Annette's Book Spot: blog hop

Showing posts with label blog hop. Show all posts

Friday, October 24, 2014

Feature & Follow Friday - Unacceptable Deaths

Happy Friday! Here's this week's question:

Characters, sometimes our favorites, die during books. If you'd get to choose, who would you bring back? - Suggested by Howling for Books

First of all -- SPOILER ALERT for Harry Potter.

I'm sure many people will say this but, Dumbledore, of course!

Dumbledore from The Half-Blood Prince - albus-dumbledore Photo

There are other deaths that have affected me, but I just can't get over this one!

How about you? Leave me a link so I can see your choice. Don't forget to visit our hosts, Parajunkee and Alison and see all the participating blogs. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Feature & Follow Friday: Favorite TV Series

Happy Friday! Here's today's featured question:

What is your favorite tv series that you can watch over and over again on Netflix?

Well, I have to talk about two series. First, I have watched The West Wing several times. I'm not sure you can even still get it on Netflix (it's pretty old) but I loved every minute of that series.

And, secondly, I could watch Downton Abbey over and over. Such a great show. I have a feeling this one might be a popular answer today.

Hope you have a great weekend. Please visit Parajunkee and Alison to see all the great answers to this fun question. Thanks for stopping by.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Feature & Follow Friday: Tearjerkers

Happy Friday! This week's question from Parajunkee & Alison:

Question of the Week: What was the last book that made you cry?

I'm not a big crier. A lot of times when I see a review and someone says they cried during a book, I'll be like, "Really? When? I didn't cry at all during that one..." I think it's because I don't cry during dystopians, or fantasies, or paranormal books. I guess I just can't relate in that way to books that aren't real. The books that make me cry are realistic. I just reviewed Maybe One Day, by Melissa Kantor. And I cried. Teens...cancer...well, that gets me every time.

I don't really enjoy crying that much. As a matter of fact, I read The Notebook years ago when it first came out. It absolutely ripped me apart. Then I read another Sparks book, maybe Message in a Bottle, which also made me cry. I don't read Nicholas Sparks anymore. (I know, I've been told all his books aren't like that.) I've never seen the movie The Notebook, and I don't want to.

So, how about you? What book made you cry? I'll be sure to remove it from my TBR (just kidding.....) Leave me a link, and be sure to visit our hosts to see all the participating blogs. Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for stopping by.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Feature & Follow Friday: A New Blog

Happy Friday, and Happy Valentine's Day! Here's this week's question:

Find a “new to you blogger” and feature their button on your post this week. Tell us why this blogger stands out to you.

I'm not really sure how long I've been following The Little Blog of Geek, but I don't think it's been too long. I'm impressed by the well-written and helpful book reviews. There are also some nice features and a cute design. This blog is a collaboration, and I really enjoy reading it.

Can't wait to check out some new blogs. Let me know if you have one for me to look at! Thanks to Parajunkee and Alison for being our gracious hosts. Make sure you go check them out. Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Feature & Follow Friday - Feels Like the First Time

Happy Friday! Hope you've survived the storms. We had our 8th snow day this week. It's time for a question from Parajunkee and Alison:

If you could read a book for the “first time” again, which book would it be? Why?

I have a feeling we might see this answer a lot. There are many, many books that I would like to experience for the first time. I think that's a different thing than wanting to re-read a book, because I have a lot of those too, but they are different books. I have a feeling we might see this answer a lot. But I really have a reason.

It's Harry Potter. Now, you must understand that I was an adult when this book came out. Like, a mom, with kids. I had always thought I didn't like fantasy. I was very limited in what genres I would choose to read. Harry Potter opened my eyes not only to fantasy, but to the possibility that I might like ALL KINDS of different genres, if they were well written books. And that has turned out to be true. I read pretty much EVERYTHING (well, not erotica, but I think I will try that someday.) Since I work with high school kids, I read mostly books that would be interesting or at least appropriate for that crowd. I think the fact that I read a wide variety of genres and am open to new genres also keeps me from burning out. I read about blogger/reading burnout all the time, and I've never experienced that. *knocks on wood*

Really I could list a bunch of other books, but I won't. I can't wait to see your answers though. Leave me a link! Thanks for visiting and come back soon.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Feature & Follow Friday: Book Spine Poetry

This week's challenge from Parajunkee and Alison:

Time for Book Spine Poetry again! Take a picture of your book spines spelling out something epic.

Well, I'm not sure this is epic. I think this is fun, but I don't think I'm very good at it. I guess it takes practice. I had all this cold,, nasty weather on my mind, so this is what I came up with...

How about you? Anything epic? Leave me a link and be sure to visit our hosts and check out all the participants.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Feature & Follow Friday: 2014 "Must Reads"

It looks like 2014 is shaping up to be as good as 2013 when it comes to new releases. Parajunkee and Alison have brought that to light with this week's question:

Question of the Week: What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?

It's a long list, but here are the ones that I can think of that are at the top:

Isla and the Happily Ever After, by Stephanie Perkins
The Impossible Knife of Memory, by Laurie Halse Anderson
Heir of Fire, by Sarah J. Maas
Dreams of Gods & Monsters, by Laini Taylor
The One, by Kiera Cass
A Mad, Wicked Folly, by Sharon Biggs Waller
Liar of Dreams, by Libba Bray
Mortal Heart, by Robin LaFevers
Ruins, by Dan Wells

So, what's on your list? I'm sure you can help me add to mine! Make sure you visit our hosts and all the other participating blogs. Thanks for stopping by and TGIF!

Monday, January 13, 2014

Book Blogger New Year's Challenge - Day 13

You guys, I haven't ever told anyone this. I'm so embarrassed. Here goes, my Blogger Horror Story...

In 2011, I read and reviewed Between Shades of Grey, by Ruta Sepetys. In early 2013, I read and reviewed Out of the Easy by the same author. I loved both of these books. Shortly after I posted my Out of the Easy review, I was reading about the book somewhere else, and noticed the blogger had used the name "Ruta." I thought it was a typo. You see, in both my reviews, the entire time I read these books, I thought the author's name was RUTH. I put it in my reviews. I put it in my archives. It's in the URL for my review!!! Imagine my horror, when I realized I didn't even get the AUTHOR'S NAME correct. How embarrassing. I went back and changed what I could, but links and "you might also likes" still come up with my original posting...that says "Ruth." How could I be so unobservant?

So, I apologize, Ms. Sepetys. Your name is in pretty BIG letters on the books. I have no excuse. I'm embarrassed that I made a mistake, when your books are so brilliant. Well, I'd feel bad even if her books weren't brilliant, but they are!

How about you? Any horror stories? Make sure you visit Parajunkee and all the participating blogs.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Book Blogger New Year's Challenge - Day 12

Followers? When I started blogging, I really didn't think I'd get ANY followers. Well, maybe a handful. That was never my goal, and still isn't. If you enjoy what I write (mostly book reviews) then feel free to follow, or just stop by occasionally. If you don't read YA, or would rather read author interviews, book spotlights, book tours, or lots of memes, then your probably won't enjoy my blog. And that's OK.

I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing. Having fun reading and writing about what I've read. Trying to get some ARCs. Participating in a few memes, and reading a lot of reviews on other blogs. I love the book blogging community, and I really appreciate what YOU all do. It makes me better at my job and provides a lot of entertainment. Thanks for joining me today! Make sure you visit Parajunkee, our host, and see all the other participating blogs.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Book Blogger New Year's Challenge - Day 11

Ugh. The dreaded TBR pile. Right now, I have about 25 books "to review." I have about 25 books sitting on my desk, wanting to be read. I have a folder on my Kindle with 44 books to read "someday."

And, I work in a school library, so really my TBR shelves are limitless...(It's not a bad problem to have!)

How about you? Are you buried in books too? Leave me a link, and be sure to visit Parajunkee and all the other participating blogs! Enjoy your weekend!

Friday, January 10, 2014

Feature & Follow Friday: Blogging Resolutions

So, today's question from Alison & Parajunkee is one many of us have probably answered.

Resolutions: Put together your blogger resolution list for all of us to see!

One place I have already discussed this is Day 1 of Parajunkee's Book Blogger New Year's Challenge. So I'll just repeat that here in case you missed it!

Nothing fancy here. I'd like to keep the reading pace that I've had for the past two years. Almost 56,000 pages and around 170 books. I don't think I can do much more than that, so I won't even go for that.

I also REALLY REALLY need to do something about my blog design. It's old, and simple, and I'm really bored with it. I have ideas about what I want, but haven't yet decided to give up the time (and money) and hassle to get it done. Maybe I'll just go for something simple that I can do myself again. I just need a change. I've never been about winning prizes or maximizing hits on my site, so that's why design is not my top priority. But it's time to DO something.

As always, and just like most people, I'd like to read and comment on more blogs every day. I'll keep working at getting better at this. Some days are better than others...

How about you? What are your Blogger Resolutions? Leave me a link!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Book Blogger New Year's Challenge - Day 9

I don't get to attend a lot of cons or events. But, I attend the Illinois School Library Media Association Annual Conference every year. I've actually been on the planning committee for this event several times. It's an opportunity to network with people like me, learn some new things about being a school librarian, and get to see some authors. Mostly local, but this year we had Sharon Draper and Tim Green -- not too shabby.

How about you? What are your travelling goals for 2014? Make sure to visit the host of the challenge, Parajunkee, and see all the participating blogs.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Book Blogger New Year's Challenge - Day 8

What is my favorite book blogger moment? Probably the same as many of you. I love when authors comment or tweet about my review! The first time this ever happened, it was A. S. King, who left a LONG comment on my blog about a review of Please Ignore Vera Dietz. I was a pretty new blogger, and I was STUNNED. I was showing everyone!

How about you? Leave me a link, and be sure to visit Parajunkee to see all the participating blogs.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Book Blogger New Year's Challenge - Day 7

Today's assignment from Parajunkee is to list book blogger pet peeves. I'm not sure if I can think of ten book blogger pet peeves, but here are a few:

Silly typos. Not proofreading. I know that everyone makes the occasional mistake, but at least use spell check to catch the obvious ones! It's hard to take a review seriously if it is rife with mistakes.
When book reviews mention this is a book in a series, but don't list the other books in that series.
When a blog posts only spotlights, memes, books tours, etc. and very few reviews. Nothing makes me stop following more quickly.
When reviewers summarize the entire book in great detail, but don't give any personal opinion except "it was good." I need to know if you liked it or not, and WHY.
When reviewers quote from ARCs. I've never received an ARC that didn't ask me NOT to quote from it. Only quote from the original. I see this violated all the time! (And I am SOOOO tempted sometimes.)
CAPTCHA. Try removing it. Just TRY it. You'll see -- it's not that bad! Use comment moderation, if you are that worried about it. And for heaven's sake, why would you use BOTH?

That's all I can come up with now. For the most part, I think bloggers are great people who try to do what is correct, have fun, and help each other out.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Book Blogger New Year's Challenge - Day 6

No one can pick just ONE favorite for the whole year, right? I've read 167 books and gave 28 books a "5 hat" rating, and it's impossible to pick just one. So here goes:

I guess my absolute favorite is Ready Player One. I just loved that book.

To add to the dystopian list, I also have to mention The 5th Wave and The Trap.

Simply amazing books...

I also wanted to mention a contemporary by one of my favorite authors, Ask the Passengers.

And as far as adult novels are concerned, you can't beat The Light Between Oceans.

What a year! So many great books. How about you? What are your favorites? Don't forget to visit Parajunkee to see the other participants. It's not to late to join up!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Book Blogger New Year's Challenge -- Day 3

There just isn't time to read every book that I want to, so of course, there are many books that could be on the list of "The Books of 2013 You are Sad You Missed."

The first book that comes to mind is Champion. But I intend to remedy that situation SOON!

Some other books still on my TBR:

This is What Happy Looks Like

The Golem and the Jinni

Clockwork Princess

A Million Suns and Shades of Earth

Oh, I could go on...there are many more. I'm sure reading all of your answers will just add to my list! Leave me a link. Also, make sure you visit Parajunkee, our host, and see all the participating blogs.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Feature & Follow Friday - A Milestone!

Welcome to Feature & Follow Friday, hosted by Parajunkee and Alison. Congratulations are in order, because this week marks the 150th week of Feature & Follow Friday! Here's the question:

Q: The #FF is 150 weeks old! And we want to hear from you! What would you change about the hop? What do you like about it? Or just suggest a question to be used for next week!

Well, I really like participating and I do almost every week. I'm sorry I don't have a question to suggest -- that's one of the things I like about this meme -- I learn a lot about other people and their blogs, but I can't think of that many questions. I don't know how you do it. I also got to be the featured blog one time and that was very exciting!

What would I change? You really don't need to change anything, but if I had my wish, the questions would be posted in advance -- at least a few days or a week before. Like I said, it's certainly not a deal breaker, and I've been doing OK the way it is, but it would just help my scheduling to be able to think about the answer and write a post at my convenience.

Thanks for stopping by. Leave me a link and come back often. Have a great weekend!

Friday, May 3, 2013

Feature & Follow Friday - Sneak Peek!

Happy Friday! Hope you join in the Feature & Follow Fun! Here's this week's question:

Q: Give us a sneak! What are you reading? Tell us about a fun or fail scene in your current read.

I'm not reading anything "new" or an ARC or anything, but I'm REALLY enjoying what I'm reading. It's Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline. I've had a bit of a reading slump lately -- not that I didn't WANT to read, but I think I read 3 or 4 books in a row that I really didn't like (or didn't even finish) so starting this book was a breath of fresh air!

Without going into too much detail, suffice it to say there are a lot of references to the 1980s in Ready Player One, and I'm a "child" of the 80s -- well, that's a stretch. Let's just say I was about 30 years younger back then... Movies, songs, video games, clothing, hair styles, TV, books -- you name it, it is mentioned in this book. And, it's a very entertaining story even without those references.

There's a scene when our main characters are arguing about one's favorite movie from the 80s (Ladyhawke) and they mention a bunch of other 80s things and I was laughing out loud. (I've never even heard of Ladyhawke...) pp. 40 - 42.

Hopefully I'll post a full review sometime next week. So far, it's a "5!"

How about you? I can't wait to read your answers. I think this week is gonna be fun....

Thanks for visiting! Thanks to Alison and Parajunkee for hosting yet again!