Portobello Book Blog

Today Lainy from Always Reading is my blogger in the Spotlight. You can have a look at her blog here: Always Reading

Thanks for agreeing to be part of my Blogger in the Spotlight feature. First of all, would you tell me a little about yourself?

My names Lainy, I am from Scotland.  I live with my o/h and my kitty, she is dottered around the website & facebook page – I have loved reading since I was a kid and don’t go anywhere without a book in my bag.

What books/authors did you enjoy as a child?

I started off with Stephen King, my friends mum took us to the library when we were kids and picked up lots of different kids books but I didn’t really get into reading until I came across Master King and have never looked back.  When I was a preteen I went through a period of reading Mills and Boons but horror was always my first love.

What made you want to start blogging?

To be honest, I kept re buying books by accident so decided to keep a wee record of them.  It was really only meant for me as I didn’t think anyone would be interested.  Then I found a few friends blogged, linked my Goodreads account and it really took off from there.  

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Meeting like-minded people.  I have been introduced to so many genres I would never have considered before I started blogging.  I also get ARCs sent from publishers and authors which introduces me to authors I may never have considered before which is great for me and the authors.  Being invited to book launches and events are also lovely and again, you meet so many new and interesting people.

Tell me about your blog – sell yourself!

You won’t find big fancy long words on my blog, I started it off as a place for my thoughts on a book so I use words like wee, or expressions such as Oh My God because that it what the book evoked from me.  The people who stop by seem to like this though and I love connecting with so many different people.  I also do a monthly giveaway, usually a pre-loved giveaway but sometimes its an amazon voucher and if I can, I try and get a wee signed copy to giveaway.  When I make it to booklaunches I usually do a wee cover piece on that too, it is nice to be able to help out authors where I can.  My blog also features low and high star ratings which I noticed a lot of blogs don’t do, I am always fair in my reviews but I also know that sometimes a low rating can boost interest in a book.  Things I hated may be things someone will love and some of the books people have bought have been from one of my lower rating reviews.  Honesty is a huge thing for me and I think as long as your respectful and constructive, most authors will appreciate that too.

What’s your favourite book you’ve reviewed in the past year? Or favourite three if you really can’t choose.

Oh it absolutely has to be The Last Days Of Rabbit Hayes by Anna McPartlin, I have only had two 5 star rating this year and this is one of them.  It is a story about a young woman who is about to pass away from cancer, that sounds totally morbid however the story is about her life and wonderful family.  The book is so uplifting, happy, sad, and in some parts, laugh out loud funny.  I love it and would recommend it to anyone, such a hard subject and the author really did it justice.  That’s the only book I read from this author and need to look for her other work.

What are you reading just now? (late 2015)

Live Wire by Harlan Coben, this book is a series which, I admit I never read in order but when I see them I buy them.  Myron Bolitar and his side kick Win, it is crime/thriller type book and so far so good.

Tell me about your reading habits:  book or kindle, bed or bath, morning or evening?

I will read anywhere, on the bus, walking home from the bus, in the bath, in bed, on the floor.  If I have an opportunity to read, I take it.  I also have the old style kindle and use it when a book I want is only ebook, reviewing from Netgalley or when on holiday.  Of both, Tree books will always be my first love but I love my wee old kindle too.

How can people follow your blog or connect with you on social media?

I am around on quite a few platforms. 

Twitter @smbslt

Blog: http://www.alwaysreading.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/So-Many-Books-So-Little-Time-243642142333727/?fref=ts

BlogLovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/people/lainysmbslt-14664007

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3642368-lainy

And finally, if you could be a character in any book you have read, who would it be and why?

This is such a hard question, there are aspects I would love from so many characters I think it is too hard to pick just one.  Pressed I would say the guy with the shop from Needful Things by Stephen King (it has been years since I read it so can’t remember his name).  However, instead of using it to create mayhem, I would make everyone do something nice for someone else to get their prized possession, the world needs more kindness.