The Terror of Knowing

I saw the Book Blogger TMI tag over on Adventures of a Bibliophile and thought I would also give it a go since it’s a lot of fun!

How old are you?
22, feeling bizarrely sad about the fact I can’t sing 22 any more after 24th of this month.

What book are you reading?
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo. The Grisha trilogy really is as oddly readable as people said.

What are you wearing?
Black jeans, navy and white stripy top

OTP?
Too many. If we’re talking books then my first was probably (no surprises here) Hermione and Ron from the Harry Potter series, followed by Violet and Quigley Quagmire from A Series of Unfortunate Events – I’m not sure why I just remembered that latter but oh boy did my little pre-teen heart ache.

Blogger or WordPress?
WordPress, I find the user interface a lot cleaner? Though the last time I used Blogger was years ago so they might have improved that since then.

Going outside being active or staying in and reading a book?
Going outside is fine if I’m allowed to just read but being active no thank you, stay in all the time. As if this is even an option.

What is the last book you read?
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo, I seem to be accidentally marathoning the Grisha books.

What is the book you’re going to read next?
I received a couple of exciting books in the post this week and have bought more books than I should considering I’m trying to save money. Since it’s Dewey’s this weekend I hope to finish Ruin and Rising before Saturday and then pick from Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley, Where the Heart Used to Beat by Sebastian Faulks (all of which I somehow managed to win via giveaways) or Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig, Carry On by Rainbow Rowell, or maybe just maybe Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. Like I said, I’ve accrued too many books lately.

Ebooks – yes or no?
Since I got another Kindle this year I love ebooks, the convenience is the biggest selling point and it’s great for making sure I always have a book in my bag “just in case”.

Where do you prefer to read?
Since moving back home after I finished university I still haven’t found my new reading spot in my parents’ house. I mostly read in bed – I have a really small room so it’s super cosy – or on the sofa in the living room. Other people ruin the latter with all their (can you believe it) talking to me, though.

Who is the last person you tweeted?
Hutchinson Books and Sebastian Faulks, since I received a copy of his latest novel and wanted to say thanks!

Whose blog did you look at last?
Adventures of a Bibliophile – where I saw this tag!

Who is your favorite blogger?
I find it hard to choose favourite anythings, but lately I’ve been enjoying Emily‘s, V.E. Schwab‘s, and Sarah‘s.

Who is your favorite book-tuber?
Ron Lit, Choncey, Jen, Holly, Jean, Reagan, Whitney, Ariel, Max, Lily, Jasmine, Baz Pierce. And I think everyone who has ever watched a booktube video mentions Sanne, right? Closely followed in a similar vein by Rosianna and Leena. So basically everyone ever is so talented and lovely and articulate and it makes me want to cry a little.

What do you do when someone tells you reading is boring?
Suggest that maybe they haven’t tried reading the right genre or format for them. I know people who find it difficult to finish a book because they can’t read for extended periods of time due to their eyes getting tired (see: my mother) or having too many other commitments, in which case I’d suggest audiobooks on both counts. Other people have been put off reading because of being forced to read in school (see: my father), which I try to get him over by buying him books about things he likes, which makes for a lot of non-fiction and memoirs about cricket.

Who is the last author you spoke to?
A couple of my lecturers at university were authors (both fiction and academic non-fiction), so probably them for in-person interactions. As to online, Hermione Eyre recently thanked me for a generous review of her book Viper Wine and I nearly died because my heart is that book, seriously.

Who is the last person you texted?
I don’t text much nowadays but probably my friend Sarah.

Who is your all-time favorite book character?
I’m horrible with choosing favourites because I’m so indecisive but someone like Lizzie Bennet from Pride and Prejudice, Hermione Granger and Remus Lupin (even tho he’s an IDIOT re: Tonks, ugh) from Harry Potter, Aziraphale and Crowley (they are a package deal) from Good Omens, Matilda from… Matilda, Max(im) from Rebecca, the list goes on and on… and I’ve definitely forgotten someone REALLY obvious.

UKYA or USYA?
I can’t say I particularly check if I’m reading UK or US young-adult fiction to be honest, though most of my favourites do seem to be USYA.

What is your preferred drink whilst reading?
Coffee or tea, I like a hot drink when reading.

If you hated reading, what would you be doing instead?
I think if I hadn’t got so into reading I would have kept up my art, sketching mainly, but sadly my pencils haven’t been picked up for many years and now I’m horribly out of practice – one of my biggest regrets actually.

How many bookshelves / bookcases do you have?
I don’t really have any. At home we have storage units that are cube shaped (cubby holes almost) so I have to store my books in those.

If you had the choice to meet all of your favorite book bloggers or all of your favorite authors, which would you pick? You can only pick one.
Probably authors. I love the book world online but I’ve not had the opportunity or resources available to meet any of my favourite authors at events or festivals. That’s definitely something I want to redress if possible!

Insta-love: yes or no?
I watch chick flicks so I can’t say I despise it always – there’s always something comforting in knowing the two leads are going to fall in love. However, that being said, as Pride and Prejudice proved many years ago, the best of love stories start with miscommunication and misunderstanding and the possibility of growth, not moony-eyed lovesick puppies.

Favorite author?
I don’t have A favourite author, I have many favourite books I enjoy and therefore respect the authors but there are very few I’ve read the entire back catalogue of.

What is the number-one book on your wishlist?
At the top right now is the illustrated Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Given that I’m trying to save money I just can’t justify spending £15-£30 on a book I already technically own. It’s definitely a luxury, treat item and I can’t justify that spending right now but by god my resolve is wearing down, even whilst writing this. I’m hoping I can hint to one of my relatives that they should definitely consider venturing into a bookshop for my birthday present and picking this up.

Do you prefer books with female or male protagonists?
I don’t discriminate between protagonists to be honest.

Which is your favourite book-to-film adaption?
Despite all the things they had to miss in order to streamline the plots, I have to say both the Harry Potter films and the Lord of the Rings films are impressive adaptations. My favourite of HP is Prisoner of Azkaban, the decision to bring Alfonso Cuarón on board for this book was an inspired choice, he added the right tone of dread and darkness at this tipping point of the series. And I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice is not the most faithful – the “I love you, most ardently” scene particularly irks Austen purists – but it captures the feel of family life in the Bennet household more than any other adaptation and it was a beautiful adaptation.

What is the last song you listened to?
Welcome Home by Radical Face, from this brilliant Fall Melancholy playlist.

Which do you enjoy reading more – negative reviews or positive reviews?
In many ways, negative reviews are more brutal and, therefore honest which in itself is fun hence why I enjoy the stylings of Baz Pierce so much – his review of Anna and the French Kiss never fails to make me laugh, even though I enjoyed the book. I’ll be boring, however, and say the middle ground of a constructive review will always be the best.

Phew, that took longed that I anticipated – that’s what getting distracted by The Apprentice will do to you. I urge any book bloggers reading this to do the tag and link it below so I can check it out; I’m always nosy curious to see people’s answers.