Introducing... THE SHADY GLADE

The Shady Glade
Alyssa

The Shady Glade is a restful place to stop by, read book reviews and other book-related ramblings, swap out some of your old books for new ones, wish for upcoming new releases, add in your two cents, and hopefully win some free books.

What drew you into the book blogging world?

Unlike some people, I know exactly who to blame for my blogging addiction. Actually, I have to back up a little bit. About 4 years ago I was lucky enough to be added to the panel of reviews for YA Books Central. So that's what got me into writing reviews. The blogging part came about 6 months later. I had made friends with Miss Erin and Jocelyn from Teen Book Review on the forums over at YABC. At one point a thread was started about blogging, and both of them shared their blogs (at that point, there wasn't a lot of YA blogs around). So I thought "I can do that" and The Shady Glade was born. And now here we are 3 and half years later.

What's your favorite part about book blogging?

Honestly, my favorite part isn't the writing, although I do enjoy that a lot. I love hearing from my readers, whether it's through comments or emails or whatever. I get emails regularly from this one lady who is always asking for recommendations for her daughters on what to read next. Those emails always make my day. I got a comment yesterday from someone who thanked me for all my hard work over the past year she's been reading my blog. I love hearing things like that! So connecting with my readers, that's my favorite part. I probably have more "online friends" than I have friends in my hometown...

Who's your favorite author?

I hate having to pick just one. I love many authors (and for different reasons) so I always feel like I'm betraying the others when I pick just one. However, if I do have to pick I would probably choose Tamora Pierce. Not only because I've probably read more books by her than any other single author (20, I think, last time I counted) but also because I've reread all of those 20 books at least once, and in many cases much more than that.

What kind of fiction are you into? or are you a nonfiction reader?

I'm a fiction reader, although I do read some nonfiction (mostly history stuff). My favorite genre would probably be fantasy, and even more specifically fairy tale retellings. Fairy tales were a big thing for me growing up, so now that I'm older, I love hearing them re imagined. Some people seem to think they are overdone these days, but I don't think I'll ever get sick of them. Beyond that, I read a fair amount of graphic novels (mostly manga) and plenty of historical fiction too.

If you could change your name what would you go by?

Ooh, that's a hard one. When I was in elementary school, I so desperately wanted either the name Crystal or Rose. Then in high school I met two not-so-friendly people by those names so that kind of killed it. These days, I really like the name of Mina, so that's probably what I'd choose. But I like my name too. I think it fits.

IF you could have an AWESOME super power what would it be?

I've always been jealous of superman's speed reading ability. My homework would have been so much easier if I could just flip through a book and retain all the information I read in those few second. More time for pleasure reading. Which I would take my time doing, of course. The speed reading's just for boring stuff.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I'm kind of ashamed to admit this for a person who reads a lot, I probably spend too much time watching TV. I'm addicted to about 5 shows and when they're in season I probably spend more time doing that than I should.

Why should I visit your blog?

Actually, I'm still kind of shocked that people do visit it. :) But in all seriousness, I love connecting with new visitors. I think my blog is a little unique too because I don't review a lot of books when there is still a lot of new book buzz going around. I know there's been a few books where after reading about 5 reviews on various blogs I just ignored the reviews anywhere else for a while. Catching Fire comes to mind as an example. I also review a lot of books that most of my readers haven't heard of either. I guess I just have unique tastes. But, do stop by and visit. We have lots of fun discussing things. Plus I host lots of contests and a book swap, so there's lots of was to grow your reading addition while you're there.

And.. anything else you'd like to add?

Thanks for having me! It was a lot of fun.

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Don't forget to visit Alyssa at her blog!

If you're interested in being feature on Introducing...YOU email me or leave a comment with you're email and I'll get you set up.