Put down your bags, pull up a chair and tell me a story!
One of the hardest things about guest blogging for me is coming up with a topic. My family would be shocked about that if I told them because I babble about books and bookish stuff at home all the time. But there is just something about guest blogging that gives me stage fright.
I browsed around Amy’s blog trying to think about what I wanted to talk about today and then her blog title really hit me. A Simple Love of Reading. Because really, isn’t that really what it’s all about? I’ve always loved reading it’s always been a part of my life. In the “old” days it was just me and a book.Simple. But these days I’ve added many things “ingredients” to my “reading recipe”. For example:
Blogging
I don’t review every book I read but I do review a lot of them at Fiction Vixen. I love talking about the books I read and what better place to do that than on my blog?
Social Media
I’m FictionVxn on Twitter and you can find me tweeting quotes, squeeing about my latest read and giving and getting recommendations on Twitter almost every day. It’s an instant connection with other romance readers and I might be a little bit addicted.
Notice that’s plural? I’ve owned 5 Kindles since 2009 and I regularly read eBooks on my iPhone. I’m not a fan of clutter and eBooks are the perfect solution. I’m also a bit of a technology junkie and combine that with my love of books and it equals manyKindles. I need an intervention.
Library Management Software
With hundreds of eBooks tucked safely away on my hard drive, I need some way to manage them all. Since my husband refuses to hire a full time librarian to manage my eBook library, I had to find a cheaper solution. I discovered Calibre one day and have become obsessed with eBook organization. My library is pristine now. *picture me my hair in a tight bun and a pair of glasses sitting on the end of my nose.* That’s what I look like when I fire up Calibre.
I could go on and on but I think you see what’s happened here. I’ve taken a simple love of reading and made it…well…better! I’ve discovered an amazing community of readers who blog, tweet, chat and passionately discuss the books they are reading. It just keeps getting better and better. But the really amazing thing is, I can still tuck myself away with an eBook or paperback and it’s still just me and my book. Simple. Either way, reading is awesome and I’m so privileged to have access to so many great books and people to discuss them with.
So tell me, what’s your style? Or are you a social reader? Do you utilize social media, gadgets and software to enhance your reading experience? Or do you keep it simple? Or maybe a little of both?
To thank you for stopping by today, I’d like to give away a $10 Amazon gift card to one reader.
Rules for entry:
- Giveaway ends July 7, 2012 12AM EST.
- Open to everyone.
- Answer Sophia's question and leave your email so I can contact you if you win!
I am totally addicted to my Kindle since I got it last November. I socialize on Twitter and keep an eye out for recommendations and reviews(and especially giveaways) to keep it topped up with interesting titles. :)
ReplyDeletepippajaygreen (at) Gmail (dot) com
I honestly I started to read more after I discovered ebooks. :)
DeleteThanks for all the wonderful reviews.. Love this blog and have passed on to many friends! Love my kindle also and always up for a wonderful recommendations from YOU!!
ReplyDeleteI have found in the last 2 years I have read more than ever due to my iPhone and iPad via the kindle app. I love it so much I don't recall what's ever did before. I never eat to go back :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Kindle app too. It's made it so convenient to read almost anywhere.
DeleteI would say I'm a little bit of both. Since I don't own an e-reader, sometimes it's just me and my paperback. But I do love visiting blogs and sites about books and interacting a little bit on Twitter for recommendations and talking about exciting releases :)
ReplyDeletechibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
I love that we have a choice of making our hobby very social or very personal.
DeleteI don't go anywhere without my Kindle. I read it on the train to work, at home, when I'm waiting. I LOVE it. I don't even have to worry about fitting books into my carry on when I travel.
ReplyDeleteowenkennedy@live.com
I mainly read paperbacks. I just love the feel of a book. I do, though, download some ebooks to my Blackberry so that I am never without a book with me to read. I visit a lot of book review blogs, too, because I am a confessed readaholic.
ReplyDeletecastings at mindspring dot com
I like the feeling of paper in my hand and having health problem i can't read a lot on the computer so without a ereader i'm ready print book ( or pdf i have to print them so the real book is better than a stack of paper believe me)
ReplyDeleteI almways loved reading but is only some month ago that i started blogging about it. I'm lucky that my mother loves to read too ( as well as my brother) so i can share with them what i think and they understand why my books are my treasures
thanks you a lot for the giveaway
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
I mostly use Twitter to connect with other readers, authors and bloggers. I get 90% of my book recommendations on Twitter. I guess that makes me a social reader. I have a Kindle, Nook and iDevices that have reading apps. I love being able to read on my phone when I'm stuck in a waiting room.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the giveaway!
geishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com
I love my kindle, love it! I can live without it hehe. I also like physical books, but I often listen to people saying ebooks aren't the same, while I think they are great. I'm now starting to read on my iPhone too, it's great for me because I like to read a lot and whenever I have free time :)
ReplyDeleteI love my kindle too. But I do still love physical books. I really need to organize my ebooks better. On my Kindle Keyboard, I can make folders to organize but the Fire doesn't have this :(
ReplyDeleteI have so many books, and I need to go through and tag them and organize them so they are easier to find.
I do love the convenience of eReaders, the ability of packing so many books with you in a very light package.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
I mostly read print books since I have so many of them, but I have a Kindle and an iPhone as well. I read ebooks mostly on my iPhone, sometimes on my computer, and on my Kindle (particularly when I travel). I keep track of my books mostly on Goodreads, although that's just a small portion of the books I actually have, they're mostly newer ones.
ReplyDeleteBarbed1951 at aol dot com
I just adore my kindle touch, kindle for PC and I use Calibre too. I also organized my goodreads account recently. It took me close to a month to finish it, but to me it was so worth it. Geez...it was such a disaster and that's putting it mildly. I'm SOOO much more organized now. Thank Gawd! So no more playing hide and seek with the books I have and do not have. It can get quite frustrating looking for and trying to remember do I have that book? Yes, I believe I do and what format was it in again? Between paperbacks, hardbacks, ebooks and audiobooks to search through. Talk about a waste of time that I could actually use to read. I talk a lot about books, authors and book series on Twitter, Facebook and goodreads.
ReplyDeleteWonderful guest post Sophia!
Thanks for a chance to win! :)
DeAnna Schultz
sacredmoon1(at)gmail(dot)com
I have been a reader for 60 years. I have a kindle and I read on my pc, but still prefer paper books.
ReplyDeletekissinoak at frontier dot com
I am also addicted to my Kindle!!! I had to get a new one this year because Vivian Arendt made my 2nd Generation Kindle spontaneously combust. Seriously, I was reading one of her books and my Kindle just rebooted itself. So, new kindle for Christmas!
ReplyDeleterwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom
I have to say, I like holding a book in my hands more than a Kindle. It's relaxing-- I don't know! I like it old school :-)
ReplyDeletejustforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I read both I love my Kindle and take it to work with me everyday. I keep it near me at home and if I go to the doctors I take it with me. I have some authors that I want their books in print though. I love going to book blogs and have a lot in my favorites. Going to the blogs is how I've found a lot of the books that I read.
ReplyDeletesstrode at scrtc dot com
I like the kindle but I love reading a book, just turning the pages is so much fun and I love it
ReplyDeletetbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I am addicted to anything digital. I do have some print books but since I don't have a big place, I'm sad to say most of those are in plastic boxes, except the ones I still have to read (sitting on my desk) and the ones I finished recently (sitting by my bed). And when I say digital that means both ebooks and audiobooks. I've gone through 3 ipods since I started listening to audiobooks in 2007, and I've recently discovered the SpeedUp app LOVE IT! Ebooks ... I love my Samsung Galaxy Tablet. I don't think I could ever be limited to a Kindle/Nook environment, I love the versatility of the Android environment. And I don't read on my phone anymore, but when I had my HTC Touch Pro 2 I used to because of the tilt up screen, it was very convenient. Yes, as you can see this is an addiction!
ReplyDeleteFrancesca
fmg_29 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Lol I've had a kindle for several years. I received a fire for Xmas from oldest son and just love it. I'm working on my Calabre library for my ebooks can't wait until I'm organized.
ReplyDeletescrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Lol I've had a kindle for several years. I received a fire for Xmas from oldest son and just love it. I'm working on my Calabre library for my ebooks can't wait until I'm organized.
ReplyDeletescrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Dianam167@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeletei only read print love the covers the feel everything
I keep it pretty simple these days. I love reading ebooks, and while I've had other readers, I use my Kindle Fire almost exclusively. Haven't ventured back to Calibre since gettiny my Kindle, though I keep hearing about all kinds of tricks for manageing bookshelves.
ReplyDeleteIt was great having you here,Sophia. Wishing you a nice and relaxing summer weekend.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
i would say i'm a little bit of both. I have my tablet so whenever a free read pops up for a new author or one of my favored ebook only authors releases i reach for that. Otherwise i'm all for the old fashioned print books and love browsing used bookstores to find lost treasures. I am hooked on goodreads to keep everything organized though and love reading different book reviews. Thanks for the give away and i love your reviews.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a fun post! I love both sites!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been a combo kindle and print reader steadily for the last year or so. I got a Kindle as a Christmas gift and fell in love. I love having an entire library to tote around and the instant gratification aspect is awesome, but wasn't as healthy for my wallet! In fact, I opened a checking account strictly for Kindle purchases and I keep a smallish amount in there as a "budget" of sorts. I still love print and will continue buying print but the bookshelves are no longer groaning. I also discovered Calibre and I love being able to buy from other sites and still read on my Kindle.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
efender1(at)gmail(dot)com
I use a combo of both. I just got a Kindle late last year, but I have so many books on it already, it's crazy. I like that you can have so many books with you at once. Sometimes I still prefer to hold a book, and I also like to keep my favorites in print. Thanks for the giveway!
ReplyDeletelfacchini(at)tampabay(dot)rr(dot)com
Thanks for an interesting post, Sophia. I'm especially interested in the comments on Calibre.
ReplyDeleteI read both print and digital. I am a big Library user, and I'm lucky that my library has a good number of digital books, even for Kindle. I don't keep as many books as I used to. Even when it's on my Kindle, after I've read it, I usually move it off the device.
mochfly(at)swbell(dot)net
Love my kindle. I only have 2 though. Just got my Fire and it is great, hard to read outside though. I do still read paperbacks, but the kindle is just easier for me. I don't Twitter, I.just can't figure it out, but I do follow blogs and Facebook. Love to win the gift cert. My kindle is hungry!! gator_trish at msn dot com.
ReplyDeleteCalibre is a very good tool, especially if you find a book in format that is not compatible with your e-reader. Just load the the book in Calibre and you can convert the book to the format you need.
ReplyDeleteHi Sophia, had to follow you here :-) I'm like you: I LOVE my ereader (though before I got it never would have guessed I would love reading ebooks) and Twitter is a favourite of mine, so much fun following snippets of discussions and just chatting spontaneously. I still have to master my organization system so maybe I'll give Calibre a try. I love a neat bun and sexy librarian glasses so it might sit me ;-p lol
ReplyDeletestella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
Ever since I got a kindle, I've donated boxes of books and have lots of space. When I find an ebook version, I donate the book.
ReplyDeletewade2121 ~~at~~ gmail ~~dot~~ com
I would not say I'm a social reader, however I am a sharer. I read, and I post reviews, and I send out books that I've read to total strangers (through RAK), or friends, or blog buddies, or donate them to the library. I don't want to necessarily talk to someone about their experience with that novel, as I jealously guard my own as special and unique, but I want other people to experience the joy of novels. :)
ReplyDeletebethwade1 at gmail dot com
In March, I discovered the Amazon app for ebooks on the PC. In May, I bought a kindle. I love my kindle and my ebook library is quite large. Actually, I should read some of my huge TBR stack of print copies instead of adding more ebooks.
ReplyDeleteI keep things simple and don't get involved with FB or twitter etc. I enjoy reading book review blogs such as your blog. Thanks for the tip about Calibre. I need to check it out.
Jess1
strive4bst at yahoo dot com
Im a tech girl mself lol I have a nook this is my second one my first one got dropped after 2 years and no longer works:(Luckily I was able to get myself a new one the same day.Yes I am an addict ..Hoping to get a kindle for my birthday .I love reading and average at least one book a day.I work in a lobby and the eareader allows me to read and not be obvious that I am slacking lol.It also makes my house a lot neater because its no longer filling up with paperbacks .Its great I would be lost without it .
ReplyDeleteflanagan@mebtel.net
I'm on my second Kindle and I LOVE IT!!! There are certain books that I'd want to keep in print to re-read and just touch the pages (totally sounds creepy, haha!) but I mostly just read one and go on to the next.
ReplyDeleteI love my collection of favorite titles and beautiful book covers, but e-readers are AMAZING and necessary when you're a book blogger or enthusiast.
Hugs,
Jenna Lynne @ Between the Bind
I'm torn. I'm personally a fan of the good old fashioned book. But when I go to the park or outside, I've noticed the Kindle works out better. I have a hard time finding the time to read my Kindle though, because my TBR shelves are overflowing. It's fun to switch it up every now and then, but I don't feel as accomplished reading a book on the Kindle, then I do a book. Something about turning the pages....
ReplyDeleteVivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
I love my Nook and ASUS netbook, which I use for all my ebook reading. I've heard of Calibre and keep meaning to look into it.I don't understand the idea of getting on Facebook or Twitter, etc. though I do enjoy some of the review blogs. Once thought like some of the other who have posted that books were the only way to go but I would then finish a book while waiting for whatever and have nothing else to read. Now with my Nook I never run out of reading material. Thanks for the give away learned about from Kalipso's blog.
ReplyDeleteNorma
nrascon@cox.net
I love ebooks and since I read around 5 books for week, there would never be enought space in my house to all the books. I have a tablet that made all my reading better, but now I'm dreaming about the kindle reader.
ReplyDeletemarianapereirabezerra at gmail dot com
I used to be totally old school - books only - but since I got my e-readers, I've changed my habits. Although I still love physical books, I read a lot on my Kindle - and so much faster!
ReplyDeleteMargay1122ATaolDOTcom
I have owned thousands of books in my lifetime - hard to manage. I know have a Nook with over 1200 books, a Kindle with over a hundred. I read often on my iPhone when I am at work (and not busy), in line waiting somewhere, in traffic, and numerous other places. In other words, I read ALL THE TIME!!! I still love "real" books though and buy my absolute favorite authors in hardcover.
ReplyDeleteI have a Kindle but I still prefer holding a book in my hands. The Kindle is very convenient so you can take alot of books with you wherever you go. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteTell me more about Calibre. I am getting to the point that I am running out of space on my Kindle. Don't get me wrong, my paper library is over a three car garage, so I do enjoy books. However, the space problem of paper books is now creeping into my Kindle arena. Help!
ReplyDeleterrbcpa at bellsouth dot net
I read half of the books I want to read on my kindle and half still paperbacks from my own or the library.
ReplyDeleteusignolc@yahooDOTcom
I'm still old school with my print books, but I do follow blogs dedicated to books and see more & more good ones that are only digital, so I imagine I'll convert someday.
ReplyDeletesallans d at yahoo dot com
Okay, I may have started as a social reader, but I find myself socializing more (Twitter, FB, blogs) and reading less (even though I do have a Kindle). Not so good.
ReplyDeleteironss (at) gmail (dot) com
I am completely addicted to my kindle fire, but I am also addicted to books. I have piles and piles all over my super small apartment... Many in my car... I have a hard time deciding which ones to read next. Books are my huge passion.... LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI love print books, will read on my ereader if necessary. But you make it sound so nice that even I want to pick up my Kindle more! ha!
ReplyDeleteNice post, always fun to find out more of the girl behind the curtain.
eyesofblueice (at) gmail
I like reading both print and ebooks. Ebooks are definitily more convenient to have since they don't take up space but like having a print collection. I have found some pretty good deals on ebooks versus print copies which is always fun!
ReplyDeleteCambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
I do have a Kindle loaded with books, but more often than not I will grab a tree book from my bookcase. My TBR pile is deliciously ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteCheers!!
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I rely on social media to tell me about new releases worth reading. I should really check out Calibre. I prefer the size and feel of a mass market paperback over my Kindle, but I prefer the size and feel of my Kindle over any book that's bigger and bulkier! (extemter at hotmail dot com)
ReplyDeleteHELLO MY NAME IS BERNADETTE AND I HAVE A E-BOOK ADDICTION! AND AM LOOKING FOR A 12 STEP PROGRAM TO HELP ME FIND TIME TO READ MY TBR PILE!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a Kindle with over 300 books and a Nook with 100! To be honest I like the Kindle the best! But also I buy books too. (got them all over the house). My down time is for reading not TV.
Happy Reading To All!
Bernadette
HEYBTS@YAHOO.COM
I don't read books on an ereader, I get books on CD from the library and listen to them on my daily commute -- or I read them the old fashioned way -- from actual books! But I love to read and so does my entire family!
ReplyDeleteI like reading print and ebooks. Nice post.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I read print books, but I've been thinking about getting an ereader. I also blog occasionally and use LibraryThing and Goodreads to connect with other readers. :)
ReplyDeletedrakeLa90 at aol dot com
I love my ereaders.I have a Sony and a blackberry playbook.Although I still buy paperback its now usually just books that are part of a series I already have.I'm running out of room so buying ebooks is a life saver.I am never without a book.
ReplyDeleteelaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
I am a huge reader. I read paperbacks, hard covers, and ebooks. I also love to listen to audiobooks and have a cool app on my phone that reads classics to me. I use all media, especially blogs and facebook for finding new authors. I read about 4 to 6 books a week, depending on how big the book is. I have both a nook and a kindle, so lots of ebooks. I always have both devices in my purse, and always a book with me. I am never without because you never know when you will be bored. I even have kids books on them and this way my kids are not bored also. What a great giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletechristinebails@yahoo.com
I'm a paper book and an e-book reader. I have found myself reading more and more ebooks over the last few months, though, mainly due to lack of easy access to larger bookstores with a variety of books. Plus, it's so fun to click that little button and suddenly you have a new book to read! I had a Kindle once upon a time, but it quit on me so now all my ereading is done on my iPad using the Kindle and iBooks apps.
ReplyDeleteI guess I qualify as a social reader. I talk about books with anyone who will listen. I try to keep track of my reading on Goodreads. I have a Shelfari account (I don't use it like I should). My Kindle begs for mercy with every new purchase. I love Calibre with a sort of crazy passion. I love paper books and ebooks and I too have more than one ereader and apps on my phone. I want to experience having my own personal librarian. Until that day I will continue to work on getting all of my books organized with my Collectorz software. It has blown my mind how many books I have. It's the first time I have them all listed in one place! jepebATverizonDOTnet
ReplyDeleteI have always loved to read no matter if I use paper books or e-books but I got to say lately I have my precious and it is my Kindle. I think Nook, Ipad or any tablet, smartphones are a great addition to make the experience of readig a book easier to people who love to read. Thanks por the chance to win! gabicarreras@msn.com
ReplyDeleteI do a little of both, although I have started reading more e-books. I find a lot of my reads via the internet.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Why 5 Kindles? Do they break?
ReplyDeleteMy sister got a gift Kobo, accepts ePub, more sources for books, her battery is lasting months, so I was given one too. But I still find it faster to pick up a book and leaf quickly through to find quotes for reviews on GoodReads site, also my community for socializing with readers AND authors - they are just like real people! A.J. even sent me a copy of his book although I didn't win his GiveAway. I asked my library to buy a copy; they bought three! I found your site when checking out Victoria Alexander. I agree with Catherine, VA is a special honey with a knack for creating people I wish I could live with (ok split grammar goof, I know).
... (signed) Anne
AnEyeSpy@gmail.com
I found your offer via Catherine at GoodReads where I am http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4863716-aneyespy
and review DVDs (especially like films based on books) at
http://www.aneyespy.blogspot.ca/
Your blog of reviews is fascinating, excellent. I've fingers crossed for this contest. I review all books I get in GiveAways, so hope to review this one.