Saturday, March 02, 2013

Aa'Ishah from Reading Under the Stars (Celebrating British Bloggers)

Welcome to another Saturday in which I bring you interviews with fabulous UK book bloggers!  Today I'd like to introduce you to a blogger than I've only recently discovered, Aa'Ishah from Reading Under the Stars.  

I love finding a blog like Aa'Ishah's with well written reviews for books that I wouldn't normally pick up.  So if you don't already follow Aa'Ishah, I urge you to do so now. You can use these links:

Reading Under the Stars ... Aa'Ishah on Twitter ... Aa'Ishah on Goodreads



First, can you tell me something about yourself and your blog?


Well, I’m an 18 year old A level student who only asks for four main things in life: peace, books, tea and sleep. Sadly I only get one of those in any significant quantity. Normally I’m quite mature, but I can be a little crazy…and, according to my friends, evil. (I don’t see it.) My blog, born in June this year, is all about YA, and it’s done in what I guess you could call my favourite colour, which is to say, dark purple.


How did you begin being a book blogger?


Before I was a blogger I was a GR-er (just pretend that makes sense). I basically would spend all my time on there (I still do), but I’d also see all the amazing blogs people had, so naturally I wanted to join in. I thought about it for a couple of months and decided I’d start it during the summer holidays. As it turned out, I started it before then because I was just too impatient. I wrote a few reviews on GR before I started the
blog just to get some practice and then went for it.


When you're not reading or blogging, what do you do with yourself?


Drown in homework.

OK, that was a bit dramatic. But seriously, I spend a lot of time just doing stuff for school. Other than that you’ll find me drinking tea, listening to music or sleeping. I know, I lead a very exciting life.


What was the first book you reviewed on your blog?


Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder. You can find my review here, but basically it was an OK read, not nearly as impressive as the first book in the series.


What has been the best experience of being a book blogger so far?


I think it’s just the amazing sense of community. I know quite a few people have said this in the past but there are bloggers I talk to regularly and whose blogs I’ve been a loyal follower of for ages, and even people I’ve only talked to maybe a couple of time feel like friends; everyone’s so friendly and supportive, the blogosphere is just a fantastic place to be.


You can do it, what is your absolute favourite book?


Clover, why?? You know I can’t do this, but you had to ask anyway. *bites lip and struggles to think* Um…er…you know what, I’m just gonna go with Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkns. I don’t have one absolute favourite, but that is definitely one of them. It’s such a gorgeous read; Anna is hilarious, Etienne is soo swoon-worthy, and it’s written beautifully. They are such amazing best friends and it’s not entirely the cute fluffy read you might expect.


If you could be best friends with any fictional character, who would you choose?


Willow from Angel. Having a half-angel for a best friend would be awesome. Generally, she’s quite a tough character. Plus, girl can fix cars. I like that she breaks the stereotype, not to mention the fact she knows some handy skills your average person does not.


Name your top 5 UK book bloggers!


Sam at Realm of Fiction

Jasprit at The Reader’s Den (this is a co-blog, but Jas is the UK girl out of the two. Sorry, Rachel! L)

Lauren at The Headless Owl

Beverley at A Reading Daydreamer (another co-blog, although Beverley was the founder and only
took on a co-blogger very recently)

And last but certainly not least, Emma at Never Judge a Book by Its Cover



If you could meet your favourite author, who would you like to meet?


Tahereh Mafi. This lady is hilarious and her writing? Utter. Perfection. It’s stunning.


What would you like to see more of or less of in YA?


Hmm, I think less love triangles and more of a focus on the relationship between two characters, adding tension and making it more dynamic.


And finally, who is your ultimate book crush?


Well, I don’t read much adult, but there are a few privileged series that I do read. Anyone know Night Huntress? Bones. That’s all I’m saying. But if we’re talking YA, I’d go for Damon from the Vampire Diaries. There were a couple of others, but Clover did say ‘ultimate’. So I guess I’ll stick with that. ;)

Ooh, thank you so much for that Aa'Ishah! You aren't the first person to recommend Bones. I mean, erm, that series! I shall definitely have to investigate!


Would you love to be besties with Willow? Are you crushing on Bones or Damon Salvatore? Would you love to meet Tahereh Mafi? Let Aa'Ishah and I know in comments!

7 comments:

  1. Listening to music and sleeping are pretty much all I do when I'm not reading, too. We're living the life, you and I, Aa'Ishah! ;) Thanks so much for mentioning me! You know you're in my top 5, too. :)

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  2. Oh, Damon. I have a series obsession with him (and Ian Somerhalder). So. Pretty.

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  3. Everyone I know seems to be in love with Bones! I think I really need to meet him soon! Also I'd loved to meet Tahereh too! Thanks for the lovely mention! :)

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  4. Thanks for your wonderful comments, guys, and Clover, thanks a million for having me on your awesome blog! I've loved being part of your wonderful feature. And should you investigate the series (Bones), do let me know! Thanks again, hon. :)

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  5. Great interview! I, too, drown in homework when I'm not blogging. It is not the nicest thing in the world -.-
    I must read Anna and the French Kiss, I'm probably one of the last people to read it! Thanks for posting, Clover :)

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  6. Drowning in homework does sound a bit dramatic. Have to agree with you about Bones Aa'Isah. I have a HUGE book crush on that guy too.

    Awesome interview, I loved it! :)

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  7. Ooh, checking oout Aa'ishah's blog right now ;) Ugh, homework, everything was fine until you mentioned that, haha! I should probably be doing mine right now, but this is way more fun! Yay for the Anna love! And omg yes, I would totally LOVE to meet Tahereh Mafi, too! She just wows me :)

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