When I Was A Kid: My Favorite Kid's Books

Hey guys,
  Sorry for not posting for the past few days. I've actually been busy going through old pictures with my mom. We have more photo albums than you can imagine. While going through them I kept noticing all the pictures of me reading as a kid (I just have to say, I was a weird kid) and remembered some of my favorite children's books. So today I'm going to do a brief post about those.
  As some of you may know, I've had a stuffed blue bunny since the day I was born. It's been with me every day of my life and I developed a strong love of bunnies; because of this a lot of my favorite children's books have to do with bunnies.

Here's a few of my favorite bunny books:

-The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

-If You Were My Bunny by Kate McMullan

-Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

-Fuzzy Rabbit by Rosemary Billam

I'm also a big fan of the Cordury books. For those of you who haven't read these, they're about a teddy bear owned by a girl named Lisa and the adventures he has.

-Cordury and A Pocket for Cordury by Don Freeman

   And of course I love fairy tales. There were a few specific fairy tale books I loved most and I still own two of them. These weren't the Disney version, but the originals by the Grimm brothers and Hans Christian Andersen. If you haven't read the original              versions then you probably don't know that they aren't all happy stories. 

 These are only some of my favorite children's books but they're the ones that stick out the most in my memories. What are some of your favorite children's books? Are any of them the same as my favorites?
  Thanks for reading,
           Erin a.k.a. Bookworm

Book E-cards, Just Because

Hey guys,
   Today I thought I would do a post just for fun. In the past year or so e-cards have become extremely popular and pop up all over Facebook and Pintrest. Being a book lover I've come across some book related e-cards that I just have to share. Here are my favorites, with a little bit of commentary from me.

Books with Attitude:

So true!

Unless it's a really bad movie.

Haha! I'd be anorexic then.

My guilty pleasure: teen books.

Yeah, so I sometimes pick a book by the cover. Don't judge me.

Yeah, I'm going to bed. After I finish my book.

Me! Every time someone interrupts me while reading.

Book Obsession:

So many books, so little time.

I've read so many, I wish I had written down every book I've read.

Yep, my bookcase is stuffed.

If only I could find a guy who loves books as much as me.

My idea of a perfect night.

Stuck in Bookworld (Yes, there is such a thing.) : 

Happens to me a lot.

Yep, I've done it. Especially with the last Harry Potter book.

Haha yep. 

The Library: 

Creepy, but I wouldn't being with my books forever.

I hate waiting for books on hold. No patience!

I hope you enjoyed the e-cards. And in conclusion I'd like to add one more, just for laughs.

Thanks for reading,
             Erin a.k.a. Bookworm

A World Without Libraries

Hey guys,
   After reading an entry on one of my favorite websites, Book Riot, I felt compelled to write about it. As most of you can guess, I spend a lot of time at the library. I've always had a library card and I can't imagine a world without libraries. Apparently author Terry Deary doesn't agree with me. In the entry, When Authors Attack Libraries: A GIF Response, freelance writer Amanda Nelson uses Scarlett O'Hara GIF's to express her outrage over Terry Deary's comments at a local council meeting. Deary believes libraries should be closed in order to save money.
   "I'm not attacking libraries," he says. "I'm attacking the concept behind libraries, which is no longer relevant." He goes on to say that we shouldn't feel entitled to free books and blaming libraries as the reason for bookstores closing. He even says that libraries are making authors and publishers lose money.

  I don't agree with any of this. It's not just because I love libraries, it's because libraries can be a precedent to bookstores. How many people read a book from the library and love it so much they go buy it from a bookstore? I know I've done this many times throughout the years. To say that libraries should be shut down would cause more people to have literacy problems. Libraries are a great resource for kids and adults alike. Without a library to give us the opportunity to read books, many of us just wouldn't read at all.
  With the increased price of books more people are turning to libraries or E-books. Libraries even have E-books for people to checkout. I own a Nook and love that I can choose between a book or the electronic version.

  Libraries are also great places for kids to go for tutoring or crafts and story times hosted by the library. So, no, I don't think libraries should be shut down. Who agrees with me? Who agrees with Deary? Let me know what you think.
Thanks for reading,
            Erin a.k.a. Bookworm

What Genre Are You?

Hey guys,
   Sorry for the delay in posts. I've been exhausted from not sleeping (insomnia) but I finally had two good nights of sleep in a row.
   So for today I'd like to share some thoughts about the different genres of books. I read books from many genres and I've found myself thinking about the difference between them. Here's some info on each of the genres I read from. If you don't see one of your favorite genres let me know and I'll add a second post with those.

Adult Fiction/Teen Fiction: Most people have read more from this genre than anything else. I say adult and teen fiction because they're separate genres to me. Fiction is completely different than fantasy to me because I see fiction as books that could possibly be true. Not all fiction books, but a lot of them are just about regular people. Teen fiction is usually grouped together so a lot of those books could be considered fantasy also. (Adult Fiction Ex: Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, yes I read them. Teen Fiction Ex: Harry Potter series, The Mortal Instruments, Pretty Little Liars)

Non-Fiction: I have to say I don't read much non-fiction but there are a few books I make exceptions for. Although they're not your typical non-fiction books I own a couple encyclopedias I enjoy: The Dictionary of Imaginary Places, The Dictionary of Literary Characters, and The Encyclopedia of Classical Mythology. I also enjoy books about Henry VIII and his six wives but my favorites are any of the comedian Chelsea Handler's books. (ex: The Six Wives of Henry VIII, He's Just Not That Into You)

     



Historical Fiction: I didn't used to enjoy this genre but as I've grown up I read more and more books from this genre. My favorite historical fiction books are about historical female characters or finding historical objects. I've somehow become someone who loves history because of these books. So much so that I wish there was a time machine so I could see history for myself. (Ex: Dan Brown books, Philippa Gregory books, The Historian, All Souls Trilogy)

Science Fiction: I'm as geeky as the next person, so of course I like some science fiction. I'm a huge fan of H.G. Wells novels and Star Wars books. I'm also drawn to post-apocalyptic or utopian society stories. (Ex: H.G. Wells novels, Star Wars books, Star Trek books, Frankenstein)

 

Steampunk: Some of you might not have heard of this genre. It's different than science fiction because it usually depicts the Victorian era with advanced technology. Dictionary.com defines Steampunk as a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy featuring advanced machines and other technology based on steam power of the 19th century and taking place in a recognizable historical period or a fantasy world. For an introduction to Steampunk check out the book Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories by Kelly Link.
(Ex: Iron Codex series, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, His Dark Materials Trilogy, Infernal Devices series)

Fantasy: I've always loved fantasy novels for the simple fact that they conjure up an entire magical world in my head. Everyone needs a chance to get completely out of their own world for a while. (Ex: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia, A Song of Ice and Fire series)

 



Classics: I consider classic novels to be a separate genre just because they stand out in my mind. We're always forced to read them in school but when reading them on your own you can develop a better appreciation for them. Personally I love anything by Shakespeare and Jane Austen. The authors of these books are some of the most well-known in history. (Ex: Charles Dickens, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Charlotte Bronte, and Bram Stocker)

 


I hope you enjoyed reading. Now go find which genre works for you, or pick a couple.
   Thanks,
         Erin a.k.a Bookworm

It's Cold, Let's Hibernate

It's the middle of winter and I have to say I'm not a fan of the cold and snow. I contemplated hibernating this year, but it turns out humans can't. (Darn). Instead of being able to spend time outside in the sunshine reading I'm forced to sit inside while seeing only grey skies through the window. I figure if I have to deal with the winter I might as well be comfortable and curl up with a good book.

Wouldn't you like to read here?

My comfy spot for the winter is at the end of the sectional couch in my living room, at my mom's house. I wrap a blanket around myself and grab a book to settle in for a while. Depending on my mood I'll either read a book with an intricate plot that makes me think or something light that requires little thought. If I'm not reading I'm online searching for new books to read.

Some of my favorite websites to find new books are Book Riot and Good Reads. Book Riot is a mix of different blog posts: lists of anything book related, book news and other items that interest readers. Good Reads is used for book recommendations. After creating an account you can look at books friends have read and receive recommendations based on books you've read in the past. Both are fun websites for readers.

                                 



And secretly, I spend time looking at my bookcase. My books are a little bit like my children and I'm not ashamed to admit that. I would rather own a million books than have a closet full of designer shoes (although I do love designer shoes).

My question for you is: what's your favorite reading spot? And what are your favorite books to read on a cold winter day while stuck inside?

Thanks for reading,
               Bookworm a.k.a. Erin

It's Valentine's Day...

So in honor of Valentine's Day I thought I would tell you guys some of my favorite love stories (and for those Twilight fans, no it doesn't count). I'm not a huge fan of mushy gushy love stories but every once in a while one gets to me. Here's a few of my favorite books and movies (based on books) with love stories:

-The Notebook: It's a cliche I know but I can't help myself. I remember the first time I watched this and bawled my eyes out. Since then I've been hooked. I read the book (by Nicholas Sparks for those of you who don't know) but I still prefer the movie. Maybe it has a little to do with Ryan Gosling but besides that it's just a good love story.

I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day. -Noah

-The Mortal Instruments: Yes, it's a teen series but the relationship between main characters Jace and Clary is endearing. I keep reading as they go back and forth, from together to separated. The series, by Cassandra Clare, is being made into a movie with the first one-The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones-in August. Needless to say I'll be seeing it in theaters. (The prequel series, The Infernal Devices, has a similar love story, for those of you who are interested in reading any of the books). 

-All Souls Trilogy: I stumbled across this series while browsing at Barnes&Noble and immediately put them on my list of books to read. The first two books in the trilogy are A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night. The author, Deborah Harkness, has created a world filled with magic and history. I happen to love historical fiction but was skeptical about the vampire-witch love story. After reading the books I found Diana Bishop and Matthew Roydon's relationship to be much different than I imagined. It's probably the only vampire love story I enjoy and I'm anxious to read the trilogy's conclusion. 

I also enjoy the classic love stories of Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice and Atonement. 

As for my own love story, well that's between me and chocolate for this year. Personally, I don't mind being single. It would be nice to have a boyfriend but I'm doing just fine without one. My plans for today involve celebrating my niece's second birthday and a girl's night with my friend Michelle. It may not be the most exciting Valentine's Day but as long as there's chocolate I think I can make the most of it. Happy Valentine's Day! 

Thanks for reading,

                    Bookworm a.k.a. Erin

Welcome!

Hi everybody,
  Welcome to my blog! I've been contemplating making a blog for while now and finally pushed myself to do it. As a bookworm, I thought a book blog would be perfect. For those of you who don't know me personally I should tell you that books make up so much of my life. Without books I literally wouldn't function. I can't even imagine a world without books, let alone a world where I don't love them.
 
My history with books goes back to before I even knew how to read. I vaguely remember looking through my older sister's books and making up my own stories. It didn't matter if there were pictures or not, all I needed were words on a page. The best feeling in the world was when I could read those words and read I did. I read every road sign, billboard, poster and anything with words.
 
Since learning to read I have devoured books like food. The more I read the faster I could read. Today, I can read multiple books in a week; and sometimes multiple books a day (depending on the length). So this blog is simply a place for me to share my love for books. Whether you read a lot or a little, I hope I can create something entertaining. I look forward to posting as much as I can. Expect to see book reviews, book news, lists of my current favorite books and many more book-related things.
 
Thanks for reading,
                     The Bookworm a.k.a. Erin