Bookishly Attentive

Who am I? Well, I’m a 32 year old college student who is addicted to the internet, romance novels, fanfiction, writing, British culture and not necessarily in that order! It took me a few years to figure out what I wanted to be when I grow up, hence the 32-year old college student bit. One day maybe I’ll have a real career! You can usually find me on the love-seat, Macbook on lap, textbook by my side, surrounded by 3 kitties and 2 dogs. I bounce around between the C19 message board, to AHA, to HG and back again several times within an evening, with a quick stop at Live Journal and Facebook occasionally as well.

When not reading for class (as an English major, I read a lot of er…crap!) I like to snuggle up with a cup of Earl Grey and a romance novel, the more historical, the better! My long neglected husband shakes his head when I finish one, which is usually a few hours or a day after I began reading. While I do enjoy all forms, from all time periods, I love the Regency ones the best. Thanks Jane Austen! Historical novels are a must for me, so I read them when I’m not involved in a romantic one, although there are good historical ones too! I’m also a gothic novel nut, thanks to an English Literature professor a few semesters ago. Mystery has always been a first love for me, and the gothic novels give me the best of both worlds, time eras long gone, and the mystery and suspense I grew up with while reading Nancy Drew.

I am neither an accomplished literary writer or critic, I am not a published author, and likely never to be, but I love to read. I grew up watching my Mom read the little paperback romance novels that are on the spinning rack at the local library and sneaking a peek at them when she wasn’t home. I remember spending summers with my Grandmother and riding my bicycle to the public library to check out Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion books (of which there are more than just the two they made into movies, btw!) and wanting a horse of my own.

So, those are my qualifications to be a reviewer of the romance novels we all love. I will tell you if I laughed, cried, boo’d, or fell in love or lust with a character, or if I downright hated the entire thing! I hope you enjoy and maybe pick up a book to read yourself!

My father’s words about reading resonate to this day. His comment, “You can go anywhere, do anything by reading a book.” And who wouldn’t enjoy that freedom?

I have a double BA in Political Science and Environmental Studies and an MBA in Marketing. I’ve worked as a copy writer, copy editor, marketing communications specialist, market research analyst, and an office manager. I read the New York Times front page to back (I’m a bit neurotic about that actually. Just ask my delivery service what happens if they miss a copy), subscribe to too many magazines, and I’ve recently discovered the joys of ebooks on my PDA. My taste in books runs from contemporary and period romance to biographies to any book by James Michener or more recently, Diana Gabaldon. I’m not a major fan of science fiction or mysteries (so you won’t read any reviews of mine in those genres), but I did read the Dune series many years ago, and that’s as close as you’ll get me to admit to any sci fi interest. When my head is not buried in some form of the written word, you may find me with eyes glued to my laptop since I’ve discovered how much I enjoy beta reading for fan fiction writers (mostly Austen and Gaskell adaptations). You’ll also find me editing for some very talented, budding authors of original fiction. I wouldn’t be surprised if the reviews of those books make it to these pages in the future, after they are published. Eventually, I’d like to return to editing on a full-time basis. We’ll see how that goes. As for my reviews, I’ll try to keep it short and simple and somewhat humorous. If I like a book, you’ll know it pretty much right away. Hopefully, any reviews I write will help you decide whether you want to invest your own time. But I’d love to know if you agree or disagree with my opinions.

Donna

I’ve been described as a “voracious reader” but in my case that’s probably a gross understatement. To me, there is nothing more enjoyable (really, nothing – nope, not even chocolate!) than curling up in my flannel jammies with a teacup and a good long read. By the way, the longer the book, the better. If I’m going to be transported to a different place and time, I want it to last. Unfortunately, I have a habit of getting so involved in a book that I tend to finish a novel in one sitting. I enjoy all types of books, but spend a good deal of time (probably more than I should) reading historical novels, romance being the genre of choice. But I also enjoy a good biography once in awhile, especially if the subject lived sometime in the 19^th Century. I remember reading the World Book Encyclopedia and the dictionary while growing up. Old habits die hard, apparently, and I still browse the dictionary when I have some time and I find the online encyclopedias to be pretty engrossing as well. I read so much that after spending $3,000 on Lasik surgery, I’m back in contacts and glasses. But the sacrifice is so worth it. Just add another diopter to the old prescription.

My love of the written word extends to my desire to do some writing myself, and although I don’t stand much of a chance at being published, I do derive quite a lot of self-satisfaction from working on a short story or two every now and then. My day job doesn’t allow much time in the way of creative writing, however.

Right now, I am in what I consider to be the best decade of my life (when you get there, you’ll know what I mean – the forties are fabulous) and a long time ago, I went to school, picked up a BA in, of all things, Anthropology (think museum curator). I didn’t go down that path, but wound up in a good place nonetheless. When I’m not at work, and not reading either a paperback or an e-book, I am on C-19 chatting with some of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met. And on a rare occasion, I manage to bestow some attention on my long suffering husband and kids.

I hope I’ll be successful in pointing you in the direction of a great read. I love spreading the word about a book or author that I’ve read and enjoyed. It makes the fun last just a little bit longer.

Kortnee

I cannot remember a time in my life that I haven’t loved books above anything else. When I was a child I carried around J. M. Barrie’s, Peter and Wendy, like other children carry around stuffed animals. As I have grown, I still carry around books, but my tastes have expanded beyond flying children and pirates (though I still love them!). These days you can find me reading almost anything, except mystery, because I’m just not a fan.

My favourite author is Jane Austen. My nana bought me an illustrated version of Pride and Prejudice when I was seven and I’ve been in love ever since. From that, I’m sure you can guess my favourite book. Though in case you would like a little more insight, I have three lists to help you out.

My top five books are: Pride and Prejudice, A Separate Peace, Game Over, The Monday Horses, and Atonement.

My top five authors are: Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, Jane Green, Adele Parks, and Henry James.

The five books that I keep next to my bed at all times: Pride and Prejudice, Letters from Lord Nelson, Riders, Jemima J, and The Pickwick Papers.

Ok, so now a little bit about the other side of me. I have a BA in both Communications and French with a minor in Print and Publishing. I will soon be an elementary school teacher (it only took me 27 years to figure that out). Besides reading, I love to ride (I’m an Eventing girl), play tennis, and travel. I spend a lot of my time online. Where I’m sure you’ll never guess what I do so I’ll just tell you…I read. I mainly read Jane Austen fanfiction (which I will review for you from time to time).

So, that is a bit about me. I hope you enjoy my reviews. I’ll let you know what I love, what I don’t love, and everything in between. Please feel free to comment. Whether you agree or disagree, I would love to hear from you. Enjoy!