Category Archives: Tag

06.13.18
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Tag #58: The “All About The Reading” Tag

All About The Reading Tag

Image Credit: YouTube

Thrice Read! Happy two-year anniversary, by the way! Thanks for publishing so many awesome tags!

Here’s the link to their original post:

What do you look for most when you pick up a book?

A) A beautiful writing style
B) A character driven story
C) A plot driven story

Honestly, I’m picking C. The plot has to hook me from the get-go.

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What are your pet peeves in books?

  1. Multiple POVs that are poorly executed.
  2. Characters that diminish their self-worth to attract the love interest.
  3. I agree with Thrice Read – Using / having pregnancy as a conflict? No, thanks!
  4. Most love triangles. They don’t typically end well in real life, so I don’t really want to see it play out in a book. Next!

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If you could print one quote on your wall, which one would it be?

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

~ Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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Which genre would you like to explore more?

Science fiction. I want to re-read Ender’s Game, and then finally read more of Card’s books. Then, we’ll see what happens from there!

I also want to try my hand with Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch.

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Was there ever a movie adaptation you liked better than the book?

The Notebook (2004) was one of the best adaptations.

However, no movie adaptation will likely top a book, for me. Books will always win.

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If one of your favorite books would be adapted or get a new adaptation, which book would it be and which role would you like to play?

I would love to see a modern retelling of The Great Gatsby. I think I’d like to play a female version of Nick Carraway – How’s that for turning something on its head?

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A hyped book you wouldn’t recommend at all?

As much as I want to say Fifty Shades of Grey, I didn’t get past the first few pages before I completely stopped. I will never read any of them, ever. So, technically, they don’t count.

So, I’ll go with Twilight. Initially, I though it was an intriguing series, but I never truly bought into the vampire side. This is also coming from someone who was basically forced to watch the first two movies while in college. I haven’t seen any of the others.

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A book that highly influenced your life and way of thinking?

Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card.

Double points for using the same answer twice!

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Are you a fan of re-reading books, do you do it often?

Yes.

I re-read The Great Gatsby and To Kill A Mockingbird every year.

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Which book title could easily be the title of your life?

Eat, Pray, Love (I’m horrible with questions like this!)

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Which book should be required reading for everyone?

I don’t like to use the term “required reading,” but here’s my list of my recommended books (in no particular order):

  • Dear Mr. Henshaw, Beverly Cleary
  • Holes, Louis Sachar
  • Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone, J.K. Rowling
  • The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie
  • Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card
  • To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
  • Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
  • The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank
  • Looking for Alaska, John Green

What would you recommend for required reading? Why?

Thanks for another great tag!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

06.06.18
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Tag #57: First Date Book Tag

First Date Book Tag

Image Credit: Pinterest

Thrice Read does some of the best book tags! Here’s another one!

Here’s the link to their original post:

The awkward first date – A book where something felt off. It wasn’t a bad book, but lacked that spark for you.

Go Set A Watchman, Harper Lee.

I wanted to like this book so much. But, it felt weird almost the whole time I was reading it. However, I can’t rate it higher than a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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The cheap first date – A book that turned out less than you expected.

This Is Where It Ends, Marieke Nijkamp.

This is one of those books where I was really intrigued by the synopsis, but ended up being let down. It didn’t help that the main plot coincided with a real-life national tragedy, either.

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Well-prepared first date – A book that was better than expected.

The Woman in Cabin 10, Ruth Ware.

I’d heard good things for a while, before Al bought me my own copy for Christmas. But, this book knocked it out of the park. One of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read so far. Give me more!

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Hot but dumb – A pretty book, not so hot on the inside.

Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer.

Vampires aren’t for me.

 

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Blind date – A book you picked up not knowing anything about it.

The War That Saved My Life, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

I found this book purely by chance during a Barnes & Noble expedition. Completely worth it!

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Speed dating – A book you read super fast.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne.

I was writing the Book Review just two days after starting it. I couldn’t put it down! I think that’s nearly a record for me.

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The rebound – A book you read too soon after a book hangover and it kind of ruined the book for you.

Camino Island, John Grisham.

I ended up in a two-week reading slump right after starting it, and once I picked it up again, I knew I needed to set it aside. It’s back on my nightstand after several months, and I look forward to reading it all the way through very soon.

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Overly enthusiastic date – A book that felt like it was trying too hard.

Allegiant, Veronica Roth.

See my review of the trilogy for more.

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The perfect first date – A book that did everything right for you.

Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide, Patrice Banks.

I loved this book. She offers excellent advice, tips, and experience. Be a #shecanic like Patrice and I!

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Humiliating first date – A book you’re embarrassed to admit you liked / embarrassed to see reading in public for whatever reason.

I’ve read quite a few of the Gossip Girl books.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

06.04.18
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Tag #56: My Bad Reading Habits Tag

Let's Talk Bad Reading Habits

Image Credit: She Latitude

Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts did this amazing tag recently!

Here’s the link to her original post:

Bad Habit #1

Not finishing books that I’m semi-interested in.

I don’t typically do this. I have definitely Did Not Finish (DNF’ed) a few books in the last year or so, but mainly because I was in a reading slump for a while and needed to set that particular book aside for a while. If I do DNF a book, I usually find my way back to it to finish it, eventually.

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Bad Habit #2

Switching between books but never finishing them.

I rarely do this. I’m a one-book-at-a-time person, so I rarely switch between books at all.

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Bad Habit #3

Buying books … because “I have nothing to read.”

THIS IS DEFINITELY ME!

I’m completely guilty of this. Ugh. I need to “shop my own bookshelf” much more frequently.

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Bad Habit #4

Not reading books on my TBR list.

I’m getting better at this … Slowly.

Doing my own version of “Down The TBR Hole” at the beginning of May really helped me with this habit.

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Bad Habit #5

Not getting out of a book slump.

My longest book slump, in recent memory, only lasted about two weeks. I was just physically and mentally exhausted by the time it was bedtime, so I had zero energy or desire to read.

Tag – You’re It!

  • I tag anyone!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

05.30.18
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Tag #55: The Writing World Tag

Rediscovering Life

Image Credit: Rediscovering Life

Kirstyn Todd tagged me in a unique tag that she created! Thanks, Kirstyn!

Here’s the link to her original post:

The Rules

  • Thank the person that tagged you and link to their website
  • Post the rules
  • Answer your tagger’s questions
  • Share your two favorite writing tips and where you got them from
  • Share two random story/WIP ideas you’ve never shared before (It would be cool to include covers, but you don’t have to) (And also they don’t have to be ideas you’re ever going to turn into anything)
  • But don’t spoil them for us 😉
  • Tag five people
  • Let the people you tag know that they have been tagged
  • Ask five questions
  • No, you can’t re-tag the person that tagged you

Questions I Was Asked

  1. What is the first story you remember making up?
  2. How and when was (were) your current WIP(s) inspired?
  3. When did you “get serious” about writing, if you know what I mean?
  4. What made you decide to write your current WIP and actually publish it?
  5. What has been your biggest accomplishment in writing so far?

My Answers

  1. I’m pretty sure it was something related to the Barbies I owned. I loved thinking of different stories and scenarios for Barbie, Skipper, and Chelsea.
  2. I currently have three WIPs. The first one, tentatively titled “Experiences From Camp,” was inspired by an idea that came to me during lunch in the cafeteria at Capital Group in early 2012, which was my first long-term “big girl” job out of college. I didn’t have any paper on me, so I kept the idea in my head until I was able to get home and scrawl out my ideas and first characters. The second one was inspired by my parents’ love of Frank Lloyd Wright houses around the U.S., and wanting to write a historical fiction story. The third one, tentatively titled “Discussion of Differences,” was inspired by real-life experiences with friendships from college. You can read more about all three with my Writing Wednesdays series from
  3. I knew I wanted to be a writer by age 10. In fifth grade, when I was 11, my Young Authors book, titled “Electro Girl,” was recognized by Chesapeake Public Schools. I think my parents still have the program from the ceremony – The theme that year was “Take Me To Your Leader.” I met my best friend, Melissa, through this recognition process, too!
  4. I’m working my 2012 WIP to completion right now. It was bugging me last year that I’d only written about 13,000 words. Thanks to my friend Madison Grace, who is just 14, she inspired me to do Camp NaNoWriMo for the very first time in April 2018. I hope to reach at least 50,000 words to complete it by the end of 2018.
  5. Aside from this little blog of mine, I have to say that my first Camp NaNoWriMo experience was a smashing success – I exceeded my goal of writing 20,000 new words! I can’t wait to do Camp again in July, and I’m also hoping to do NaNoWriMo in November for the first time in four years!

Writing Tips

  1. Use whatever tools work best for you to tell your story. For me, it’s a combination / mash-up of a handwritten composition notebook, the blog here on WordPress, and Microsoft Word. I’ve seen others have success with just the Notes app on their smartphones! However, I’m always looking for ways to improve.
  2. Expand your reading horizons. When I was younger, I would re-read a lot of books because I was scared to branch out. Now, I read a variety of genres, and I find myself loving reading now more than ever. It’s opened my eyes to new authors, new genres, and different writing styles. Expanding your reading horizons will benefit your writing – It did for me.

Random Story / WIP Ideas

  1. “Tunnel Vision” – Nicole, a tough female police officer, goes off-duty one night, just trying to get across the water to get to her 35th birthday celebration. The bridge-tunnel separating the precinct and Nicole’s friends is suddenly shut down, and Nicole is quickly enveloped into a bizarre murder mystery.
  2. “Adventures in the Amazon” – Two sisters, Amanda and Katie, enter the annual, much coveted National Geographic contest. The grand prize – A three-week adventure into the Amazon jungle. To their surprise, the sisters win everything, but encounter multiple obstacles along the way. Will they get to experience the Amazon jungle for themselves?

My Questions

  1. Do you journal?
  2. Have you ever published anything?
  3. If you have been published, how did you go about that?
  4. How long have you been blogging?
  5. What are you currently working on? No spoilers!

Tag – You’re It!

  1. Kristian – Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table
  2. Didi Oviatt
  3. Olivia – OP Writes
  4. Damyanti Biswas
  5. Brian Ojakapeli

What about you? Are you in the writing world?

I’d love to hear about it!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

05.28.18
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Tag #54: Fantasy Bucket List Tag

Fantasy Bucket List Tag

Image Credit: Dragons & Zombies

Thrice Read did it again! Here’s another fun tag!

Here’s the link to their original post:

A fictional world that you would like to tour.

Middle Earth.

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A specific place that you would like to visit.

Hogwarts.

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A character that you would like to meet.

Hermoine Granger from Harry Potter.

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An event you would like to witness.

The Tri-Wizard Tournament from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

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A sport/activity you would like to try.

Quidditch.

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A weapon you would like to wield.

The Elven bow that Legolas wielded.

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An item you would like to use.

Any of the wands from Ollivanders wand shop, please and thank you!

That’s all! What would you answer?

Let me know in the comments!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

05.25.18
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Tag #53: OMG That Song Book Tag

OMG That Song Book Tag - YouTube

Image Credit: YouTube

The Book Nut did another awesome book tag!

Here’s the link to their original post:

The Basics:

For each question I will be giving both song and book that go with the question. They don’t have to go together, but sometimes they may.

Let us begin!

My Jam: A song you have to listen to no matter how many times you’ve heard it and a book that you’ll never get sick of…

Song: I agree with The Book Nut – “Sugar We’re Going Down” by Fall Out Boy. I almost instantly recognize it when it comes on the radio or a streaming playlist. And then I sing along. Badly, but I sing along every single time.

Book: The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I re-read it every year.

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Throwback: A song that reminds you of the cringeiest time in your life and a book you read that you would wouldn’t like if you read it now…

Song: “Everytime We Touch” by Cascada. It was one of my ex-boyfriend’s favorite songs. Considering we were together from 2006-2010, I listened to it A LOT. I can hardly listen to it now.

Book: Ugh. I agree with The Book Nut again – Allegiant by Veronica Roth takes the cake!

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Replay: A recent song that you have on repeat and a recent favorite book…

Song: I think The Book Nut and I are on the same wavelength. I love “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana. The whole soundtrack is great, but I love the message in this particular song.

Book: The Woman in Cabin 10, by Ruth Ware.

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Gets Me: A song that is literally me and a book that is me in book form…

Song: “Mine” by Taylor Swift. It describes my feelings for my husband almost perfectly. I knew I wanted to incorporate this song into our wedding, somehow. I ended up singing it to him during our rehearsal dinner, complete with our bridal party holding handmade posters that spelled out “You are the best thing that’s ever been mine.”

Book: Ugh. This one. So unbelievably difficult.

If I had to pick just one, I’d pick Amelia’s Notebook, by Marissa Moss. I devoured these books as a kid. Amelia reminded me of me – She even looked like me. Totally 90s. Plus, it inspired me to keep journaling and writing, off and on, for years.

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WUT: A weird song that you liked anyways and a unique book that stuck out to you for some reason…

Song: “Gangnam Style” by Psy. I love it!

Book: Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide, by Patrice Banks. I wanted to buy this book right after listening to her interview on NPR’s Fresh Air podcast. It’s packed full of information, true stories, and inspiration! As a woman, I sincerely appreciate her dedication to teaching women about their cars (and men, too) and making everyone feel more confident.

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Let’s Go: Pick your best pump up song and a book that inspires you…

Song: “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars.

Book: Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond, by Lilly Ledbetter. I love memoirs. But, this one was eye-opening to me. It will stay on my bookshelf forever.

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Chill: Your best chill or relaxing song and a book you’d curl up with on a rainy day…

Song: “Someone Like You” by Adele. Her voice is so soothing!

Book: Anything by John Grisham.

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Addicting: A guilty pleasure song and a light, trashy read you can’t help but love…

Song: “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley.

Book: I hate to call any type of book trashy. But, guilty pleasure? Definitely Nicholas Sparks.

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Nostalgia: A throwback song you look back on fondly and a book you read and loved when you were young…

Song: “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. I spent many a time in front of my mirrored closet doors with my hairbrush as a microphone.

Book: The entire Baby-Sitters Club and Baby-Sitters Little Sister series, by Ann M. Martin. I read and re-read them between the library and my own collection.

 

Tag – You’re It!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

05.20.18
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Tag #52: Disney Song Book Tag

The Book Nut is awesome!

Here’s the link to their original post:

Part of Your World – What book world would you change yourself for so you could be a part of that world? 

 Harry Potter. I like to think that Hermione would be my best friend.

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Let It Go – What book did you not want to finish because you loved it so much?

 Wow. This is a hard one! I think it was either The Notebook or Nights in Rodanthe, from Nicholas Sparks.

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Beauty and the Beast – What book do you think is/will be timeless? 

Since I already answered Harry Potter, my next answer would be The Hunger Games.

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So This is Love – What book were you hesitant to read at first but ended up loving?

Probably Divergent. I was skeptical at first, but I really enjoyed it.

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Friend Like Me – Which character would you like to be your best friend?

Hermione Granger.

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Reflection – What book really made you think/changed the way you viewed things?

I have to agree with The Book Nut here – Looking for Alaska by John Green. It was assigned reading for my Young Adult Literature class during my last semester of college, and it changed me. I’ve adored Green and his books ever since.

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Colors of the Wind – Who do you tag?

I tag anyone!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

05.19.18
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Tag #51: Book Blogger Test Tag

Image Credit

Image Credit: Early Bookish Birds

I was looking for some ideas for a few books tags, and I found The Book Nut. They’ve done so many!

Here’s the link to their original post:

The Rules:

You must answer all of these questions truthfully and once you’ve completed this tag, tag 5 other book bloggers to answer the questions next.

What are your top three book pet hates?
Coverage changes, broken spines, and missing dust jackets.

Describe your perfect reading spot.
A comfortable chair or chaise lounge on a screened porch.

Tell us three book confessions.
I have more unread than read books on my shelf, I love organizing my books by author and publication year, and I’ve never read more than one book at a time.

When was the last time you cried at a book?
Prez: A Story of Love.

How many books are on your bedside table?
Ten. I need to put the six read ones back on my bookshelf.

What is your favorite snack whist you’re reading?
Nothing.

Name three books you’d recommend to everyone.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Show us a picture of your favorite shelf on your bookcase.
I don’t have a current picture, but I love my John Grisham shelf.

Write how much books mean to you in 3 words.
Reading is relaxing.

What’s your biggest reading secret?
I haven’t read many of Jane Austen’s works.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

05.15.18
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Tag #50: This or That Book Tag

I wasn’t tagged for this one, but if you’ve read the blog lately, I love doing book tags.

When I saw Jenna’s new post, the author of the lovely Bookmark Your Thoughts, come across my email, I was definitely intrigued.

Here’s the link to her post:

Reading on the bed or the couch?

At the moment, it’s my bed. I try really hard to read for at least 30 minutes every night before going to sleep. Reading is one of the only things that really relaxes me.

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Male main character or female main character?

Like others, I used to be immediately drawn to female main characters.

Now, I’m finding myself seeking out more male main characters. It’s a different perspective. Plus, I tend to discover different authors this way, too.

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Sweet snacks or salty snacks when you’re reading?

Neither. I don’t eat while I read.

I have enough trouble multitasking in general!

Occasionally, I have a beverage by my side, but I’m always afraid I’ll spill it.

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Trilogies or quartets?

Trilogies.

However, I’m currently reading more stand-alone books, and I love the idea of duologies, too.

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First person POV or third person POV?

First person.

I honestly can’t remember the last book I read with third person POV.

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Reading at night or in the morning?

I read at night.

The only times that I’ve read in the morning were for, (a) Bible studies; (b) on vacation at the beach; or (c) traveling where I wasn’t the driver.

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Libraries or bookstores?

Toughest. Question. Ever.

Given that I’ve drastically cut my spending habits recently, I think a library sounds amazing right now.

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Books that make you laugh or cry?

It depends. I have been known to stop reading a book before finishing it, and change to a completely new one if the mood is too sad.

At the moment, I lean toward books that make me laugh.

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Black book covers or white book covers?

Black covers.

White covers are easy to stain or scuff.

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Character driven or plot driven?

Definitely character driven.

While I certainly appreciate a good plot, the characters make it or break it for me.

Tag – You’re It!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

05.11.18
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Tag #49: Extraordinary Means Book Tag

Quotefancy

Image Credit: Quotefancy

Thrice Read posts some of the best book tags!

Here’s the link to their post:

I would give up the Internet for a month for a signed first edition of this book …

  • The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald is one of my favorite authors. It’s one book that I re-read every year, too.

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I would give up pizza for a year if it meant I could sit next to this author on a long plane ride …

  • J.K. Rowling. Hands down. I’ve always wanted the chance to meet her.

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I would sit through a thousand hours of commercials if it would ensure that Hollywood made this book into a movie …

  • One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It was assigned reading in high school. I’m usually not a big fan of magic realism, but I’d love to see Hollywood works their magic on this one.

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I would never read a new book again if it meant I could live inside this book …

  • I agree with Thrice Read. It would have to be Harry Potter. Period. No discussion. End of conversation.

 

 

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I would let my Google search history be made public if it meant I could be best friends with this author …

  • Too many choices! First author that popped into my head – Sarah Dessen. She was a key figure in my Young Adult Literature choices throughout high school, and part of college. Yes, please!

 

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I would donate everything I own to Goodwill if it meant I could date this book character in real life …

  • A modern version of Mr. Darcy.

 

This was such a fun and different tag! Keep ’em coming, Thrice Read!

What are some things you guys would give up for bookish opportunities?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂