Discussion:The Great Debate: E-books VS Real Books

Alright I'm giving you two ways here to see my discussion. One being via my video chatter. (I enjoy talking to my camera. I hope you enjoy listening and watching.) Two being my typed out version which will probably not mirror anything I say on video so yeah. :)

To join in on my discussion just start typing a comment, and I will get it and respond back of course.

Send your friends the link and have them join in to. The more the merrier. I'm always willing to hear others thoughts on subjects that are constantly on my mind.

Kindle VS THE Book

Discussion: Bookplates...Do you stick them in the books?

While I was rearranging my books and bookish things I got the past couple of weeks I noticed I have  bookplates that are just stuffed inside the books or stuffed in boxes. This got me thinking what do other book lovers do with their bookplates?

If you don't know what bookplates are: they are small printed labels that adhere to books usually inside the front cover, and let you know who the books owner is. Then there are the ones that the authors sign.

These are ones that people place in their books that say

something to this extent, but these are not the bookplates I'm talking about (I do however have some like these, and probably wouldn't stick them in my books. I'm picky about things like that.)  

I'm referring to the second type the author signed ones. Probably like most book bloggers or readers I love having my books signed by the authors, but sometimes I can't go to signings to get them signed. I know you can buy signed books from places that have signings, or sometimes bookstores get a certain number of signed books shipped to them, but signing bookplates is sometimes simpler. I think Empty Mirror Books says it best. 

I get quite a few bookplates signed by authors from book boxes (like lit cube and owlcrate) I'm signed up with.

Below are two that I got recently

As you can tell I haven't put them in the books. When it comes to my books I'm pretty particular about what I do to them. I know it probably wouldn't hurt the books because it's the authors signature, but if I want the signature of the author I'd rather it be directly on the pages. 

What do you all do with these type bookplates? Do you stick them in the books? How do you feel about sticking them in the books? Are you like me and just have them stuffed in the books not attached? If neither what do you do with your loose author signed bookplates?

I really do want to know. I need a better way to place or store them than just stuffed inside the book where they might get lost, ruined, or something else.

Discussion: Bookish Subscription boxes

Hello Readers!

If you're like me then every once in awhile you notice that one of the book blogs you visit talks about a box of bookish goodies they have received from either Book Riot or  Uppercase box. Yes? No? In any case I did, and I always wondered about them. I never actually subscribe to those two sites until about a month ago when I figured I would give it a try. Before getting your hope they do cost some money, but I find it to be worth it. I love the stuff I got. :) 

Are you curious yet?

Book Riot actually does their boxes through a site called Quarterly. Their boxes cost 50.00, but when you see what you get it makes sense, and again it's worth it. You get a box every 3 months. They actually have two boxes now. One is a regular bookish box, and the other is a YA box (which I think is new). I'm actually subscribe for both now. This month I received the regular one. I got 2 books, and 2 bookish goodies. Although I've never heard of the two books I got it's still a nice surprise. 

Below is a picture

 I love the flask that says #booksandbooze and then the notebook that resembles a library checkout thing. I looked up some reviews on the books, and people seem to like them. 

So all in all I'd say this was an awesome box. -Note apparently the YA boxes sell out quick-

Bookriot.com and Quarterly.co

The next bookish subscription I decided to try was Uppercase Box, and they have two options to choose from $23 for an expert box or $29 for a personalized box. I chose the personalized box of course. This box is actually a monthly subscription. It ships the 15th of every month. If you love YA books and fun goodies then this box is for you. Wanna see what I got?

It comes in this awesome little bag.

In the bag I received Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, a Jane Austin candle, and note from Uppercase staff and a book plate signed by Victoria Aveyard. I love it, and I didn't have the book yet.

So what are your thoughts on these boxes? Have you subscribed to them already? Are you planning on it now? Are there others like these that you can think of?

Discussion: Goodreads Drama? Really people?

“Reader's Bill of Rights
1. The right to not read 
2. The right to skip pages 
3. The right to not finish 
4. The right to reread
 5. The right to read anything
 6. The right to escapism 
7. The right to read anywhere
 8. The right to browse
 9. The right to read out loud 
10. The right to not defend your tastes” ― Daniel Pennac

First, I have to say I love this. I found it on someones profile over on goodreads.

Second, Where the hell have I been lately? I ignore twitter and don't mingle and come back to find some ridiculous sites being made because reviewers/bloggers are being mean or "bullying" authors. I really think that's a two-way street if you look at it really hard. 

Authors: If you don't want to be "bullied" by bloggers don't read their reviews, don't show them any interest, don't start something that you can't handle. I mean I would think it's as easy as that. Fact of the matter is if you keep on pushing the buttons, keep on agitating them what'd you expect is going to happen? I know when people push my buttons, piss me off, whatever I stay quite until I've built up so much inside of me that it's going to be released. (or I will ignore you and trust me I've been told that the silent treatment is so much worse via the fiance.) You don't poke at a bear, tiger, or snake expecting it to not attack you, or defend itself do you?  It's common sense when something feels threatened it's only natural to attack. I mean really don't know any other way of putting it.

If I was an author I think I would see a bad review as maybe this is something I need to work on, or hell even like it because they spent their time putting into words how they felt about my book. Yes, maybe it was to bash it, but if it was really that bad why waste another minute on it. I mean not every book is for every person. We're all pretty different which means we're all going to have different taste in books I've gotten some kind of response out of you..negative or positive doesn't matter. I believe that Author Mike Mullin of The Ashfall Trilogy said it best with his blog post "Why bad reviews rock"

Another thing is this ridiculous website that is floating around about stopping the goodread bullies. I won't actually link to it, but if you use your mind I bet you can figure out how to find it. I mean if you think about it the people who made this site are not any better than the people they are supposedly calling out. 

That being said, I'm not looking over the fact that bloggers/reviewers may have a part in this drama that's going on, maybe we can find a better way to explain why we don't like a book instead of down right trashing it. Lord knows we really shouldn't start talking crap about the author themselves because there's no reason for it.

Anyways, I for one will always be a goodreads reader. I've tried other sites, and I just can't get into them as much as goodreads.

What about you? What are your thoughts on all of this? Were you like me and had no idea it was going on?  

http://www.stopthegrbullies.com/

Discussion: How do you organize your shelves?

 

The room went from this.....to the pictures on the right-->

After I moved into my apartment, and finally got all the bookshelves out of storage and some new ones I was able to move my books from the floor to their rightful spots on the shelves. My dilemma is how the heck do I arrange them? I could go all paperbacks on one shelf, hardbacks on  others, group them in genres, group them in series (which doesn't work well with all paperbacks together), group them by color (I've seen pictures of it and it looks pretty awesome). I mean what do I do?

Naturally, I just started putting them on shelves and then certain shelves became: Dystopian shelf, series shelf, ARC Shelf, fave shelf, adult shelf, one whole bookshelf became paperbacks only. I guess if anyone were to try and find a specific book in my library they might have a hard time, but I know exactly where they are.
For those that have e-readers do you categorize them or leave them all in a bunch. I personally have few categories on mine which are: Review books from authors, Ya books, books I have hardcopies of, books I've read, anthologies, bonus books (ya), classics, and others.

My question today is How (if at all) do you arrange your books? If you're one of those who uses their E-reader more then anything, How do you categorize them on your reader? If you have pictures you can leave links to them. I love looking at other peoples book shelves. :)

Discussion: When do you buy books?

This is just a random off the wall topic because today (actually all week) I've been so stressed at work, and tired of everything that's going on there. I won't get into that though because this is a book blog not my personal one. I've literally just started crying at work because I'm just stressed and frustrated, and so finally today after work I'm like I have to treat myself to something. Can you guess what that something was? Well if you can't from the title of the post I bought books. Which I haven't really gone all book crazy lately because I'm trying to save money for my new apartment, but I needed to relieve stress. I spent a good 90 dollars on books, but I got some awesome ones.

So here's my question when do ya'll feel the need to buy books? Is it sporadic? Do you get stressed and think I need to by something like me and buy books? 

Above is the picture of the books I bought to today with the exception of Fracture which my apt office has had for over a month or two and I need it for the blog tour (stupid office) I'll have them on an upcoming IMM because I have some other stuff to show. :) I'm a little mad because I found bloodrose and I have yet to buy wolfsbane.

. I'm just curious. You know how some people buy shoes, purses, or whatever else books is my thing. (Not to mention the past day or two I've picked up a bad habit that I'm not proud of because I've told people all my life even my BF that I would never do it because I hate the smell and everything, but yeah it sucks.)

Comparing YA to real life: Guys and relationships

This is something that I've been talking to a friend about because as readers, YA or not, we tend to look at things differently. (Or maybe, that's just me) Anyways, the point I'm trying to make is we see reality and then we see bookality (or the fantasy in books) and then we go and compare these things to each other right? Again am I the only one that does this? I'm serious I'll be sitting here thinking what would -insert character name here- do in this situation. Just look at my long post about friendship back from June. Real(Life)ality Vs Bookality. I was going through some things then, and with a lot of help I realized somethings are more important. :)

I'm going to be completely honest here. I've never been much for any kind of relationship, and maybe that's because I never really had one, I never really knew what I wanted, or because I'm really, really shy. I'm not kidding when I say I'm shy. I've never been one to approach someone and just start randomly talking. I guess it's a fear of rejection, of being hurt, and I don't do well with that kind of thing. I'm quite sensitive. The friends I have it took me a lot of time to get use to them, but I'm really trying to work on that. I'm 25 so I'm thinking it's time I get over what fears I might have. So this is where my comparison comes in I guess you could say.

Discussion: Review Overload?!

I haven't had a discussion on here in awhile so I figured now would be a good time. This is going to be a two part question. First question is this: How do you review? That's pretty plain and simple right? I'm talking how do you write your reviews, do you always write them the same way, so on and so forth. Do you change it up every once and awhile just for fun? To give you a little bit of what I'm talking about here I'll try to explain what I do when it comes time to write a review. I'm the type of person who can't stick to a guideline.  I hate trying to stick to one thing because for me it NEVER works. I've tried many different ways to write reviews, but when it comes right down to it I just type whatever I feel. I've tried listing things (The Body Finder), (Enclave). Video form (Hate list), (Hunger)  Categorizing by this I mean putting Plot, Characters, overview,and so on: (Only the good Spy young), (Sean Griswolds Head), but in the end I'm just good if I get anything written. I think if I were to write them like right after I finish I'd be okay, and that's usually what I try to do, but lately it's harder for me.

Second question is this: What do you do when you get behind on reviews, or do you ever get behind on reviews?
I will admit I have been horrible at it lately. (scurries away to hide) I feel like I have gotten so far behind that I won't be able to catch up, and I really want to be able to. I want these books that I've read to be available on my site. To show others that I did enjoy the books (or didn't in some cases) As of right now I feel like the poor person in the picture above. :( I'm stuck in a sea of un-reviewed books. I know this post will probably be taken a few ways: 1.) I read them, but don't review them 2.) I suck at reviewing. 3.) Maybe I don't really
care.

The book is about so and so and

.....DON'T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT!

I'm guessing this is how book-deprived people feel

Have you ever tried to explain a book to someone and they just look at you like huh? We all know that as book lovers we want to share with everyone moms, dads, uncles, grannies, friends, bosses, enemies (ok maybe not so much our enemies but you get where I'm going with this.) Anyone who's in your life who will listen. Problem is they probably haven't the slightest clue what you're babbling on about (unless they also are bookworms like you) It's like trying to explain to them why the sky is blue.(I know sucky analogy). How about this it's like me trying to explain to you what a prior authorization from the insurance company is. Now unless you work in a doctors office or pharmacy you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. This is how our book-deprived people feel. 

I've tried plenty of times to explain to my mom what books are about, what a specific genre is, why I love the book cover, or things about books I find otherwise interesting. Want to know what I get in return? A blank stare (kind of like the picture of the cat above) sometimes if I'm lucky I get an "oh" or a nod of the head.  Why am I telling you this? Well because the other night while I was staying with her she was sitting on the couch reading a book I had just bought.9see picture above. I took that when she wasn't paying attention) (I had 9 books on the couch.) I was completely shocked. My mom reading! She hates reading (or doesn't understand why I like it) I think my jaw dropped. Then I watched her for a bit to make sure she was actually reading. She was. After the initial shock I grabbed my camera and took a picture, and asked her why she was reading. She said she was bored and the book looked interesting. Want to know what book she randomly picked from my pile. Away by Teri Hall it's the second book in The Line series. She picked a Dystopian type book and a second in the series. She picked one that doubley confused her. So being the nice daughter and book freak I am I tried to explain to her some things. 1.) What a dystopian book was. This did not go over so well. I told her it was a book set in the future kind of and the government usually has these strict set of rules for people to follow, and that it's usually some big disaster like a bomb that wipes out a lot of the country in order for this new government to form. Let me tell you what I confused myself after that. Her answer "That's what this sounds like." Oh my poor mom. She finally gave up and stopped. I asked her how far she got....wait for it......page seven. Way to go mom! Way to stick with it. I asked her why she stopped. 'I didn't understand it." My reply "Well duh! You picked book two in the series and you picked a wacky genre to boot." I told her I was going to use this to put up on my site along with the picture. She told me I better not and to delete the picture. I didn't listen. This is the kind of loving relationship I have with my mom.

I also tried explaining to my friend what dystopian was because she asked me. I failed.
 I couldn't make it come out right.

I know this is sort of pointless but I found it to be an interesting topic. How do you react when some you know who doesn't like reading picks up a book, and reads a little bit of it? How do you go about explaining to non-readers what a certain genre is about? Are you like me and have a hard time? I would fail completely at making a how to book. I'm not an explainer.

Book Discussions

Welcome to Book Discussions.

If you're anything like me then sometimes you just feel the need to discuss books. Problem is you don't have anyone who will listen. Everyone is to wrapped up in their "Real Life" to listen to you talk about the ones in your books. You can't tell them what awesome book you just finished. You can't rant about the stupid love triangle in the latest book you're reading. They don't understand your need to talk pretty book covers. (I'm totally guilty of this. I try and talk to my mom and I get this blank stare.) 

Look no further. I will randomly put up discussions dealing with books.

If you have a topic you think might work well let me know in the comments and I'll make a post about it.

Topics:

Books:

Books to Movies

Ya Dress Covers (coming soon)

I Dream in books! (Coming soon)

Random:  These sort of fit in with books if you stretch your imagination far enough. :)

The book was about so and so and..

So like what words..

Why Do I read Ya?

Realifeity Vs Bookality

Do I look like that kind of girl?

Discussion: So like what words...

 ....Do you say a lot? 

Are there words that no matter how hard you try not to say them they just come out? Do you stop and think what to say because gosh darnit every other word is that dreaded word? Is it bad enough that your friends, family, and colleagues mock you with those words? Did you say yes to any of those questions? If so read on, and if not I think you may be lying. :) So read on anyway just to humor me.

Discussion Time: Books to Movies

BOOKS TO MOVIES

• Alright I'm giving you two ways here to see my discussion. One being via my video chatter. (I enjoy talking to my camera. I hope you enjoy listening and watching.) Two being my typed out version which will probably not mirror anything I say on video so yeah. :)
• To join in on my discussion just start typing a comment, and I will get it and respond back of course.
• Send your friends the link and have them join in to. The more the merrier. I'm always willing to hear others thoughts on subjects that are constantly on my mind.

I realize in the video I say I'm lazy about typing stuff out (which is true to a point my eyes just start hurting after awhile and videos are sometimes easier to do.) In the video I talk about some movies that are reportedly being made into films, and then which books and series I think would be interesting movies/tv series. Enough about that on to why you're reading this.

I've been thinking about this for sometime. I know sounds like I have nothing better to do with my time huh?  I think this particular subject has been on my mind because of all the latest news of The Hunger Games and  The Mortal Instruments being made into movies.

The Hunger Game Thoughts-
 I actually read somehwere that The Hunger Games would be out March of 2012. While I'm not 100% in love with the book (it could be because I have to read Catching Fire and Mockingjay still) I think the basis around the story and characters is one that would make for an interesting movie. I mean who wouldn't love the action, futuristic world, the characters. I think this movie would probably reach more of the male audience as well as females because of the action unlike Twilight which was more of a love story. I know I know I'm comparing. I'm just saying though. So how well do you think they can make this series into a movie? What would be some hard things to do for it like say for instance bring the actual hunger games to life?
The IMDb for Hunger Games

The Mortal Instruments-
I'm almost as jazzed about this one being made into a film as my vampire academy series (which is still in the works :( ) just because I'm now reading the books I'm almost through with book two. I think this would be an awesome movie. You have all the paranormal creatures, action between good and evil, make-believe lands, real cities just everything that can make a good movie. The hot guys don't hurt it either. ;) What do you think about it becoming a movie? So far it says it's for a 2012 release as well, but as of right now it looks like they just have Clary cast.
The IMDb for The Mortal Instruments


As readers and fairly obsessed book lovers what are your thoughts on the movie industry making our beloved books into films, and maybe portraying them differently then what we would like or how we see them in our minds? I've thought about this some too and quite frankly I think it could go either way. I mean being able to see our books (not ours actually but what we read) come to life is always an awesome thing seeing it played out visually and not just mentally in our heads. Does that even make sense? On the other hand sometimes it's best if the book is left just the way it was intended to be and that is read and left to the readers imagination. Not messed with and picked apart to where important parts of it are just gone. I kind of think that maybe Hollywood is running out of ideas for movies so they are turnng to authors and their books for ideas. I mean look how well the Twilight series and Harry Potter books did as movies. Those producers and movie people see that and think this could work perhaps. I know it's not that simple to turn a book into a movie, but you get where I'm going with this right? I know there are other books turned movies, but these were major book series. That did really well turned or so I'm guessing. :) Twilight is kind of iffy, but still I would watch them all over again (and I have all though I skip to the parts I like).

Well now that I've rambled on about this for quite sometime via video and typing.

Let's discuss!
I'm all eyes!!!

Here's someones list of possible books turned movie according to the IMDb site
YA books to movies
A few of them are actually books I would love to see as movies. As I said in the video

Ashley
Next Discussion: Book Covers and the trends we see in them.
Do you have an idea for a discussion here let me know and I might just use it one day in the future.

Discussion Time: Domains/BBC/Ereaders

I have been dying to go to some kind of Book convention this year, and use it as a vacation. I'm actaully a little afraid of going by myself to an unknown city or state for that matter. I don't have any friends really interested in reading like I do. I wanted to go to the convention down in Austin (in April kind of like a birthday present to myself but I'm carless) but it looks like that probably won't happen so I'm thinking the next couple of ones are the dark days of supernatural which looks like it's coming to Texas in June? I'm guessing here. Or the bigger one which is the Book Blogger Con convention in New York. I'm interested to know if anyone is going to that. I think if I have some idea what it would be like then I could make myself save money for that (plane, food and hotel wise) I guess really I'm just curious. Any thoughts/ideas?

So I've been thinking also about getting a domain name. I've wanted one for a very, VERY long time now. I was just curious as to what everyone thinks. For those of you who have domain names where did you end up getting them from? How much? Is it easy to do?

One more question. Those who have E-readers: Kindle and Nook. Why do you like the one you have? Once I get my income tax check I was planning on getting myself one at first I wanted the Kindle, but now I'm thinking Nook. The only problem with the nook is I'm more of an amazon person then the other. Any thoughts?

This is my desk yet all I have on it are books. :0 That shelf is kind of bending in the middle I might have to change and put paperbacks up there.

Another picture of my desk with more added books.

This was just a random picture I decided to take. I decided that instead of just leaving everything I got in a box I would put it on the board and hang the board in my room. I'm weird I know. :)

So this is what my books and their shelf has come down to.

:( Very small compared what I did have with the built in bookshelves.