Tagged .... Again!

All these amazing bloggers have tagged me in the last week:

Patrick of TheBookshelves

Jess of Jessy's Bookends

Eileen from Singing and Reading in the Rain

April from Books4Juliet

Thanks so much. I'm truly honored that you chose me. As you all know, blogging is hard work, and it's always nice to hear that others appreciate what you do. You're the best!

Since I'm truly not THAT fascinating, I'm going to answer a selection of questions. And since this is my second tag post, instead of tagging other bloggers to answer questions, I'm going to follow in the footsteps of my blogger friend Shanan and tag some other bloggers just to say thanks.

Name a favorite food, flower and color (Patrick)
I love all spicy food. Put some hot peppers in something and I'm there! Favorite flower: peonies. Color: I like most colors. I used to have an aversion to orange, but I think I'm changing my mind on that.



Do you eat while you read? (Patrick)
I used to drink tea, but then there was a tragic accident involving The Name of the Star. So I'm rethinking the food and drink policy.

What characteristics should a book have to be on your TBR? (Jess)

I have been thinking about this as I try to find books to feature on my blog. For me to love a book, it needs at least three out of five of the following characteristics:

• compelling characters
• strong writing
• an original concept, or an unique twist on a familiar concept
• vivid setting
• humor

What are your favorite TV shows or movies recently? (Patrick)
I love TV and am not embarrassed to admit it. I watch reality shows like Top Chef and Project Runway. I tend to get bored with shows after a while so I'm always switching it up. Right now I'm loving The Lying Game on ABC Family.  (I've been obsessed with twin movies and shows since the Parent Trap.) I'm a huge fan of Broadway, so I'm watching Smash. Hope it doesn't get cancelled! And of course I can't wait for the Hunger Games movie. Shanan and I are planning a big giveaway in celebration.

Have you ever read a book that made you hate the day Gutenberg created the press? (Jess)
I couldn't really hate a book. Authors put so much work and hope and heart into their work. But ... if I'm reading a book and I'm not loving it after fifty pages or so, I quit reading. There are so many books I want to read that I can't really spend hours on a book that's not for me.

What ways can you recommend for people to have access to great new books?
If you're a blogger, NetGalley. I asked for the $79 Kindle for Christmas and I've been getting amazing stuff on NetGalley. Plus, the NetGalley staff are the nicest people on the planet. If you have a e-reader, check out the website of your local library. You'd be amazed at the great e-books you can borrow for free!

What's the worst way to be interrupted so you have to stop reading your book? (Eileen)
Ugh -- I am constantly interrupted. Text alert. Phone call. Then the dog needs to go out. Or it's time to make dinner. It's awful when you're at a super-exciting part of your book.

Come on, fess up. Do you judge a book by its cover? (Eileen)
All the time, and I feel guilty about it. The pretty cover gets me to pick the book up. After that, of course I judge the book by its personality.

Paranormal or fantasy? (Eileen)
Definitely paranormal. High fantasy really isn't for me, though I do read some books with fantasy elements.

What do you do when you aren't reading or blogging? (Juliet)
Hmm. I wish the truth were more exciting. I need to take up trapeze or skydiving. I walk the dog and go to the post office to mail my giveaway prizes (see below). I manage my demanding yet adorable children, do yoga (badly and reluctantly), and try to tell myself that I'm getting better at tennis.  I take an art class. I love to write, which is one of the reasons I blog :)


How many books can you read in a week? (Juliet)
I'm a pretty fast reader.  I have one book going on my Kindle, so when I'm in line at the post office I can read instead of giving strangers the evil eye. Then I have one paper book going that I can curl up on the couch with. All in all, I'd say I manage to read three books a week.

Now here are the bloggers I want to tag just to say thanks. You don't have to answer any questions. I just want to tell you that I think you're great!

Cristina of Princess of Storyland
I think Cristina was my very first follower. I have no idea how she found me, but she made me feel less lonely and I'll always love her for that. Her blog is as beautiful as she is!

Arianne of ArianneCruz07
Arianne always makes me laugh. Plus, she's the luckiest person I ever met. She and I need to buy a lottery ticket together.

Amy of Book Loving Mom
Amy and I are obviously on the same Whatever-Doesn't-Kill-You-Makes-You-Stronger Mom Schedule, because when I get up, she's always there to hang out with. Which is great, because she's such a cool chick.

Shanan of BookAddictNet
Shanan and I bonded over a book we were reading at the same time. We were messaging each other: "Seriously?" "I know! Seriously??"  I can ask her the stupidest question on the planet and she will never make fun of me.

Jen of LiterallyJen
Jen is my only online book friend I've actually met in real life. And yes, she's just as nice in person!

Jen M of Some Like it Paranormal
Jen was another of my early supporters. She's so funny and her blog is taking off like wildfire. If you love all things paranormal, go check it out.

Heather of Flyleaf Review
Heather's blog is beautifully designed and her reviews are thoughtful and heartfelt. I look forward to finding out what she'll read next!

Also a quick shout-out to all my wonderful readers who stop by to comment on a regular basis:
Anaavu, Amanda, Amber, Andrea, Caitlin, Christina M, Emily, Hayley, Jen R, Jess, Kelly, Marybelle, Randi, Rivkabelle, Sam, Sophia, Tressa.

If your name isn't on this list, post a comment! I read and treasure every single one. I'll be drawing for the comments contest next week and I have a HUGE stack of books and ARCs to give away.

Okay, enough about me. For real.  I'm officially tagged out!   No tag-backs, no returns!

Edited: forgot to say that if you're a blogger who wants to be tagged, here are my questions!