Welcome along, Danielle :)
I’ve loved to
read for as long as I can remember. While I wasn’t allowed to watch much TV
growing up, my parents let me read whatever I wanted to. Before entering middle
school, I’d gone through most of Dickens’ works and was getting started on
Stephen King. My mom quickly learned early that sending me to my room as a
punishment didn’t really work because I would curl up with a book, perfectly
content.
2.
What were your favourite types
of books as a kid?
I’ve always been
an omnivore when it comes to books. One minute I’m reading the classics, the
next it’s whatever popular book I find on the shelf of an airport bookshop. I
do remember loving Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes as a girl, that’s the
puzzle-solver in me. Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft were also favorites,
especially to read by flashlight under the covers!
3.
How do you like to feel when
you finish a book?
Satisfied. I
hate an implausible happy ending. I hate endings that are more the author
deciding he/she did not want to write any more than a carefully crafted
cliffhanger. The ending needs to make sense in relation to the rest of the
book. I love turning the last page and musing for a bit about how that book
changed me or how the characters will continue to pull at my brain for a few
days after.
4.
What do you like most about
reviewing books for authors?
Being able to
communicate with authors is a great perk. Before I started blogging, I didn’t
really know how to contact the writers I admired. Now, with a quick tweet or
email I can thank an author for letting we the readers into the world they
created. Sometimes, an author will reply back, and that’s just a bonus. In a few
cases, some of the authors whose books I’ve loved have become friends.
5.
What's the most recent book
you've read that you thought would make an awesome movie?
I just finished
reading Juvie by Steve Watkins, it
played out in my head as a movie the entire time I was reading. It’s written
very succinctly in chapters that move between past and present, giving readers
bits of the story at a time. This style lends itself perfectly to the screen.
A
REVEIWER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
A
traditionally published author you love:
Libba Bray. Her writing is brilliant—she
paints with words so beautifully; I love being lost in her books. But the most
amazing thing is how she moves effortlessly between genres. Historical fiction
with a supernatural twist, yep, she’s done that. Snarky satire full of smart
humor, she’s done that too. I’ve come to believe there’s nothing she can’t do.
If you’ve not read any of her books, do so immediately—I’d start with The Diviners.
An
indie author you love:
Of course, I love your books, Melissa :) But I also adore Megan Curd’s books. Her imagination is limitless
and her drive to make her writing the best it can be is inspirational. She has
a new book coming out this month, Steel
Lily, everyone should check it out!
One
of your favourite YA books:
So difficult to pick one and if you ask me
again tomorrow, I’m sure I’ll change my mind. Shine by Lauren Myracle moved me in a way few books have, it’s edgy
and real and creeps into your subconscious.
One
of your favourite Adult books:
Again, choosing one is tough. I’m going to
pick Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer.
Krakauer is one of my favorite non-fiction writers. His style is journalistic
with a narrative twist. The story of Chris McCandless is one of tragedy and
unfortunate circumstance and reminds us all of the fragility of life.
A
book you've read more than once and the reason why:
Alice
in Wonderland. We moved a lot when I was growing
up, pretty normal for a military family—we shipped off from country to country
and I always felt a bit like Alice, falling down the rabbit hole and not really
knowing where I’d land. Alice is a book I re-read every year, I have since I
was maybe nine or ten. I also collect copies and would love to one day get my
hands on a first-edition!
That is so cool, Danielle. Alice in Wonderland is a true classic. I love how many different genres you enjoy. Thanks again for sharing with us.
If you'd like to connect with Danielle online, you can find her here.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mymercurialmuse
Thanks for having me on your blog today :)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome :) xx
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