This Or That (18)

Sarah @ The Book Life!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

I am all sorts of excited to have the absolutely lovely (and totally super awesome) Sarah on the blog today! Now why is Sarah awesome you may ask? Well not only because she thinks Lola, my kitten, is totally adorable (although she does mention this by the way but that is not the ONLY reason) but because her blog rocks, her answers were so full of epicness, and she also happens to be completely sweet. So without further ado, let’s meet Sarah!

About The Blogger: I am a totally random, sarcastic ball of spaz. It’s amazing that I can actually sit down long enough to read books, let alone read as many of them as I do. *Busts out random dance move*. I started blogging because I love to read, but the people around me don’t really read the same things I do and I wanted a place to talk about the books I loved. I read mostly YA books, because I’m a kid at heart and I just can’t help myself. They have some of the most creative and interesting stories out there. I’m a big sucker for Contemporaries. What can I say, I LOVE love stories :0)

Books that are laugh-out-loud funny or ones that give you deep, intense thoughts?

I like thinking as much as the next girl, but I definitely prefer a book that can make me laugh out loud.

Would you rather be turned into a werewolf or a vampire?

Werewolf. Sure they are hairy, but at least they are warm-blooded.

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

Nook girl through and through!

When it comes to your favorite authors do you fan-girl/guy over them or do you quietly sit back and stalk them (non-creepily of course!)?

I fan-girl and make a fool of myself as much as possible. I’ve never been the shy girl who sits in the corner, so quietly (non-creepily) stalking doesn’t really work for me.

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

No brainer! A year without my favorite food, or course. There are plenty of other foods in the world, but a year without reading is unfathomable.

Are you one to sing along or dance along?

This one I’ve got to break the rules on a little. I absolutely always sing and dance. No matter where I am, and often no matter what I’m doing. You can often find me singing and dancing down the aisles of the local Best Buy and Books-a-Million.

Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

I always try reading outside in the sun, but I get distracted by all that goes on outdoors. So I definitely prefer reading all snuggled up inside.

I know you are a Contemporary fan-girl much like myself but do you prefer Contemporary romance or Contemporary drama?

Definitely Contemporary romance. I love swoony smooches and I’m a sucker for the happily ever after.

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

I listen to a little bit of a lot of things. Just when I think I’ve pinned down a specific type of music I like most, I find a new favorite song in a different genre.

Do you prefer “real” books or e-books?

“Real” books. My sagging, groaning bookshelves will be happy to agree with me on this one.

Do you like your favorite books turned into movies or TV shows?

TV shows, because I only have to wait a week for the next installment, instead of a year or more. Plus they last longer (usually) :0)

Dessert time: Which one do you go for, cookies or cupcakes?

Cupcakes! Buttercream frosting makes my world go round.

Breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?

Dinner for breakfast. I quite enjoy eating leftovers at breakfast time.

Would you rather spend a whole week with your FAVORITE fictional boyfriend or spend a whole day with ALL of your fictional boyfriends?

Impossible question! Hmm…I think I’ll go with a week with my favorite fictional boyfriend (who happens to be Adam Wilde from IF I STAY/WHERE SHE WENT), and that would be one EPIC week :0)

Do you keep your books on bookshelves or random spots throughout the house?

I keep my books on random spots throughout my bookshelves. Haha. More books than shelves is conducive to piles.

Which do you enjoy more: recorded music or live music?

Live music, without a doubt. Many of my favorite memories are from the various concerts I have been lucky enough to attend.

Do you like your books to be a part of a series or stand alone?

I’m fonder of standalone books. I like getting a whole story between the covers. Sometimes I feel like authors use a series to drag a story out much farther than they need to go.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Cat person! I have two, Chuck Norris and Dexter, they are the loves of my life and the banes of my existence. (They are black and white like your Lola, who is completely adorbs, by the way :0) )

Team bad boy or team boy next door?

I’m a sucker for a boy next door. Of course, if the boy next door spends time hanging around his motorcycle, I won’t be angry :0)

What do you prefer for Valentine’s Day: a box of chocolates or a bouquet of roses?

Definitely flowers over chocolates. I love all of the oddball colors they have for roses these days.

So now you know what I mean! Answers full of epicness! I am IN LOVE with the names of your cats and I am also a HUGE cupcake fan…as in I could eat them for every meal of every day for the rest of my life. A big THANK YOU to Sarah for agreeing to participate in this week’s This Or That. I had so much fun, and your answers proved to be incredibly entertaining (and also quite true with me as well. Boys next door that like hanging out on their motorcycles…be still my heart!)

Please leave a comment below letting us know what you thought of this week’s This Or That and be sure to check out the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Sarah throughout the internet!

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This Or That (17)

Joli @ Actin’ Up With Books!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

I am thrilled to have Joli on the blog today! Joli runs a sweet & adorable blog entitled Actin’ Up With Books. If you haven’t done so yet, you should check it out because you will love it! Well, without further ado, let’s meet Joli!

About The Blogger: I am a thirty-something blogger at Actin’ Up with Books. I rediscovered my love for young adult books during my last semester of college and have never looked back. When I’m not reading or blogging, I spend my time with my book club Provisions and Paperbacks, scoping out independent bookstores, singing along to the tunes of Maroon 5, and generally just actin’ up in any way I can.

Dessert time: Which one do you go for, cookies or cupcakes?

Cupcakes, strawberry with cream cheese icing are my favorite.

Books that are laugh-out-loud funny or ones that give you deep, intense thoughts?

Deep, intense thoughts. I think crying is a good thing.

Let’s talk boys: jocks or nerds?

Well, just how nerdy are we talking about?

Are you one to sing along or dance along?

Sing along

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dogs

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

A year without my favorite food – french fries. No question.

Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

Inside snuggled up with a book, my favorite blanket, and a tasty beverage.

Which ones do you like more: full albums or mixed CD’s?

 Mixed cd’s

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

I don’t discriminate. Nook, kindle, (i-Pad).

Cover talk: Do you like people on the covers or a design?

Originally I thought I would say a design, but a friend pointed out that almost all of my books on my Goodreads list have people on the covers.  I really do like the kissing covers.

Would you rather be turned into a werewolf or a vampire?

Vampire

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

I like anything that makes me want to sing-along to it.

Do you prefer your books to have more romance or more action?

Give me romance, especially first love and first kisses.

Paperback or hardcover books?

 Both. I don’t discriminate.

Do you like your favorite books turned into movies or TV shows?

Movies

When it comes to your favorite authors do you fan-girl/guy over them or do you quietly sit back and stalk them (non-creepily of course!)?

A bit of both. I’m shy until I realize they are receptive to the attention and then I’m in total fan-girl mode.

Morning or night?

Night

Contemporary books or fantasy books?

Contemporary

Would you rather spend a whole week with your FAVORITE fictional boyfriend or spend a whole day with ALL of your fictional boyfriends?

A week with Marcus Flutie. Please and thank you.

Team bad boy or team boy next door?

I’m trying to not contradict my previous answer, but the truth is boy next door.

Ahhh!!! Marcus Flutie for a whole week…I don’t think my heart would be able to take it! I love all of your answers Joli. I used to think I liked designs on books as well but I am fairly certain that the last 20 books I purchased ALL have people on them (and about 19 of this 20 include some smooching!) Thank you so much Joli for participating in This Or That with me! I had so much fun reading through all of your answers.

Please leave a comment below letting us know what you thought of this week’s This Or That and be sure to check out the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Joli throughout the internet!

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This Or That (16)

Jess @ Gone With The Words!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

I am beyond thrilled to have the absolutely Ah-Mazing Jess on the blog today! Jess was one of the very first blogs I remember stalking. I try not to be creepy (sometimes it’s a challenge but I think I manage), I mostly just look at her book reviews, look those books up on Goodreads, and then purchase because she has AWESOME taste in books (especially when it comes to contemporary!). Jess also has a deep love for the boys of Sarah Dessen (much like myself) & a simply amazing list of music recommendations. So really, it only seems natural that I stalk her blog, right? Well without further ado, let’s meet Jess!

Do you prefer for the concerts you attend to be in small clubs or large venues?

Small Clubs – So much more personal.

Dessert time: Which one do you go for, cookies or cupcakes?

Cupcakes – Yum!

Books that are laugh-out-loud funny or ones that give you deep, intense thoughts?

Deep, intense thoughts.

Let’s talk boys: jocks or nerds?

Nerds – With glasses, please!!

Are you one to sing along or dance along?

Dance along while singing along.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog person – A very recent one at that!

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

Books…girl’s gotta eat…to read books the following year!

Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

Inside, snuggled up, for sure!

Which ones do you like more: full albums or mixed CD’s?

Full albums

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

Kindle – But I do also own a Nook.

Cover talk: Do you like people on the covers or a design?

People – I like to picture them while I read and models help with that.

Would you rather be turned into a werewolf or a vampire?

Oooh, hard one! Vampire – I’m not outdoorsy.

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

Mixed – especially since I’m Hispanic. I listen to English and Spanish music in different genres.

I know you are a Contemporary fan-girl much like myself but do you prefer Contemporary romance or Contemporary drama?

Contemporary Romance all the way!!

Do you prefer paperback or hardcover books?

Hardcovers

Do you like your favorite books turned into movies or TV shows?

TV Shows –  Or miniseries. Sometimes 2 hours isn’t enough time to capture a book.

When it comes to your favorite authors do you fan-girl/guy over them or do you quietly sit back and stalk them (non-creepily of course!)?

Sit back, for sure! I am so shy around them!!

If you HAD to choose would you pick music or books?

AAAAH! What are you doing to me!! I’ll have to go with Books.

Would you rather spend a whole week with your FAVORITE fictional boyfriend or spend a whole day with ALL of your fictional boyfriends?

Week with my Favorite. – Then maybe he’ll fall in love with me and stick around longer!

Team bad boy or team boy next door?

Ooooh! Team Bad Boy ;)

What did I tell you, Ah-Mazing, right??? Jess, I am so feeling you on the week with your all-time fictional boy crush. If I can just convince my crush that nerdiness and an obsessive love of cute cats is in fact endearing and not totally strange, then I’ll be set. And I also love people on my covers! Being able to see what the character looks like in the book helps me while I’m reading.

A HUGE thank you to Jess for agreeing to participate this week. I love her answers almost as much as I adore her and her blog! Please leave a comment below letting us know what you thought of this week’s This Or That and be sure to check out the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Jess throughout the internet!

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This Or That (15) + Giveaway!

Brooke @ Brooke Reports!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

I am so thrilled to have the absolutely sweet and hysterical Brooke on my This Or That feature today (and guys, she comes with a giveaway!!!!!) For those of you that don’t know, Brooke runs the book blog called Brooke Reports (catchy, right?) You can find lots of awesome book reviews in which she makes me laugh my butt off. Did I mention she was hysterical? Oh, I have? Well it’s the truth! I am sure you are just dying to see what Brooke has to say with our This Or That interview, so without further ado, let’s meet her!

About The Blogger: Hey there! I’m Brooke from over at Brooke Reports!  I’m addicted to cute boys, hot pockets and glitter! Feel free to stalk me on TWITTAAAAH! @BrookeWorm33

When it comes to your reading tastes are you a bigger contemporary fan or a fantasy fan?

I haven’t read a lot of fantasy books, I’m more of a dystopian gal. But! I’ve recently been getting into contemps more, so yay!

Let’s talk boys: jocks or nerds?

Nerdy jocks?!

When it comes to music do you sing along or dance along?

SINNNNG! La la laaaaa!

Guardian Angels (the goody-two-shoes) or Fallen Angels (the bad boys)?

Bad boys. Always the bad boys.

Which ones do you like more, full albums or mixed CD’s?

Mixed!

What type of books do you tend to enjoy more: laugh-out-loud-writing or make-you-ponder-life’s-biggest-mysteries-writing?

Laugh out loud!

Okay be honest here: Do you fan-girl over your favorite authors quite enthusiastically or do you sit back quietly and stalk them?

I only ever fan-girled hard over one author, totally emailed her the longest most embarrassing love letter ever and she was super sweet about it. But now I silently stalk from the sidelines! Lol

Cowboys or rockstars?

If the cowboy is Tucker Avery, then cowboys! Otherwise rockstars for the win!

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

Mixed! As long as it has a catchy beat and good lyrics I’ll be hooked! Country, rap, r&b, pop, you name it, I’ll listen to it!

Do you tend to be a fan of the fictional boyfriends or the fictional best friends?

Boyfriends!

Do you like female main characters or male main characters more?

I tend to lean towards the males. What can I say, I’m addicted to fictional boys!

Dessert time: cookies or cupcakes?

Cuppy cakes! :)

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dogs!

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

Year without my favorite food!

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

OMG! NEITHER! I despise ebooks. Haha! But seriously….

Books turned into movies or books turned into TV shows?

 Ooooh, good one. Hmm…imma say TV shows!

Would you rather be turned into a werewolf or a vampire?

Vamp!

Would you rather spend a whole week with your FAVORITE fictional boyfriend or spend a whole day with ALL of your fictional boyfriends?

A whole day with ALL my fictional boyfriends! OMG! WHERE DO I SIGN UP FOR THIS?!?!

If given the option would you take $1,000,000 or an endless supply of books?

!!!!!!!!! Endless supply of books!

Thank you so much for agreeing to participate Brook! I must say I agree 150% with all of your answers for our boy talk: nerdy jocks, a certain cowboy, rockstars in general, etc. Also, cupcakes FTW! I am fairly certain that if cupcakes contained all the nutrients needed to stay alive, I’d eat them all day, every day. And since Brooke is made of awesomesauce, she agreed to do a giveaway! Check out the guidelines below as well as all of the places you can stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Brooke throughout the internet!

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-You have 1 week to leave a comment on this post (please be courteous and thoughtful!)

-Include your name and email!

-The giveaway is for US participants only!

-Winner will get a YA book of their choice!

This Or That (14)

Alissa Grosso!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

I am sorry this week’s This Or That post is a day late (I blame the holidays AND the fact that I am currently on vacation with limited internet access). Regardless, I am so thrilled to have author, Alissa Grosso, with us today! Alissa was a 2011 debut author with her book entitled, Popular. In 2012, she followed up her debut with a new book (that I have at home and need to read like yesterday), Ferocity Summer. Alissa has another exciting year planned with the 2013 release of her newest book, Shallow Pond. All three of her books sound SO different but they all seem to tackle some pretty heavy stuff and that intrigues me like no other. I am sure you are all just dying to find out more so without further ado, let’s meet Alissa!

About The Author: Alissa Grosso is the author of the novels Popular (Flux, 2011) and Ferocity Summer (Flux, 2012). Her third novel Shallow Pond is due out from Flux in 2013. She shares her home with some more or less domesticated furry creatures and is fond of playing outdoors. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania.

Do you prefer reading paperback or hardcover books?

I’m an equal opportunity reader. I prefer paperbacks when traveling and love to curl up on the couch with a hardcover.

Dessert time: cookies or cupcakes?

I love cookies – shortbread, chocolate chip, Double Stuff Oreos, oatmeal. They’re my favorite dessert.

When it comes to your reading tastes are you a bigger contemporary fan or a fantasy fan?

Contemporary is more my speed. I love characters that seem real and that I can relate to.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I’ve got a couple of cats and a dog. So, I guess I’m just an animal person in general.

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

No way, I could make it a year without books. It would be tough not to eat pizza for a whole year, but I think I could handle it.

Morning or night?

Night. It’s my favorite time to write. I’ve never understood those people who say they get up extra early to write. I’m a bit of a zombie in the morning.

Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

I love the outdoors, but I prefer to do my reading indoors where it’s always nice and comfy.

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

I am all over the map. My iPod is a big mish mosh of genres and eras.

You have to be your main character for a day, do you choose to live through Popular or Ferocity Summer?

Oh boy. This question makes me realize I should probably write some sunnier, happier books. I guess I’d have to go with Ferocity Summer. Scilla Davis has her share of problems, but I think I could handle a day in her life.

You MUST pick one: reading or writing?

Writing. I’m quoting a high school friend of mind who ironically is not a writer when I say “If I didn’t write my head would explode.”

Do you outline your books like a crazy person or do you just start writing down whatever pops into your head?

I never used to outline. I’m slowly coming to the realization that outlines can be helpful things to have. I haven’t quite hit my crazy-person-outlining-stride, but I now make some sketchy note sort of things that are vaguely like outlines.

Do you prefer winter or summer?

I really love winter. I love when it gets dark earlier, and there’s something magical about a snowy day. That said, now that I’m getting older my body tends to prefer the warmer weather and I dread the idea of having to drive in snow and ice and nasty winter weather.

When writing, do you have to be in complete silence or utter chaos?

I guess I prefer silence, but I have no idea what complete silence sounds like. I settle for quietish.

Which do you enjoy more: recorded music or live music?

Recorded music. I used to work at a concert venue so I guess I got my fill of live music which can be loud and headache causing. I now associate concerts with working.

Do you have an idea of who your characters are before you write the story or do they develop as the story goes on?

I guess I mostly know who my characters are before I write the story, but they still manage to surprise me as I’m writing. So, I guess they do develop a bit during the course of writing a story.

Coke or Pepsi?

I’m addicted to Coke Zero.

What are your favorite parts to write: world building or character building?

Character building. It’s so interesting creating and getting to know characters.

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

I’m a luddite. I’m not really an e-reader at all. I’m still hooked on my dead tree book.

An entire month of Christmas movies or Christmas music?

Definitely the music. I’ve been playing Christmas music every chance I get since the day after Thanksgiving.

Alissa, thank you so very much for agreeing to take part in This Or That this week! I had so much fun coming up with the questions and I hope you had just as much fun answering them. As for the rest of you, what did you think? I have to agree with morning and night question! I have been known to be quite the night owl myself. I hope you guys enjoyed! Please leave a comment below letting us know what you thought of this week’s This Or That and be sure to check out the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Alissa throughout the internet!

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Popular Goodreads Page

Ferocity Summer Goodreads Page

Shallow Pond Goodreads Page

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This Or That (13)

Lucy @ Keeping It Real With Lucy!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

Today on This Or That, I have the lovely Lucy! Lucy is the absolute sweetheart who runs the blog Keeping It Real With Lucy! Lucy’s blog is filled with talk of LOTS of awesome books! And let me just say, it is almost kind of creepy how much I have in common with this girl when it comes to reading taste & other non-bookish things! Every review of hers that I looked at, I either have read the book and LOVED it or it has been on my TBR pile for forever and I’m dying to read it. Also, I had a knee injury in high school much like Lucy (I get how much they can really suck Lucy!) three separate times that while they didn’t prevent me from trying new sports, they did in fact shorten the amount of time I got to play in sports before I got hurt yet again. (Lucy, I promise you I am not a creepy stalker!). Without further ado, and with stalking tendencies aside, let’s meet Lucy!

About The Blogger: I’m a quirky teen who loves to read! It started with parents who always read to me before bed. In my free time I love to play basketball and golf. (Well basketballs out the question now. I can never play contact sports again:() I craft, and love spending time with family and friends!

Do you keep your books on bookshelves or random spots throughout the house?

All my books are neatly on a bookshelf! If we want to get really specific they are all organized by the author’s last name!

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

Uhhhh favorite food… Although a year without books could be heaven! My eyes would have a rest!

Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

All snuggled up! I can’t stand the sun. It bugs me so much!

Are you a Coke person or a Pepsi person?

Great question and I’m not sure. If I do drink one it’s Coke Zero… But Pepsi has a nice taste to it. But I am not a big soda drinker.

When it comes to your reading tastes are you a bigger contemporary fan or a fantasy fan?

CONTEMPORARY!!! I can’t stand fantasy. Don’t ask why.

Cats or dogs?

Neither? My mom’s allergic to animal hair so I haven’t grown up around either. Which is easier to take care of? :)

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

Not sure. I guess I am a mixed with country and like pop/rock. But I CAN NOT stand rap. Period.

Do you prefer reading paperback or hardcover books?

Paperback! Less heavy in my book bag.

What type of books do you tend to enjoy more: laugh-out-loud-writing or make-you-ponder-life’s-biggest-mysteries-writing?

Laugh out loud. Mysteries are way too suspenseful for me. But if I could make my own up I would say romance!

Dessert time: cookies or cupcakes?

Cupcakes… Well cookies… Naw let’s go with cupcakes. Chocolate with chocolate icing.

Which do you enjoy more: books turned into movies or books turned into TV shows?

Books turned into TV shows. Then hope it’s a series so I can continue to watch it.

When it comes to music do you sing along or dance along?

Sing. Well I can’t sing, and I am a terrible dancer, so does standing in the corner count?

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

NOOK!

Which do you enjoy more: recorded music or live music?

I would say recorded only because it sounds better, but I would prefer live, but sometimes it doesn’t sound right.

Team bad boy or team boy next door?

Team boy next door! *Swoons*

Do you tend to be a bigger fan of the fictional boyfriends or the fictional best friends?

Depends. I like reading about romance so when two characters have sparks I like that, but then again sometimes two friends have sparks!

Would you rather be turned into a werewolf or a vampire?

Neither? Uh I guess vampire. Then I could make you one to!

When marking the pages in your books do you use a bookmark or dog-ear your pages?

Bookmark! It drives me insane to see creases in the page.

Do you like your books to be a part of a series or stand alone?

Sometimes I feel like books end blankly when they are a standalone, but sometimes series drag on. If I had to choose I would say standalone.

An entire month of Christmas movies or Christmas music?

Movies! Especially the romantic kind!

Thanks for having me!

I just want to send out a giant THANK YOU to Lucy for agreeing to take part in this week’s This Or That! I just loved reading through all of her answers! I run across few fellow Nook lovers so when I do I get just a bit excited :) Please leave a comment below letting us know what you thought of this week’s This Or That and be sure to check out the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Lucy throughout the internet!

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This Or That (12)

Julia Karr!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

For this week’s This Or That, I have Julia Karr here on the blog! Julia’s YA series debuted in 2011 with the first book, XVI! The second book for this exciting dystopian series, Truth, came out at the beginning of the year. I have yet to read this series (I do have XVI sitting on my shelf though so hopefully very soon!) but I have heard wonderful things about it! We have some super fun questions and answers for you guys today so without further ado, let’s meet Julia!

About the author: Julia grew up in the small town of Seymour, Indiana. She’s lived as far west as Colorado and as far south as Florida. Now she’s back in the midwest.

She’s been a writer all her life. Starting out as a young poet and a letter-writer. Julia wanted to be an artist, a poet, and president. She no longer want the latter!

At sixteen, Julia moved to Chicago – fell in love with the city – and still carries a torch for it!

Her first two books – XVI and Truth – are available now. She’s currently working on a contemporary YA mystery and a YA paranormal.

Visit her on the web at juliakarr.com.

Do you prefer reading paperback or hardcover books?

When I’m lying in bed reading, I prefer paperback, anywhere else – hardcover.

What type of books do you tend to enjoy more: laugh-out-loud-writing or make-you-ponder-life’s-biggest-mysteries-writing?

I’m a total sucker for pondering life’s bigger mysteries. But if you Read Terry Pratchett (The Wee Free Men) – you get both!

You MUST pick one: reading or writing?

Reading – it’s a whole lot easier!

If given the option, would you want your books turned into movies or turned into a TV show?

I want the option! I think movies – although I have no special reason why.

Which do you enjoy doing more, author interviews or character interviews?

Character interviews. My characters are more interesting!

Do you outline your books like a crazy person or do you just start writing down whatever pops into your head?

I am an outliner (maybe an outlier…what a difference one letter makes!) I write what ever’s there and then try to beat it into submission!

You’re forced to be your main character for a week, do you choose to live through book one (XVI) or live through book two (Truth)?

I’ll take Truth. I think I’m a little more aware and capable – besides, I kind of have a huge crush on Chris!

Dessert time: cookies or cupcakes?

Pie.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I have both, but I tend towards the cats…I like that independent streak!

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

Mixed. Everything from Abba to Zappa with Mozart and Shankar in the middle!

Getting crazy: Would you rather type out your entire book using only your pointer fingers while blind-folded or only using your toes?

Ha! I think blindfolded w/pointer finger. I have me some talented toes – but I wouldn’t be able to see the computer screen – of course, I’d be blindfolded with the pointer finger scenario…hmmm…I think I’ll get a book on tape & just listen!

Are you a Coke person or a Pepsi person?

A Big Red person! (regional soda – but I don’t drink pop)

If you had one day to be a super hero or a super villain, which one would you pick?

Super hero! Wonder Woman! I’d love making people (especially politicians) have to tell the truth!

When it comes to your reading tastes are you a bigger contemporary fan or a fantasy fan?

I am a mystery lover. I don’t care if it’s fantasy or contemporary – it just has to have a good mystery!

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

A year without my favorite food – definitely.

Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

Outside in the sun.

When writing do you have to be in complete silence or utter chaos?

Silence. Or enough chaos that I can tune it out completely. I can’t write with music though…not at all.

Do you keep your books on bookshelves or random spots throughout the house?

Both. I have books on the shelves, but also strewn about the bedroom, my office, the bathroom…

An entire month of Christmas movies or Christmas music?

Movies! Can we start with White Christmas? The A Christmas Carol (the George C. Scott version), Miracle on 34th Street (the original), Holiday Inn, The Bishop’s Wife, Nightmare Before Christmas…must stop now!

What are your favorite parts to write: world-building or character-building?

Harder for me is character-building…so I’ll take that for 1000, Alex.

Thanks so much for having me on This or That!

So what did you guys think? First off I would love to give a HUGE thank you to Julia for agreeing to be a part of This Or That this week! It has been fun! Secondly, I LOVE her answers. I am also a cat person who loves her pie as well (although I am an even bigger cupcake fan. But dessert is dessert people!) I hope you guys had as much fun with this as I did! Please leave a comment below letting us know what you thought of this week’s This Or That and be sure to check out the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Julia throughout the internet!

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XVI Goodreads page

Truth Goodreads page

XVI #3 Goodreads page

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This Or That (11)

Tara @ Fiction Folio!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

This past year I have had the absolute pleasure to meet so many wonderful bloggers. Among these wonderful bloggers is Tara and people, not only is her online presence super fantastic but she’s full of awesome in person too! Her funny, sweet, and lovely personality shines through on not only her blog but also whenever I talk to her via Twitter or e-mail. Without further ado, let’s meet the one and only Tara!

About the blogger: Tara is the author of Fiction Folio, a young adult (and sometimes adult) book blog . When she’s not reading a book, she can be found playing with her cats, watching too much TV, or enjoying a glass of wine. Tara lives in Chicago and works as a web content manager for a luxury hotel chain.

Are you a fan of reading outside or reading inside?

I’m a fan of reading anywhere I can open a book :) (this is sort of the same as the last question?)

Yes, this is practically the same thing as the last question. I blame my mind clearly being stuck on food. Check out the questions below for proof…

Which do you enjoy more: books turned into movies or books turned into TV shows?

I think I’d have to say books turned into TV shows, with the exception of Harry Potter. Movies that originated as books always seem to leave out such important elements of the story for the sake of time, so I like it when a TV show can keep those elements in tact and follow the book(s) more closely.

Do you tend to be a fan of the fictional boyfriends or the fictional best friends?

Fictional boyfriends! In my opinion, fictional best friends are usually not portrayed in the best light so I lean towards the boys.

Okay be honest here: Do you fan-girl over your favorite authors quite enthusiastically or do you sit back quietly and stalk them?

I do both. I know I’ve made a fool of myself on Twitter and my blog by raving psychotically about an author. But sometimes, I just like to keep it to myself and fan-girl internally.

Do you keep your books on bookshelves or random spots throughout the house?

Bookshelves, although I do have some random piles on my kitchen counter and my coffee table. I’m actually quite surprised books haven’t completely taken over my house (yet).

Do you do your reading in rooms filled with chaos or do you do your reading in pure silence?

If I had to choose, I would sit in a completely silent room. Alas, that doesn’t usually happen so I have learned to totally tune everything out and immerse myself in the book.

When it comes to music do you sing along or dance along?

I love singing along, but I can’t carry a tune to save my life. Howling along might be a more appropriate description :)

Which ones do you like more, full albums or mixed CD’s?

I will forever and always be a big fan of mixed CDs. Or tapes, since that was what we had back in my childhood (God, I’m old).

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

I listen to all types of music. For some reason, I usually listen to either whatever is super popular at the time or music that was super popular 20 years ago. Can anyone say *NSYNC or Mariah Carey from the 90s…

Which do you enjoy more: recorded music or live music?

Recorded music. I know, I know, that’s awful and my concert-loving friends (you included!) will probably disown me for saying that ;)

Are you a donut fan or a muffin fan?

That’s a tough one! I think I’d have to say donuts because they’re sort of a guilty pleasure for me. And guilty always tastes better, right?

If you were forced to eat ice cream every day for the rest of your life (Umm…YES PLEASE!) would you pick chocolate or vanilla?

That’s actually a tough one, too. I think I’d have to say vanilla because I could always add chocolate to it if I had a craving.

Let’s talk boys: jocks or nerds?

NERDS FTW.

When it comes to your reading tastes are you a bigger contemporary fan or a fantasy fan?

Contemporary all the way, but fantasy has it’s place when I’m in the mood.

Dessert time: cookies or cupcakes?

First you had me choose between donuts or muffins, and now cookies or cupcakes?! You’re a tough lady ;) I definitely have to choose cupcakes, though. It’s hard not to eat a cupcake and not be happy while doing it.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Cat person! I have two cats (Molly and Kingsley, named after Harry Potter characters) and they drive me nuts but I love them to death.

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

A year without my favorite food. If I had a year without books I think I’d shrivel up and die. No joke.

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

I actually own both, but I have to say I really like my Kindle.

Team bad boy or team boy next door?

Team boy next door. I like the good guys in real life, but there is something so appealing about a bad boy in books/TV/movies.

Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

If it’s sunny out, I’d much rather be outside. If it’s cold and snowy, nothing is better than curling up on the couch with a fire going, a cup of hot chocolate (with Bailey’s, of course), and a good book!

So what did you think? Here, let me put my mind reading techniques to use: My sources are telling me that you thought Tara was overflowing with awesomesauce. You probably think she is ridiculous for choosing recorded music over the live thing (Sorry Tara! You know how I feel about my music lol!) but you also sort of, really, seriously thought she was super cool for just about everything else including but not limited to her food choices (cupcakes FTW!), her taste in boys (Nerds AND the boy next door! Can’t get any better than that), and the fact that she likes cats too! A huge, huge, HUGE thank you to Tara for agreeing to be a part of This Or That this week! I just LOVED having her over for a little visit. Please leave a comment below letting us know what you thought of this week’s This Or That and be sure to check out the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Tara throughout the internet!

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This Or That (10)

Cari @ Cari’s Book Blog!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

When I think back to my very first year as a blogger and all of the genuine, awesome bloggers I looked up to Cari is most definitely at the top of the list. She has always been so incredibly sweet and I love checking out all of her posts! She has everything from reviews to HILARIOUS video chats with some pretty awesometastic authors! Well without further ado, let’s meet the one and only Cari!

About the blogger: I started blogging in September 2009. After attending several book events around town and blogging about them I became the Social Media Expert for Blue Willow Bookshop. When I’m not browsing book catalogs I like to keep up with the latest fashion trends. I am never too busy for a new project and my secret is that coffee is a food group.

When it comes to your reading tastes are you a bigger contemporary fan or a fantasy fan?

Defiantly contemporary!

Guardian Angels (the goody-two-shoes) or Fallen Angels (the bad boys)?

Oh this is a hard one. I’m not an angel fan so pass!

When it comes to music do you sing along or dance along?

Sing along!

Cowboys or rockstars?

Cowboys! Maybe it’s a Texas thing.

 Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

Yeah I’m all over the place but my go to music is country.

Okay be honest here: Do you fan-girl over your favorite authors quite enthusiastically or do you sit back quietly and stalk them?

Lol I fan girl but I can hold back. Like the time I saw Maggie Stiefvater in the bathroom but I held it together and walked out without embarrassing myself. I hope she isn’t reading this. With some authors I try and play it cool.

 Do you tend to be a bigger fan of the fictional boyfriends or the fictional best friends?

Fictional boyfriend! I love you Corndog From (Stealing Parker)

 Dessert time: cookies or cupcakes?

Fancy cupcakes for the win!

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog person but my dogs ignore me like cats so I don’t know what to make of it.

 A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

A year without food because who am I kidding I always fail at book bans.

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

iPad!

 Books turned into movies or books turned into TV shows?

Books turned into movies! Hunger Games, Twilight, and hopefully Catching Jordan some day soon!

Team bad boy or team boy next door?

Boy next door!  Jay from the Body Finder or Cricket from Lola and the Boy Next Door!

 Would you rather be turned into a werewolf or a vampire?

Vampire. There Are not enough razors in the world to be a werewolf. Unless I could hang out with the guys from Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

 Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

Inside. A bird once pooped on my book when I read outdoors.

 Do you keep your books on bookshelves or random spots throughout the house?

My whole house is one big pile of books. I either keep them on one of the 7 bookshelves, bags, or one of my nightstands.

 Do you do your reading in rooms filled with chaos or do you do your reading in pure silence?

I either read in silence or with my iPod on to drown out the outside world.

When marking the pages in your books do you use a bookmark or dog-ear your pages?

Bookmarks, hair ties, the remote, anything expect fold the page.

Do you like your books to be a part of a series or stand alone?

I prefer stand alone but I have a number of favorite series

If given the option would you take $1,000,000 or an endless supply of books? 

The million because then I could use it for books, family, and fashion.

So what did you guys think? If you didn’t already think Cari was made of pure win (most definitely unlikely) you surely do now! I am also a fan of cupcakes and the boy next door (Cari was actually the one to make me read The Body Finder which in turn introduced me to Jay. Love me some Jay!) Please leave a comment below letting us know what you thought of this week’s This Or That and be sure to check out the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Cari throughout the internet!

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This Or That (9)

Zareen @ Reach For The Stars…And The Books!

Hello readers, bloggers, authors, and generally awesome people (who happen to love books!) and welcome to This Or That! This Or That is a feature posted every week and it works like this: each person is asked a series of This Or That/Would You Rather-type questions, some serious and some funny, and by doing so we get to learn just a bit more about our favorite bookish people!  This feature is currently scheduled through April 2013 but if you would still be interested in signing up, please check out this post and fill out the form!

I am thrilled to have the absolutely LOVELY Zareen on This Or That today! She loves all sorts of books, her nickname is Taco, and she is a fellow The Voice lover, so what’s not to like!?! I know you’re all sorts of excited to meet her so without further ado, here’s Zareen!

About The Blogger: Zareen is currently a high school senior who can constantly be found with a book in hand. She’s a member of her high school’s academic decathlon team, and she recently started a young adult book club with her best friend. Alongside her passion for reading, she is also a huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team.

When it comes to your reading tastes are you a bigger contemporary fan or a fantasy fan?

My adolescent self would argue for contemporary, but I’ve loved fantasy ever since I read The Chronicles of Narnia at age seven.

Let’s talk boys: jocks or nerds?

Definitely nerds.

Guardian Angels (the goody-two-shoes) or Fallen Angels (the bad boys)?

Tough one. Can I say a little bit of both, like Daniel Grigori (Fallen) and Patch Cipriano (Hush,Hush)?

When it comes to music do you sing along or dance along?

Sing. I might make everyone’s ears bleed, but it’s better than tripping over my own feet.

Do you listen to one specific type of music or mixed genres?

All sorts. I’ve got everything from Queen and The Beach Boys to Maroon 5 and Coldplay on my iPod.

What type of books do you tend to enjoy more: laugh-out-loud-writing or make-you-ponder-life’s-biggest-mysteries-writing?

I’d have to go with the former since I consider reading to be an escape.

Okay be honest here: Do you fan-girl over your favorite authors quite enthusiastically or do you sit back quietly and stalk them?

Is it possible to be a restrained fan-girl? I’m more likely to be enthusiastic online, but I’m actually a bit on the shy side in person.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I have a fur allergy, so the honest answer would be neither. Haha.

A year without books or a year without your favorite food?

Can’t survive a year without books, so favorite food it is.

Would you rather spend a whole week with your FAVORITE fictional boyfriend or spend a whole day with ALL of your fictional boyfriends?

Let’s face it: I love too many fictional boys to ever pick a favorite, so I’ll take the day with all of them!

Would you rather read outside in the sun or inside all snuggled up with a book?

Inside all snuggled up! Hot cocoa would be a bonus.

When marking the pages in your books do you use a bookmark or dog-ear your pages?

Always a bookmark.

Do you like your books to be a part of a series or stand alone?

That depends on the book and how much story there is to tell.

Cover talk: Do you like people on the covers or a design?

Again, depends on the book. I’ll admit that the ‘fair-skinned girl in a pretty dress’ trend is getting old though.

Are you a nook girl or a kindle girl?

Kindle, definitely Kindle.

Books turned into movies or books turned into TV shows?

Books into movies!

Team bad boy or team boy next door?

If we’re talking fiction rather than real life, I think I lean towards the bad boy.

Would you rather be turned into a werewolf or a vampire?

I’ll say vampire if I can hang with the Denali coven from the Twilight saga!

Cupcakes or Ice Cream?

Ice cream!

Now that it’s close to winter will you be more likely to make a snowman or have a snowball fight?

I wish it snowed where I live. I’d be up for a snowball fight.

So what did you guys think? I absolutely know what Zareen meant by being brave and outgoing online but whenever I meet bookish people in person I become shy and quiet (well at least at first…after a few minutes I can be rather err CRAZY!) And YESSS to being a fan of nerds. NERDS FOR THE WIN! I want to give a big, gigantic, HUGE thank you to Zareen for agreeing to part of This Or That this week! I had so much fun reading all of her answers and I hope you guys did as well! Checkout the links below to stalk…err follow/like/be-friend Zareen throughout the internet!

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