Hello everyone! Today I am talking with Chrissy from Chrissy’s Books. She posted a while back on Twitter, asking if anyone would like to do a guest post and I was more than happy to. Upon talking, she’s awesome by the way, we decided that we would interview one another…like a get to know the blogger type post. We worked together to come up with a list of five questions, that’s right only 5! Keeping the questions to a lower number allows us to go more in-depth with our responses.
Be sure to head over to Chrissy’s Books to see my responses and get to know me just a little bit better. Before we get too carried away talking about other non-book related things, let’s get to it!
What is the story behind your blog? How did you decide to start one?
My blog completely took off in the most random way. I was living in London at the time, and I’m not sure if your familiar with city life, but boy does it get to you! Between the crowded streets, the tube/subway, never ending social life, busy weekdays and weekends, I really struggled to switch off. That’s when I started to read again. I hadn’t read a book in years! It actually started with a gripping psychological thriller, and realised that doing this took my mind off my busy schedule. I began to read in bed every night, and at the end of each book, I’d take a photo of the book and write a little one sentence review about it and rate it from 1-10. That’s how I actually got started with reviewing, then one day a very close friend of mine suggested, why not start a book blog? I had never thought to do such a thing and knew nothing about website building. I realised that it would be kinda fun to read books and review them for pleasure, so that’s what I did.
I then created my very basic website at the time, and would read and review books as a hobby. I started getting a following from friends, and realised how much fun it was to create my own site! That’s pretty much how I got started on this incredible journey that I’m now on. From then on, the website developed into its own little world where I now collaborate with awesome like-minded people after joining various book blog communities on social media. I soon discovered there was a whole world out there for people like me, it was such a nice surprise and I wish I had done it sooner!
Now Chrissy’s Books has fully flourished into this little masterpiece that I created all on my own! I absolutely love it and being on this crazy journey has been so much fun, and I hope I’ll continue to grow and learn more about this wonderful bookish world.
How often do you read?
Funny enough, I actually don’t read as often as a lot of book bloggers do! That’s what I have come to discover! Hah Because I had started to read to take my mind of the day and to sort of zone out and get ready for bedtime, not much has changed since then! I read almost everyday, but I only read at night before I sleep! So technically, I read about 1-2 hours a night before bedtime, meaning it normally takes me about 4-6 days to finish a book, depending on the size and content. So yeah, I don’t actually read as much as others do! I’ll also read if I’m on holiday, or maybe if I’m stuck somewhere on a train, but yeah that’s pretty rare. I like my reading time, and because I read for pleasure, I therefore do not put any pressure on myself to ‘have’ to finish a book on time or whatever, my reading time is my reading time, so I really get to enjoy each book that I read and give it my full attention instead of skim reading it or rushing through.
Do you prefer physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks?
Well this is an easy answer for me, physical books all the way! I love the feel of reading a physical book, actually turning the page, you get to see and feel the book cover to cover, and also know the progress of where your at by just visually seeing it! There’s no other feeling like it. I only began recently reading ebooks because most Advance Review Copies are sent through ebook format, so I did have to break out my kindle to read them. There is something quite cool about using the kindle format, it’s definitely a lot more lighter to travel with, but you just can’t beat that new or old book smell and feel. I doubt I’ll ever change my opinion on this. I’ve never listened to audio books before actually, but that is on my to-do list. Especially these days, there are some pretty awesome audiobooks coming out that I would love to listen to while I do my pottering in the house and what-not.
What does reading mean to you? Is it for entertainment or something more?
Over the past few years, I’ve really come to falling in love with reading. I’m pretty sure it will be something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Because I read for pleasure, I literally just love learning, and reading all different kinds of books. For me it’s about the learning experience, as well as just reading a great and wonderful story that transports you away from your everyday world and problems. I truly believe reading is so good for you mind, and spirit, and also helps you fall asleep so much faster when reading before bed. These days you can find a book in just about any subject out there, I like to challenge my reading habits and sometimes even read a book that’s totally out of my comfort zone, if it means that I would be learning something new from it. I also just love how you can be totally living in your everyday life and in the back of your mind your thinking about this other world from a book that your reading. It’s totally magical. I love it. Reading for me is my escape, and my relaxation activity that keeps me centered and happy, it is also a learning tool that keeps my mind young and hungry for more. Reading has also brought me to meet some pretty amazing fellow book bloggers, like Cassandra! I mean, who would have thought that we would be getting to know each other is such a lovely and genuine way? All from the love of books! It’s so amazing. I have met some incredible people through my love for reading, and I hope to keep meeting more like minded individuals.
What has been the best part of the bookish community?
Oh gosh, where do I begin!!! I think for me, the best part has been the genuine support that you get from fellow book bloggers. I found it quite hard to get some exposure as a book blogger, and through this community, I have met some amazing people who have struggled with the same struggles, and who also support me in my blogging. I have to say that getting to know other bloggers in the bookish community has been such a humbling and fun experience, which has lead to lots of amazing things for my website like guest posts, subscribers, or buddy readings, it’s just been so nice to find people who are also passionate about the same things you are passionate about. I have met some amazing bloggers through instagram, twitter, and even goodreads, all because we share the same love of books and the best part is how much support we have for one another.
I am constantly learning so much from other bloggers in the bookish community and in return find myself and my site growing so well because of it. I adore it.
Isn’t she just awesome? I love her story of how her blog began and the fact that she reads to ground herself after her busy days. I think more of us could use something to help us settle after a stressful day, that’s where books come in by the way…so go read. One thing I want to mention before we close this post is how amazing you all are. Showing support for fellow bloggers is easy and doesn’t take much time. It is so nice to see everyone help others rather than try to rip them down. Don’t be afraid to ask the community for help when you need it because chances are, they’ve been through what you are struggling with now.
Thank you again to Chrissy for being such a great book blogger and kind person to talk with. Remember to check out my responses on her blog, Chrissy’s Books. While you are there, follow her as well because she is always posting great reviews. You can also follow Chrissy’s content via Twitter here.