The Mystery Blogger Award (II)

I was over the moon when the lovely Emer @ A Little Haze Book Blog nominated me for the Mystery Blogger Award back in January! Thank you so much for the nomination Emer – I really appreciate it and I’m sorry it took me so long to get the post together.

If you don’t follow Emer’s blog already, please do go and take a look. She reads an insane number and variety of books, writes reviews from the heart and is just a genuinely kind, supportive member of the book blogging community. I would nominate her again if I could (but that would be really annoying!!!)

The Rules

1. Put the award logo/image on your blog.
2. List the rules.
3. Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
4. Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well.
5. Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.
6. You have to nominate 10 – 20 people.
7. Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog.
8. Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify).
9. Share a link to your best post(s).

Thank you Okoto for creating the award!

I think it is a wonderful idea to find out more about the bloggers whose posts we read every day. My answers are below:

Three Things About Me

1. I am proud to write for the City Girl online magazine, which helps to connect and empower young women living in cities across the UK and abroad. I cross-post the article links to this blog and you can read the latest one here or search for the tag ‘magazine articles’.
2. I performed a pretty epic career change when I dropped out of my Veterinary Medicine course to study English Literature instead!
3. I’ve learnt to hula hoop in lockdown!

My Favourite Blog Post

The most popular post by far that I have written for this blog is This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay: Top 10 Funniest Moments. I hope it brings you some chuckles in this very strange and anxious time. It’s also a moving tribute to the NHS, which couldn’t be more timely.

Emer’s Questions

Do you think there is a place for one star reviews in the blogging community?

Although I have never given a one star review, I think they do have a place in the blogging community. Without negative reviews, positive reviews lose their impact.

For me, a book would not just have to lack something (character development, a gripping plot etc.) for me to give it one star but include something that made me angry, such as condoning hate/discrimination.

How do you feel about audiobooks?

I love audiobooks! When my university isn’t shut by COVID-19, I have a 1.5-hour commute each way and I don’t know what I would do without an audiobook to keep me company.

Having said that, I only tend to listen to certain genres in audio format, specifically non-fiction and classic books (which tend to be slower-paced) otherwise I can lose track.

Have you ever emotionally identified with a character or plot in a book that you felt the author was writing the words that are etched on your soul?

Great question! The book that came to mind is actually non-fiction, a title called The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine Aron.

It’s a wonderfully compassionate book and reading it felt like having someone explain me to myself!

What was the last book (or film) that made you cry?

I’m a huge crier so this is really not difficult! Only last weekend I watched a film with my family called Gifted about a little girl who is a maths genius, and the relationship between the girl and her one-eyed cat made me cry.

What ice cream flavour do you think best represents your personality? E.g. are you vanilla with sprinkles? Maybe you’re a decadent salted caramel? Or maybe you’re a scoop of rocky road?

Something brightly-coloured like raspberry, or one of the bubblegum ones full of e-numbers!

My Questions

1. What is the funniest book you’ve ever read?
2. Tell us your favourite book quote.
3. Which book do you think has had the biggest impact on your life?
4. What is your favourite hobby outside of reading?
5. As you know, if books are my first love, animals are a close second, so do you have any pets? Please feel free to share some cute photos!!!

Thank you again for the tag Emer! I really enjoyed reading your answers and joining in myself. I’m looking forward to finding out more about other bloggers!

My Nominations

Michael @ The Book Lover’s Sanctuary

…for his amazing book lists that will leave your TBR a mile high.

Chloe @ Marshmallow Pudding

…for her wonderful focus on diversity – I loved her mini reviews of Own Voices new releases and her list of reads for International Women’s Day reads.

Christie and Thi @ A Court of Books and Brews

…because they’ve only been going since February and have already compiled an incredible variety of books (from rom-com to urban fantasy) in their reviews and book lists.

Julie @ One Book More

…aside from the Les Miserables reference in her blog title (best musical ever!) she writes in-depth and balanced reviews, as well as author interviews with intriguing questions. I’ve never approached an author for interview before so think she’s very brave!

Mara @ Mara’s Folded Pages

…for her enthusiasm that shines through in every post, plus her personal and friendly writing style. What a beautiful website too!

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Don’t worry if you’re not really into tags or are feeling overwhelmed by blogging at the moment, I promise I won’t be offended! Otherwise, I can’t wait to hear your answers 🙂