#21 Follow Friday with book bloggers: Mary's Books

2017-12-22 20:02

It's Friday! Time to say Hello to one of the BookLikes bloggers, an avid reader and a true library lover. If you're curious who's behind Mary's Books blog keep on reading!

Follow Mary's Books here: http://hellogeorge.booklikes.com/

How did your book love begin?

When I was little, my mom would take us to an old library in Newport, KY. It was one of the Carnegie Libraries. The children's selection of books was in the basement and I loved to borrow books from the library and would sit for as long as my mother would let me look at the books. When we started grade school we only borrowed books from the school library. It was small and I would borrow mostly non-fiction biographies. At some point, I got hooked on Nancy Drew and Hardy Boy books.

How did your blogging adventure start?

Blogging books was a way for me to keep track of what I had read and help me to remember what I had read and enjoyed and what I hadn't enjoyed. I know that likes and dislikes change so I would try the books I disliked to see if they were better.

In your short bio you write “I have loved to read since I was little. I would borrow many books from the library and still borrow to this day.” Why do you love libraries?

For me, the library was a place where I can get a book to read that maybe I cannot afford to buy, it also allows me access to books that maybe I want to read, but don't want to own, because of limited space. I also stopped buying books for me when I started having children so that I could buy books for my children. I wanted to foster a love of reading and allow them to have room to store the books. The libraries near us also have so many programs for all ages. My children are so active in the library and love to go there. I know that they will always be at a library.

What are your favorite genres?

My favorites are Mysteries and Cozy Mysteries.

Why are they special?

I guess because when I was in high school I was looking for a way to have something in common with my mother and she loved mysteries. So I would read her books.

What are you three favorite book covers?

Not really sure. I know that I choose a book based off of 3 criteria: The author is one that I like, the title made me laugh, the cover was funny. I know that sounds weird when talking about mysteries, but I did pick up a book because the title said, "How to Murder the Man of Your Dreams."

You’ve completed your 2017 reading challenge! Congrats! How many time do you spend reading to finish up nearly 200 books?!?

I have hit my goals for reading for as long as I can think. I usually start my goal for what it was the year before and adjust when I start getting close to the goal.

Mary's Books Reading Challenge Page

Which books are you most excited recommending to your followers this winter?

I just finished reading "Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds and I finished that one in one night. I just kept saying wow after I had finished it. It was a very powerful read and I cannot say enough about it.

Read a 5* review on Mary's Books blog

What’s your favorite reading place? We’d love to see the photos :)

I don't really have a favorite place. I read wherever I end up waiting. I spend a lot of time waiting on the kids activities to end and with it being dark earlier, I tend to read more.

You’re mum, are your kids book lovers as well?

Yes. My rule is that they have to cruise the shelves at the library. Pick up books, look at covers, read blurbs, pick a book!

How do you encourage your children to read books?

When they were little (pre-readers) I would read to them constantly. Each child could pick a book to be read before a nap or bedtime. When they got to school they were (and still are) reading above grade level. I found a book club that they love and go to every month. It helps to encourage them to read out of their comfort zone.

I also homeschool them, so reading is very important to the education process.

Do you read one or several books at a time?

Several. I have a real book, book on tablet and books on Kindle plus a few strewn all over. I never know where I am going to be and sometimes I forget to charge a tablet or e-reader and so having a real book helps.

Mary's Books bookshelf

What are you doing when not reading?

I teach my girls (homeschooling) and knit/crochet/cross stitch.

I’ve spotted you’ve read a lot of knitting and cookbooks this year.

I am always on the lookout for something new or different to make (knit/crochet) and with homeschooling, home skills are a necessity so I am constantly looking for a recipe that we can make and that teaches new skills.

A paper book or an e-book?

Whatever I want to read is available.

Three titles for the winter holiday time?

I just borrowed A Catered Christmas I keep giving this author a try, How the Finch Stole Christmas and a classic, Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol.

Favorite quote?

Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own.

Socrates

Everything you need for a better future and success has already been written. And guess what? All you have to do is go to the library.
Henri Frederic Amiel

If you could meet one author, who would it be?

Donna Andrews or JK Rowling

Shelfie time! Please share your home library photos :)

I am very good at finding free books and when I first started, I would say, "I'll get that book later and come back and it was no longer free, so I started getting them when I found them. So I have a very large Kindle library. (I told my girls, don't judge me! Some of them are yours!)