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Literary Junkies: October Book Fun

September 28, 2015 by Meet Brenda 3 Comments

Can you believe it is already time for another Literary Junkies link party? I can hardly believe that September is already over. On top of a crazy-busy October coming up, we just found out I was selected for a random business audit from the IRS, so I’ll be spending most of my October putting together all my business records into a pretty format when I’m not working or doing something every weekend (I’m going to Texas Book Fest on October 17 with Margaret Atwood!). Because of these things, I doubt I’ll have much time for reading in October.

But that is OK! I’ve read plenty in September.

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it.

I’ve been reading The Girl on the Train, which I found to be a very “meh” book. I really didn’t enjoy it at all, and I actually didn’t finish it. I don’t know if I ever will. I just didn’t like any of the characters, the way the story was going, or really anything about it. It is definitely the case of a book that just wasn’t a good fit for my personal taste.

2. If you were a writer, what kind of books would you write?

I know this easily because I’ve started two book series that are far, far from being completed, but I’ve had the idea for years. The first series is a middle grade adventure featuring two twin, redheaded sibling spies who help fight communism during the Red Scare era. The second series, and the one I started when I was in high school, is a series about a city named Tarth (yes, I know George RR Martin now has all rights to that name, I guess I should change the name if I ever publish). It is a adventure fantasy, probably YA, that explores the idea of if it is moral for individuals with magic ability to control individuals who do not have that ability.

3. Are there any favorite books you like to go back to when the weather starts cooling down?

I just wrote about this last week. You can see my full list here.
4. If you could have a chat with any author, past or present, who would it be and why?

Right now, I’m really loving everything Rainbow Rowell, so I think I would love to chat with her. She seems like an awesome person who could easily be my BFF under the right circumstances.

5. What book are you looking forward to reading this fall?

Well, Rainbow Rowell has a new one coming out. It’s the story that the main character was writing in Fangirl. I love stories within stories like that. I’m trying to see if I can get one of the color-your-own covers for it. 🙂

What have you been reading lately?

The Best Book Blogs that Make Me Happy (Lit Lovers Link Party)

September 16, 2015 by Meet Brenda 9 Comments

I love books (possibly more than my family some days when they are driving me crazy), so during my personal time, I always look for the best book blogs to follow that promote the idea that loving books is not some kind of crazy.

Personally, I would rather read articles about books in addition to reviews, so most of my favorite book blogs tend to be more bookish than books, if that makes any sense. I don’t mind some book reviews, but I get bored if a site is all reviews.

If you love books, you might have already discovered these best book blogs, but perhaps there are a few on this list that you haven’t yet discovered:

Are you a book lover? You won't want to miss this list of 10 best book blogs for book lovers at Daily Mayo! — Photo copyright: Lauren Baker/freeimages.com

10 of the Best Book Blogs (in my opinion)

These are 10 of my favorite blogs and some of the best book blogs that I know of.

Modern Mrs. Darcy

Modern Mrs. Darcy is a book/lifestyle blog, but I usually only read her book-themed posts. Each year she puts out a reading guide of all of the books she has read the previous year and picks the best to suggest to her readers, similarly to what I do here on Daily Mayo. Mrs. Darcy favors classic books, so I always look to her for recommendations on books when I’m in a classical mood.

Buzzfeed Books

Buzzfeed Books is really fun when I’m in the mood to read/do something silly related to books. Buzzfeed Books always makes me laugh about a fandom. Their recent series have focused on what a book would be like in a different setting, and they always have a lot of Harry Potter activities.

Food in Literature

I am amazed at the quality of Food in Literature. The production value on the videos are amazing, and the foods always look delicious. After I read one of the Food in Literature articles or watch one of the videos, I want to bake something book-themed right away.

Book Riot

Book Riot is probably my favorite site on this list because there is always something there that I love to read. They do not do it so much any more, but I first fell in love with them based on their book mash-ups where they would have visitors guess if a line came from a classic book or a Taylor Swift song, or something like that.

Chapter Break

The ladies at Chapter Break post a lot of reviews, which is fun, but my favorite part of their site is the Chat Between the Chapters segment. In this segment, the ladies pose a thoughtful bookish question and you can share your answers with them. I always love hearing what they have to say and reading the other comments on the posts.

The Reading Room

In all honesty, I tend to follow The Reading Room more on Facebook than on their actual website because they always post pretty pictures of books. But their articles are usually informative and they post fun quizzes every now and then.

Quirky Bookwork

The Quirky Bookworm has young children just like I do, so she often posts information about children’s books, which is really fun. She is my go-to resource for the younger crowd.

Go Book Yourself

Go Book Yourself was one of my first bookish blogging friends, and she is amazing. She is Irish, which is really cool to me. She posts mainly book reviews, but every now and then she has other content, too.

The YA Gal

The YA Gal is mainly active on Facebook, but she does have a few websites. Her Facebook page has over 14,000 fans, and she posts all kinds of information about YA books. She even has her own YA book coming out next year, Genesis Girl.

Pink Heels Pink Truck

Taylor, the owner of PHPT is a personal friend and the operator of the Literary Junkies link party that I participate in every month. PHPT is not just about books, but Taylor often posts book reviews and other book-related stuff there. She also has an entire series on fun cocktails, which is quite fun.

What are the blogs you think are the best book blogs? There are so many out there, I’m sure I’m missing some really great ones! Which blogs should I add to my reading roster?

Lit Lovers Link Party

Now it is time for YOU! All posts linked up will be shared and pinned by me! Link your neglected book and quote posts for some extra juice! We’re here every Thursday.

Remember, you can link up as many book or quote-related posts as you want!

As always, I will feature my favorite link-up in next week’s Lit Lover’s edition. When you share your post with me, you agree to for me to use one image from your post in next week’s LL. I will also pin all link-ups to the new Lit Lover’s Pinterest board and send you weekly link-up reminders so you can keep joining in.

If you want to be added as a contributor to the Lit Lover’s group board, just send me an e-mail at Brenda at dailymayo.com with your Pinterest user name.

Follow the Lit Lovers Group Board on Pinterest!

This Weeks Lit Lover Features

This week, I really enjoyed the quote that was shared by Verushka of Editing Everything. It’s a good one to consider, for sure!

Share your book posts!

An InLinkz Link-up

Book Tropes I’ll Always Read (Lit Lovers Link Party)

July 15, 2015 by Meet Brenda 9 Comments

Some book tropes are made to be read over and over. These are the book tropes I'll always read no matter what! — Image copyright: Antony Ruggiero//Free Images

Earlier this week I shared book tropes that I no longer want to read.

Today, I thought I would share book tropes I will always read. I like to call these, “shut up and take my money” books.

If you’re here for the Lit Lover’s Link Party, scroll to the end of the post to add your book post links! New to the party? Say “hi” in the comments!

9 Book Tropes I Will Always Read

Although I’ve read hundreds of books with these themes, I’ll keep reading these book tropes because I love them that much.

Time Travel

I love books about time travel. Something about the mysteries of the space-time continuum makes for a good story. I’ll read just about any book that has time travel in it!

Love/Hate Relationships

As unrealistic as some of these may be, I love them. Themes of love/hate are appealing to me and I would much rather read about a romance where the couple is shouting at each other half the time than one that is fully loving and supportive.

Dystopian Universes

I like imagining what the world might be like in the future. Although I don’t really believe that the world will continue to get worse and super-oppressive, it is still fun to read about what that might be like. Then read about what it is like to rebel from that oppression. I’m just a rebel at heart, is all. 🙂

Orphaned Children

Parents are awesome, but I prefer my book children orphaned. They can do so much more when they are allowed to sneak out. I feel bad when children sneak away from loving parents. If that child is escaping from a cruel uncle, however, more power to the kid!

Strong Female Leads

I could never get tired of female characters who are as awesome as the women I know in real life. All books should have a strong lead full of personality.

Innovative Books

Writing can change over time. It is the innovative books that create trends and determine what will be popular in the future. I appreciate authors (and publishers) who think outside the box and produce something truly unique. The books may not always be my favorites, but I will continue to support them.

Witty and Quippy Books

I like humor in my stories. I appreciate a good line of wit. I enjoy books better when they are not quite so serious all the time. This is why I will read stories like the Mortal Instruments series and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Funny books are fun to read.

Books about Books

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies, so I will usually read any book that features a bookstore, library, person with a bookish career, or otherwise relates to books in some way. My favorite recent read about books was Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore.

Books with Stodgy Main Characters

I love a good stick in the mud. I identify with the character. I love it when they are able to go on adventures, like in The Hobbit. Stodgy main characters are the best! Usually they like awesome things like tea and bunny slippers.

What book tropes will you read no matter what?

Lit Lovers Link Party

Now it is time for YOU! All posts linked up will be shared and pinned by me! Link your neglected book and quote posts for some extra juice! We’re here every Thursday.

Remember, you can link up as many book or quote-related posts as you want!

If you want to be added as a contributor to the Lit Lover’s group board, just send me an e-mail at brenda at dailymayo.com with your Pinterest user name.

Follow Brenda D Priddy’s board Lit Lover’s Group Board on Pinterest.

This Week’s Lit Lover Features

Last week, I really enjoyed this book list that Verushka shared about out-of-the-box retellings of King Arthur. I also really enjoyed this post by Heather from Based on a True story about hyped-up books she will probably never read. Don’t every let anyone make you feel bad for not reading an “it” book!

An InLinkz Link-up

Book Tropes I No Longer Want to Read

July 13, 2015 by Meet Brenda 7 Comments

Reading tastes can change. I no longer want to read any of the book tropes on this list. — Image copyright: Antony Ruggiero/Free Images

Now that I am nearly 30, I’ve found that my taste in books has gradually shifted. A lot of the themes and book tropes that I loved when I was younger I no longer want to read now. Some book tropes I pass over because they are overdone, some I have read way too many of, and the rest don’t interest me because I am past that life stage.

Book Tropes I No Longer Want to Read (AKA, Things to Avoid When Writing a Book)

Whatever the cause, the following book tropes are likely to make me pass over the story.

Love Triangles

I have yet to see a love triangle in real life. The closest I have ever seen is someone liking one of the partners in a committed relationship. I always say, if you can’t pick between two guys (or lins) then neither is right for you.

Pining Romance

I saw this most recently in a TV show. There were two people who were “meant” to be together, but for some reason neither wanted to admit it, so they both dated other people and every time someone gathered courage to confess their love the other person was suddenly in a new relationship.

I find this frustrating and not the least bit endearing.

Teen Angst

A middle class/upper class teen’s life is So. Incredibly Hard.

Nope.

I don’t want to read about how parents Just Don’t Understand or how you are going to be the next revolution. Sorry book boys and girls, but you won’t be.

Pointless Rebellion

This piggybacks on teen angst. A lot of books have characters that rebel for no good reason whatsoever. It is not cool to sneak out of the house and smoke at two in the morning. You could die and no one would ever find your body.

The Clueless Female

A lot of “chick-lit” style books have this book trope. The clueless female is bad at math, bad at life, often clumsy, and loves shopping most of all. No women I know are this impossibly shallow.

Intense Sci-Fi and Fantasy Universes

When I was younger, I ate up stories like Dune or The Wheel of Time series with in-depth, over-the-top science fiction or fantasy universes. These days, I even think Game of Thrones could stand to have a bit of editing. Such intensity is not usually necessary. I might like this book trope more if I had more time to read.

Infallible Main Characters

I like my characters to have flaws like real people do.

Personal Enemies

I don’t know a single person who has a personal enemy. Even if someone does dislike you, typically it is not their sole mission in life to ruin yours. I don’t want to read about one-dimensional characters even if they are the “bad guy.”

Paranormal Romance

I’ve read too many of these. I may return to the genre one day.

“Edgy” Plots

I realize that it is difficult to get a book noticed with so many publishers, but some authors’ solution seems to be slapping as many “edgy” events as they can into the book so that someone will find it shocking and ban it or otherwise get publicity for edgy content. But in many of these books, there is no point to the excessive violence/drug use/abuse. Edginess for the sake of being shocking does not appeal to me. It needs to be important to the story somehow for me to want to read it.

What book tropes are you tired of? Have your book tastes changed over the years?

I think these books are awesome:

Armchair BEA Introduction 2015 (Lit Lovers Link Party)

May 27, 2015 by Meet Brenda 8 Comments

Photo by Amber of Shelf Confessions

Hi everyone! Today is the kickoff for Armchair BEA, which is a fun event for book-lovers who can’t attend the big Book Expo event happening this week.

Today, I’m combining by Armchair BEA introduction with the Lit Lovers Link Party. If you are stopping by for Armchair BEA, feel free to link any of your book posts to this week’s linkup!

Armchair BEA Introduction Q&A

What does diversity mean to you?

My goal this year is to read more diverse books. Diverse book’s don’t necessarily have to be written by a minority or someone from another country (although there are many amazing books and authors who fit those categories and don’t get nearly enough attention). Diverse books can also be books written in a different way, a completely original plot, or anything unexpected, really. I’ve tried to expand my reading horizons with genres and authors I wouldn’t ordinarily read.

One example of a book outside of my normal genre was Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. I almost never read that kind of chick-lit story, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

What is one book everyone should read?

I think everyone should read Les Miserables, one of my all-time favorite books. There are so many movie and musical adaptations of this story, but I think a lot of what makes the book amazing is lost in these translations. The real book is a fascinating picture of human emotions.

Share your favorite blog post on your blog.

Well, I’m pretty proud of my music inspired by books posts. The one about songs inspired by The Hobbit is particularly fun.

I also had a lot of fun creating the read the rainbow series.

What is your favorite genre and why?

Right now, I’m really liking regular books about ordinary people. I prefer books with flawed characters. I really enjoyed The Silver Linings Playbook recently.

What book are you reading right now?

Right now, I’m reading The Handmaid’s Tale. It’s not what I expected, and I’ve just started, so I can’t say whether I like it yet.

Now on to the Lit Lovers link up! Feel free to add any and all book-related posts you want! The more the merrier!

If you’re stopping by for Armchair BEA, welcome and feel free to link-up! Let me know where you came from in the comments!

Lit Lover’s Link Party

It is time for YOU! All posts linked up will be shared and pinned by me! Link your neglected book and quote posts for some extra juice! We’re here every Thursday.

Remember, you can link up as many book or quote-related posts as you want!

As always, I will feature my favorite link-up in next week’s Lit Lover’s edition. When you share your post with me, you agree to for me to use one image from your post in next week’s LL.. I will also pin all link-ups to the new Lit Lover’s Pinterest board and send you weekly link-up reminders so you can keep joining in.

If you want to be added as a contributor to the Lit Lover’s group board, just send me an e-mail at brenda at dailymayo.com with your Pinterest user name.

Follow Brenda D Priddy’s board Lit Lover’s Group Board on Pinterest.

This Week’s Lit Lover Features

Last week, I loved these thoughts from Chapter Break about genre snobbery. I have a confession there that you can read in the comments!

Join the fun this week!

Link-up Rules

1. Links must be book or quote-related (reviews, quotes, book lists, author interviews, memes, whatever!).

2. Link to your blog-specific URL, not your home page.

3. Visit the features and some of the other posts and have some fun!

4. Use the hashtag #litlovers when sharing this link-up!

An InLinkz Link-up