Sneaking in a spotlight...

So this is the last of the spotlight questionnaires that were returned to me and this one is from... me! I think most of you know me but if you don't, I am a mommy of three who has been an avid reader from the tender age of three. I firmly believe my love of reading is a genetic gift from my mother and one that I passed on to my son, who also started reading at age three. So read on if you'd like to, I know I will. I just find myself fascinating.... ☺

Member Spotlight

1. Do you have a favorite author or genre? And if so what do you find most appealing about them? 

Jane Austen, I read her for the first time in Jr. High and I will always love her stories. I believe reading her books helped me to develop my own finely tuned appreciation of the ridiculous. I always enjoy gentle satire.

I also really love a good mystery, whether its a novel or a real life case, one that draws you in and keeps you guessing about who actually did it. I don't like it when I've figured it out in the first few chapters.  It also has to have well drawn characters, esp. the murderer. I am fascinated by what makes people tick, I want to understand their motives, even if it is abnormal psychology.

2. If you could have tea (or lunch, or any meal really, tea just feels more book clubbish, doesn't it?) with any three characters from all of literature who would it be?

Hercule Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, and Oscar Wilde (although that might be against the rules, because he is an author, not a character...) Two brilliant, if erratic detectives and a premier satirist. Is it wrong to hope someone is murdered during tea so I can watch them solve the crime?  That feels kind of morbid...

3. Do you have a favorite reading or book related quote?

"A home without books is a body without a soul." - Cicero

4. Where is your favorite place to read?

Curled up in front of the fireplace, or in the bath, or in bed. Someplace warm.

5. Do you have any funny reading quirks? (Like having to read things in numerical order or not reading books that start with the letter Q? Something like that?)

I definitely have to read series in order, I find it very distracting to jump around in a story.  I really don't like trilogies, I feel like if you are going to make me get that invested in the characters and plot then you should spin the story out as far as it will go, not just fill up three books because there happens to be a term for it...  I also hate it when a series ends abruptly, like the author just got tired or bored of writing. I have been known to shed a tear or two at the end of a good series, when it feels like you are saying good-bye to dear friends.

6. How many books are currently by your bed (on your nightstand or on the floor?) How many of those are you in the middle of reading?

30, but about 5 of those are finished and just hanging out in my library pile.  

5, but one of those is the one Brian and I are reading together...

7. Do you have a favorite children's book?

Oh so many, I really loved the Mrs. Piggle-wiggle books when I was a child. I have been having a lot of fun rediscovering my old favorites with my son, as he looks for new things to read.

8. What is your earliest book related memory?

My mom rocking my brother and I and reading a chapter of Winnie-the-Pooh when I was about 4 or so.

9. What is most amount of money you have ever had to pay in library fines?

$36.  That was a one time thing, I don't even want to know what I've paid over the last year or two... hence my New Year's Resolution to have no library fines this year! (So far so good...)

*In the interest of full disclosure I should tell you this was filled out a couple of months ago and I have since paid $3.80 in fines. Frankly I am amazed that I made it as far as April before incurring any fines, and my new goal is to pay less than $10 for the year...

10. Do you have any great story to share about trying to multi-task while reading? (i.e. walking into something while your nose was in a book?) 

I have always been able to disappear completely into a good book, and as a child I was frequently in trouble because I wouldn't hear the timer at school when free reading time was over, or to come in from recess. As an adult I have burned dinners, spaced appointments and locked myself out of the house on multiple occasions. So I really don't try to multi-task anymore. I can't do it successfully.

Spotlight Wednesdays

In the spotlight today is Emilie! My cousin. (I bet you didn't see that coming....) Emilie is a busy, fun, and creative mommy of four. She is a great listener and just a lot of fun to hang out with, as I think you'll discover from reading her answers... if you didn't already know, that is.


1. Do you have a favorite author or genre? And if so what do you find most appealing about them?

When I was younger it was all about the murder mysteries. But now that I am older, and wise enough not to scare myself on purpose, I find that I gravitate more towards a book with a good plot twist. Lately, that has involved all things fantasy.  

2. If you could have tea (or lunch, or any meal really, tea just feels more book clubbish, doesn't it?) with any three characters from all of literature who would it be?

This is a difficult question. I think it would be a character from any book I am currently reading. 

3. Do you have a favorite reading or book related quote?

No. No I don't.  

4. Where is your favorite place to read?

Anywhere comfortable and in a semi fetal position.  Even when sitting. The closer my knees are to my chest, the better. Except in the bath tub because THAT is just plain weird feeling to be like that in the tub....not that I've...er....um...tried that or anything.

5. Do you have any funny reading quirks? (Like having to read things in numerical order or not reading books that start with the letter Q? Something like that?)

I like to read every book in a series. First to last. The last book in the Wee Free Men series is hilarious! ...Oh, and there's that whole reading in a fetal position thing ;) 

6. How many books are currently by your bed (on your nightstand or on the floor?) How many of those are you in the middle of reading?

1 and 1.  

7. Do you have a favorite children's book?

The Jolly Postman. Who doesn't like a book that contains letters, in envelopes, inside of said book? It's the best. 

8. What is your earliest book related memory?

My mom reading to us at night. 

9. What is most amount of money you have ever had to pay in library fines?

Not much. maybe a dollar or two. 

10. Do you have any great story to share about trying to multi-task while reading? (i.e. walking into something while your nose was in a book?)

You would think I would. And maybe I do, but at the moment I can't recall any. Mostly it's just quoting something hilarious from a book I am currently reading and then having to take 15 minutes explaining the plot and circumstance of the quote so others around me will understand just WHY it is so funny and that they should in fact be rolling on the ground laughing instead of looking at me strangely while trying to discreetly dial the number to the loony bin without me noticing.

Spotlight Wednesdays

This week's spotlight is my favorite sister in law on my side of the family! :)  Elena is one of those people who's smile is just infectious and she always brings happiness and sunshine into any room she enters. She works from home and takes care of her busy two year old son, while my brother is working his way through a master's program at the University of Maryland. We miss them like crazy, but they are having such an adventure getting to be back east surrounded by all that history and culture!

1. Do you have a favorite author or genre? And if so what do you find most appealing about them?

I enjoy fiction. I still consider myself a new reader, so I'm finding what I like to read. I enjoy things that make me laugh and cry and help me learn something new, or see a new perspective in life.

2. If you could have tea (or lunch, or any meal really, tea just feels more book clubbish, doesn't it?) with any three characters from all of literature who would it be?

That's a tough one! I guess Elizabeth from Guernsey Literary P.P.S., Shakespeare, and maybe Ender.  It would be quite entertaining and enlightening!

3. Do you have a favorite reading or book related quote?

"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves."  ~Anna Quindlen

"You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend."  ~Paul Sweeney. 

This last quote came quite true just recently for me when I finished These Is My Words. I really did cry when it was over, not just because of the story, but I was sad it was over!

4. Where is your favorite place to read?

Lately it's been on our recliner. I get 2 pillows and a big puffy down blanket and snuggle up. It's heavenly. Our bed is nice too, except that requires 5-6 pillows instead of just 2. I find I like to ready while sitting up more than laying down.

5. Do you have any funny reading quirks? (Like having to read things in numerical order or not reading books that start with the letter Q? Something like that?)

Not particularly. But I am not the type of person that reads the ending to see if I'll like it or not. If I do read a series, of course the first one has to come first!

6. How many books are currently by your bed (on your nightstand or on the floor?) How many of those are you in the middle of reading?

There are 2 actual paper books on my nightstand, 3 in the bathroom, but another 23 in my new kindle ♥

7. Do you have a favorite children's book?

Love You Forever always makes me cry. There is this cute book called "A Pair of Red Clogs" that I loved when I was younger. The little girl gets a shiny new pair of red clogs, and then while playing a game where you kick your shoes up in the air and depending on how they land you get a certain fortune. I'd always be kicking my shoes on the way home from school after that. Luckily, unlike hers, mine didn't get broken.

8. What is your earliest book related memory?

I was lucky enough to have my mom read to me at night up until I was maybe 6 or 7 because I loved it! I think it was her chance to get a quiet moment after teaching for the day. I always thought it was funny that she would fall asleep while reading the story. I'd always have to nudge her awake to keep reading. Now as a parent, I can totally understand how that can happen!

9. What is most amount of money you have ever had to pay in library fines?

Wow... maybe like $1.50. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing, I'm not sure!

10. Do you have any great story to share about trying to multi-task while reading? (i.e. walking into something while your nose was in a book?)

Not really walking into anything, but I am not good about keeping control of myself while reading in public. I laugh out loud, and very often cry while reading books.  I remember during silent reading time in 3rd grade, the book I was reading was hilarious, and I just busted out. Every one thought I was crazy I'm sure!

Spotlight Wednesdays

The spotlight today is Mary, another cousin. (Anyone noticing a theme around here?) She is also  Sarah's sister. She is a new mommy to an adorable baby boy and a very talented musician.  And her husband makes shoes, how cool is that? :)

1. Do you have a favorite author or genre? And if so what do you find most appealing about them?


I go in phases.  I'm usually up for a good fantasy, though.  I like stories that pull me in, whatever the genre.


2. If you could have tea (or lunch, or any meal really, tea just feels more book clubbish, doesn't it?) with any three characters from all of literature who would it be?


umm. . . foggy brain. . .


3. Do you have a favorite reading or book related quote


Well. . . I thought about looking one up, but the truth is I really don't.  The song from Reading Rainbow does come to mind, however. . .


4. Where is your favorite place to read?


Lately, on the couch or in my bed (often while I'm nursing.) When I was in middle school, I used to make a nest of sorts out of pillows and blankets and just stay there all day, reading.  Drove my brother nuts.


5. Do you have any funny reading quirks? (Like having to read things in numerical order or not reading books that start with the letter Q? Something like that?)

I definitely like to read things in order, and all the way through.  I'm a little peeved right now because my library doesn't have the 4th Wee Free Men book.  


I go in long phases when I feel like if I'm eating, I should be reading.  Now is not one of those phases, because it's a little hard to eat and nurse and read.  (If you haven't guessed by now, I have a new baby. :)  He's six weeks on Thursday.)  

It's really hard for me to stop reading when I'm not in a stopping place.  "Let me just finish this chapter" is a sentence I have spoken probably way too many times.  Especially since one chapter often turns into two. . .

Other things tend to seem unimportant when I'm into a book.  I rarely read for recreation during school.  If I did, chances are my homework didn't get done that night, but the book definitely did.

Don't know if any of that is really quirky, but there you go.

6. How many books are currently by your bed (on your nightstand or on the floor?) How many of those are you in the middle of reading?


I don't dabble in multiple books at a time.  I read one all the way through before moving on to the next.  I'm that way with food too--I'm not a mixer.  That being said, I do have a stack of Reader's Digest by my bed at the moment since my mom gave them to me for middle-of-the-night nursing entertainment.


7. Do you have a favorite children's book?


The first one that comes to mind is The Tawny Lion.  I love the resourceful rabbit.  Soup never sounded so good.


8. What is your earliest book related memory?


My early reading memories are actually negative.  I hated learning to read.  It was so hard at first.  I was not at all convinced that I would actually need it in life like my mom said.  I'm not sure when it happened, but eventually I fell in love with it.


Another early memory I have is a recurring nightmare I had after someone read me Puff the Magic Dragon as a bedtime story.


9. What is most amount of money you have ever had to pay in library fines?


I'm not sure I have ever paid a fine.  I maybe paid 25 cents once. . .


10. Do you have any great story to share about trying to multi-task while reading? (i.e. walking into something while your nose was in a book?)


Mostly just my husband getting frustrated if I try to read while he's talking to me.

Spotlight Wednesdays

The spotlight this week is one of my very favorite people, and frequent partner in crime, my sister Caitlin.  Caite is hilarious, especially since a lot of the time people have this image of her as a quiet, little thing and then are quite taken aback by her sharp and witty intellect. I love it. We always have the most fun together and usually enjoy the same taste in books, movies, hobbies, and desserts. She is the best aunt in the world and my children adore her. She is taking a sabbatical from school right, but is working to become a Rad-Tech.  I know that means she takes x-rays of people, and she has some very funny stories that you should ask her about.  I could go on and on, but really that would be gushing now wouldn't it. So I'll just let you read on and get to know her in her own words.

1. Do you have a favorite author or genre? And if so what do you find most appealing about them?

I love fantasy adventure and romance novels. Real life can be so blah at times—it’s nice to escape to an alternate world of magic, danger, and costume balls for a time. (Even if it’s only between loads of laundry.) I’m also a huge fan of satire and humorists.  I really enjoy a book that can challenge my current perceptions while still making me smile.

2. If you could have tea (or lunch, or any meal really, tea just feels more book clubbish, doesn't it?) with any three characters from all of literature who would it be?

Hmm…tricky. I think I’d pick Nanny Ogg, Albus Dumbledore, and Ebenezer Scrooge. I believe that would be the most lively and interesting conversation I’d ever be a part of.

3. Do you have a favorite reading or book related quote?

I’ve been on a Terry Pratchett kick and these are some of my favorites:

 “Fantasy is an exercise bicycle for the mind. It might not take you anywhere, but it tones up the muscles that can. Of course, I could be wrong…”

“Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.”

“Stories of imagination tend to upset those without one.”

“This book was written using %100 recycled words.”

4. Where is your favorite place to read?

In the corner of the brake room, the bed, the overstuffed chair in the library, possibly the toilet if I ate something disagreeable, but definitely not outdoors. For whatever reason, I believe books were meant to be enjoyed while sitting someplace warm, dry and preferably snug—and in all my experience, reading outdoors has always equated to damp grass stains or sand in unmentionable places, two factors which utterly disrupt my literary enjoyment.

5. Do you have any funny reading quirks? (Like having to read things in numerical order or not reading books that start with the letter Q? Something like that?)

A series must always be read in chronological order—otherwise it wouldn’t be a series, it’d be a collection. I only read books that have descriptions in the jacket or on the back—I don’t read the last pages, but I’d still like to know what I’m getting into. I also have a general rule that if the author’s picture takes up more space than the description it probably isn’t worth the effort.

6. How many books are currently by your bed (on your nightstand or on the floor?) How many of those are you in the middle of reading?

I actually just cleaned my room, so there are only two on my nightstand at the moment…both in progress. However, there are ten more waiting at a discreet distance on my dresser.

7. Do you have a favorite children's book?

I loved The Borrowers and Raggedy Ann in Candy Land.

8. What is your earliest book related memory?

I remember writing my name on the title page of a library book I didn’t want to return…Mom made sure I never did it again. Conversely, I remember two years later in first grade, that the school librarian would always let me check out five books when the limit was actually two because I took such good care of them and always brought them back on time.

9. What is most amount of money you have ever had to pay in library fines?

*Cough* Well, obviously my good behavior from first grade didn’t last…at least as far as timeliness was concerned….I believe the most I’ve paid is…um…$48.00…

10. Do you have any great story to share about trying to multi-task while reading? (i.e. walking into something while your nose was in a book?)

Actually I think my funniest story stems from my lack of ability to multi-task while reading.

I’ve always had the gift (or curse, depending on your point of view) of tuning everything else out when I’m really reading. You know, not just skimming, but nose pressed to the pages kind of thing… Anyway, it was 9^th Grade and we had dedicated reading time during 1^st period. I got really into the story and didn’t hear the girl next to me ask to borrow a pencil, didn’t hear the teacher remind us about the pep assembly after class, totally ignored the bell, and missed the fact that everyone walked out (in my defense I was craned over my desk with my hands propping my head up so I couldn’t see what was going on around me, plus the teacher led the way –which in this class meant everyone walked quietly in single file—and I was at the end of my row, so I didn’t sense anyone pass me.)

Fifteen minutes and one excellent chapter later, I rose from my literary stupor and was really confused as to where everyone had gone and how I’d missed it. My teacher moved me to the front after that.

Spotlight Wednesdays

Our spotlight this week is Tiffany! (Just so you all know, I'll be posting these in the order I get them.  And I still haven't gotten everyones' questionnaire back, *hint hint* wink wink *nudge nudge*...)  Okay, back to Tiffany, who is another of my cousins and in a lot of ways we could be twins only separated by the nine years age difference and the fact that we were born to different mothers... :) Tiff has an adorable one year old daughter and both she and her husband are going to school at BYU-Idaho. 

1. Do you have a favorite author or genre? And if so what do you find most appealing about them? 

I love to read good stories that keep you from your responsibilities--the ones that are so charming or clever or captivating that you cant put it down. I do enjoy regency era books, murder mysteries, and books that replenish my spirit.

2. If you could have tea (or lunch, or any meal really, tea just feels more book clubbish, doesn't it?) with any three characters from all of literature who would it be?

The Wee Free Men, Dr. Temperance Brennan, and Sheharazade

3. Do you have a favorite reading or book related quote?

I have two.

"The good ended happily and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means." --Miss Prism, Importance of Being Earnest

"If you have never said "Excuse me" to a parking meter or bashed your shins on a fireplug, you are probably wasting too much valuable reading time."--Sherri Chasin Calvo

4. Where is your favorite place to read?

In bed, late at night while its still and quiet and I'm too relaxed to sleep, so I snuggle in bed and keep the bedside lamp on into the night! (Steven has built up an amazing immunity to light...he is able to sleep right through it!)

5. Do you have any funny reading quirks? (Like having to read things in numerical order or not reading books that start with the letter Q? Something like that?)

I can't read a book if someone suffers/suffered from abuse during childhood. I can't read a book of the heroine's name is retarded. I also can't read a book if it doesn't have an interesting/unique plot.

6. How many books are currently by your bed (on your nightstand or on the floor?) How many of those are you in the middle of reading?

About 15 on my bed stand and several on Steven's bed stand. (I really sound like an awful wife but he actually offers to be so sweet and lets me get away with stuff...)

7. Do you have a favorite children's book?

Stinky Cheese Man
Parts
Nursery Rhymes

8. What is your earliest book related memory?

I read these history books that had important events and the related stories in each, like the Abraham Lincoln story, or the Boston tea party, or the trail of tears. I must have been about six. It was when we used to live in Farmington. 

9. What is most amount of money you have ever had to pay in library fines?

It must have been just under $30.

10. Do you have any great story to share about trying to multi-task while reading? (i.e. walking into something while your nose was in a book?)

I used to do my reading for classes with Kaia. I would hold the book with one hand and highlight with the other hand....thank goodness Chrissy passed her boppy pillow on to me...

Spotlight Wednesdays

Our spotlight this week is Stacy.  She is a friend of my cousin Sarah and they take their kids to story time together.  That is all I know about her so far, but if she is a friend of Sarah then she must be pretty cool.   So welcome Stacy! I enjoyed getting to know you through your spotlight a little bit. Especially your answer to #10... it's good to know I'm not the only one who's done that. :)

1. Do you have a favorite author or genre? And if so what do you find most appealing about them?


I've really enjoyed Dan Brown's novels.  I think they're so full of information that it gives me lots to think about. Plus, they're fast paced, so I'm not reading about what a door looked like for a few pages...


2. If you could have tea (or lunch, or any meal really, tea just feels more book clubbish, doesn't it?) with any three characters from all of literature who would it be?  


Junie B. Jones, let's face it.  She's hilarious. Molly Weasley, and Nancy Drew.  Can you tell I'm sophisticated?


3. Do you have a favorite reading or book related quote? 


"Anyone who says they only have one life to live must not know how to read a book."


4. Where is your favorite place to read?


In bed.  It's cozy.


5. Do you have any funny reading quirks? (Like having to read things in numerical order or not reading books that start with the letter Q? Something like that?) 


I don't think so. Except for that I always feel like I have to be munching on something while I'm reading.  So, this book club might lead to a few extra pounds. :S


6. How many books are currently by your bed (on your nightstand or on the floor?) 


How many of those are you in the middle of reading? 2 and 2.  Told you I'm not a super reader.


7. Do you have a favorite children's book? 


I have too many favorite Children's books.  But if I had to choose, I'd say "Little Black Sambo"


8. What is your earliest book related memory? 


My mom reading "Little Black Sambo" to me.


9. What is most amount of money you have ever had to pay in library fines? 


$3 exactly.  


10. Do you have any great story to share about trying to multi-task while reading? (i.e. walking into something while your nose was in a book?)  


Only dropping a book on my baby because I fell asleep while nursing, but I'm sure we've all done that.  Right? ...Right?

Member Spotlights

Yesterday we got two new members! Yay! I thought it would be fun to spotlight them and get to know them a little better. And hopefully our earlier members will fill out their questionnaires and send them back to me because we want to everyone to know how neat and funny you all are!

Our first new member and first ever spotlight is Sarah. She is a busy mom of two adorable little boys, who I know makes time to share her love of reading with them by taking them to story time at their local library. Plus she is my cousin, and is just generally awesome. :) 

So welcome Sarah! I hope you all enjoy reading her spotlight, I sure did...

1. Do you have a favorite author or genre? And if so what do you find most appealing about them? 

I would have said Robin McKinley, or Anne Perry hands down before, but I find my tastes are changing as I get older.  I still enjoy Robin, but sometimes her fantasy stuff is a little 'out there' for me.  Not enough background and explanation, she just expects you to understand the worlds she's created, that being said, I like the worlds she creates.  I love how she always has strong female characters, that usually end up saving the day.  Anne Perry is a fabulous mystery writer and I've enjoyed how she can still surprise me and I love reading about the Victorian world.  I have found that I'm not in the mood for as much murder, mayhem and sexual depravity lately so I haven't read one of hers in awhile.  Lately I've really been enjoying a new local author named Jessica George. She writes fantasy/fairy tale books.  I don't know if I have a favorite genre, but I'll pick up a retelling of a fairy tale anytime.

2. If you could have tea (or lunch, or any meal really, tea just feels more book clubbish, doesn't it?) with any three characters from all of literature who would it be? 

I hate these kinds of questions.  I escape into books to pretend to be a different person for awhile, and while I enjoy getting in their heads, that doesn't mean I'd enjoy having an actual conversation with one of them, because no one would be writing my lines for me.

3. Do you have a favorite reading or book related quote? 

"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales."

— Albert Einstein

"You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend."

— Paul Sweeney

4. Where is your favorite place to read?

In a bubble bath.

5. Do you have any funny reading quirks? (Like having to read things in numerical order or not reading books that start with the letter Q? Something like that?)

I have to read every. last. word.  If I feel like I skipped one I have to go back and read the sentence or paragraph again.  If I'm listening to a book on CD I have to go back and listen to the whole track again if somebody was talking and I missed some.

6. How many books are currently by your bed (on your nightstand or on the floor?)  How many of those are you in the middle of reading? 

 15 and 5

7. Do you have a favorite children's book?  

Many.  Right now I think the Gerald and Piggie books by Mo Willems are just awesome.

8. What is your earliest book related memory? 

Using a flashlight to read under the covers after my mom turned the lights out.

9. What is most amount of money you have ever had to pay in library fines?  

$12.00  but I'm constantly paying off the $.15-4.00 ones cause I don't like seeing them on my account.

10. Do you have any great story to share about trying to multi-task while reading? (i.e. walking into something while your nose was in a book?)

I can't really do anything else while reading, except eat.  I'm not good at blocking stuff out.  I can't read in the car or I get sick but I can say that I have never ever ever fallen asleep while reading a book.