My Life in Books: A Blog Tag

It's that time of year, friends.

BLOG TAG TIME! *says Em rather enthusiastically*

Honestly, it's been a while. Too long.

While I'd love my blog to stay on topic—as in, providing niche content for my readers—I don't see the harm in doing something fun and lighthearted once in a while. Especially when it's a really cool blog tag that will give you a peep into my life (read: something I don't like talking about much for no particular reason) and my only hobby: reading (if ukulele playing doesn't count).

Without further ado, I'm beyond excited to jump in, so let's do this!

- Find a book for each of your initials -

*cue I-wish-I-had-a-different-name-syndrome*

While I go by many different names online (not telling which—if any—is my real one), for simplicity's sake (and because I want three different initials), I'll just go with one I don't use here on my blog.

~E = Echo by Pam Munoz~

A sweet book that was one of my childhood favorites. I haven't read it since, but I was shocked at how thick it was and how seven-year-old me happened to FINISH it in like, two sittings.

~L = The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill~

While this book wasn't one of my favorites, I appreciated the clean aspect of it (as in, no profanity) and the cover.

~C = Creating Character Arcs by K. M. Weiland~

It's a writing book—but it still counts, right? *looks around for confirmation and finds none* *shrugs*

Anyway, K. M. Weiland's books on writing and outlining and story structure are some of my favorite writing books ever. Her quirky writing voice shines through and makes learning about writing AND reading non-fiction on writing so much fun.

- Count your age along your bookshelf: what book is it? -

~Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare~

It was recommended to me by my writing mentor at the time for research on a Native American story I was working on (ironically enough, it was the attempted sequel of A Change of Heart that never worked out). While the overall storyline was good, I disliked the romance and felt the main character was annoying, and her supposed French love interest lacked sympathy and behaved inappropriately toward her on multiple occasions. I like some of Elizabeth George Speare's other books, but this one just wasn't my favorite.

And there's a mini book review for you.

- Pick a book set in your city/country -

I'm going to go with state, just because there are SO many books set in America, I couldn't just pick one. While I'm a native Californian, I haven't read many books set in California.

The only one I can think of is. . .

~ The Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman ~

I've seen the book cover redone to fit the rest of the series, but I like my cold blue cover (I actually own this one, anyway). I really liked the setting in this book—it was familiar and nostalgic to me. This book isn't a favorite either, but it's a fun read!

- Pick a book that represents a destination

you'd love to travel to -

~The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin~

As the book title suggests, it's set in London. And while I wouldn't want to go back in the times the MC lived, I would LOVE to go to London and bask in history. And whatever there is in London.

~The Wide Starlight by Nicole Lesperance~

Norway, too, because I really want to see those northern lights and the polar bears. Plus, just considering how much I love this book, it would be amazing to be there, where it's set.

- Pick a book that's your favorite color -

~The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin~

While I haven't read this book yet, I saw the cover and instantly fell in love. The blues and purples and golds and sparkles—so, so, so gorgeous. This is one of my favorite color schemes ever.

Though for those wondering, my favorite color is actually turquoise first and purple second. And I would have also included The Wide Starlight's cover, if I hadn't added it already above.

- Which book do you have the fondest memories of? -

Oh, there are too many of these books. Growing up, my family used to read aloud a lot.

~The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett~

I'd say either the Chronicles of Narnia series or classics like The Little Princess or The Secret Garden. I have very distinct memories of reading the Chronicles of Narnia outside in the summertime, and my mom taking time out of her day every night to read classics and discuss them with my younger brother and I.

- Which book did you have the most difficulty reading? -

~The Spirit of St. Louis by Charles Lindberg~

The difficulty of reading The Spirit of St. Louis wasn't so much the writing style, it was more the fact that the print on my copy was ridiculously tiny, the book was so thick. Both very intimidating factors for a quick reader like me. But overall, I didn't hate it (despite the fact that I had to do it for school), so that's good, I guess?

~Starsight by Brandon Sanderson~

While this book wasn't bad at all, I really struggled with the load of new characters this book introduced. After loving the characters in the first book, I couldn't find myself caring about any of these new characters.

As a side note, I feel like it would have been cool if Spensa on this cover could've had her Alanik disguise on. It would have been much cooler, but also more unnerving. XD

- What book on your TBR pile will give you the biggest accomplishment when you finish it? -

Quite frankly, every book I finish gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

~The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien~

I've been meaning to start on J. R. R. Tolkien's books (the Lord of the Rings, anyone?), and as someone who barely reads fantasy—the only fantasy I've read recently is magical realism—it might be a bit hard for me to get through. But either way, I think knowing that I've read a book that I have very high expectations for and have been hearing about all my life would create a great sense of accomplishment. Hopefully.

- Now it's your turn! -

Whew, that was long, but also really fun. A special thank-you to whoever started this blog tag in the first place!

Since this is a blog tag, I'll be tagging a few of my fellow bloggers.

~Tags~

Mia Harden @ Windows to Mia

Liesl Brunner @ Quote, Unquote

Olivia Booms @ Olivia's Pen

Lissie W. @ Lissie's Books

Bethany Lang @ Wandering Inkwells

Ava Rose S. @ This Bookish Soul

Daniel Amador @ The Right Kind of Writer

And even if you haven't been tagged, feel free to go ahead and take the challenge. Be sure to drop a comment below with the link. I'd love to check your answers out!

And that's a wrap. I hope you had as much fun reading as I did writing my responses. And drop a comment below answering the questions:

Would you like to see more blog tags from yours truly? Should I try creating my own?

Stay tuned for more content as the weeks go by—I have some fun summer blog posts in the works!