Reader Spot – Meet Aoife Bennett (@prettyppd) #BookReviewer

Here on the ‘Reader Spot,’ I share the bookish love of our avid book reviewers. From young adult to historical romance, chick-lit to a murder mystery, they know what they like, and they’re happy to share.  Whether you are a reader looking for a new book, or a writer wondering what your reader wants, I hope you find this series enjoyable.

Next up to the Reader Spot is reviewer, Aoife Bennett from Pretty Purple Polka Dots. Find her book review blog HERE

What genre do you enjoy reading?

I’ve always loved YA – I think I have a serious Peter Pan complex when it comes to books, because I still love going back to the teenage section of the shops, as well as the adults. I’m 44 Aoife, and I spend all my time (and money) in the YA book section! 😉

Do you have a favourite author in this genre?

So many. I always loved Louise Rennison, Meg Cabot, Claire Hennessy, but recently I’ve had the pleasure to be introduced to work by amazing people like Louise O Neill, Lisa Williamson and Holly Bourne.

How do you prefer to read your books?

I’ve always preferred paperback books. Recently, though, I downloaded the Kindle app on my tablet, and I’ve got a couple Google Books too.

Where do you purchase your books?

Oh everywhere. I once bought a book in a train station. It didn’t even have a bookshop.

Where do you find out about the books you read?

Once again, everywhere. Goodreads is my main source, but also Instagram pics, blogger reviews. I’m a member of an online book club and it’s given me so much inspiration, book jealousy, and debt. 

Do you have a budget when buying books?  Do you stick to it if you do?

I usually stick to about a tenner, either in pounds or Euro. I grew up in Ireland but I live in the UK at the moment, and books feel so much cheaper over here!

Do you write a review when you’ve finished reading?  If so, where do you post this?

Whenever a book is finished, I give it stars on Goodreads and then pop a review up on my blog. I’ve haven’t done any Amazon or Netgally reviews as of yet, but watch this space!

What do you look for in a book?

I like a good storyline that will keep me guessing. My Dad and I like to play a game together of guessing the ending of the book we’re reading and then, at the finish, see how right/wrong we are. I’ve never been too far off, really.

Where do you like to read?

If I can read there, I will read there. Sometimes I will read there even if I can’t. (translation: once I used to read while in work when it was quiet. They didn’t much care for that.)

What social media platforms are you active on?

I’ve got Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (prettyppd). I use some of the others, but they’re for more professional/personal use than for my blog so I don’t usually bring them into play.

If you are an avid reader and would like to be included in this feature, then please use the ‘say hello’ page to send me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Cartoon via Sarah Andersen – find her cartoon book on Amazon.