Some of my favourite book blogs are:


So what do you look for when looking for a book blog?  What are some of your favourite book blog sites?

- Brittany

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Deadlocked: A Sookie Stackhouse novel

'Waiting on Wednesday' is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I picked:

Deadlocked: A Sookie Stackhouse novel by Charlaine Harris
Publication Date: May 1st, 2012
Publisher: Ace

Summary (unofficial summary):
'With Felipe De Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), in town, it's the worst possible time for a body to show up in Eric Northman's front yard - especially the body of a woman whose blood he just drank.


Now it's up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder.  Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl's fate has nothing to do with her.  But she is wrong.  She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who's out to make Sookie's world come crashing down.' - via Risingshadow

Why I'm Excited:  These books are like crack to me.  Just like the TV show, I never thought I would like it, but I can't stop reading/watching them.  I'm super excited for the 12th book in this series!



Monday, February 20, 2012

Musing Mondays: Week 4

Musing Mondays is a weekly feature from Should Be Reading.  Each week, a question is asked, and we have the opportunity to answer it!  This weeks question is:

'What is the last book that you learned something from?  What book was it, and what did it teach you?'


Hmm, this is a hard question because the books I've been reading lately have been mostly fun books, that you really shouldn't learn from.  So I really have to think way back.

It would probably have to be 'Renegade: The Making of a President' by Richard Wolffe.  I read it last year during the summer, and I was completely enthralled.  I believe I read it in less than four days.  It was such an eye opening experience, to see how Barack Obama because President of the United States.  It was very in depth, especially with his home life, and his relationship with Michelle.

 The detail the book went into was very interesting, how he really didn't know if he could run for the Presidency, and how Michelle really didn't want him to run, because she feared that it would take a toll on their family/relationship.  There are also some really nice interviews and backstage details of his first year in the White House.

I think reading that, it made me learn more about Barack Obama himself, and not just President Barack Obama.  Such a nice book.

What about you?  Any books you've read in the past that you've learned from?

- Brittany :]

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Booking Through Thursday: Week 4


Booking Through Thursday is a weekly blogging meme, that asks a question a week, mostly related to books an/or reading.  This weeks question is:

'Have you ever written fan-fiction?  If yes, why, and for which book(s)?  If no, would you like to and for which book(s)?  For that matter, do you ever READ fan-fiction?'

Back in the day (and when I mean "back in the day", I actually mean back in 7th grade which was 10 years ago), I used to write TONS of fan-fiction, but not for books.  I'm a huge TV nerd, so that majority of my fan-fiction was written about 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', and 'The X-Files'.  I went to a technology based middle school, where our desks had apple computers on them, so whenever we had free time, we were allowed to browse the internet, do anything we wanted (obviously porn was out of the question), so I would either read my book, create graphics and put together my 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' fan site, and or read/write fan-fiction.  

Was I good at it?  Hell no, and over the years I've read those stories, and literally judge myself for it's badness. Though I still think that one of the stories, that I never finished was pretty amazing, and if I still had the time and effort today, I could rewrite it and make turn it into a novella based off the characters of Buffy, but alas, I'm lazy and it still sits in a folder on my desktop waiting to be open.

10 years ago, fan-fiction wasn't as, I guess, mainstream, as it is today.  I'm not trying to be all elitist and say that I was one of the first people who did fan-fiction, because I'm not, but back in 2002, fan-fiction was one of those things that if you talked about it people would either not know what the heck you were talking about, or judge you for even saying the words "fan" and "fiction" in the same sentence.  I think the majority of fan-fiction was mostly populated for 'Star Wars', 'Star Trek', and those of us in the SCI-FI/Fantasy realm.  I knew people online who would spend days working on a fic.  It was honestly such a close knit circle, that you knew those authors, and they would welcome you into their arms with just as much excitement as you have.  Especially when you told them about your story.

While in the past 10 years, fan-fiction has gone off the charts in countless ways on the internet.  It's not so much for the SCI-FI/Fantasy geeks anymore, as it's for everyone.  People are writing fan-fiction about the latest episode of 'Jersey Shore' nowadays.  

So to answer your question, yes, I've written and read fan-fiction.  Mainly TV shows, but I've dabbled in the 'Harry Potter',  and 'Lord of the Rings' series.  Do I still read fan-fiction, and write it?  No.  I really don't have the time anymore, and frankly there are too many fan-fics out there to even know where to start.  

So do you still read/write fan-fic?  Sound off below!

- Brittany :]

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Graphic Book Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Volume 3 by Various Authors

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Omnibus Volume 3 (graphic novel)
Author: Various.
Publisher: Dark House Books.
Publication Date: January 22nd, 2008
Genre: Horror, TV tie-in

Pages: 320 pages (softcover)
How I came upon this book: I bought this recently as I was actually downsizing my Buffy comics collection into the omnibus collections.

amazon.com  ♥  goodreads.com

Summary: 'The third volume of Dark Horse's Buffy Omnibus series follows the gang through harrowing trials and tribulations - slaying vampires, going to high school, and young love.  Angel has lost his soul and found it again, Xander and Cordelia kiss and make up, and Willow and Oz confront his inner beast.' - Amazon summary


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just wanted to wish all of my followers a very Happy Valentine's day, or as I like to call it, "The day before all the candy goes on sale day"!

I'll be back tomorrow with some reviews, and some other neat stuff!  Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday, and or the beginning of your Wednesday!

- Brittany :]

Sunday, February 12, 2012

In My Mailbox: Week 4

Hey everyone!  I am so sorry this is late, but to be honest, I totally forgot about posting this.  I was so busy today, that it had slipped my mind!

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature hosted by The Story Siren, where I talk about the books I received either from buying, ARCs, gifts, library, etc...

This week, I went to the library to pick up a book for my book club.  It's the only book I received this week sadly.  I hope to get my hands on a few more books this coming week though!


Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor  Amazon  ♥  Goodreads

I'm actually really excited to read this book!  I started it last night, and I'm 32 pages in, and so far it's been really enjoyable.  I've heard so much good things about this novel and it's author, that I'm really interested in getting to the meat and potatoes of this story!

What did you all receive this week for your IMM?

- Brittany :]

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Feature & Follow Friday: Week #3

Feature & Follow is hosted each week by Parajunkee, and Alison Can Read.  It's a blog hop, where bloggers can expand their following, and get to know each other.

Question of the week: What would you prefer: reading your favourite book over and over again until you got sick of it, or reading 100s of mediocre books?  And why?


Reading my favourite book over and over again, because I would never get sick of it.  Case in point, one of my favourite books is 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, and I usually end up reading it five times a year, possibly more.  I never g row tired of it, because it's a book that I thoroughly enjoy.

Why read tons of mediocre books that might make you pull your eyelids off, when you can simply enjoy your favourite book over and over again?

I hope everyone have a wonderful week, and I wish you all the very best weekend to come!

- Brittany :]

Booking Through Thursday: Week 3



Booking Through Thursday is a weekly book blogging meme, that asks a question a week, mostly related to books and/or reading.  This weeks question is:

'If you had to pick only 5 books to read ever again, what would they be and why?'

These types of questions leave me ripping my hair out, because I always come up with a list, and after posting it I think of another book that should go on there instead.  It's a never ending battle to be honest.  So after much thought, my five books would be:

1. Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
There is something magical about reading this the first time, and there is something even more magical about reading it again and again.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This was the first "adult" book that I had ever read.  I was in 4th grade, and after seeing the movie with my dad at the local cinema that plays old movies, I wanted to read the book.  This book is so special to me on many reasons, not only because of the plot behind the book, and it's strong morals about being nice to people, and treating those the way you want to be treated, it was also my first jump into actual literature.  This was the book that lead me on the path of the written word.

3. My Boring-Ass Life by Kevin Smith
Because everyone needs a little humour in their lives, no matter how you feel.  Kevin Smith has a way of turning even the most dullest subject into hilarity, and full of heart.

4. On Writing by Stephen King
It's hard to actually sit down and pick a Stephen King book to put on this list.  Even at his worst, his stories still pull you in, and never let you go.  He's one of those writers that will tell you a story, and you won't ever forget it, even if you don't read the book again.  His memoir, is very telling, and it goes into detail about some of his most interesting stories.  Plus he gives you a few pointers along the way!

5. The Complete Collection of Tales & Poems by Edgar Allen Poe
Yeah, I know technically it's more then one tale, but I have a big giant binded book of all his stories/poems so it counts in my eyes.  The perfect evening for me, would be to curl up with a cup of Earl Grey, and read a tale from Mr. Poe himself.  I don't think I could live without his stories to be honest.

So that's my answers!  What are your five books?

- Brittany :]

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Graphic Novel Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Volume 2 by Various Authors

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Omnibus Volume 2 (graphic novel)
Author: Various.
Publisher: Dark Horse Books
Publication Date: September 4th, 2007
Genre: Horror, TV Tie-in

Pages: 296 pages (softcover)
How I came upon this book: I've had it on my shelf for ages, and just now decided to actually sit down and read it.

amazon.com  ♥  goodreads.com

Summary: 'This second volume of our Buffy omnibus series collects many of the best Buffy comics to see print.  As we follow the newly-chosen slayer from Los Angeles to Sunnydale and through her parents' divorce - with Dawn in tow - the souled vampire Angel makes his first appearance and the not-so-souled Spike and Drusilla cleave a bloody path towards the West Coast.  This collection includes the critically acclaimed graphic novel 'Ring of Fire', and the miniseries 'A Stake to the Heart', and reflects the season one to season three timeline of the cult-hit TV series.  A fitting companion to Joss Whedon's comics-based relaunch of the show.'  - Amazon summary


Waiting on Wednesday: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson

'Waiting on Wednesday' is a weekly event, hosted by  Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, I went a little different.  Usually, I would pick a book that is up coming, but this week, I'm really looking forward to the paperback version of this book!

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
Publication Date: February 21st, 2012
Publisher: Vintage

Summary via Amazon:
SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST TWO NOVELS!!
'Lisbeth Salander - the heart of Larsson's two previous novels - lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital.  She's fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she'll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders.  With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence.  And, on her own, she will plot revenge - against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.


Once upon a time, she was a victim.  Now Salander is fighting back.'


Why I'm Excited: I'm a huge fan of the books, and the movies, and I'm more into paperbacks, so I've already got mine pre-ordered, and I'm eagerly anticipating re-reading it!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Musing Mondays: Week 3

Musing Mondays is a weekly feature from Should Be Reading.  Each week, a question is asked, and we have the opportunity to answer it!  This weeks question is:

'Did you do any reading in lieu of watching the football game, yesterday, or were you foregoing reading to watch the game?  If you read a book (or books) what did you choose?'


I'm not a huge American football person.  I mean, I'll root for my home team if they are in the Super Bowl, but really I'm not that much into it.  I also really didn't read much yesterday, as I was at work, and when I came home I popped in 'Live Free or Die Hard', and watched that before I passed out.

That was about it for my Sunday to be honest!

- Brittany :]

Sunday, February 5, 2012

In My Mailbox: Week 3

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature hosted by The Story Siren, where I talk about the books I received either from buying, ARCs, gifts, library, etc...

Terribly sorry I've been M.I.A. this past week.  I've had some family issues, and on top of that I was a little under the weather.  So I really didn't get much reading done :\

Anyways, this past week, I bought a few books from the thrift shop!  I have to wonder if I should start worrying when they know me by name there.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen  Amazon  ♥  Goodreads
Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton  Amazon  ♥  Goodreads
Bed of Roses: Book Two in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts  Amazon  ♥  Goodreads

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berndt  Amazon  ♥  Goodreads
The Confession of Katherine Howard by Suzannah Dunn  Amazon  ♥  Goodreads
Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster  Amazon  ♥  Goodreads

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend/week!  What did you all get this past week?

- Brittany :]