Happy Friday!
What’s this? Another blog tag about books? Yes indeed!
It’s yet another tag I found on KristinKravesBooks, where she keeps a list of fun, reading-themed blog tags. If that interests you, I highly recommend checking it out!
This tag doesn’t have any rules other than to answer each of these alphabet questions with a book or book-related explanation. I loved the creativity of the questions and couldn’t resist trying it out.
Let’s get to it!
A. Author you’ve read the most books from
That would be Nadine Brandes, at least for full-length novels. And what’s more important, I love them all! I’ve yet to read one of her books that I don’t consider a favorite of mine, and I hope that continues.
B. Best sequel ever
Shadow by Kara Swanson. I’m not sure if it’s because this series is a duology or what, but it was a rare instance for me when the sequel was better than the first book. Again, at least to me. The first had a lot of build-up, but the second was action-packed, incredibly intense and moving, the characters were so vivid and interesting, and the themes hit hard. I loved it!
C. Currently reading
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.
I’ve never read this before, but it looked like such an interesting, potentially sweet, fairytale-ish classic, and I was intrigued! I’m not far into it yet, but it’s been enjoyable so far.
D. Drink of choice
Honestly, water! But especially sparkling water if I’m trying not to be as boring, haha.
I’m also a big tea and coffee drinker though.
E. E-reader or physical book
Definitely physical books. I’ll read e-books if I have to, but I much prefer to be able to hold the book in my hands and flip pages. I have an easier time focusing on the story when I’m holding a physical book too.
F. Fictional character you probably would have dated in high school.
Oh boy, I don’t even know. I didn’t date anyone in high school, period.
Maybe someone like Peter Pan though, specifically from Kara Swanson’s Dust. I was a very angsty teenager.
(How beautiful is that cover?!)
G. Glad you gave this book a chance
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins.
I actually had little intention of ever reading these books, as I like the movies and had heard that the books are poorly written. But after giving them a chance, I was hooked, and even finished the first two in one day! I just couldn’t put them down. The third one let me down a little, but all in all, I’m glad I gave them a chance, and will definitely be rereading.
H. Hidden gem
Blank Mastermind by Rosey Mucklestone.
I’ve only talked about this book just about every other time I do a book review tag . . . but it’s just that good to me! I’m thankful I had friends who’d read this and introduced me, because as its an indie book, in a superhero, humor, drama genre, I don’t know that I’d have ever found it otherwise. And I would be missing out.
I. Important moment in your reading life
I’ll say after I found Goodreads! It’s an invaluable tool for me, both for my personal reading and for promoting and getting feedback for my own published stories. I love being able to set challenges, keep track of the books I’ve read and my reviews, and see what my friends are reading. And, of course, I like being able to read others’ reviews of books to see if they’re worth my time. All in all, it’s been a very helpful website to me!
J. Just finished
Operation Lionhearted by Maribeth Barber! I’m so thrilled to have finally read this amazing story! Science fiction isn’t my typical genre, but I really enjoyed this one. While the plot was twisty and action-packed, it was also very character-focused, and I love those kinds of books. The rich characters, clean romance, twisty action, and deep themes made it great!
K. Kind of book you won’t read
Erotica, for sure. And most horror books as well. I just don’t have the interest.
L. Longest book you’ve read
Looking at page counts, besides the Bible, it would be Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at 766 pages. That surprises me, because my usual answer is The Help by Kathryn Stockett at 524 pages. I didn’t realize just how huge those Harry Potter books are!
M. Major book hangover because of…
This may sound silly, but I’m going with the Jedi Apprentice book series by Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson. I read the first one with my brother before he passed away and we both loved it. Afterward, I found the other 17 books, and by the time I finished the last one, I was super attached and wished the series could just keep on going forever. I’m sure the connection with my brother had an effect, but the series was genuinely well-written.
N. Number of bookshelves you own
Two! One is double-stacked though (two row of books on each shelf, one in front of another), and the other only has one shelf of books (the rest are notebooks).
O. One book you’ve read multiple times
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. I remember my dad reading this to me and my siblings when we were young, and I’ve read it multiple times on my own since. It’s a great, classic adventure story, and I believe it’s one of the reasons I like pirate stories so much.
P. Preferred place to read
Currently, that would either be on our couch in our living room, or in the comfy chair in my work space. Laying on the bed makes me too sleepy, but sitting upright on hard chair isn’t cozy enough for long reading sessions (to me).
Q. Quote that inspires you
There are so many! But here’s one I especially like:
“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
~ Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
R. Reading regrets
I’d say I regret not keeping track of the books I read sooner. I think it would be very neat to look back and see all the different books I’ve read in my lifetime – or at least throughout middle school/high school. Especially if I’d written what my thoughts were on them. I used to read so many books in a year!
S. Series you’ve started and need to finish
The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. I’ve started Eragon and never finished it (I’m sorry, I’ve just never been able to stay interested in it yet), but I’m determined to. I have the second book, Eldest, as well, and trust I’ll find the remaining two eventually. Have you read this series, and if so, what did you think? I hear such mixed reviews.
T. Three of your all time favorite books
- The Bible (a cheat, I know)
- Wishtress by Nadine Brandes
- Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
- The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling (bonus series for the cheat)
U. Unapologetic fangirl
In general, I’d say Star Wars. I have so much random knowledge from the Star Wars universe that is probably useless, but
V. Very excited for this release more than others
Hmmm . . . this shouldn’t be that hard, but it is! I honestly don’t keep up with new releases as well as I should, so there aren’t many coming to mind. Although, Nadine Brandes does have some new releases expected to come out in 2024 . . . .
W. Worst bookish habit
Either reading the ending ahead of time, or leaving books open and upside down on something when I need to take a short break, but don’t want to lose my place (I never seem to have bookmarks around).
X. X marks the spot: Pick the 27th book from the top left shelf
That would be The Maze Runner by James Dashner, in a boxset with The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure, and the prequel The Kill Order.
Y. Your latest purchase
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I found this at my local thrift shop and have heard good things about it, so thought I’d give it a chance. I haven’t read it yet, but it’s on my TBR!
Z. Z snatcher–book that kept you up way too late
Despite my conflicted feelings about The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, I read it all in one sitting, staying up way too late one night. It was somewhat predictable, a little cringe-y, and featured some content I didn’t appreciate, but it was real. The emotions and tough questions were sincere, and I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it. And then I cried.
Thank you so much for reading this long and bookish post!
What would you do for this tag? I’d love to know how you’d answer these questions, so please feel free to let me know on your own blog, or right here in the comments. I can’t wait to learn about your favorite books!
Recent Posts:
I’ll try to do this tag soon, but I am so busy with SPFBO stuff I may not get to it as soon as I would ….
It is cool you are reading The Princess and the Goblin! George MacDonald is a favorite author of mine, and I hope you enjoy it!
As for the Eragon books … I will probably be writing and sharing my review of Eldest soon, and I already shared my review of Eragon. *MY* reviews for the series are mixed. There were things I really liked, and things I thought weren’t too well-done, and things I really didn’t like.
That’s okay, I’d love to hear your answers at any point!
That’s so cool to know! it’s been very enjoyable so far!
Your opinion of the Eragon books sounds very similar to mine so far …some good things, some not so good. They’re interesting, but I haven’t made up my mind on them yet, haha.