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 the very lovely, Dena Haggerty. Find her book review blog HERE.
What genre do you enjoy reading?
It really depends on my mood and apparently I’m very moody. Can I just give my current top favorite genres? Fantasy, romantic suspense and historical (non-fiction or fiction).
Do you have a favourite author in this genre?
In the fantasy genre (although she writes romantic suspense as well), I’m currently obsessed with Nashoda Rose. I’m eagerly anticipating her newest release. Eve Langlais and Cynthia Eden are top favorites as well.
How do you prefer to read your books?
For the past two years, I haven’t had much of a choice. There aren’t enough English books in the entire city of Istanbul to satisfy my reading craving. My kindle literally saved my life. Now that I’m back in the civilized world (*winks*), I’m enjoying the feel of having a paperback back in my hands. I prefer paperbacks for non-fiction and ‘literature’ because I take my time reading these and they would be totally lost in my kindle library. That’s the excuse I’m giving the hubby at least.
Where do you purchase your books?
Because I mostly read on my kindle, I purchase the majority of my books from Amazon. I also hit up the American Book Store here in The Hague on an entirely too regular basis (according to my husband). There’s a Dutch chain book store (Paagman) next door so of course I have to check that out, too. I mean – it’s next door, how can I not? 😉
Where do you find out about the books you read?
Pretty much everywhere. My life is about books and I spend a lot of time following bloggers, reading reviews on Goodreads and flipping through Amazon. And by ‘spend a lot of time’ I mean obsessively and compulsively checking for new and new-to-me releases several times a day.
Do you have a budget when buying books? Do you stick to it if you do?
Not really; more like a maximum price per book. Because I read a lot, I won’t spend more than € 5 per ebook. Ideally, the price should be a euro or two lower than my max price. Kindle Unlimited is a godsend.
Do you write a review when you’ve finished reading? If so, where do you post this?
I write reviews for books I’ve agreed with the author I’ll review. These reviews I put on my blog, Amazon and Goodreads. Barnes & Noble doesn’t like me. Sometimes I can post there, sometimes I can’t. I have no idea why. For books I read for pure enjoyment, I only write reviews if I’m super happy or super upset. I do try to get into Goodreads and at least give a star rating.
What do you look for in a book?
I rate books based on two aspects: story and writing. The story part is mostly about my personal opinion. Did I find the plot believable? Does the action flow? Did I like it? Could I identify with the characters? Did I like them? Did I hate them?
The writing aspect I break down into characters, dialogue, character development, etc. I also look at the overall editing and writing talent of the author. I’m not a grammar Nazi or anything. Everyone makes mistakes. But I do think there should be a certain level of polishing done to a book to ensure there aren’t too many typos or grammatical mistakes.
Where do you like to read?
Everywhere! This is why I love my kindle. It’s always with me even if it is just the kindle app on my smartphone. The majority of my reading, however, is done in my reading corner. It nearly killed me to spend that kind of money on a chair, but I love that chair. Unfortunately, the dog loves it as well. Good thing it’s big enough for the two of us.
What social media platforms are you active on?
I’m on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google+. I admit to not being that active on Google+ or Pinterest. I’m not really sure how they even work if I’m being completely honest. The time I spend on Facebook and Twitter makes up for that. At this point, I’m refusing to join any more platforms. It just takes up too much time and there’s no sense in joining a platform and doing nothing with it.
HUGE thanks to Dena for joining me on the Reader Spot feature.
If you are a book blogger/reviewer and would like to take part in this feature, then please get in touch via my ‘say hello’ page.
This Feature Needs You!
Shelley Wilson Author 
It’s funny, everyone else seems to have these reading nooks that are like something out of a magazine article (that chair is perfect – oh!!!), and writing spaces that look all writer-ish ~ I just read in bed, and write in the corner of the living room, with notes everywhere, including blu-tacked to the wall.
If I envy you your reading space, Dena, then I still say I must have the best husband in the world, who doesn’t mind me blu-tacking notes to the living room wall!!! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha, I’m so glad it’s not just me who has blu tac all over the house!! 😉
LikeLike
I have waited years to have my reading nook. I went apartment shopping on my own as the hubby couldn’t get away. When I saw this awkward shaped dining room, I couldn’t help but think that a reading nook would fit perfectly! I spent a month convincing myself to spend the money on that chair even though the hubby just said ‘go for it’. I envy your ability to work everywhere. I am completely anal when it comes to where and when I work.
LikeLike
Love that chair. In fact the whole room looks great, with the bookshelves and space and so uncluttered.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s actually uncluttered because I have yet to buy a dining room table or buffet 😉 The table should arrive this weekend, but I’m not really sure if I want it now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for having me, Shelley! It was fun!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog.
LikeLike