Guest Blog – Bookish Questions

Today we have Olivia from livsreadingcorner guest posting on the Blog 🙂 We both asked each other some bookish questions and you can find Olivia’s responses below and mine over on her blog.

Many thanks to the wonderful Stacey for having me on her blog. She asked me some insightful questions that I hadn’t previously given much thought to, so thank you, Stacey!

Where do you think your love for reading comes from?

It’s probably a little cliche to say that I fell in love with reading as a kid but I did. I used to read before bed every single night and I loved getting lost in a book. I think that’s truly what I love most about reading, the escapism. I am a self-professed day-dreamer and spend a lot of time in my head and reading allows me to do that whilst exploring new worlds, important topics and different characters!

What books did you read as a child?

I have a few standout books from when I was younger; starting with a collection from Roald Dahl that included The BFG, The Twits and Matilda. I absolutely loved how magical these books felt and reflecting on these books as an adult (if I dare call myself that), I can see that these books carried a lot of important messages about accepting yourself and living truly authentically.

I also read The Famous Five and Secret Seven series by Enid Blyton, the first two Harry Potter novels and The Chronicles of Narnia.

What is your genre of choice and do you ever change it up?

I would like to think that I don’t stick to one genre really, I’m here to explore many different forms of writing so I enjoy having a broad collection that reflects that. I pick books based on other reviews, books that I have previously loved, etc. However, I do find that I pick up a lot of contemporary fiction and poetry books – they seem to be a consistent staple on my shelves. I think any genre can appeal to me, so long as I enjoy the writing. 

What do you think of the bookstagram community?

I started posting on bookstagram around a year ago (March 2020) and it felt like I was picked up, wrapped in a blanket and given a cup of tea by complete strangers. I honestly couldn’t believe how nice and welcoming this group of people were!

It’s no secret that the blogosphere can be bitchy, have cliques, etc. and I have found this within other communities in the past. However, within bookstagram, I don’t see it too often. Obviously, some people may have their ‘friends’ within the community and I think there can sometimes be pressure to have a flawless feed. What I will say is I’ve seen people with 36 followers and an inconsistent theme to their feed have just as much support as those with 5k and an impeccable feed.

Who are some of your favourite authors?

Since I only delved back into my reading last year, I’m still exploring many different authors and trying to keep an open mind. However, last year my absolute knock-outs came from Sally Rooney and Elizabeth Gilbert. Sally Rooney, I just adore her writing and I can’t wait for her latest release in September. 

I’m excited to read more from Elizabeth Gilbert because I found her writing to be simply stunning, she definitely speaks my language.

What books do you always recommend?

It really depends on the person asking the question. A friend of mine has an extremely similar taste to me, so I often just recommend whatever I’m reading at the time to her! As a kind-of ‘universal’ recommendation I would always suggest The Great Gatsby, just because it’s my favourite book.

Do you have a favourite book series?

I don’t! I haven’t really read any books as a series, as I’m trying to explore so many new authors and writing that I would find a series a bit daunting. However, I’m excited to read the Oliver Cromwell series by Hilary Mantel.

Any favourite book quotes?

“I am no bird, and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will, which I now exert to leave you.” – Jane Eyre

Tell us some more about your blog

At the moment you will find a few book reviews on my blog and a review of a book subscription review. In the coming months, I want to have two dedicated series’ on my blog which will be;

Testing Book Boxes – Trialling and reviewing different book subscriptions in the UK to see which are worth the money and which aren’t.

Bad B Book Club – I want to start recommending books that will help you feel like that b*tch. We are all badass females and I want to put the books in front of you that will help reinforce that. I will also be looking at suggesting some more books tailored towards spirituality and the law of attraction.

My blog isn’t the only place for this content, you can also find me over on Instagram and TikTok.

Thank you again, Stacey, it’s been a pleasure!