The Book Fests Award

First of all, I’d like to say a massive thank you to Birdie Bookworm for nominating me for this award. It was so kind of you to think of me when you were choosing bloggers to nominate. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Birdie Bookworm’s blog here. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Rules

• It’s always proper and the right thing to do, when you receive something from someone, you thank them. It’s the same with this award. You can link the blogger who presents the award blog in the post you use to fulfill the requirements of the award.
• Answer the award questions that will be listed below.
• Write a Fifty Word Story, because it’s fun.
• Award five or more bloggers with this Award.
• Ask them a question of your making, you’ll like them to answer.
• Put up the award image badge on your blog via image widget.

Award questions

A book you started but never finished but want to finish. What stopped you from continuing to read it?

The Lord of the Rings. I read The Hobbit as a child (or, more accurately, I had The Hobbit read to me) so when I saw a battered, well-thumbed copy of the first LOTR book on a book stall , I thought “I’ll read this!”. It’s a classic and as my then major was English Literature, I thought it was something that should have pride of place on my TBR list. My mistake, though, was trying to read it as a bedtime book. I wouldn’t even get two pages read before the lengthy descriptions had me nodding off. It’s very much a book that needs to be read when you’re wide awake and able to concentrate, I think.

What elements attract you to a book, which makes you need to read it?

Characters. Characters drive the plot and, as a result, I think it important they’re well-rounded and three dimensional. As a reader, I need to be able to believe in a character. I need to be able to laugh with them and cry for them. I could read a book with the most complex of plots, with an array of twists and turns…but if the characters are somewhat lacking, I just can’t bring myself to be interested.

Which books do you prefer, e-copy or hard copy?

Hmmm. I guess if you tied me up and dangled me over the edge of a cliff, demanding a definitive answer, I would say hard copies. There’s just something so satisfying in the slight rustle of paper upon paper as you turn the page, or the cracks in the spine and the dog eared pages, both testament to how much enjoyment was derived from that book. On a more practical level, though, e-readers are a God send. I can take a seemingly infinite amount of books on vacation, plus there are so many good deals on the Amazon store for us Kindle owners! Seeing a cheap or free book is a great incentive to embark upon a new series.

What book are you currently reading or going to read?

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames. I’m less than a hundred pages from finishing this incredible book so expect a review in the next couple days or so!

Is it fair to judge a book by its film?

No. I’m thinking of books and movies of the horror genre specifically when I say this. Stephen King is renowned for despising certain movie adaptations of his books and I can totally see why. I remember trying to watch Cujo a few years back and finding it laughable as opposed to terrifying…yet when I read the book, I was completely and utterly bowled over by its sheer brilliance.

What book did you badly judge by its cover and end up loving?

I don’t know if I can give a solid answer for this question. I mean, I read a shit ton of paranormal romance and there are some pretty awesome stories hiding behind horrific covers…

Which book character have you felt the most kin with and able to relate with?

Okay, so I talk about him a lot, but Illium from Nalini Singh’s Guildhunter series. The way in which he acts around people very much reminds me of myself at times. He’s a happy-go-lucky kinda guy, a person who smiles and tries his best to make those around him smile too. Looks can be deceiving, though. Illium has a side he keeps hidden (mostly anyway, only those closest to him see it). His hidden side is serious and, at times, incredibly sad and lonely. I feel a sort of kinship with him in this sense. I’ve had depression and anxiety for well over ten years and do you know what the most common comment I receive is? “But you don’t seem depressed/anxious!” Yeah, I know. I tend to exude happiness and sunshine but there’s another side to me, one many people don’t tend to see. I very much relate to the need to keep your true feelings hidden.

Birdie Bookworm’s question

Who would you cast in the story of your life?

I’d like my life story to be animated and for my animated self to be voiced by James Earl Jones. My actual voice is annoying and I’ve always admired the strong, dramatic and soul-stirring quality to James Earl Jones’ and despite the fact that he is a man, I’d very much like him to voice my character.

50 word story

“You think you’ll win this battle? Ha! You underestimate my power!”

Louise launched herself at her sister, ignoring Betty’s angered snarls as she was shoved aside. Louise smirked as her sister stumbled backwards and away from the kitchen counter. Sweet victory.

She snatched the final cookie from the plate.

My question

You’ve been taken hostage and the characters from the last book you read are being sent to rescue you. How screwed are you?

 

I nominate anyone who would like to take part in the fun! I know that sounds like a cop out, but I’ve met so, so many wonderful people through blogging and I think you’re all worthy of the award! If you feel so inclined, post a link to your answers below ❤