What’s on your book shelf? With #BookBlogger Jessica at Minimacreviews @MinimacReviews

Today What’s on your bookshelf? is going international and  I’m thrilled to welcome Jessica who blogs at http://minimacreviews.wordpress.com/. Jessica has so many bookshelves, that I must admit looking at her photos I had serious bookshelf envy🙈

How many bookcases do you have?

Currently, just two. Though to be fair one of them does take up an entire side of my office, the other is a small press above my reading chair (Ha! Whenever I step into the office it is immediately occupied by Loki) that houses my TBR. Naturally, my attempts to control the TBR through giving it a limited amount of space fail on a regular basis and I end up with stacks of books around the house – in the office, beside my bed, on the coffee and end tables… You know, battles worth fighting and battles worth winning and all that jazz.

Approximately how many books are on your book case? 

Right now I am just shy of 700 physical items with close another 100 on my eReader. Though, before we moved last year I rang in at over 1200 books. It was the joy of packing and moving everything that spurred my present minimalist (double ha!) approach where I try to give away or donate physical copies after I finish reviewing them, but there’s always a few I hang onto because they either blew my mind or found a home in my heart.

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

I mostly have Fantasy (predominantly YA with some Adult titles in there), WWII/ Historical Fiction, and Psychological Thrillers. I call it the trifecta of happiness. My rare and antiquarian books on the other hand are way off in left field as I have an odd obsession with old dictionaries and textbooks, these are supplemented by a healthy dose of what we now call classical literature but even those titles lean towards historical fiction and stories with a strong mystery/ suspense element. At least I’m consistent.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

Just one? How about three, I can do that without dissolving into extreme anxiety: Twisted by Steve Cavanagh, The Whisper Man by Alex North, and We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal.

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

The Bookman’s Tale by Charlie Lovett – I bought it on publication day in 2013 and haven’t touched it since.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

Ooooh, so many! But isn’t that always the case? Right now I’m really feeling:

– Good Samaritans and Nothing Important Happened Today by Will Carver

– The Other People by C.J. Tudor

– The Blossom Twins and The Chosen Ones by Carol Wyer

– Dark Skies by Danielle L. Jensen

– We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

– The Hocus Girl by Chris Nickson

– The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why? 

I am assuming this is a ‘your house is on fire and you only time to grab one thing scenario’ so I am going to go with one of my oldies. I have a 1742 edition of the Decisions of the Court of Session by John Edgar from the original print run of 100 (there was a second larger printing in 1749). It’s pretty rare and I was dumbfounded to come across it at a car-boot sale in Stirling.

But, if I had to pick something current it would be Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight, because I can read it over and over again and my love for Mia and Tric never dies. #StabStabStab

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why? 

Danielle L. Jensen, because she is a genuinely amazing human being who gives the best YA Fantasy recommendations. To have something on my shelves that she hasn’t read already would be a rare day indeed. And, if I didn’t have anything to borrow I’d like to think this visit would morph into drinks and board games, which is fine by me!

About Jessica

Reader, blogger, librarian. Fur momma, coffee addict, budding gardener, and fully developed mountain wanderer.

I started blogging on MinimacReviews.Wordpress.com back in 2017 and haven’t looked back since. I hold three honours degrees in English Literature (BA), Material Cultures and History of the Book (MSc), and Library and Information Sciences (MLIS) and currently work as an Acquisitions Librarian for a small academic institution. In the past I have worked in public libraries, primary schools, special collections, and at other academic libraries with a healthy dose of other jobs (bartending, back country guiding, roofing, executive assistant, etc.) that allowed me to pay the bills while pursuing the career that I love. To say that I am obsessed with books and how people interact with them is a bit of an understatement!

I hail from the beautiful Calgary, Alberta but have lived in Edinburgh, London, Berlin and out of a backpack for extended periods of time. After years on the move the fellow and I decided that it was time to set down some roots and we found ourselves a little piece of land with heavenly views, a wood stove to read by, and enough space to take up permaculture in the quest to become self-sustainable. When my nose isn’t in a book I can be found on a mountain trail (preferably on horseback), with my hands in the dirt, or trolling junk shops for antiquarian books.

 

Blog: MinimacReviews.Wordpress.com

Twitter: @MinimacReviews

What’s on your bookshelf? With #BookBlogger Stuart at Always Trust In Books @AlwTrustInBooks

Today I’m thrilled to welcome book blogger Stuart to share his bookshelves with us. Stuart blogs over at http://www.alwaystrustinbooks.wordpress.com/ if you haven’t visited his blog yet, you really should take a look.

How many bookcases do you have?

I currently have three. A huge one in my living room with about 350+ books on it and two large ones with all my hardbacks on. My wife is so considerate when it comes to having my books all over the house. I constantly ask myself if I need this many books but somehow the thought doesn’t really go anywhere 😏.

 

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

I would say I have about between 700 and 800 books in total. This amount has gone up and down over the years quite a bit. It got out of hand when I was looking at this massive bookcase from Ikea that covered an entire wall of the house. I thought about it for ages but then reconsidered. I still want it…

What genre do your bookcase mainly comprise of?

I don’t really limit myself to just a few genres. My bookcases are filled with all sorts from classics and poetry to crime, horror or non-fiction. If I had to narrow down a few main genres then I would say fantasy, mythology and psychological thrillers. I just re-organised my books and found all my Michael J. Malone books so I have put them to one side for re-reading.

 

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

I just started reading it. It’s called Sanctuary by V.V. James and its a small town crime-mystery surrounding witches. It is so cool and I am loving every moment watching this elaborate and mysterious case unravelling. It’s a must read.

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

Oh that has to be Strange Weather by Joe Hill. I have read all of JH’s books repeatedly over the years but I still haven’t gotten round to this one. That and Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman which I have been putting off for some unknown reason. Hopefully I will get to both of these this year. Fingers crossed.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

I haven’t actually given this much thought because I am so busy with the books I have that are staring at me from the shelves. I listened to The Rosie Project on audiobook, it was amazing, and I am incredibly eager to get my hands on the Rosie Effect and the Rosie Result this year. I am excited for The Song Of The Sycamore by Edward Cox as it sounds like an awesome concept for a fantasy novel. Jay Kristoff’s Darkdawn is required as well. I need Little Serbia by Antti Tuomainen as I adored Palm Beach, Finland and The Man Who Died. Oh so many books!

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why?

I do consider this question quite often and I keep coming back to Kings Of The Wyld by Nicholas Eames. I still don’t fully understand my overwhelming reaction to this book but it blew me away. It’s the first book in as long as I can remember that, as soon as I finished the last page, I wanted to start it all over again right away. It is fantasy at its best. I could easily see myself on a desert island with this book, not a care in the world.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

This is a tough one but I would say Matt Haig. His books are something else. I met him last year and I would really like to chat with him again. I have so many questions for that man. I would like to meet Johana Gustawsson and Simon Morden too as they both seem like really cool people. I need to get out and meet more authors!

About Stuart

My name is Stuart (29) and I attempt to manage the book blog that is Always Trust In Books. I started the blog to talk books with people and found an awesome community that gladly gave me a place within it for which I am grateful. I review Fantasy, Science Fiction, Crime, Non Fiction, Mystery and Psychological Thrillers. I am lucky to have an amazing and patient wife, two impatient yet equally epic sons, a rescue cat called Mrs and a hamster called Eight (that is the only word my two year old can say at the moment).

• Links to your blog and any social media links you would like included

My blog is www.alwaystrustinbooks.wordpress.com

and my Twitter handle is @AlwTrustInBooks

and my Instagram handle is @alwaystrustinbooks.

My thanks to Stuart for answering my question and for the use of his personal photographs.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com or leave a comment below. Many thanks 

What’s On Your BookShelf? With #BookBlogger Jacob at Hookedfrompageone one @collinsjacob115

#HappyHumpDay everyone! Not only are we half way through the week, it means it’s time to share another What’s on your bookshelf? post. Today I’m thrilled to welcome Jacob who blogs over at  Hookedfrompageone like myself Jacob mainly reviews crime and psychological thriller, and it’s a MUST visit site if you’re fans of this genre. Without further ado here’s Jacobs post…..

How many bookcases do you have?

I currently have one bookcase. However, I have piles of books everywhere around the house. I always keep saying I should buy some more bookcases, but I kind of like having my books in a chaotic order, similar to a very old book shop where you find books piled high on top of each other. 

Approximately how many books are on your bookcase?

On the one bookcase I currently have seventy seven books. But around the house, I have three hundred and thirty one books. I probably have more elsewhere, and of course this doesn’t include the books I have currently waiting on my kindle.

What genre do your books mainly comprise of?

I don’t think it’ll come as a surprise to many when I say that the answer to that question is crime and psychological thrillers. I still have a lot of the books I read as a young adult which mainly consisted of adventure and fantasy. I used to read a lot of books by Philippa Gregory, so there is some historical fiction around as well. 

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

There are so many books that keep screaming at me for attention. It seems that there are more and more books being released all the time, so I don’t think I’ll ever catch up. I’m hoping to read Roz Watkins, Dead Man’s Daughter soon, Cruel Acts by Jane Casey and Deadland by William Shaw. 

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

This would probably be Cold Killers by Lee Weeks. I read the first few books in this series back to back and bought this book the moment it came out in 2016. I really do enjoy reading Lee’s books so I must get round to it soon.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

Hold Your Tongue by Deborah Masson which is out in January 2020. Who Killed Ruby by Camilla Way and Little Darlings by Melanie Golding. These are just some of the books I will be adding. 

If you could keep one book from your book case, which one would you choose?

I think I’ve said this many times before, but this would have to be Someone Else’s Skin by Sarah Hilary. When I read this way back in 2015, it really sparked my interest in crime fiction. I just felt compelled to tell so many people about it and it probably lead to me setting up my blog a little over a year later. I wanted to be able to shout about books I’ve loved as loud as I possibly could. 

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why? 

Great question. I probably wouldn’t let them leave the house with the book, as I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to books I’ve bought. This is after an unfortunate incident which took place when I leant one to a friend one a few years ago. But I think I’d love to have J.K. Rowling turn up. I think I’d be so star-struck I’d allow her to take any book and I’d have so many questions I’d love to ask her as well. 

About Jacob

I’m Jacob and I have been blogging since June 2016, when I set up my crime fiction book blog, Hooked From Page One. I’ve always been an avid reader and I am also, still, currently working on a crime novel which I have been writing for a couple of years. Writing is my main passion and has been since I was eleven when I sat down at my computer and decided I wanted to write a book. I had a strong belief that it was going to be the next bestseller. However that novel is still languishing in a drawer somewhere and will never see the light of day. When not reading and writing, I enjoy going to the theatre, visiting historical landmarks and attending book festivals. 

Blog Link

https://hookedfrompageoneblog.wordpress.com/

Twitter

@collinsjacob115

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hookedfrompage1/?eid=ARAOgZ4Z23x13O7_ojTK6OJ43VDXRrFei3Sjwk-9kbArXUjCRSZ1gJK7ztU_UjrbK4LE4ulC7WF_enLi

My thanks to Jacob for answering my question and for the use of his personal photographs.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com or leave a comment below. Many thanks 

    

What’s on your bookshelf? With #BookBlogger Noelle at Crimebookjunkie @nholten40

Whoop whoop today not only is it #HumpDay but it’s time for another What’s On Your BookShelf? Post, and I’m so excited to look around the one and only Noelle Holten’s (aka crimebookjunkie) bookshelves.

Noelle was one of the first book bloggers I followed when I started blogging, not only is she one of my favourite bloggers, but she’s also now one of my favourite authors. If you haven’t read her debut novel Dead Inside it’s a Must! Noelle blogs over at https://crimebookjunkie.co.uk/

Now over to Noelle……..

How many bookcases do you have?

I have six bookcases but need another one or two (or four 🙈) to house the books I have in piles around my home. I actually donated twelve bags (those #bagsforlife strong bags) to charity a few months back – I had read those books and thought someone else might enjoy them. 

Approximately how many books are on your book case? 

About 800 … there could be a lot more though 😂😂 and if we include my kindle shelves, well there are about 1000 books there…(some have been read though, I just haven’t organised my kindle to remove them and some are writing reference books) The actual bookshelves I have are filled with books I collect (ie: my Jack The Ripper books), proofs, books I have purchased, signed copies of books purchased and crime theory/practice books. I couldn’t squeeze all the books I have in pictures so sent a few. 

What genre do your bookcase mainly comprise of?

Crime fiction (various sub genres); crime theory; true crime; psychological thrillers; philosophy; and a lot of research material or manuals on writing, types of crimes, offender profiling and the like. Basically crime 😂

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

Again, ALL OF THEM! There is just not enough time in the day and I keep buying more books, even though I get sent ARC’s – sometimes I buy the physical version as well as the kindle as I can struggle to hold a physical book but I love them, so buy the kindle version to read. I definitely want to get back to reading the Lennox series by Craig Russell, so I’m going to say that – final answer! 

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading? 

I couldn’t even tell you which has been there the longest. There are quite a few I have had for years – and I couldn’t even guess. So I won’t! 😂

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

There are far too many to mention and as I have deadlines now to write/ edit my own series (shameless plug) I’m being really strict! However, I’m looking forward to Martina Cole’s next book out in October and a new, non-Rebus book from Ian Rankin out in November I think! 

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why? 

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor dostoevski – I read this in highschool and it always stayed with me. Or Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I’ve read both of these numerous times and enjoy them more each time. 

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why? 

You’re killing me here! I’d want to invite them all! I just can’t choose one as I am a fan of so many, I’d welcome each and every one of them into my home! And if they end up locked in my basement..well… 🤷‍♀️

About Noelle

• I blog at www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk. I am one of the PR & Social Media Managers for Bookouture, a leading digital publisher in the UK, and was a regular reviewer on the Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast. I worked as a Senior Probation Officer for eighteen years, covering a variety of cases including those involving serious domestic abuse but left in 2017. I have three Hons BA’s – Philosophy, Sociology (Crime & Deviance) and Community Justice – and a Masters in Criminology. My hobbies include reading, author-stalking and sharing the booklove via my blog.
  Dead Inside is my debut novel with One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson.Connect with Noelle on Social Media here:
• Website: https://www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk
  Twitter: (@nholten40) https://twitter.com/nholten40
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noelleholtenauthor/
  Blog FB page: https://www.facebook.com/crimebookjunkie/
  Instagram: @crimebookjunkie

My thanks to Noelle for answering my question and for the use of her personal photographs.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier. I’m hoping to make it a long running feature and looking for more bloggers to take part in 2020. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com or leave a comment below. Many thanks 

What’s on your bookshelf? With #BookBlogger Sarah Hardy at bytheletterbookreviews @sarahhardy681

Woohoo it’s Wednesday not only is it #HumpDay but it’s also time to share another What’s on your bookshelf? post.

Today I’m thrilled to welcome one of my favourite bloggers on the planet to the book review café, THE Sarah Hardy, book blogger extraordinaire at Bytheletterbookreviews and book blog tour organiser at Book On The Bright Side. I’m sure you already follow Sarah’s blog, but if you don’t, it’s a MUST! I hope you enjoy reading Sarah’s post, and I have to say after seeing her photos I have serious bookshelf #Envy 😂. So without further ado over to Sarah……..

Hi Sarah how many bookcases do you have?

Technically two and a half, which you can see from the picture. There is still room luckily for a few more books yet and then comes the hard part of what to keep and what to get rid off as hubby has put his foot down that, that’s all the book space I can have. I could of course just get rid of him instead. I do also have around twenty books on two shelves in my bedroom which I have still to read all of them. There is also a work desk which has around another thirty odd books on the shelves but was a bit embarrassed to take a picture as not the tidest of work spaces lol. So can understand the hubby’s reluctance at making anymore room for them.

Approximately how many books are on your bookcase?

I have no idea how many books I have. I could of course, include my kindle and it would be probably running over a thousand but physical, at a guess, Maybe two hundred. I wouldn’t swear on that though.

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

Definitely crime/thrillers are the main genre on my shelves. My all time favourite genre is psychological thrillers. I do read mainly on my Kindle now a days and love getting books signed by authors for books i’ve already read and then pop them on my shelves next to the other signed ones. Getting quite a collection now.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

The most desperate book is probably The Talking Of Annie Thorne by C.J. Tudor. Har last book, The Chalk Man I had sat on my book case for over two years before reading it and so far this one has been there for over a year and hearing yet again so many great things, I know I really need to get round to reading it soon.

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

So ashamed with how long this one has been sat here for but it’s Far From True by Linwood Barclay. I got a signed copy at Theakstons crime writing fesitval in Harrogate in July 2016. I have only just recently read Elevator Pitch by the author which I loved and that is actually the first book I have read by him. I bought this copy after hearing so many great things and also my wonderful Harrogate room mate, Joanne Robertson over at My Chestnut Reading Tree, won a competition to have afternoon tea with the author and she very kindly took me as her plus one. Such a lovely man and I have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to his books.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

Definitely a signed copy of Nine Elms by Robert Bryndza. I am a huge fan of his books. The crime ones as well as the wonderful Coco Pinchard series. I have them all and each one signed. Even the one that he co wrote with his husband which I got them both to sign another year at the Theakstons Crime Writing Festival. Also can’t wait to add Dead Wrong by Noelle Holten which is the second book in the brilliant Maggie Jamieson crime series. Very excited about this series.

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why?

Ooh, that is a very tough question. It’s like asking me which is my favourite child. As it’s been my top read of 2019 though, I would have to say my proof copy of Nine Elms. Definitely my most outstanding read this year.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

If you hadn’t already gathered, it would have to be Robert Bryndza. He is such a lovely guy and I love all his books. i would only let him borrow one though if he gave me a sneak preview of his next book. That would only be fair wouldn’t it?

About Sarah

Sarah is a wife, mum to two, as well as her two fur babies, Bailey and Woody. She lives in West Yorkshire where she works from home. Through her love of books, she also set up her own book blog, By The Letter Book Reviews, which will have been going 5 years next year.

https://www.facebook.com/Bytheletterbookreviews/

https://bytheletterbookreviews.com/

https://www.instagram.com/s.hardy/

https://twitter.com/sarahhardy681

My thanks to Sarah for answering my question and for the use of her personal photographs.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com or leave a comment below. Many thanks 

What’s on your Bookshelf? with #BookBlogger Will at hghorror @homegrownhorror

This week on What’s On Your BookShelf? I’m thrilled to have Will taking part, Will is a huge horror fan, and I thought seeing as it’s Halloween tomorrow 👻🧟‍♂️🧛‍♂️☠️ he was the perfect choice for a spooky post. Will is a relatively new book blogger, but I would  recommend you check out his blog at https://hghorror.wordpress.com/. Now over to Will

Hi Will How many bookcases do you have?

I have three bookshelves in my current home, and three more in storage.

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

Roughly 100 books currently.

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

My books are almost entirely horror.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

As a reviewer, I have a decent backlog that I’m very excited to get to, but I would have to say Sean McDonough’s new novel The Class Reunion is what I’m looking forward to most right now.

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

I have yet to read any of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series. I’m reading through all of his other works in preparation, because a lot of them connect back in some way to the Dark Tower series. I want to be aware of all those easter eggs when I finally make my journey to the Tower.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

On the small horror side of things, I can’t wait to get my hands on a paperback copy of David Simpson’s newest Zombie Road release, Zombie Road 7. It’s currently only out digitally. As for fine and limited edition releases, I’m so excited to receive the debut book from Letterpress Publications; Stephen King’s Revival.

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why?

That’s an insanely difficult choice. I think maybe my signed limited edition of Joyland, by Stephen King. It’s probably my favorite of his books. I have my copy in a custom made slipcase from the company 19th Edition.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

Looking at my bookshelves, you might think my answer would be Stephen King. But I’m sure he gets tired of meeting his “number one fans.” I’d have to go with Brian James Freeman. He’s the general manager at Cemetery Dance Publications, as well as the founder of his own press, Letterpress Publications. Not to mention, he’s a pretty good author. I’m sure he’d enjoy seeing all of my Cemetery Dance books, as well as my King collection. I’d love to talk with him about his Letterpress Publications venture.

About Will

Hello, my name is Will and I’m the founder and lead (only) reviewer at Home Grown Horror Reviews. I am a passionate fan of all things horror, and an avid supporter of our community of authors. I have discovered many wonderful talents that I probably wouldn’t have ever known about had I not been actively looking. My goal is to write and publish reviews that will help spread the word about those authors and works who deserve a little recognition.

My book collection is almost entirely horror. My focus is Stephen King and Cemetery Dance Publications. I have several signed King books, and many special or limited edition King books and other Cemetery Dance books. The thing that makes my shelves unique however is my collection of personally inscribed books. I’m active in several horror groups on Facebook, including a few for horror writers. I love finding new (to me, or new to writing) authors and getting their books signed and personalized to me. This has led to a small but very loved collection of books that mean a lot to me.

Links

https://hghorror.wordpress.com/ My review blog

https://www.instagram.com/willybusmc/ My Instagram for pictures of my signed books

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/101198995-will-blosser?order=d&sort=review&view=reviews My goodreads reviews

https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AEJ44UQCCXIIYCVEOJCSWH77OVYA? My amazon reviews

My thanks to Will for answering my questions, and for the use of his photos.

What’s on your bookshelf? with #BookBlogger Juliet at Bookliterati @Bookliterat

Woohoo  it’s Wednesday so not only is it #HappyHumpDay  but it’s also time to have a peek around another book bloggers  bookshelves. Today I’m thrilled to welcome one Juliet who blogs over at www.bookliterati.com

If you haven’t checked out Juliet’s  blog yet it’s a MUST,  Now over to Juliet……….

How many bookcases do you have?

I have 9 Bookcases, soon to be 10; 2, soon to be three in the sitting room, 2 in the snug, and 5 in my bedroom. I also have some of my signed paperbacks on the windowsill in my reading room / conservatory.

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

There are over 500 books on my shelves to read, which is frightening.

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

I read most genres but the genre I have the most of is historical fiction, my favourite genre.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

The one book I am desperate to read is The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, I just haven’t found the time to fit it in with my review books.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

Over the next couple of months I am looking forward to adding Tidelands by Philippa Gregory,  The Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier and Akin by Emma Donoghue.

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why?

It is hard to keep just one book but I think it would be my limited edition first edition signed copy of Possession by A.S Byatt.  This is one of my favourite books of all time and there are only 70 of these special editions in circulation.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

An author to my house is a difficult one. I wish the Bronte Sisters were alive so I could meet them but now I think I would like Lucinda Riley to come around. I love her books and she always seems great fun, and  could quiz her about the final book in her Seven Sisters series.

About Juliet

I am Juliet, I am married to David with one daughter, Briony, who is 26 and still lives at home, and four wonderful Cocker Spaniel. I. was an only child with a teacher for a mum who encouraged me to read from an early age. I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t have a book on the go, and I still always have a book with me.  After  was diagnosed with Spondylosis and couldn’t work any more reading books became a place to escape the pain and depression and still is today. I started blogging two years ago as something to focus my attention on during the days and I love sharing my thoughts on the books I have read.  My reading companions are my four Cocker Spaniels, Bramble, Bailey, Bronte and Blaise who also ocassionally  help with my blog accidentally.

My blog is www.bookliterati.com

Facebook: Bookliterati Book Reviews

Twitter: @Bookliterat

Instagram:  Bookliterati_Juliet_Butler

My thanks to Juliet for answering my question and for the use of her personal photographs.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com or leave a comment below. Many thanks 

What’s on your bookshelf? With #BookBlogger Jen at jenmedsbookreviews @JenMedBkReviews

Whohoo it’s Wednesday so not only is it #HumpDay but it’s also time to have a peek around another book bloggers  bookshelves. Today I’m thrilled to welcome one of my very favourite bloggers on the planet Jen who blogs over at jenmedsbookreviews.com. If you haven’t checked out Jen’s  blog yet it’s a MUST, especially if you are a lover of crime thrillers. Now over to Jen……….

How many bookcases do you have?

7 of varying heights dotted around the house. That’s not including my massive Kindle bookshelf. But I need more. I’m double stacking now …

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

Each one? Or total …? 450+ unsigned and 300+ signed. The 700 unread (1269 total) on kindle don’t count right? (Eek)

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

Crime, crime and more crime. Anything that comes under that generally unspecific genre heading so mystery, thriller, action, procedural, psychological etc. There are some rom coms and a few humour books, maybe a couple of dozen reference books which I haven’t counted here, but they are all well hidden and surrounded by murder etc.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

Right now? Physical book wise it’s a tie between The Art of Dying by Ambrose Parry and Nine Elms by Robert Bryndza. E-book wise, probably Mark Hill’s The Bad Place, closely followed by End Game by Daniel Cole

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest?

and you haven’t yet got around to reading? Probably The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo. I had all good intentions when I bought the book as a teenager until I realised that life, much like my good self, is far too short. So I cheated and watched the Disney cartoon instead. That’s kind of the same thing right?

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

So, so many. I have pre-orders which take me up to December 2020 … Aside from the ARCs I already have and will be converting to kindle copies when released, I’m looking forward toThe Family by Louise Jensen, Poison Ink by Alison Belsham (I need a signed copy to go with The Tattoo Thief, obvs) and Dead Wrong by Noelle Holten. Really looking forward to seeing where she is taking the series. Other than that I’m trying not to take life too seriously and playing it by ear and by recommendation. Aside from the 30 pre-orders I have in

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why?

Just one? Really? The complete works of someone who has written a hell of a lot of books? No? Okay then. The Sun Also Risesby Ernest Hemingway. This was one of few the books I read at school which really stuck with me because of the imagery (even if the bull fighting is barbaric), the conflict and the complexity of the relationship between Brett and Jake. The writing style is superb, sparse and yet expansive at the same time, creating such a vivid setting and all engaging characters. Plus he sparked my love for American literature (which led to a rather useless American Studies degree …) I think the book has one of the finest closing segments in any book, where Brett and Jake finally give up on any chance of being together. It encapsulates the whole essence of the book – the dreamer v the realist.

“Oh, Jake,” Brett said, “we could have had such a damned good time together.”

Ahead was a mounted policeman in khaki directing traffic. He raised his baton. The car slowed suddenly pressing Brett against me.

“Yes,” I said. “Isn’t it pretty to think so?”

Plus he’s a fellow cancerian so he can’t be all bad.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

Cripes. Not sure I’d like that. Would I have to vaccum? If they need to be breathing then possibly Stephen King. One, because he was such an influence on my childhood reading habits and, two, because I’d love to know what he really thinks of some of the books he’s been quoted on 😉 Of all time and not currently breathing (though I’d prefer we could rewind to a time when they) then Ernest Hemingway. I just think he would be fascinating to talk to with the life that he led, and again, a big influence on me as a reader in my formative years. And I’d love to know what he would make of the modern publishing world.

About Jen

I am a nearly mid-forties recovering Transport Manager. I now live a much less stressful life managing contracts for an Engineering company, which gives me a lot more time to read and attend book events. Bliss. I am very much ruled by my two moggies Luna and Rory and what they say (meow) goes.

I started blogging in 2016 after having attended CrimeFest in Bristol and foolishly thinking that I might be able to give this blogging malarkey a go. Three years on and I haven’t been called out as a fraud yet so must be doing something right. When not reading I can be found out walking (pretending to get fit), listening to music or heading off to the theatre. Failing that, find yourself a Crime Literature Festival and I may well be lurking there somewhere …

Blog: jenmedsbookreviews.com

Twitter: JenMedBkReviews

Facebook: Jen Med’s Book Reviews

Instagram: The Rambling Reviewer

My thanks to Jen for taking part in What’s on your bookshelf ? and for the photos from her personal collection.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com.

 

What’s on your bookshelf ? With #BookBlogger Joanne at Portobellobookblog @portybelle

 

Whohoo time for another book blogger to take part in What’s On Your BookShelf ? Today it’s Joanne’s turn, she blogs over at https://portobellobookblog.com/  and I would highly recommended you check out Joanne’s blog if you haven’t already. So without further ado shall we have a nosy around Joanne’s bookcases?

Hi Joanne How many bookcases do you have?

We had a big clear out a couple of years back when we rearranged and redecorated our bedroom. We got rid of two huge bookcases. Despite this, I reckon there are at least eight bookcases I around the house – and I may just have ordered another this evening. But to be fair, it’s to replace a very cheap one! 

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

Oh dear, I’m frightened to count! I just had a wander round and at a rough guess, I’d say there ae around 500 books on the book cases. And if the piles of books beside the bed and in my wardrobe are to be counted too, you can probably add another 50 at least!

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

I’d say mine consist mostly of contemporary fiction although there are a lot of political, spy or war related thrillers which my husband likes.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

I have quite a few coming up I am very keen to read but there are others I’m committed to first. Not that I don’t want to read the ones I’m committed to or I wouldn’t have agreed to review them. I am really looking forward to reading The Inheritance of Solomon Farthing by Mary Paulson-Ellis, The Photographer of the Lost by Caroline Scott and Dead Stock by Rachel Ward.

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

There are a lot I haven’t read but one which has been there a while is South by Ernest Shackleton. I think he is a fascinating man and loved the tv miniseries about his epic adventure starring Kenneth Branagh. Quite like Shackleton whisky but that’s another story entirely! One day, I’ll get around to reading the book.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

Miranda Dickenson’s The Day We Meet Again, Cecelia Ahern’s Postscript and Jojo Moyes’ The Giver of Stars.

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why?

Oh that’s a really hard and quite cruel question actually! I think I’d choose Sebastian Faulks Birdsong which is what I usually say is my favourite book if pushed. I think it is a vivid evocation of the horrors of the First World War with a beautiful, passionate love story at its heart. Difficult to mix the two but I think the author manages it with this novel. I read it at a time when I was researching my family history including a great uncle who died in the First World War and a lot of the places where I know he was fighting are settings in this book. I had also been to visit the area so could easily imagine where the characters were.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

I’d like to invite Patrick Gale as I absolutely adore his books. I’d love to have a chat with him as I’ve heard him a couple of times at book festival events and even got to meet him last year at the Edinburgh book festival. He is fascinating to listen to.

About Joanne

I can’t remember not being a reader and always have at least one book on the go. I started my blog, Portobello Book Blog, in April 2015 to share my love of the books I was reading and it’s been great fun. I’m a busy wife and mum to two lovely girls, an avid book reader of course, a nature watcher, a keen cook and baker, always on the go and I love living by the sea.

Blog – https://www.portobellobookblog.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/portobellobookblog/

Twitter and Instagram – @portybelle

My thanks to Joanne for taking part in What’s on your bookshelf ? and for the photos from her personal collection.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com

Thank you 

What’s on your bookshelf ? With #BookBlogger Yvonne at Vonnibee

It’s time to have a nose around another book bloggers bookshelves, and I’m thrilled to welcome Yvonne who blogs over at https://vonnibee.com/ to What’s on your bookshelf? If you haven’t checked out Yvonne’s blog, it’s a must. Read on to learn more about Yvonne and her books..

How many bookcases do you have?

I have ermm… 12 bookcases and I am very lucky to have a spare room where they are fully stacked, as is the floor just in front of them, and on top of them and beside them and… yes still need more bookcases 😂😂

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

It ranges from 60 to 100 ish as some of the cases are deeper and so the books are double stacked. I hate this because it means I can’t see them all 😣

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

I am a bit of a genre butterfly so I flit from genre to genre. But I do have more Classic books and Crime/thrillers than other genres.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

Oh! this is a toughie, there are several that I have had for a while but there is one that I have not yet had the heart to read. It is the final book in the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett just before he died in 2015, I just cannot still bring myself to read his last book for the very first time and I am also desperate to read it!

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

There are quite a few that have been on my bookcases for a few years The Girl with a Pearl Earring another is Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. But I know there are probably some that have been sat there longer.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

Pan’s Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro, Cornelia Funke (Hardcover). The Chain by Adrian McKinty. All the Ray Celestin books. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I know these are already published books, but I dare not even look at those that have yet to be released!

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose?

And why? I have a copy of The Wombles by Elizabeth Beresford. It is a book that was a Christmas present from my Nanna and Grandad in 1979.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

OMG, what a question!!!!!

So the author would be Agatha Christie and I would lend her the book that was my top read of last year, The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton. I would love to know what she thinks of today’s crime books.

About Yvonne

I am Yvonne and I run Me And My Books, I started this in 2017 when I discovered a thing called Book Blogging. I never knew there was such a thing. Since then my reading rate has increased so much, I always thought of myself as being a good reader but now my reading rate has quadrupled. I love to be able to share my thoughts on books and also discover new authors.

You can find me on

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/yvonnembee

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/meandmybooks24

Blog Site –  https://vonnibee.com

I am also on Instagram, but I am so hit and miss on there! https://www.instagram.com/meandmybooks24/

My thanks to Yvonne for taking part and answering my questions it’s much appreciated.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com Thank you