Thursday, January 13, 2011

Hopping Friday

It's time for the weekly book blogger hops again! A great opportunity to meet new bloggers and say hi to old.

Crazy For Books' Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop

Parajunkee's Follow My Book Blog Friday.




I'm Alison. I've been blogging for seven months. I review mainly YA with a few MG books and a weekly manga feature.

Last week, a lot of people listed Twilight as a book that influenced or changed their life. Many of these people were embarrassed to admit this. I was sad to see anyone feel the need to feel ashamed to like Twilight, or any book for that matter. In response, I wrote the following post:
I LOVE Twilight and I Am NOT ASHAMED!
It's gotten a lot of great comments. Check it out and weigh in!

2010 Book Lists:

For the end of the year, I put together an extensive list of the books I've read in 2010 separated into categories. Last week, I accidentally posted broken links for all of these. They're fixed this week. Check out the posts:

Introductory Post
Part 1: Contemporary Fiction
Part 2: Best Writing, Twilight Lovers; Edgy Fiction; Foodie Fiction
Part 3: Boy POV; Middle Grade; Something Different; Kick-Butt Girls
Part 4: Paranormal Day
Part 5: Cross-Over Adult; High Fantasy; Makes You Think; Historical Fiction
Part 6: Gossipy; Romance; POC; Sobbing; Fluff
Part 7: Top Tens: Books, Cover, Albums, Songs

Review

Prom And Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

Manga Mondays: Emma vol. 10 by Kaoru Mori

Questions of the Week:

Blog Hop: Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?

I read books from nearly every genre, but in the past few years most of my reading has been YA. I love reading about characters at an age when everything is ripe with possibilities. Even characters who have horrible, nightmarish lives have a sense of hopefulness to them - even if the don't realize it - their lives are just beginning. I love how important everything seems, how intense. Your first love is all-consuming. The family dynamics of being a child in a flawed family are often fascinating. Whether paranormal or contemporary fiction, YA always has fascinating characters in interesting situations.

Follow Friday: What makes up your non-human family??

My non-human family is comprised of two creatures:

My beloved dog Snowbird (he's half basset hound and half labrador)

My cute, irritable kitty Ahwatukee
-Side note for literary lovers. When I was in college I had a betta fish named Atticus Fish. I usually called him Atti.
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56 comments:

  1. pussrebootsJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    I haven't read Twilight. It doesn't appeal to me. I read more than one genre. But there are a few genres I don't read. Come see what I do and don't read.

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  2. AleethaJanuary 13, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    wow, you got a black cat. Cool.
    I really wanna have one. But none of new born kittens turn into such color

    Old Follower

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  3. UnknownJanuary 13, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Ah, cute kitty! Loving the cuteness! I have 4 cats that call me slave. *grin* 2 fiddler crabs & a huge fish tank.

    Today I posted a review of a grand Steampunkery Book!  Please do check it out, I highly recommend Vampire Empire: The Greyfriar if you want Steampunkery and a mix of many genres.  A new favorite... indeed a huggable book!

    Mad Scientist
    Steampunkery & Book Reviews
    Forbidden Steam
    Where the Mad Scientist can be found behind the bed chamber doors!

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  4. Sniffly KittyJanuary 13, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    Lol, coincidentally (or well maybe not) the kitty sneezes sometimes and it's so cute and precious heh~~

    I love the fish's name ^.^ I hope Louis lives many more years!

    Sniffly Kitty
    Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books
    Loving the Reviews Challenge

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  5. Ashley @ Bookaholics AnonymousJanuary 13, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    Awww your puppy looks almost like one of my friends dogs she use to have. I love the hound dogs they have such sad faces. :)

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    Hi,
    Just hopping by and following through. I read a eclectic mix of genres though I do have favourites.
    What an unusual mix your dog is - and so cute! I posted a pic of our pet - come and see!

    Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

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  7. Kathie @ my kozy kornerJanuary 14, 2011 at 3:43 AM

    Hi Alison! Old follower stopping by, thanks for stopping by my blog from the hop.

    Love your black kitty too! and your dog is adorable :-)

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  8. UnknownJanuary 14, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    Found you through the blog hopper, new follower. I love YA for similar reasons, everything seems like a new experience to them.

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  9. JeremyJanuary 14, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    Hello,
    Happy Friday I'm just stopping by for Follow Friday and the hop. I can't believe its Friday already but I hope you have a fabulous weekend and get lots of reading done. I love that you included pics of your animals. So cute!

    Danielle
    Romance Book Junkies

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  10. Heather TrimJanuary 14, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    New Follower stopping in! Happy Friday!!
    http://heatheraine.blogspot.com

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  11. Julie Anne LindseyJanuary 14, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I'm hopelessly addicted to YA. I can't get enough and you can find out why over here if you want! http://blog.juliealindsey.com/

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  12. Madigan MirzaJanuary 14, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    I love YA too, for pretty much the same reasons that you describe.
    I will have to check out your Twilight post next!

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  13. SugarbeatJanuary 14, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Hi Alison!
    Old follower dropping by to say hi! Love the post and the puppy and kittie! Drop by my blog and see my answer and say hi! and enter my giveaway. I can be found at Sugarbeat's Books

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  14. The Book AngelJanuary 14, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Love your answer! Please Hop over to my blog and check out mine! :)

    http://faybaysbooks.blogspot.com/

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  15. JennyJanuary 14, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Look at your puppy Alison, he's so adorable! And your cat looks like he/she is up to no good, there's a lot of mischief in that little face:) Hope you have a great weekend!

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  16. Felicity Grace TerryJanuary 14, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Thanks for all those links. It comes as no surprise that some readers admit to being ashamed to have read Twilight - there are some real book snobs out there, not many thankfully but some.

    Thanks for the introduction to the other members of your household, how cute are they.

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  17. Melissa (i swim for oceans)January 14, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Ahhhh omg your kitty is so darn cute...and interesting name! I have two kitties, Stella and Jasper, and a chow chow puppy, Cinna.

    As for the other question, I still to YA, and paranormal is definitely my comfort zone ;)

    Happy Friday, Alison!

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  18. Howard ShermanJanuary 14, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Here I am hopping on by...

    I went all over the map with this question on my blog. I read and enjoy almost every genre of fiction out there. There’s no way I could just pick one.

    So I talked about all of them. Even romance fiction (sort of)! I invite you to hop over to my blog at http://www.howardsherman.net and see for yourself.

    Howard A. Sherman
    http://www.howardsherman.net

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    here's mine http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-book-blog-follow-friday_14.html

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  20. Missie, The Unread ReaderJanuary 14, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Atticus Fish!!! LOL! So clever!

    And I have never seen a half basset hound and half Labrador. He is adorable.

    Happy Weekend, Alison.

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  21. Shera (Book Whispers)January 14, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    That is a great part of reading YA, everything is fresh and new. So exciting.

    - Shera (Book Whispers)

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  22. ReadaholicsJanuary 14, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    Hey Alison, just stopping by on the hop and follow. I'm a new follower. I can't get over the photos of ur pets. Kitty is to die for!!! I can't wait until Tuesday=Shadowfever!!!
    Have a great weekend curled up with a book.Happy Reading!!!
    See ya!
    Dana
    Readaholics Anonymous

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  23. Jenni ElyseJanuary 14, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Snowbird and Ahwatukee are adorable. Ahwatukee looks a lot like my kitty Dax, who is also irritable.

    I also had a betta, but mine's name was Photi. Linguistically, photi can be used to spell fish if you pronounce the ph like you do in phone, the o like you do in women, and the ti like you do in nation. So, his name was just a play on his species. :)

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  24. SabaJanuary 14, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    HEYYY! U have won the Stylish Blog award!! because of ur awesome blog look! stop by my blog at www.sabaawesome.blogspot.com to collect ur award!

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  25. 25katiJanuary 14, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    I'm following you follow me?

    http://klearsreviews.blogspot.com/

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  26. KristinJanuary 15, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Old follower hopping by to say hi!! The ferrets have their own little play area, so the dogs and cats can't get at 'em. Our dog would probably try to use them as chew toys, cause they're cute and furry like his stuffies, LOL!

    Have a great weekend!
    Kristin
    MyBookishWays

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  27. StormiJanuary 15, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    I don't think anyone should be ashamed of what they like to read, I am not a huge twilight fan but I don't care if others like it. I have been reading since I was a kid so I don't really know what ever influenced be except for the fact that my mother was a reader and I took after her. :)

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and following me. :)

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  28. Izzy G.January 15, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Hey, thanks for hopping by my blog! I'm an old follower.

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  29. BelindaJanuary 15, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Happy HOP! Oh your critters are so CUTE!! Nothing beats whiskered and doggy breath kisses!

    You can find my HOP answer and a recap of my FEVERfest at The Bookish Snob

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  30. Ruth Cox aka abitosunshineJanuary 15, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    Great response to the book blogger hop question, Alison! Nobody should ever have to apologize for love of a written word!

    My Tidbit says bowow to your Snowbird!

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  31. ChristasBooksJanuary 15, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    You're pets are so adorable! You're cat has such an interesting name, how did you chose it?

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  32. SiobianJanuary 15, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Thanks for hopping by my blog! Snowbird reminds me of a dog I had a long time ago. Thanks for including pictures!

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  33. Amber at The Musings of ALMYBNENRJanuary 15, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    I LOVE Twilight and I'm not ashamed of it either! I first discovered the book at my local B&N when it was the only one out there and very few people had heard of it.

    I love your pets! They're so cute. :)

    This is my first hop!

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  34. UnknownJanuary 15, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Hi Alison,
    I'm hopping (and following) back to you! I love your black cat - they're my favorite.
    Sue

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  35. SusanJanuary 15, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Hi Alison, Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's an interesting question you brought up. I think striking the right balance in language in historical fiction is one of the most difficult tasks for the writer. A tone that's too old fashioned or flowery makes the book hard to read and can sometimes sound false- although there are writers who pull it off. And too modern can ruin an otherwise interesting book -- too anachronistic. One novelist I really love, particularly her earlier books, is Cecelia Holland. Not too flowery, not too modern.
    Cute pets!

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  36. Laurel-Rain SnowJanuary 15, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Thanks for hopping by my blog....I haven't read the Twilight series, and sometimes I feel I should be apologizing for NOT enjoying these kinds of books. But I think everyone should be allowed to revel in whatever appeals to them.

    I did see one of the movies.

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  37. Alicia B.January 15, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    Your pets are adorable!

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  38. EscapistJanuary 15, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    Atticus Fish is the best name...ever.

    Thanks for commenting on my blog! :)

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  39. Jen (@ Jens Book Closet)January 15, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Alison, Love the new blog redesign, it's gorgeous! Also, it's funny because Twilight was one of the books that changed my life. I'd been in a reading slump for sometime and I'd never really ventured into fantasy extensively except for Harry Potter. I started reading Twilight just after New Moon was published. After that series, I needed something to fill it's place, something to pick up the fantasy slack my life was missing. It was all off from there. Yah, Twilight may not be the most fantastical writing, but there is just something about it that comforts me. Something about it that I feel I can relate to.

    Your dog is adorable!! I love basset hounds. And I've always wanted an all black cat (so I can, yah know, pretend I'm a little bit magical or something, HA! Yes, I'm a nerd). My kitty is a rescue kitty and she is black and white. I'm an old follower, but I love the blog! Keep it up.

    Jen
    In the Closet With a Bibliophile

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  40. AlissaJanuary 15, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Atticus Fish! How cute! :D

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  41. SelenaJanuary 15, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    Thank you for hopping by The Enchanted Book. Your animals are so cute! I have four kitties, one of which reminds me a great deal of your cat.

    Have a great weekend!

    Selena
    The Enchanted Book

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  42. Amber I @ AwesomesauceJanuary 15, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    I loved how you put why you love YA it is everything I love about YA books. I read a lot of adult Paranormal and Urban Fantasy too.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I am a new follower!!

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  43. Jasmine CervikJanuary 15, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Twilight definitely got me into reading. I hadn't read anything that wasn't required in school before that, and now I can't stop reading. :) By the way, your dog is so freakin' cute! Thanks for following! I'm following you now as well. :)

    Jasmine (The Reading Housewives)

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  44. Lucia (iLive, iLaugh, iLove Books)January 15, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Oh, imaginary animals could never compare to real ones. :)

    I'm glad to see you have Twilight pride. I'm not the biggest Twilight fan, but it's interesting to see somebody be like that. :)

    Thank you for stopping by my blog!

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  45. CarissaJanuary 15, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Awww your pets are adorable!


    Stopping by to wish you a happy hop!

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  46. UnknownJanuary 15, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    Thanks for hopping by my blog, Alison! Your is super cute! I do agree about the hopefulness of YA too! It is just the best! :)

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  47. Black Disaster FairyJanuary 15, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Flying by to hop and chat and leave lovely comments.

    I like to read all kinds of books. If it is a book it is most likely for me ;)

    I have some wild kitties that I adore!

    Black Disaster Fairy
    A World of Personality

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  48. Lisa JoJanuary 16, 2011 at 1:12 AM

    Hey Alison,

    Happy Blog Hop! Thanks for stopping by my blog. You non-human family is adorable! Too cute!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Lisajo85
    Once Upon A Chapter

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  49. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2011 at 1:59 AM

    I haven't read Twilight and don't have any real desire although I used to like Buffy! Thanks for sharing your reading with us. One of my non-humans (Sammy-cat) is bouncing around in the table right now ... I think it's time for him to go out!

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  50. Mina BurrowsJanuary 16, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Hi Alison! Just hopping by! I love your blog and your post!

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  51. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Oh! I know what you mean about YA being rippled with possibilities!! :D It's so true.

    Your Non-Human family is super cute!

    And I love your header graph. :D
    Happy BBH!

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  52. Logan E. TurnerJanuary 16, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    I love love love the name Atticus Fish. So clever!

    You've got a really nice blog. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I'm following you now. Happy weekend!

    Logan

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  53. JenniferJanuary 16, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    I haven't always been interested in the fantasy/paranormal genre. Thanks Twilight. Really I mean that. So now I'm loving everything about it and just can't stop reading it. Could be worse right? Thanks for dropping by Book Noise.
    Happy Reading!

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  54. LLMJanuary 17, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog for the Hop and for following! I'm a new follower.

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  55. AprilJanuary 17, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Thanks so much for stopping by Cafe of Dreams! What a lovely blog you have! I am a new follower. I love the animal pics - so adorable!! I also love YA books, as well as a very broad range of genres! Have a great week!

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  56. UnknownJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    Atticus. Fish. Alison, you made my day with that. :-)

    ReplyDelete

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