BBAW DAY 2: INTERVIEW SWAP WITH PAGE AT ONE BOOK AT A TIME

I'm so pleased to welcome Page from One Book At a Time.  It's so exciting to interview a new-to-me blogger! And we have a couple of things in common...a love of historical fiction and we're both stay-at-home moms.  Now let's learn some more about Page.....

How long have you been blogging and what compelled you to start your book blog?

I guess that's open to debate lol. I started a blog in January of 2009 as a way to keep up with my book challenges (which I had never done before). I was horrible at keeping up with it especially after discovering Goodreads. Goodreads is what actually propelled me to actually start writing reviews. As I was going through books I've read I came across many that I know I had read but couldn't remember a dang thing about them. I "officially" began my blog in June of 2009. It's been a fun learning experience.

What are your top three favorite genres?

Young Adult, Historical Fiction, and Paranormal

What about your favorite authors as an adult?

It's so hard to say now. My go to answer use to be Mary Higgins Clark, Dean Kootntz, Stephen King. But I haven't read any of their latest works (they are on my to read list). I've added Maria Snyder, Lauren Oliver, Kristin Cashore, and Suzanne Collins to that list. I'm sure there will be more.

As a child?

I'm not sure about favorite authors. I was enthralled with The Babysitter's Club. I had every one up until the moment I stopped reading them. I'm now in the process of collecting the rest to give to my girls when they get older.

What are your top five favorite books as an adult?

Top 5 of all time? Wow, I think that would be a hard one. I've read the Harry Potter and Twilight series so many times I've lost count. So I'm sure they would be on there. I also loved Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. One of my favorite books I've ever read (and I've only read it once) is House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski. I've realized though that you might have to be a special sort of person to like that book. It's very strange.

As a child?

Again, not sure I could pick 5. But, the book I read over and over (I still have my battered copy) was Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn. I loved ghost stories!

Do you have a large TBR list/pile? Are these books from your personal library or review books? Or both?

My to be read pile (which is different than my list lol) currently sits at just over a 100 books. Not as large as some people, but if my husband knew that I'm sure he would ban me from getting another one for a very long time. It's all from my personal library. I limit myself on review books. I usually don't have more than 4 in my possession at any given time. I actually participate more in tours. I love them because I still get to read the latest ARCs, but don't have to worry about finding room for them all in my house!

Do you keep all of your books and buy books with the intention of keeping them (like I do)?

I use to keep everything I bought. But, I realized I don't have room for them all. I have quite a few that I keep. But, I decided if it wasn't by my favorite authors or something I would never read again, I had to pass it on. My latest problem has been books that I get either from the library or tours that I loved. I would love to have a copy of my own, but when my wishlist is so long, I have a hard time buying a book I've already read.

How long do you give a book before you give up on it or do you plod on, determined to finish?

I have only given up on 2 books. I plod on, complain to my husband, but always finish. I know that I will dislike it even more if I can't get through it. Both those book I've given up on, I may eventually go back and try to read.

What new-to-you genres or books, if any, have you discovered since starting your blog?

Paranormal and Dystopian. I probably would never have picked them up if it weren't for blogs.

Are you initially struck by gorgeous covers? Have you ever bought a book solely because of its cover?

I love covers! I think it's great how much publishers pay attention to them now. I don't think I've ever bought a book just because of it's cover. But, I've definitely picked them up to read the description just because of them!

What book(s) would you be most likely to recommend to others this year?

I've recommended The Hunger Games trilogy many times this year! I've also recommended The Harry Potter series, The Sookie Stackhouse Series, and Mercy Thompson series.

What are your favorite non-reading hobbies?

I love to ride horses, although I don't do it nearly as often as I should. I also love music, movies, and theater. But, I live in a small town and that kind of stuff isn't readily avaible to me.

I read that you're a stay-at-home mom...me too! What is the most challenging thing about being a SAHM?

People think it's all fun and games. I feel sometimes people think it's so easy to do this. I love my girls and this time I get to spend with them when they are young, but sometimes I miss adult interactions. It's challenging balancing it all just like it is for those women who work!

You have two girls...I have two boys. I have been told that girls are a lot easier. Any truth to that?

I have no idea lol! I'm sure each gender has it's challenges. I'm sure my 2 year old could give any little boy a run for their money. My 4 year old, on the other hand, is all girl to the point I'm dreading the teenage years!

Do your girls like to read? What are their favorites?

They love to be read too! And on any given day, I might find them in their rooms quietly looking at books. I love it! They like just about anything. My oldest daughter loves Barbie books while my younger one like anything with animals!

I'd like to thank Page again for sharing with us.  Be sure to stop by her blog (HERE) to read her interview with me.  While you're there, take a look around her great site!

Happy BBAW!!!