Saturday, April 20, 2013

Anya from An Awful Lot of Reading (Celebrating British Bloggers)

Every Saturday I like to interview a really awesome British blogger.  Today, I have with me Anya from An Awful Lot of Reading, which is a fairly new-to-me blog, though I see her quite often on Twitter.  She's lovely, definitely go follow her! 





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


I’m into my second year of blogging and enjoying every week of it! I am 21, finishing my last year of university and worrying about being thrown into the real world. Always have books though, which is a great comfort to escape to.


How did you begin being a book blogger?


My friend Sophie is to blame. We met in first year of university, two years ago, and she told me about her blog – actually she was explaining her email address after we swapped for a group presentation! Then I started a personal blog, then a separate book blog a few months later. She can also be to blame for most of my book-buying habits!


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


I watch a lot of telly! It’s stupid really, how many series I have to keep up with. Haven, Castle, NCIS, Rizzoli and Isles, to name but a few. I also spend a lot of time round my boyfriend’s house, re-watching DVD’s or curled up on his laptop, spending way too much time on twitter!


Which book review are you most proud of?


I think there are two, actually. First is The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, because I got quite a few really nice comments and I really liked reading it and writing the review. The second is The Devil’s Bargain by Rachel Caine, because I love her books and she retweeted my review! Got very excited about that J


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


There haven’t been any major events (that I’ve been invited to anyway) so far, but I loved going to Blood Red Road book launch back in September, that was really fun. Also the mini moments of excitement when someone I like or admire from the blogger community follows me on twitter.


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


One book I always go back to is Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost  It is the first in the Night Huntress series and I love the beginning of Cat and Bones’ relationship. Books that have stayed with me after one reading include Anna and the French Kiss, The Book Thief and The Time Travellers Wife.


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


Obvious choice is Hermione Granger but that’s too easy! Claire Danvers from Morganville Vampires would be awesome, Cat from Night Huntress as well, but for a normal person, I think Anna from Anna and the French Kiss would be really cool.


Name your top 5 UK book bloggers!


Sophie – one of my best friends and she writes pretty epic reviews!

Faye – Faye is one of my new finds, if you know what I mean – she’s really cool and writes great reviews on books I instantly go and look up

Raimy – she loves dinosaurs. That is a very simple reason to like her. Plus, she’s friendly, great to talk to on twitter and to catch up on book news.

Prudence – one of the great bloggers that don’t get enough recognition which is rude because she is great and writes fantastic reviews

Kerrie – I’ve been talking to Kerrie for almost as long as I’ve been blogging, she is great, always has good book recommendations and is fun to talk to


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


I would love to meet Rachel Caine. She is an amazing writer and I’ve loved her books for years. Shame she’s an American writer and is rarely over here!


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


I love paranormal stories, but I was annoyed with how many there were after the popularity of Twilight. Also how every new vampire or mythological book was called ‘the new Twilight’ urgh! I also wish there were more historical fiction in children and YA, I loved the Cat Royal series when I was younger and there really should be more books that teach without even knowing.


And finally, who is your ultimate book crush?


Shane Collins from Morganville. He is adorable and strong and such a sweetie but is also really protective *swoon*


Thank you so much, Anya, for your brilliant answers! You don't know how much I've heard about Halfway to the Grave, I really should read it! And I  recently took more of an interest in historical YA, so would agree that there should be more!


Over to you, what do you think of Anya's answers?  Do you love Shane as much as she does? Would you love to meet Rachel Caine?  Could you see yourself being best friends with Hermione, Claire, Cat or Anna?  Let Anya and I know in comments!

7 comments:

  1. Is it really bad that I haven't read any of Rachel Caine's books yet..? I have Glass Houses on my shelf, waiting to be read, but haven't got around to it yet.
    Anna would be a really great friend, maybe because she reviews too! And that might mean Etienne is around...*swoon*
    Lovely interview! :D

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    1. Yes, it is really bad! It is a really good series that you fly through reading, highly recommend it!

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  2. I'd totally forgotten that my email address was your introduction to book blogging :) Such a long time ago!

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  3. I met Rachel Caine last year and she wrote a note from Shane in my book! Best moment ever :) Definitely agree, Shane is my book crush without a doubt.

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  4. I think it'd be awesome to be Hermione's friend! And I like both Claire and Shane as well so you got some great picks there!
    As for fictional YA, have you heard of/read In the Shadow of Blackbirds? I *loved* it and think you'd both probably like it as well!

    Also, thanks for the mention, that means a lot to me! It's been great getting to know you more :)

    Faye <3

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  5. brilliant answers! I think Rachel Caine is doing a tour over here soon too! Thank you for the mention :)

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