{Book Blogger Hop} What Books Remind You of Fall?

Welcome to Literary R&R's stop on this week's Book Blogger Hop! The BBH is now on the road and is being hosted by Soon Remembered Tales this week. Hop on over there if you'd like to view the linky list of this week's Hop participants.

This week's question:

With Autumn upon us and Halloween drawing near, what books remind you of fall? What ones do you enjoy reading that are about autumn?

Kathy's Response:

For me, there are many "classics" that remind me of fall because I read them for summer reading. One that stands out in my memory is A Separate Peace by John Knowles. This was a summer reading assignment for high school, and as a classic coming-of-age tale it holds a special place for me in my heart. It's one that you never quite forget and will read time and time again.

Mandy's Response:

There isn't one particular novel that reminds me of Autumn, but around this time of the year (which is my favorite, by the way!!!) I absolutely love to read mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels in preparation for all the spookiness October brings. My favorite novel to gear up for the spookiness? It by Stephen King. The movie sucked, but the novel is amazing.

I also begin "re-reading" my huge collection of cookbooks, as well as scouring the Internet, for new recipes to try for the upcoming holiday season.


Leave us a comment below and let us know what books remind you of fall. We'd love to hear what you have to say.

Happy Hopping!

{Book Blog Hop} #17

Welcome to Literary R&R's stop on this week's Book Blogger Hop, created by Jen over at Crazy For Books. To view this week's participants, just click on the Crazy for Books link above to view the linky list.

This week's question:

What is the one thing that your blog readers probably do not know about you?

Mandy's Answer:

Not only am I a book nerd, I also love to play card games. Since my husband doesn't like to play games, I get my fix online via Pogo.com. My favorite card game: Canasta. I grew up playing this game with my grandmother, mom, and brother. When I saw it was on Pogo, I had to join.

It doesn't stop there ... I also host Canasta tournaments on Pogo. It's something I enjoy and the league I'm a part of is wonderful.


Now that you know what kind of dork I am, what don't I know about you?

Kate's Answer:

I have a scar on my forehead of relatively substantial size. Most people seem not to notice it. I think this is because first how well the stitches were done, then the placement (on the left side of my forehead going into the hairline), but mostly I think it is because I am so pale the scar blends with my natural color.

I've never done much to hide it, sometimes I even part my hair at it (which then makes it show). I find some scars (the ones that have no real bad memories with them, like mine) add character. And it is an interesting story to tell!

Kathy's Answer:

I'm sure most don't know that I would love to be a published author myself. Often when I'm reviewing books I'll think, "I wish I thought of that!" Being a reviewer has opened my eyes to how easy it is to self-publish, although I'd love the affirmation of being published by a "real" publishing house! I'd love to publish something in the literary fiction genre, or a collection of humorous essays.

{Book Blogger Hop} #15

Welcome to Literary R&R's stop on the Book Blogger Hop, created by Jen from Crazy for Books. To view the rest of this week's participants, just click the Crazy for Books link above to view this week's linky list. Thanks!

This week's question:

What book series do you never want to see end?

Kathy's Answer:

George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. I know there are still two books to go, but I'd like to see what happens to the characters who are children, as they move into adulthood, and their children, etc. There are so many possibilities with all the different characters and kingdoms - there's material for tons of books!

Mandy's Answer:

I know that this series has already "ended," but I'm still hoping that J. K. Rowling will continue the Harry Potter series. Their children have already been introduced ... surely there's another nemesis out there as dangerous and evil as Voldemort!


What are your answers?

Book Blogger Hop #14

Welcome to Literary R&R's post for this week's Book Blogger Hop! If you're interested to see who else has posted, just click here to view the linky list over at Crazy For Books.

This week's question:

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

Mandy's Answer:

Well, I started this blog with the intention of just getting my thoughts down about all the books that I read. As it grew to what it is now, I've enjoyed meeting all of the other book bloggers out there as well as hearing about various literary expos, which I never knew existed before I began blogging. So, basically, my favorite thing is still meeting everyone and getting my opinions out there into the blogosphere.

I've told you mine, now tell me yours by leaving me a comment below and thanks for stopping by! =)

Book Blogger Hop

I know it's been awhile since we've participated in this hop and I am excited for us to get back into it!!!! The Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books. To read the history and rules for this hop, simply click here and it'll tell you all about it.

This week's question is:

"What is the one genre you will NEVER read?"

Mandy's Response:

I used to say that I would never ever read science-fiction. I used to equate science fiction to the Star Wars movies, which I absolutely loathe. However, over the course of reviewing several self-published authors, I have been swayed by some really awesome science-fiction authors.

So, again, the question begs to be answered: Which genre would I NEVER read?

Hhmmm...

I'VE GOT IT!

This has also happened over the course of my reading self-published authors ... I will never read another self-help book again. I do have one or two that I previously agreed to review that I will honor, but after those ... that's it. I know self-help authors need promoting like any other author, but I want to be able to escape into a fake world when I read. I don't want to "fix" me. I like me. I have some rough spots, but overall I think I'm pretty great. Reading self-help books has just turned into a bore for me, which tells me it's time for me to stop reading them.

Sorry, authors.

Book Blog Hop Friday #12

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered. 

Before we get to the question, I would like to welcome any new viewers/followers to my blog.  If you're an 'oldie but goodie' ... welcome back! =)

Now, this week's question is:

"If you could physically put yourself into a book or series…which one would it be and why?"

My Answer:

This answer will probably sound somewhat expected, but I would love to physically put myself into the Harry Potter series.  I would love to go to school at Hogwarts and meet Dumbledore.

I would also love to put myself in Dorothy James' novel A Place to Die.  The culture and the people just seem like a place I would love to be a part of.

What about you?  =)

Book Blog Hop Friday #11

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered. 

Before we get to the question, I would like to welcome any new viewers/followers to my blog.  If you're an 'oldie but goodie' ... welcome back! =)

Now, this week's question is:

"Who's your all-time favorite book villain?"

My all-time favorite book villain is the clown from Stephen King's It.  Almost all children have a slight fear of clowns and for King to expound upon that and create this freakishly scary character was pretty awesome to me.  I've read other villains that I was drawn to in other books, but It will always be my fave.

Book Blog Hop Friday #10

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered. 

Before we get to the question, I would like to welcome any new viewers/followers to my blog.  If you're an 'oldie but goodie' ... welcome back! =)

Now, this week's question is:

"What are you reading now and why are you reading it?"

I am currently reading two books:

Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country by Allan Richard Shickman - Given to me by the publicist for review.  You can click here to read my review of the first book in this series, Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure.

Sex, Drugs & Being an Escort by Ashly Lorenzana - This ebook was given to me by the author for review

Book Blog Hop Friday #9

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered. 

Before we get to the question, I would like to welcome any new viewers/followers to my blog.  If you're an 'oldie but goodie' ... welcome back! =)

Now, this week's question is:

 "What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011?  Why are you anticipating that book?"

My Answer:  I am looking forward to John C. Stipa's new novel that he is currently working on.  His first novel, No Greater Sacrifice, was absolutely wonderful and I fell in love with it (you can click here to read my review).  I have high hopes for his new novel and cannot wait until it comes out later this year.

And no, I did not forget the title.  =)  It is a work in progress and the title has yet to be finalized.

What about you?

Book Blog Hop Friday #8

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered. 

Before we get to the question, I would like to welcome any new viewers/followers to my blog.  If you're an 'oldie but goodie' ... welcome back! =)

Now, this week's question is:

"Why do you read the genre that you do?  What draws you to it?"

My answer:  I read all genres.  I like to see what's out there and to open myself up to new stories that I normally wouldn't have read otherwise.

If I had to settle on one genre, it would have to be mysteries and/or horrors.  I've always loved trying to figure out who did it.  I've always loved trying to find books that scare the mess out of me too.  =)  I guess what draws me to these genres is the fact that I am awed by how some authors' minds work.  How twisted they can seem to be ... I love it.  =)

Happy Hopping!

Book Blog Hop Friday #7

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered. 

Before we get to the question, I would like to welcome any new viewers/followers to my blog.  If you're an 'oldie but goodie' ... welcome back! =)

Now, this week's question is:

"What very popular and hyped book in the blogosphere did you NOT enjoy and how did you feel about posting your review?"

For this question, I will have to agree with Jennifer at Crazy For Books.  I try not to read a book while it is popular and hype.  I usually try to wait until the hoopla dies down before I'll even consider whether or not I want to read it.

What about you?

Book Blog Hop Friday #6

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered. 

Before we get to the question, I would like to welcome any new viewers/followers to my blog.  If you're an 'oldie but goodie' ... welcome back! =)

Now, this week's question is:

"What are your feelings on losing followers?  Have you ever stopped following a blog?"

I don't like to lose followers, because I'm trying very hard to be one of those blogs everybody loves, comments on and follows.  However, I know there's going to be people who have stopped blogging, lose interest in blogging, etc and they stop following.  Then, there's going to be those people who just don't like what you have to offer any more.

I will say, here and now, that if there's ever a time any of you thinks or sees a way for me to improve my site, all you have to do is email me.  I am fairly new to blogging on a regular basis and appreciate any and all suggestions for improvements.  So, please, if you are in the group of people who don't really care for what I have to offer, give me a chance to improve before you stop following.  =)

Yes, I have stopped following a blog.  When I'm sent an email and I'm told that I've won something, please follow through with actually sending me what I've won.  When it's been three weeks and I still haven't seen my prize and I email you to ask you if, maybe, I misunderstood the rules or the concept of the contest, please don't ignore me.  I like to give people chances to explain themselves.  I tend to be very understanding, but when you ignore me, how else am I to interpret that but that you don't care about one of your followers?  So, for that reason, I've stopped following a blog.

I'm curious to see what you all have to say about this.  Hope to hear from you! =)

Book Blog Hop Friday #5

This is a weekly meme hosted byJennifer at Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered.  This week's question is:

What is the one bookish thing you would love to have, no matter the cost?

Well, I've not really researched any 'bookish' things so I'd have to say that I would love to have an ipad and an Amazon Kindle.  Not too original, I'm sure, but this question has made me realize how ignorant I am of bookish things ... so ... off to do some research I go!!!  =)

Book Blog Hop Friday #4

This is a weekly meme hosted byJennifer at Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered.  This week's question is:

"Where is your favorite place to read?  Curled up on the sofa, in bed, in the garden?"

There are two places I like to read.  During my work lunch hour, I will sometimes go to the park and read one of my books.  It is so peaceful there and I feel like part of a small group as there are other people doing the same thing.  =)

The other place I like to read is on my bed.  That's the coldest place in my apartment and, often times, the quietest.  Especially if my husband is watching television in the living room, I will often go to the bedroom and just relax in the peace and quiet with a book.  I do it more so now that I've started this blog.

Happy Hopping! =)

Book Hop Friday #3

This is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books.  This is a chance for people to visit other book-related blogs that they normally wouldn't find and/or visit on their own.  To participate, a question must be answered.  This week's question is:

"When you read a book that you just can't get into, do you stick it out and keep reading or move to your next title?"

My Answer:  This answer can go both ways for me ... Before I started this blog, if I was reading a book and I couldn't get into it, I'd stop reading it.  But, now, knowing that I have followers who read my reviews, I tend to force myself thru the book even if I can't get into it.

Why?

Because I don't feel that I can give an adequate review of a book if I don't read all of the material.  This may be the first-born OCD gene coming out in me, but it's true.  And, I'm not saying that if you're a reviewer and you don't finish a book that you're wrong.  It's just that, for me, I feel that since the author gave up their time and energy into actually writing the book (even if it is bad) and they sent it to me to read and review, the least I can do is finish it.  They may get a long email in return stating every single thing I didn't like about it, but at least I can say I finished it.

If this is your first time to my blog, WELCOME!  If this is a repeat visit for you, WELCOME BACK!  Either way, I hope everyone has a fantastic Friday night and a fabulous weekend! =)

Book Hop Friday #2

This is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy For Books.  In order to participate, I must answer a question.  This week's question comes from Suko who blogs at Suko's Notebook.  The question?

What's your favorite beverage while reading or blogging, if any?  Is it tea, coffee, water, a glass of wine or something else?

If I'm blogging it usually means I'm at the computer by the living room.  This usually indicates that, not only am I blogging, but I'm doing other household chores at the same time.  Thus, my favorite beverage while blogging is good ole southern sweet tea .... occasionally, I will have water.

If I'm reading, it's usually in the bed right before retiring for the day... in which case, I don't drink anything while reading.  The few times that I actually get to sit down and read during the day, I'll usually have whatever beverage is handy because .... and I know this might sound dorky ... I sometimes like to read the book out loud to myself and my throat will dry out.  =)

Am I the only one that does this??? If I am, I am proud to stand alone ... hahaha ...

Anywho ... this concludes this week's Q&A for Book Hop Friday.  Tune in next week to see what titillating Q&A session we will be having.

Thanks for stopping by! =)

Book Hop Friday #1

This is my first ever book hop and I am excited to participate.  I've already had more followers added to my first blog and I am so excited!!! =)

I must answer a question for each hop I participate in, so here goes .... "How do you spread the word about your blog?"

I spread the word in a few areas online: Facebook via the Networked Blogs application, Goodreads, Shelfari and Book Blogs Ning.  Not only do I promote my blog online, but I discuss my blogs at work with co-workers.  Anywhere and everywhere I hear someone discussing books, I'm letting them know what I've got going on! =)

I'm excited to check out other bloggers during this hop and to grow my "following" list.

Happy Reading Everyone!!! =)