I swear, the bookish blogging community is so sweet and generous! Although I only returned to blogging after a nearly year-long hiatus, I have been nominated by two separate and amazing bloggers for the Sunshine Blogger Award! I am truly humbled to have been nominated and tagged by E. from Local Bee Hunter’s Nook and by M. at Tirilu!

So, since I was sweetly nominated by two bloggers this week, I decided to combine the awards into a single post – which is probably pretty obvious, but I thought I’d let y’all in on that tidbit anyway! 😀

The Rules

1. Thank the person(s) who nominated you and provide a link back to their blogging site
2. Answer the questions provided
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions
4. Notify your nominees by commenting on one of their blog posts
5. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your site or post

E.’s Questions

Where’s your favorite place to read?

I can seriously read ANYWHERE – like in a humongous, loud, crowded room anywhere! I have this amazing ability to tune out anything – which is definitely a gift and a curse! 😀 I love reading in waiting rooms; I feel strange without a book or my Kindle before being called back for an appointment! I finally got a clue and downloaded all my reading apps – including my Kindle books – onto my phone, which is [almost] always with me!

Actually, I think I read better in loud areas; when it’s too quiet – like in a library – my mind wanders way too much and I can’t concentrate. I’ve gotten so damn good at tuning out racket – and people – that my favorite place to read is in public! I could totally read through a movie at the theater or even a concert! I guess having the ability to isolate oneself in a sea of people is rather odd, but hey, it’s who I am! 😀

I used to read magazines all the time while waiting; however, they just don’t appeal to me anymore. I feel that magazines have gotten too political – even Cosmo and fashion magazines. Regardless of which party’s side I’m on, I don’t want to be inundated with that shit while checking out cute outfits and/or reading gossip!

If you wrote a book, what genre would it be? (or subject if it were nonfiction)

Most likely, I would write a nonfiction tome; I have always loved doing research and learning. My granddaddy’s mantra was ‘lifelong learning’, after all! I’m really interested in Russian culture, especially that of the country’s historical royal families. I also love stuff like ancient empires and religions.

Growing up, I wrote stories and short books dubbed ‘The Cats Series’ for creative writing in school. I had a teacher who would give us a writing prompt once a week and I always found a way to twist the guide into a chapter that would fit with my writings. I adore my little made-in-class books and notebooks filled with those tales! They are something I cherish and I should probably stash them in a fireproof safe! 😀

What’s your first memory connected to books?

My first memories of reading in general involve being read to by my mother and reading giant – as in the letters were HUGE – books with my class’s kindergarten teacher. I began reading prior to kindergarten and had already fallen in love with it.

I also remember ‘going to bed’ and instead reading in my doorway by the hallway light or under the covers with a flashlight! I even remember reading in the dark by the light of my TV! That’s probably why I have to wear glasses or contacts!

What three words would immediately convince you to read a book?

1. Twisty
2. Creepy
3. Symbolic

Who would you love to write a collaboration post with?

Well, thus far, I’ve only collaborated with one blogger, Jackie, 1/3 of my team from The Mystery Crew. Together, we posted a joint book review regarding Ellie Alexander’s Meet Your Baker, which you can find here!

I hope to do a post with Cass, the third curator of The Mystery Crew, soon! But, I figure all three of us are collaborating already, since we all contribute to our blog, which is – you guessed it – all about mysteries!

What’s a review you’re most proud of?

My favorite review that I have actually published here has to be that of Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, which can be found here. I love Morgenstern’s flowy, poetic, and unique writing style most of all, although I adore the story as well.

What are your top three diverse books?

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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is one of my favorite books of all time. I was surprisingly able to relate to the story – it resonated within me. I love everything about this book, especially Thomas’ inclusion of choice Tupac lyrics!

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros is unlike probably anything I’ve previously read. A collection of interwoven vignettes, the book tells the story of Esperanza, a young Latina, as she navigates her way through life in Chicago.

I absolutely adore Sandhya Menon’s When Dimple Met Rishi! While reading the love story, I learned some things about India’s culture as well as some of the struggles first generation of Americans descending from the country face.

If you could change one think in a book you love, what would it be?

As you may know, I am in love with The Babysitter’s-Club books! I love the tales of the BSC members; however, there is one thing I would change: the names of the majority of the ‘charges’ or children being babysat! I mean, come on, how is Hannie Papadakis pronounced? Many other names appear in the BSC books that are unpronounceable and this fact has always bothered me!

Due to scientific advancement, you can enter a ‘world’ in a dreamlike state, either as a character or as yourself. You only have one ride. Where do you go?

I want to enter the world of Deborah Harkness’ All Souls Trilogy, specifically that of the first book, A Discovery of Witches. I love the story behind the adventures of the characters, but one thing nagged at the whole time I read the 550+ page book – a big focus of the story is an ancient book that can only be opened with spells.

What aggravates me is that the initial book discusses the fictional, magical tome throughout the story, but I have to wait until I get to at least book two, Shadow of Night, to find out what’s in THE BOOK! I’d totally step into Diana’s world and open that damn ancient book! 😀

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While I did really enjoy A Discovery of Witches, I ended up giving it merely two stars. I did so solely based on the fact that the elusive BOOK is talked about continuously, but there is no resolution, or the cracking open of a spine – which I could not get over and had anxiety about while reading! LOL!

The prettiest cover!

Now this is a pretty tough question, E.! The first book that popped into my head is the Spanish edition of my favorite book, Anna Karenina. I adore that the cover features a woman – I’m guessing it’s the book’s synonymous protagonist – floating in midair and her red dress is gorgeous.

What is your next goal as a blogger?

My next goal as a blogger is to continue to post as often as possible without pressuring myself to blog – which nips the fun of blogging in the bud! I also hope that next year, my blog and writing will aid me in reading and actually reaching the bookish goals I set January 1st.

M.’s Questions

What is your favorite book of all time forever and ever and ever?

Two words – ANNA KARENINA

Bookstore vs. Library – which do you prefer?

As a lover of books, I adore both bookstores and libraries – they both have that book smell [library books smell mustier and well-worn] while bookstore books emanate that fabulous new book scent.

I love perusing the selves in both; I have fun poring over new releases and special editions in bookstores and discovering books both old and new in various libraries. I’d love to visit a library in a large city, especially New York – I’d probably make a special trip there just to hit up the New York Public Library!

Your favorite book character shows up at your door. What advice would you give him/her?

I would simply say “Don’t do it!” to Anna Karenina!

What’s the oldest book on your shelf?

My Grandmother was a big reader and she had a really old, special edition of Homer’s The Iliad, which sits on my shelf today.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

My absolute favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip! I remember being little and always ordering a mint chocolate chip waffle cone from Baskin-Robbins; I’ve actually never had any other flavor from the iconic ice cream shop!

I also remember constantly eating the flavor at home too. I loved the Purity brand, which had white ice cream instead of the green colored I generally see today. Anyhow, it gets on my nerves that years and years ago, Purity offered a much larger ‘regular’ sized carton of ice cream. I swear, the cartons are at least half the size they were!

This very day, I’ve had three Klondike mint chocolate chip bars and bought mint Oreos at the grocery! I just adore mint and chocolate together!

What book title would best describe your personality?

This is a really tough one…I’d definitely say a book that represents me would present me as a tough nut to crack, empathetic, kind, smiley, introverted, book smart, funny, and just all-around silly!

So, I could imagine a title called simply In Maggie’s Shoes.

What are the last three books you put on your TBR list?

1. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
2. 10 Things I Hate About Pinky by Sandhya Menon
3. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Describe your perfect reading nook.

My perfect reading nook is basically anywhere I can read, but preferably cozy. However, as I answered in one of E.’s questions at the top of this post, I can read literally anywhere and be totally satisfied.

Do you ever research the author of the book you’re reading? If yes, have you found out any interesting details?

The short answer is basically nope!

What is your remedy for a reading slump?

Hm…I think my best advice to give myself and others being tortured by terrible reading slumps is to reread an old favorite! My go-to books are those I read in childhood. In 2020, I’m aiming to reread a lot, especially the Baby-sitters’ Club books by Ann M. Martin and Goosebumps!

I also plan to read standalone favorites as well as books I meant to read when I was a ton younger! I’ve also found that audiobooks are working for me; I can’t wait to get my radio fixed in my car so I can listen while driving!

You find a magical bookcase in an old house that lets you pick a book and transport you into the book’s world for as long as you like. Which book do you pick up first and what would you be doing?

I think I’d pick up the first Magnus Chase book, The Sword of Summer, by Rick Riordan. If I were to step into the story, I’d probably just follow Magnus around and ask tons of questions! LOL! I’d pin down anybody willing to talk to me and tell me EVERYTHING about the ancient gods, all of the things!

I Nominate

• Kris @ Boston Book Reader
• E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook – yes, I totally tagged you back! 😀
• M. @ Tirilu – I totally tagged you back too! I’d love to read your answers to MY questions!
• Jackie @ Bookworm Cafe
• Sarah @ Book Hooked Nook
• Cass @ True Color Reviews
• Fay @ Sucker for Coffe
• Bianca @ Your Words My Ink
• Nicola @ Fantastic Book Dragon
• Becca @ Bookingway Reads
• Tiffany @ Bookish Tiffany

My Questions

1. In what part of the world do you live? What are, in your opinion, the best and worst aspects of where you live?
2. What’s your all-time favorite color and why?
3. Are you dressing up for Halloween this year? If yes, what are you going to be? Either way, what is the best costume you think you’ve ever worn?
4. What’s your favorite candy – pick one! – and what about it makes it so fabulous?
5. How would you describe the way you dress? What’s your favorite accessory?
6. Who’s your favorite children’s author and your favorite book/story written by that person?
7. Have you ever been on an airplane? Have you ever traveled outside of your country? What’s the furthest distance you’ve ever been from home?
8. Would you rather be burning up or freezing cold and why?
9. What are your remedies for bloggers stuck in a slump of some sort?
10. What social media platform do you most use and why?
11. Are you athletic or do you exercise regularly? What’s your favorite sport? If you’re not sporty, what’s your favorite hobby – BESIDES reading and/or writing?

Have a bright, sunshiny day, Maggie