Saturday Spotlight - Bookworming in the 21st Century

Saturday Spotlight is where I feature another book blogger, for you to check out! You should take a look at their site and leave a comment. (:
Since I got this meme from Kristen's site, I didn't hesitate to ask to interview her first...

Name: Kristen
Blog Name: Bookworming in the 21st Century
URL: http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/

Share a little bit about yourself:

Well, I'm 24 years old. I'm getting married on October 24th this year to the sweetest man I have EVER known. We're having a backyard wedding my parents' backyard - which has been my dream since I was a little girl. I'm starting a new job as an elementary school Library Media Specialist this year - which I'm nervous and excited about all at once! I obviously love reading - it's pretty much my only hobby lately. When I'm not reading, I'm working, blogging, or hanging out with my fiance. And some random facts - I like the in-between seasons - Spring and Fall (can't wait for it to cool down!). My favorite animal is the koala bear (I was asked this repeatedly when I was babysitting the other night). My favorite color is blue. And I'm most comfortable wearing a skirt (that's what I wear on my days off) - yes, I'm strange.

How long have you been blogging and what made you want to start?

I actually just started blogging at the beginning of June. So a little more than two months now. I actually was on goodreads one day and one of the people I talk to frequently on there posted in a group about her book blog (Emma of Booking Through 365 - http://bookingthrough365.blogspot.com/). It was the beginning of summer - the first summer I only planned on working 20 hours a week, no classes - so I decided, I want to do that. And I did. I really love reading and planned on reading a ton of Young Adult books this summer (which I read enough, but not enough for me...) so I really wanted to post that up out there in the blog universe. I was fortunate enough to start blogging right before Maw Books Blog ran her Bloggiesta, which taught me a ton about blogging and helped me fancy up my site. And here I still am, blogging every day.

What does your site have to offer?

My site has grown considerably. I review generally Young Adult books, with a few Adult books thrown in randomly from time to time. I share my honest opinion about a book, but try to shine every book in a good light. I also have been fortunate enough to have interviewed some fabulous YA authors and shared those with my readers. I hold frequent contests now - thanks to ALA (where I got a ton of books!), two of which are currently running. More information about those here (http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/2009/08/contest-for-hush-hush-necklace.html) and here (http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/2009/08/contests-for-august.html). I also partake in a ton of memes and have created my own. On weekends, I hold Saturday and Sunday Spotlights, featuring newer bloggers (like myself.. only less known) and even some older ones! I also try to update contest links for other contests out there on the blogosphere and have actually created a Thursday meme called Link A Contest Thursday, where bloggers can post their contest links up for others to see.

What is your favorite thing about book blogging?

I absolutely love the social aspect of book blogging. I love sharing the books I've loved with others and seeing them comment their own opinions. I try to follow and comment a lot on other blogs, but I fall behind frequently. Blogging could very well be a full-time job! I know I've clocked a TON of hours into my blog this summer and I'm hoping I can keep up once school starts.

What are your favorite books and/or authors?

I have a ton of favorite authors - Suzanne Collins, Phillip Pullman, Francesca Lia Block, Becca Fitzpatrick, L.A. Meyer, Stephanie Meyer, Sarah Beth Durst, Jessica Day George, Rick Riordan, Maria V. Snyder, Maggie Stiefvater, and many many more!
My favorite series include the Bloody Jack series by L.A. Meyer, The Hunger Games Trilogy, and of course Twilight. I really love a ton of books out there.
My favorite book EVER would have to be Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, which I think really is a great adventure story and could read it a billion times and never get sick of it.

What about genre in general?

In general, I usually stick to fantasy and paranormal young adult novels. But, I do love historical fiction as well. I'm trying to branch out more and read some realistic fiction, but I usually gear towards those other genres first.

Thank you so much Kristen for taking the time to answer my questions! Any of you who aren't followers of her site yet - what are you waiting for!?

If you would like to be featured on a Saturday Spotlight post, shoot me an email at booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com