Armchair BEA Day Five: Topic of Choice (Book Conventions in General) and Middle Grade/Young Adult

Topic of Choice (Book Conventions):

...

Middle Grade/Young Adult:

I don't read too much Middle Grade, but I have in the past. Here are a few of my favorite series:

- Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

- Deltora by Emily Rodda

- The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

- Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

- Inkworld by Cornelia Funke

I'd like to read these series:

- Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

- Bot Wars by J.V. Cade

Armchair BEA Day Four: Giveaways & Beyond the Borders

Giveaways:

Win a signed copy of The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes, and a swag pack! Ends 05/29

Win an ARC of Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel! Ends 05/31

Win one of two signed copies of The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes, and one of two swag packs! Ends 06/02

Beyond the Borders:

- Fire by Kristin Cashore: hands-down the BEST fantasy novel I've ever read. I can literally dream about the world Cashore has created.

- Wounded by Jasinda Wilder: I'd never read a book about a girl-turned-prostitute before. It's very interesting to see things from Rania's perspective.

- Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott: this book held a personal meaning to me, because something very similar happened to my aunt. I FELT so much while reading this book.

Armchair BEA Day Three: Expanding Blogging Horizons & Novellas/Short Stories

Expanding Blogging Horizons:

I kind of want to start my own meme, something related to science and mathematics. Environmental science is kind of my specialty (environmental engineer, hey!), so I'm actually in the process of making this idea happen.

I definitely want to create (or have someone else create) a new design for my blog - this is also in the works!

I might switch to Wordpress one day - or at least get my own domain. In the future!

Novellas/Short Stories:

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of novellas. I think they're a waste of time and money, most of the time. Extra content? Usually it's like five chapters of new content, and two chapters of the next book. For $1.99? No thank you. And most of the time, the new content doesn't advance the plot, or aren't necessary to read in order to continue with the full-length novels. Useless!

But, I've enjoyed a few novellas! Here are some of my favorites:

  

Anthologies... I don't read too many of those. Or any at all? I would like to read:

- Shards and Ashes

- Til the World Ends

- Defy the Dark

- Slasher Girls & Monster Boys

- After

- Enthralled

Armchair BEA Day Two: Author Interaction & More Than Just Words

Author Interaction:

I've been to a handful of signings. I went to the Shine release party (May 2013) with Jeri Smith-Ready, and I attended the YAGB Baltimore workshop (June 2013) with authors Jodi Meadows, Erin Bowman, Susan Dennard, Sarah J. Maas, and Kat Zhang. I attended the Baltimore Book Festival (September 2013) and met Jennifer L. Armentrout, Brigid Kemmerer, Alethea Kontis, and Diana Peterfreund. 

Honestly, I LOVE signings and events. I'm not shy at all, and I don't think I'm awkward, so I love going to these events. I don't go to more because there actually aren't many in Baltimore - most are in D.C., and I don't have a car. And I'm in college for most of the year. Traveling via Metro to D.C. isn't super easy or convenient or time-efficient. But I love going to book events.

I love it when authors interact with readers online. Twitter is a beautiful thing, for that purpose. Paula Stokes, Lynne Matson, Lori M. Lee, and many other authors KILL IT with the author/blogger interactions - they are so social and talkative. It's wonderful! Some authors respond to a select few "popular" bloggers, which kind of pisses me off a little, because sometimes, those bloggers haven't even read those authors' books. But whatever. I'll talk to anyone and everyone who will talk with me. 

More Than Just Words

I'm a little confused by what is being asked. I read books. I don't read comic books or graphic novels... I read books. So I'm not really sure what to say here.

Armchair BEA Day One: Introductions & Literature

Hello everyone! Happy Monday! I know most of you are actually at BEA, but I'm not, so this year, I am participating in Armchair BEA for the second time! Here I go!

Introductions:

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? Where in the world are you blogging from? 

I'm Alyssa, and I just completed my freshman year at Johns Hopkins University! I started blogging December 29th (2012), so I've been blogging for a year and a half. I love blogging because I get to do more of what I already love to do (read and write opinions), and I get to network with people all around the world. Also, I'm exposed to so many new books, that I might not see in my public library!

Describe your blog in just one sentence. Then, list your social details -- Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. -- so we can connect more online. 

The Eater of Books! is a book blog for people who need their daily dose of the printed word.

Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Pinterest

What genre do you read the most? I love to read because ___________________ . 

Epic fantasy! I love to read because it's the perfect escape for me.

What was your favorite book read last year? What’s your favorite book so far this year? 

Last year, my favorite book was Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Tucholke.

This year, so far, I seriously LOVED To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. But wait! Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne (my most anticipated novel of 2014) is coming up on my review pile!

What does your favorite/ideal reading space look like? (Pinterest encouraged!) 

Uhhh, my room. My bed. Super clean (I swear I have OCD or something). Honestly, I'm not picky with where I read though. Just don't bother me!

What is your favorite blogging resource? 

... Blogging resource? Maybe this sounds snobby, but I don't have one? If I have a blogging or reviewing question, I look for the answer myself, from a variety of (random but credible) sources.

Spread the love by naming your favorite blogs/bloggers (doesn't necessarily have to be book blogs/bloggers). 

Jess of Lovin Los Libros (who will be at BEA!)

Pili of In Love With Handmaid

Nereyda of Mostly YA Obsessed

The Team at The YA Bookcase

Kel of Booked Til Tuesday

Jessica of Step Into Fiction (who will be at BEA!)

Alexis of Alexis Adores Books (who will be at BEA!)

Rachel of Paper Cuts

Nikki of Fiction Freak

Share your favorite book or reading related quote. 

"I thought you wanted to go."

"I wanted you to ask me to stay."

- Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Describes my love life perfectly. Sort of. Sigh.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 books would you bring? Why? What 3 non-book items would you bring? Why? 

1. Fire by Kristin Cashore: it's my favorite book of all time!

2. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers: one of my favorite books of all time!

3. How to Survive on a Deserted Island by Tim O'Shei: heh

(I) Machete: because DUH.
(II) A lighter: again, DUH.
(III) A bag: to gather all my valuables when I build my raft and sail away!

 What book would you love to see as a movie? 

Rush by Eve Silver! It's kickbutt :D

Literature:

I generally don't read too much "literature" or classics - I'm not a fan. I have read plenty of classics, either as required reading for school, or just because I felt like it. One novel that really stuck with me was:

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

So much love for this book. It's pretty short, as far as classics go, and a wonderful, lighthearted novel that goes so much deeper than what is presented at its surface.

Armchair BEA: Day 6 (Genres and Wrap-Up)

Genres: Did We Miss Any?

In the discussion posts we have had in the past days, I do not think we've missed many genres! But today, I would like to highlight one that is often glossed over.

Steampunk.

According to Dictionary.com, steampunk is defined as...

"a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy featuring advanced machines and other technology based on steam power of the 19th century and taking place in a recognizable historical period or a fantasy world."

I really like the steampunk genre (or sub-genre, depending on how you look at it!). Here are some of my favorites:

The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

I have truly appreciated the steampunk books I have read, and hope for more!

Wrap-Up

Well, this was my first year participating in Armchair BEA, and I loved it! I really liked creating extra posts each day and discussing genres. 

And I won a giveaway! While it was by no means the book I wanted, I can't complain too much :)

Thank you, Armchair BEA hosts and sponsors, for a wonderful couple of days of posts, chats, and giveaways!

Armchair Bea: Day 5 (Keeping It Real and Picture Books to Young Adult)

Keeping It Real, Fresh, and Fun:

I have at least one new post every day! I haven't missed a day since I started blogging, despite months of painstaking schoolwork and stress and AP exams and graduation. I also post a lot of giveaways, because everyone likes a giveaway!

And as you can see on my right-hand sidebar, I have plenty of those.

I change my background every now and then as well. I'm getting ready to change my whole layout. We'll see how that goes!

From Picture Books To Young Adult:

I don't read a lot of little children's literature anymore. I love The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

And of course, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

As for Young Adult novels... well, this blog is mostly filled with YA-related posts and reviews. Don't make me pick my favorites :D

Armchair BEA: Day 4 (Non-Fiction and Ethics)

Non-Fiction

I don't really read non-fiction books for leisure. For school, maybe. But not on my own time. If I want to enjoy reading, I'll read fiction.

Ethics

Plagiarism is a big issue when it comes to blogging. Annabelle from Sparkles and Lightning was a victim of plagiarism. The bottom line about plagiarism is that it is WRONG. There is no correct instance to plagiarize. From my first years of learning/schooling, we were taught not to copy/cheat/plagiarize. The lesson is the same no matter what age, no matter what job, no matter what person.

Also, do your research and find out the facts if you're not sure about something. Don't just go putting some rude remark about something error you saw in a book, only to find out that you were wrong, and there is no inconsistency. Do a fact-check if you're not sure if something is supposed to be that way or not. I suppose this really affects historical fiction novels, but any genre as well. 

Armchair BEA: Day 3 (Literary Fiction)

Literary Fiction

Honestly, I don't know very many books that are considered literary fiction, of today. Like, modern literature. I mean, LOOK what the dictionary has to say about literature. Permanent or universal interest. Like Pride and Prejudice. Or A Room With A View. Literature is defined as works that will last through the ages. Can we say that most of the MG, YA, NA, and adult books that we read will be considered literature, and be interesting for people 100 years from now? Or 100 years before us?

I personally LOVE A Room With A View by E.M. Forster. It's my favorite classic. I definitely consider it a work of literature.

Basically, I think literature should be able to be considered classics, for decades, and hundreds of years. So, today's novels? Probably can't be considered literature, in my opinion. Yet, or at all - we will see in the future!

Armchair BEA: Day 2 (Blogger Development and Genre Fiction)

Blogger Development

It's no secret to you all that I am a newbie to the blogging world. Just HOW new? Well, today (yes, today!) is my 5-month blogoversary! YAY!

I haven't really branched out to my community, my local library, school library, etc. In fact, most of my friends know that I am book-obsessed, but they don't know that I have a blog. I am now getting to know bloggers in the state of Maryland, but as far as I know, there are no other bloggers in my county.

I'm not sure what is meant by "partnering" with other bloggers, but I don't have a co-blogger, or guest bloggers. I'm still new to this, and I still want to call this blog completely my own. 

I do not generate income or ad revenue through my blog. Everything is honest and non-money-related!

I have broadened my blogging horizons by reaching out to publishers for book promotions and ARCs. I started doing this a few months ago, which might have been a little early then, but now, my stats have improved, and I'm doing better.

Genre Fiction

Let's face it: I'll read basically anything, except erotica and horror, really. I love science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, contemporary, romance, historical, steampunk, mystery, thriller, etc. Every book has a different spin on each genre, and I don't like every single book I read, but for the most part, I'll read any genre (except for erotica and horror).

I do tend to read based on genre - meaning, I'll pick which book I want to read next based on the genre of the previous book. For example, I just read The S-Word, a contemporary novel. I didn't want to read two contemporary novels back-to-back (unless it is a contemporary romance), so I'm reading a historical paranormal novel now.

I hope that makes sense! Basically, I'll read anything! :D

Except erotica and horror. As I've said.

Armchair BEA: Introductions

Hello everyone! Happy Tuesday! I know most of you are actually AT BEA, but I'm not, so this year, I am participating in Armchair BEA for the first time! Here I go with another blogging first!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? 

Well, my name is Alyssa, and I am graduating from high school tomorrow! I'll be attending Johns Hopkins University in August. I started blogging December 29th of last year, so I've only been blogging for five months (baby blogger?). I love blogging because I get to do more of what I already love to do (read and write opinions), and I get to network with people all around the world. That makes me all kinds of happy :)

Where in the world are you blogging from? Tell a random fact or something special about your current location. Feel free to share pictures. 

Maryland, USA! Baltimore used to be known as The City That Reads :D

(No pictures, because I'm too lazy)

Have you previously participated in Armchair BEA? What brought you back for another year? If you have not previously participated, what drew you to the event? 

I have not! I'm doing this event because it's my first year blogging, so why not make it my first time participating in Armchair BEA! Besides, next year, I might actually be going to BEA.

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2013?

I am reading The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher. My favorite read of 2013... hmmm. Altered by Jennifer Rush.

Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.

I'M GOING TO JOHNS HOPKINS, MY DREAM SCHOOL!!! But I feel like people who read my blog know this. When I started this blog this past December, I was halfway through the school year, and halfway through the college application process. So, consistent readers should have picked up my small hints along the way!

Name your favorite blog(s) and explain why they are your favorite(s).

I love Eileen from ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***, because she is super nice, and she was one of the people I asked for a small bit of help when starting my blog. Really, I did it by myself, but she answered any random questions I had!

Same goes for Annabelle at Sparkles and Lightning. She always has great reviews and organized posts, she's amazing, and she answered my random questions when I started my blog as well!

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?

Umm... THIS one :D

If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?

Kristin Cashore and her character, Fire. I loved Cashore's book, Fire, SO much. It's one of my favorite books of all time. I'd love to meet them both and chat!

Also, Galen from Of Poseidon, Ryan from Dare You To, Cade from Faking It, Malachi from Sanctum, and Jase from My Life Next Door. Because, you know, they're all hot. And sweet. 

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why? 

Trespass Island, from Revel by Maurissa Guibord. It sounds creepy...

What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? 

Meeting all of the fantastic people! And feeling like I belong in something, and I'm doing it effortlessly. I may still be new, and not very well known, but the people that do know me treat me so nicely.

Is there anything that you would like to see changed in the coming years?

For Armchair BEA? I have no idea. I've never participated before this year. You let ME know! :)

So, have fun at BEA, those who are going! And for the rest of us, maybe we'll see you sometime!