The Mystery Blogger Award

Let me start with the people I’m tagging:

Emer | Zezee | Nish & Ngoc | Leelynn | Megan | Sofia | Alex | Kirsty | Ellyn | Katie

What did I just tag you all for?

IT’S A MYSTERY.

…I am about to post the rules, but don’t worry about that.

You can thank Jenna @ Bookmark Your Thoughts for tagging me and Okoto @ OkotoEnigmasBlog for creating this tag.

The Rules

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

 

Three Facts About Myself

• I prefer anime dubs (English voice-over) to subs (subtitles). With foreign films, it’s the opposite.
• I buy the theory that Katniss Everdeen is ace/aro. Also, I don’t like either boy for her. Let Katniss live her life.
• In 8th and 9th grade, I listened to The Princess and the Pauper soundtrack on loop.

 

Questions

One. Have you ever felt so identified with a character that you end up picturing it as yourself?

In college, a lot of my friends made what I thought were dumb decisions.

Thinking I was being a good friend, I went behind their backs and/or violated their wishes to make sure they made the “right” choices.

Thus, I related VERY STRONGLY to Ser Jorah Mormont while reading A Song of Ice and Fire.

WE ONLY WANTED WHAT WAS BEST!

WE HAD GOOD INTENTIONS!

Pretty soon, Jorah and I had blended into one person.

When Dany banished Jorah, I felt it.

Perhaps that’s the real reason I stopped reading this series.

 

Two. What thoughts do you have about ARCs?

While I like getting early access to buzzy books, most of the ARCs I’ve received have been mediocre reads.

(Layne Fargo’s Temper is the lone exception.)

When I dislike an ARC, I feel guilty. I figure I’m the problem and the published version is better.

But then I think…why bother with ARCs if the published version are the ones that count?

If I’m sent an advanced copy to create buzz for a book, I’m going to base my opinions on that copy.

 

Three. Do you think that a person who gives 5 stars to everything reads is questionable? What’s your thought about giving low ratings?

Like Jenna said, people rate books so differently, it’s hard to agree on a standard rating system.

I am, though, less likely to trust someone who calls every book they read “AMAZING.”

I stand by low ratings.

One-star (or equivalent) ratings speak to troubling content, problematic messages, or poor execution.

I’d like to see more one- and two-star reviews, to be honest.

Don’t give me that three-star pablum, Karen. Tell me the worst parts.

 

Four. Name 3 book bloggers that inspire you!

Well, shoot.

Marie, Margaret, and Xandra have some of the most gorgeous blogs I’ve ever seen.

This is not a drill.

Go look.

 

Five. Can an author’s reputation affect your thinking about his books?

Here I was JUST thinking about Orson Scott Card.

In short, YES, an author’s reputation CAN affect my view of their books.

If someone holds iffy views on mental health, modern medicine, or intersectional issues, I can’t take their books seriously.

In a less extreme example, I don’t loooove Stephen King.

Even though I like a lot of his books, I’m annoyed that he’s treated as an authority on all things literary.

The man isn’t perfect. He holds some societal privilege even if he grew up poor.

Has anyone spoken to Tabitha King recently? Give HER the floor for once. She’s a writer, too.

 

Time for me to ask some questions, including one “weird or funny” question.

Don’t worry…all of my questions should qualify.

 

Questions for you

One. How did you feel about The Greatest Showman? Fantastic film, horrible trainwreck, or something in between?

 

Two. When you’re feeling down, what kinds of books do you like to read to cheer yourself up?

 

Three. Have you ever boycotted a piece of entertainment? If yes, which one and why?

 

Four. Would you rather a book’s plot develops quickly (like Bad Kitty) or simmers slowly (like The Night Circus)?

 

Five. Hugh Jackman: underrated, overrated, or appropriately rated?

 

These are important questions! I am VERY CURIOUS to learn your answers!!

Oh, last but not least:

 

My Best Posts

Pick a Crystal, Get a Book Rec

Pretty self-explanatory. I recommend books based on the crystal you think you need in your life.

The Great Astrology Comparison Chart: A personal journey into astrology

Read about how misinformation from a friend led to me a full-on research-heavy astrology-based panic.

Book Recs Based on Your Favorite Lover Track

Do you like Taylor Swift? Did you like her latest album? Have I got books for you!

Losing my religion

A look at how my faith has shifted after a bout with depression.