Review: The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault In Our Stars

by John Green

Pages: 321

Published: January 10, 2012

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind

This is not going to be one of those reviews where I tell you how much this book made me sob like a baby, or how much it tore my heart out. Why? Because this book didn't do that to me. I wanted it to, and it did...to some extent. But honestly? It was kind of a let down from my high expectations. I really don't know what to think. This book was good...but then...and there was this...and GAH. The whole book reading experience was like WHAT AM I FEELING? I just don't know. But I shall attempt to sort these feelings out, so this resembles a review...sorta.



For starters, if you know anything about this book, let it be that the characters are brains. Hazel and Gus have some pretty knowledgeable conversations. And there is nothing wrong with that, but maybe I was looking for more depth, but I felt like there were times when it got a little too...info dumpy. Yes, you are smart John, we watch you on YouTube, but maybe cut it back? It wasn't terrible at all, but I wasn't looking to read lots of info. I wanted the emotions. That's one of the things where it started to go wrong for me.



Because of instances like this, where we had more talk, I didn't feel all the depth I would expect. As this book progressed, my emotions weren't really on this roller coaster I thought they would be. Sure I was hooked, and intrigued, but it was all flat. In a way I was just reading to see what all the popular fuss was about. I was constantly asking myself, how do I feel about this? But that was the problem. I didn't know, because I WASN'T feeling. I'm probably sticking out like a sore thumb here, because like every other person on the planet felt and bawled and blagh.



So just to set you straight, the end did get to me. I didn't bawl, but on a few precise, probably obvious moments, I teared up and sniffled. But I didn't sniffle and ugly cry at all. Only one other book has come close to the ugly-crying I thought I'd experience with this book. So yeah...that was a bummer. I WANTED AN UGLY CRY BOOK. I freely admit this. I went into it with that expectation. Heck, I love cry books and movies. I embrace them when I find the true gems. Those are the ones that make me feel. But this one?

Yeah it's kinda sad. But moving on.There were some things I really liked about this book though. For one thing, our characters Hazel and Augustus are incredibly strong. Hazel has a beautiful voice that stands out. She is a totally honest character. So is Gus. They don't waste time, they speak their mind and I loved how they weren't just weak whiny children because of their limitations. They don't let things stop them, and they live life the best they can.



Speaking of them. Let's talk romance. This was kinda hilarious actually. Because they hit it off with a boom. They meet. Gus just comes right up to her, they kinda hit it off as if they already know each other and then boom, it's like the beginnings of their friendship/romance. It's not like insta-love or anything. It was just interesting to see how easily they hit it off. But I'm leaving that there, without a negative or positive thought. Because I really don't know what to say. It works, but does it feel legit? SEE MY INTERNAL DILEMMAS?!?!  *sigh* So the romance. I loved them together. I think they worked so well. The friendship that they build worked really well and felt as if they'd known each other for years. So when they get to that awkward in between stage it just worked. I loved them. I LOVED Gus. Okay yeah, I have to say something about Gus. EEEEEEK. I really liked him, despite some of the things that didn't work for me. He is snarky, funny, charming, polite, and just one of those guys you don't want to let go. And that's where it hurts.

Which brings me to my thoughts on the issues portrayed and discussed in this book. Obviously, cancer, and the hardships/struggles, whatnot. Hazel obviously knows that her condition is terminal and that life could be as short as the next breath. So she's trying to make the most of the rest of her time.

I'm sorry. I had to put this in here. 

But you know...honestly? I'd heard of so many issues and things being presented..but I must have failed to see them or something. Because I got the nice quotes, but the underlying themes? Not so much. I know I'm so stinking blind. Wow. I don't even know what to say anymore. I appreciated the lessons and courageous things portrayed, but we're back to the lack of emotion.



I'm gonna shut up now. I'm sorry for this insanely long brain vomit. But honestly..this was my thought process. I missed some level of connection that would have made this book so much more important to me. This is the the worst case of Black Sheepitis ever. So while I missed that, I'm not going to push it aside, because as mentioned, there were some very redeeming qualities about the book. I enjoyed reading it, and think it told a lovely story that is easy to enjoy. However, in my place, my nit picky brain just got in the way.

Content: Moderate

[some languange including uses of S word and one of F word. Some innuendo, kissing and implied sex]

So yep. Alas and alack those are my thoughts. Do you differ? Splurge yours at me! I'd love to hear. XOXO,

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Review: The Program

The Program

by Suzanne Young

Pages: 408

Published: 4.30.13

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.  Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories. Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them

My feels you guys. THIS BOOK KILLED MY FEELS. Literally. I don't even know where to start with the gushing. So maybe a gif to try and explain it? Object lesson number one:

I haven't read Suzanne's previous duology, being uninterested in the subject line and all, but when I saw the premise behind this, and the first round of glowing reviews, I knew I had to give it a shot. And boy this book did it not disappoint. It's a wild ride for the characters and we're sucked it right along with it. 

This book could be classified as a Dystopia, but it's really not. This book doesn't have a very Dystopian feel to it at all. The main offensive issue in this book The Program, which is more institution than government. This book reminded me of Delirium in a way. We've got this disease that can be pretty deadly, and there is cure for it. In this case though, it's not love. It's depression. I was intrigued by this concept. It felt very real and honest, and something that could in all logicality be a happening in the future of the world. So while, this topic, is a hard one, it's written about very well, without underplaying it, or over-dramatizing it, I felt. Being human, it's very easy to connect with the aspect and understand it. To know why it's so deadly, and yet so infectious. Very well played and plotted. 

So while building this problematic disease, on top of that Suzanne manages to build an incredible romance. I can't even talk about it without the feels coming right back down on me. 

It's absolutely astounding how quickly the romance caught ahold of me, pulling me down into the abyss of emotional fangirl. It's a romance that doesn't begin in the book. It's an already steady relationship, that we are pulled into, and get to watch it as it's begun the testing period, and it's development. These kinds of romances and beautiful and yet, difficult to portray sometimes. Getting into the romance right off the bat and feeling real isn't the easiest. But it is done with such grace and skill that boom, ALL THE FEELS. And what equally astounded me was how invested I was in the story and the romance by the 30% mark, when the story takes another twist that nearly kills you. 

Ugh. It's agonizing as a reader, and yet so beautiful. But what amazes me more was how she was able to then rebuild my feels in a NEW direction, before taking both sides of my fangirly heart and throwing me for a spin. Gah. I'm already over thinking this, stop making me doubt! It's painful, really.

My poor heart was so conflicted. Thankfully, you are not left in a terrible gaping vortex of confusion. Things take one direction, one I was very happy to take and the road smooths out. But GAH. The first half of this book...It's like a sledgehammer on your heart. 

Moving on, the rest of the book is almost antagonizing to read though, because it's almost a repeat. It's pretty obvious why and it was kind of hard to watch her going through while you know everything and you're like COME ON!! NO! YOU MISSED THAT CLUE! HOW YOU COULD YOU NOT SEE THAT? Baaah. But the establishment and deeper understanding that comes, adds layers, despite this repetitious feel. It leaves off in a very climatic place, leaving room for plenty of things to happen in book two. ALTHOUGH I'm going to admit, that it suffers from ENDING OF FIRST BOOK SYNDROM. I made this up. Every stinking Dystopia or whatever, ends this way (mild spoiler): "Ack! I've learned things. I'm wanted! Must run to the rebels!" So yeah. It's got that feel to it, but it's not a terrible ending at all. I quite enjoyed the direction it took, and now I'm quite excited to see where things will go in book two.

So..I really liked this book! It pulled at my feels so much, kept me riveted to my kindle, and ultimately wishing the book hadn't ended. Suzanne's writing style was fabulous, and I loved the aspects of the world that she has created. Thumbs up to this book. I highly recommend it to fans of Delirium, or anyone looking for a romance full of feels. 

Content: Moderate

[some language throughout in quite a bit of b***s*** and other explatives. Innuendo, mild aggressiveness, implied sex.]

And there you have it. My spazz and all that jazz. Now it's your turn to talk to me! Thoughts? Have you read? Do you WANT to read? Think you'll like it? Happy Wednesday! 

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Anti-BEA Read-A-Thon

So this is a very spur of the moment post. But I was talking to the loverly Taherah from BOOKS AS YOU KNOW IT today, we decided that since we unlucky souls can't make it to BEA, where the party is, we are gonna do something awesome back home. And thus, The Anti-BEA Readathon was born. 

This is like the most casual Read-A-Thon ever. It takes place from May 27th through June 2nd. Basically, instead of focusing on being all jelly of the BEA goers, we're gonna dive into the books and read as much as you can. You can set a challenge if you want, but the basic idea is to see how many books you can chug through, leaving a considerably less pile of TBR than Read. 

Feel free to do your own posts or whatever you want. But like I said..it's WAY casual. However, there IS a hashtag that we'll be using to spread the Anti-BEA love. You can tag your reading updates, chat with peeps, and we might have a Twitter party or two. It's all up in the air. But you never know.

Use the Hashtag #AntiBEAReadathon to follow, share and party! 

I think that's it. You can let us know if you're planning to join in the fun! Hopefully this will be a blast, and keep us from dying of jealousy. So with that said, share, promote and party! See ya in the read-a-thon! 

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The Sky Is On Fire! Interview with Emmy Laybourne + Giveaway

I'm absolutely stoked to be on the rockin' tour for Monument 14: Sky on Fire. I've got some pretty awesome stuffs for ya, so don't go now! The party is just getting started!





Sky on Fire

by Emmy Laybourne

Publishing: 5.28.13

Pages: 212

The world hasn't ended...yet.

In this sequel to MONUMENT 14, the group of survivors, originally trapped together in a superstore by a series of escalating disasters, has split in two. Most of the kids are making a desperate run on their recently repaired school bus for the Denver airport where they hope to reunite with their parents, be evacuated to safety, and save their dying friend. 

But the world outside is dark and filled with dangerous chemicals that turn people into bloodthirsty monsters, and not all the kids were willing to get on the bus. Left behind in a sanctuary that has already been disturbed once, the remaining kids try to rebuild the community they lost. But when the issues are life and death, love and hate, who can you really trust?

And now that you know a little bit about Emmy's book, here is an interview with her awesomeness!

Emmy: It’s
so great to be here with Hannah on Book Haven Extraordinaire!

Inky: Welcome to the blog Emmy!! To kick it off, is
there something in particular that drew you to the Apocalyptic genre?

Emmy: Apocalypse-type
books is becoming a lot more common, what do you think appeals to
people? Oooh,
first off, I love it that you’re calling it Apocalyptic, as opposed
to Post-Apocalyptic. Many books are set after the fall of
civilization - those are Post,
right? But MONUMENT 14 is a true Apocalyptic tale, as it is set
during
the collapse of our country.

I
think that the rise in popularity of Apocalyptic, Post-Apocalyptic
and Dystopian stories is due to a cultural anxiety we are feeling. Due
to the great social action networks we have in place, people are more
aware than ever of the many, many ways in which human beings are
messing up the earth. We’re also aware of the chemicals and genetic
modifications in our own food chain.

And then add a profound distrust of the stability of our financial system. America came very close to crashing a few years ago. America! Crashing! Like, the whole, um, country! And last but not least, we have anxiety about our National Security. This is a lot to worry about. there's a read uneasiness in our collective psyche-fear and anxiety about the future. Art and fiction are the very best ways for us to work our this fear. The trend in dark fiction makes me think of a hundred thousand authors, all running a hundres thousand different "Worst Case Scenarios" in prose.

Inky: That was like a mini-guest post! Awesomeness right there! Favorite
Writing Gadget?

Emmy: A
wireless ergonomic keyboard! For the last 4 years, I’ve been
working on a giant, honking ergonmic split keyboard (which means your
hands are seperated from each other. Here’s a picture:

I
can write really quickly and I type so hard I’ve worn the letters
off in some places. Thank goodness I know them by heart!

Inky: Most
heinous crime as a child?

Emmy: I
STOLE a Bit-O-Honey from my very best friend in the whole world,
Kerry Tatlock. I put it under my sweatshirt then feighed a
stomachache and ran home. Actually, we lived in an apartment
building. Kerry was in 5F, I was in 9F - so I didn’t run home. I
ran out to the elevator and pressed the button while clutching my
belly. It took forever and Kerry’s whole family came out to ask me
if I was all right, etc. Oh, the shame!



The candy, of course, tasted like dirt when I ate it, crouched at the bottom of my closet. But the silver lining is that Kerry forgave me. I confessed to her long ago. She's still my best friend to this day. She has even gone on record as saying she didn't actually even like Bit'O'Honey's anyway. (But that was obviously a lie to make me feel better as Bit'O'Honey is basically manna from heaven, which only makes her a better best friend!)

Inky: You're
in the Hunger Games, what would your strategy be?

Emmy: Somehow,
somehow get Katniss Everdeen to fall in love with me.

Inky: LOL, That is my favorite answer. Right there. If
you could pick one song to describe the feel of your book what would
it be?

Emmy: Oh
man, Miss Her When She’s Gone by Sean Hayes. Just thinking about it
made me have to put it on. I’m listening to it now. It’s so
dastardly good.

Inky: You're
eloping with an Avenger. Which one?

Emmy: WOLVERINE.
Hunky, hairy, slightly scary! Delicious.

I
know, you’re saying, “Wolverine isn’t an Avenger! He’s
X-Men.” Oh, but you’re wrong. In fact, he and Thor are basically
drinking buddies. Here’s Some Experts Debating It.

Inky: What's
your favorite kind of scene to write? 

Emmy: Ach,
you’re gonna think I’m a little twisted, but I like writing the
scenes in the MONUMENT 14 series where the narrating character is
exposed to the warfare compounds in the air and “goes O.” During
these dark, brutal scenes, my characters become monsters - and
writing their stream of consciousness is liberating. And scary, even
for me, at times.

Inky: If
you could jump into any fictional world where would you go?

Emmy: The
Dells, Monsea, Pikka - please place me anywhere inside the Graceling
series with a cup of mulled wine and maybe a monster kitten to keep
me company and I’d be happy beyond all reckoning!

Inky: First
reaction when you found out you had a contract?

Emmy: My
agent gave me the news on my cell phone. I started jumping up and
down on the sidewalk right outside of my favorite place to eat in the
whole world, The Threefold Cafe in Chestnut Ridge, NY. It’s run by
my dear friends Jeanette and Anthony LoPinto. I ran in and told them
and we all danced around like a bunch of jackalopes.

Inky: When
you finish the MONUMENT 14 series, is there some other genre you
would like to persue?

Emmy: Yes! My next book will be a stand-alone book called, SWEET, about a cruise ride that goes terribly wrong. I’d put it in the good old YA Horror-Comedy genre... (Wait, does that sub-genre exist?!) After that, I’d like to try my hand at a fantasy series. I promise not to rip off The Graceling at all. Except that the characters will probably drink mulled wine. Come on, everyone in fantasy drinks mulled wine!

Inky: That sounds awesome! Thank you so much Emmy for dropping by! It was totally awesome!

Emmy: It’s been such fun to visit with you Hannah! You ask such great questions. Thanks for hosting me here. But the fun doesn't stop here, come follow the rest of my tour! Tomorrow I’m over at Chick
Loves Lit.

Find Emmy on her Website -- Facebook -- Twitter 

Emmy Laybourne is a writer, actress and teacher who lives in upstate New York. In June of 2012, Emmy’s debut novel, MONUMENT 14, was released by Feiwel & Friends, a division of Macmillan. MONUMENT 14 is a post-apocalyptic Young Adult thriller that follows the story of fourteen kids who get trapped in a superstore while civilization collapses outside the gates. The novel received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and was called “Frighteningly real… riveting,” by the New York Times Book Review and was an Editor’s Choice. The sequel, Sky On Fire, will be released in June of 2013. The final installment of the trilogy, SAVAGE DRIFT, is expected in 2014.

And now, thanks to very awesome people at Macmillan, I've got a special treat for you! All my US/CA friends [sorry Int! <33] can enter to win a Paperback of Monument 14 + a Hardback of Sky on Fire! Serious awesome there folks! So...enter away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And with that, I am out. Thanks for dropping by! Have a loverly day!!

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"Hyperventilating on Wednesday": Steelheart

Welcome to my WOW, or HOW as I like to call it where I feature an upcoming release that I'm hyperventilating for! It's totally fun to geek out about upcoming releases! This event is hosted by the lovely Jill @ Breaking The Spine. Today's awesome-sauce pick is....

Steelheart

by Brandon Sanderson

TBPublished: 10.14.13

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics.
But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his wills. 
Nobody fights the Epics... nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.
And David wants in. He wants Steelheart—the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning—and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience. 
He's seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.

Why I'm Waiting:

It's been forever since my last WOW, so I knew I needed to pick something ridiculously epic. Hence, STEELHEART. If there is one thing you should know about me? I HEART BRANDON'S BOOKS. They are amazing-sauce. He's a master. His books are the best for a geeky fantasty nerd like myself. And this one looks UHMAZING! Not to mention it's specifically written for YA! Woot! All the more awesome I say! I honestly, can't fangirl anymore than I am over this book!!!! *squeeal*

What are you waiting on this week?

Link me up! 

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Review: Night School

Night School

by C. J. Daughtery

Published: May 21, 2013

Pages: 400

Allie's world is falling apart. She hates her school. Her brother has run away. And she's just been arrested.
Again.
Now her parents are sending her away to a boarding school where she doesn't know a soul. But instead of hating her new school, Allie finds she's happy there. She's making friends. And then there's Sylvain, a suave French student who openly flirts with her. And Carter, the brooding loner who seems to have her back. Soon, though, Allie discovers Cimmeria Academy is no ordinary school. Nothing there is as it seems. And her new friends are hiding dangerous secrets.

*thanks to Harper for providing a copy for review*  

I have no idea where to start with this book. I liked it, but I didn't, ya know? There was some really great parts of the book, but there were also things that tended to tick me off. But first, let me just say, I heart the cover. The colors, the font, the way it blends to create a stunning illusion. It gives a very good idea of the world. So we'll start there.



This is another boarding school story. Big old mansion. Lots of secrets. Lots of people. Ooooh, and hot boys. Not to mention, a super epicly huge library. Can't have a boarding school without that, now can we. Honestly though, in regards to the structure of the school, there isn't much that sets it apart of any of the others you read about. It's surround by dark scary woods...yahda yah...and creepy things happen here. Boom. We are now set up for our story.

Before going on to the characters and the like, I wanted to touch on the Night School itself. In essence it's a special training program for the elite of the school. That's all I will say. It was interesting, that's for sure, but also kinda typical. I mean yes, the purposes are always different, but the structure of the societies and how it works? Pretty basic stuff here. So our setting and title plot are set up to be pretty basic, although somewhat interesting.



But it's when you hit the characters that it gets really sticky. Oh Allie, I wanted to like you more. I really did. But nope. You had to turn all pre-teen on me. A) You are predictble. B) Get a backbone more. You have a few key defining moments when you do shine, but take some action a little more. Show us your voice. Don't wait for it to come to you. And C) Stop being so ignorant. Sure, you can produce lots of homework, but this shocking answer STARING YOU IN THE FACE. Yes it's predictable, so do you really need to ask "BUT HOW/WHY/WHAT?!" You need someone to tell you the answer/problem before you see it? Cuz, I saw it like five pages ago.



*sigh* So Allie didn't work out the best for me. She had some redeeming qualities and legit moments but I still wonder how the two most eligible bachelors at the school fell in love with you. Someone please explain this mystery. I'm very curious. First we have Sylvain, the one everyone wants, who naturally just is drawn to her and vice versa. Yeah. Me no like him. I never liked him. Creepy jerk. *shivers* But on the other hand, there is Carter, pompous guy turned swoony face. And yet, the romance...? Meh. HOW CARTER. But whatever. The kissing scenes were good at least.



Now while this book is set in a very cliched setting, and we have some flawed characters, we do get some pretty thrilling scenes. I was caught up in  it at some parts. So I think that C.J. did a good job of that. But then we have the fact that it also seems to drag out a little. We glean strands of information as we go, but it doesn't really hit till less than a hundred pages in. Then boom HOLLA VILLAIN and boom! It is over. It has one of those "I-went-unconcious-and-when-I-woke-it-was-all-better" kind of ending. Ugh. I hate those. We get a lot of action and then BOOM. She is out. *sigh* Thanks for that.



I wanted to like this more. I really did. And while it did keep me interested and kinda swoony, there wasn't enough backbone in this story to push it up and beyond the ordinary. So, while a pleasant, and thrilling read, I can't say this is something I'd highly recommend.



Content: Milderate

[Some language scattered throughout including a couple uses of the F bomb. Some innuendo and kissing scenes. One aggressive scene.]

3 Stars

But what about you? This book is out today, so now you can find out for yourself. I tend to rant alot! Do you share the same feelings? If you read the book, do you think you would? Tell me what you think! XOXO,

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The Art of Booknerding

HEY EVERYONE! For lack of a review this Friday, I decided I would share a post that I did on ASHLEY's blog as a part of her blogoversary! IT IS HER POST, and I MADE IT FOR HER. But seriously. It was either this or a depressing gif post about me surviving school. So hopefully Asheybaby forgives me. =] Anyway. I hope you all like it!! And go visit her. She is amazing.

The Art of Booknerding

{can any reader be one, is there something more to it?}

Reading is one of the most common hobbies in the world. In fact, you could probably go so far as to say it's the number one hobby around. You don't have to look far to find a reader. Technology has even been specifically designed for the purpose of making the interest easier. It's pretty snazzy how big the reading community is.



But then, within the bajillions of readers in the world, we have people that call themselves Book Nerds. It seems to be a pretty common term that people use. I found myself wondering if maybe that term is used a little too lightly. Can any old reader be a book nerd? Or does the name signify something more? Let's look at some basic dictionary definitions for understanding. First we have Bibliophile, which we will use to describe the average reader:

bib·li·o·phile; a person who loves or collects books, espescially as examples of fine or unusual printing, binding, or the like.

Okay so from this we can classify a reader as someone who loves books and might buy or collect them. Now let's look at the definition of a nerd, that we could add to the end of 'book'.

nerd; an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit

Now if we take this into concept with Books, we bump up the reading status quite a bit. From love of reading, to obsession. So, let's talk obsession. I asked some fellow readers, what they think the kind  of characteristics a book nerd possesses are. From that I've compiled a short list of Booknerdisms.

• They are really well read


• They understand the industry well


• They have an inability to keep one's nose out of books


• They are the owner and buyer of many books


• They often share an emotional relationship with books 


• They love to smell books..among other things

In my opinion, this supposed Book Nerd status is indeed much more advanced than your average pleasure reader. It seems fair to me to say that this is a whole different class of the reading community. For one, it's a lot more involved. But before making a final consensus,  let's break it down even further by taking each of the characteristics into consideration.

They Are Really Well Read

Obviously, it makes sense for a Book Nerd to be well read, since you can't be one till you are. *waves hands in attempts to confuse you all* We could say that some pleasure readers, stick to certain genres or authors, but that a book nerd might venture out into the unknown. By having an extensive array of material in their brain, it allows them to spread out, interact, and discuss more with others. For sure a bonus, if I do say so.

They Understand the Industry Well

From here, were build off of point A. Seeing as a booknerd likes to be involved in what's going on the community, it helps to have an understanding of more who is who and what is what. Walk up to one and they could probably tell you who wrote a certain book, or even who published it. ...[well, most of the time]... This is for sure a step up from the pleasure reader, who's interaction with the reading community is that he/she read a book. By understanding the industry of books, including publishing and so forth, they could take their knowledge to a whole new level of participation and excitement, such as book blogging.

Inability to Keep One's Nose Out of Books 

In many cases, this form of Book love comes with the territory. Nerds are always engaging in their obsession. So for a book nerd....well you get the idea! Always reading. Books piling up. Leprechauns and Unicorns dancing...okay maybe not that but still, It's a happy place in Nerdmania.

Owner and Buyer of Many Books

This one is pretty self explanatory. When you're obsessed about something you want to own quite a bit of that thing. So naturally, as a Book Nerd, you want as many books as you can. Of course, what separates book nerds in this regard from the "average reader" is the buying spree. [see photo to right] When it comes to book nerds they love to hoard. Bookstores flourish. Whereas, say those that might not be considered an official nerd, wouldn't be in the same mindset and therefore use the library. So, this could very well be a reason to set apart booknerds. Wouldn't you say?

Shares An Emotional Relationship With Characters

This is one of the best symbols of book nerdom that I've seen in my opinion. Being able to really get into the books and feel like you know them as a friend? That's book love! Booknerds get that emotional connection so well. From laughing your guts out, to tearing up and bawling for an hour. And then having to go out in public and act normal....that's skill.

They Sniff Books...among other things...

And those aren't even the beginning! There are so many other little things that would probably be used to describe book nerds. Take book sniffing for instance. One of the most confessed Book Nerd crimes. Alright, it's not a crime. It's a Book Peeve, er, Good Peeve. If there's such a thing.



Of course, maybe it's something completely different, like taking the dust jacket off when lending books for fear of damaging the Precious.



Or that..calling your books Precious...A pretty unhealthy habit if I've learned anything from Lord of the Rings.



Tehe.

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So. We've reviewed some of the common characteristics of Booknerdom. Can we officially call it a class of readers? What do you think? Could these traits set apart some people the people that aren't like it? Maybe. In fact, I'm partially inclined to think so myself.



But even if it is, BookNerds aren't a species. It's not a race or title given to people. It is still a fun name that people can give themselves if they want. It's a way to say "I AM NOT ASHAMED OF MY BOOK LOVE." It's a title that connects the reading community and makes it one of the best trends on earth.

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