Book Blogger Hop ---- what are your beginnings?

Billy over at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer has kindly taken up the mantle of hosting the Book Blogger Hop (thank you!).    This week's question, submitted by Judy, is: What got you started as a blogger?  Everyone has a story/reason -- what's yours?

I started blogging because I had started reading book blogs, and liked that even though they were all different, there was this common theme of sharing thoughts on books.  There was also this feeling of community that appealed to me.   I've always been a book addict, but had never really thought about sharing my own thoughts on what I was reading, beyond the occasional comments to my husband, or my co-workers.   For a long time, I worked in an office, where no one really seemed to talk about books.   Of course, that all changed when I got my MLIS and became a librarian ---- now, I work with people who love to read, and talk about books.  

Anyway, getting back to the whole blogging thing (sorry, I got off track for a moment there) ---- I decided that if all of these other people could write about what they were reading, I could too.   As I said, I also liked that there was this feeling of community -- that even someone like me, who is pretty shy by nature, could feel like I was part of a bigger group, where there could be some back-and-forth discussion.   Looking back at some of my early posts, I cringe a bit.  However, now that I've been blogging for a while, I feel like I've become more comfortable with my writing style.

I'm looking forward to seeing what other bloggers have to say on this!  

Book Blogger Hop ----- born this way

Billy over at Ramblings of a Coffee Addict has very generously taken up the mantle of hosting the Book Blogger Hop (thank you!).      I'm trying to get back on track with blogging, to post at least one review a week, and one other post ---- so the Hop is great incentive for me.  :)

This week's question, which comes from Kero, is: Were you a born bookworm or did somebody get you into the habit of reading?

I was born into a family of readers, so I guess being a bookworm is genetic.  My parents started me off with how to read at a very early age, and I know my older sister also helped me --- but pretty quickly, I was off and running.  Once I figured out the basics, there was no stopping me; I would read anything I could get my hands on.  Whether it was a book, or a magazine, or even the back of a cereal box, I would read it (or at least try to).    I'm the youngest in my family, and my siblings are 8 and 11 years older than me, so while there was a lot of reading material in the house, some of it was beyond where I was at, reading-wise.    However, I was always several grades ahead with my reading-level, so being surrounded by material (and a family of readers) encouraged that.

Going to the library was always a lot of fun, too.  My brother or sister would walk with me (we could walk to the library from my house, although part of the walk was on a busy road), but as soon as I could go by myself, I would go and fill up my arms with books.  My mom would also sometimes take me to the library at the Art Institute in Chicago.  Although we couldn't check out books, it was always nice to sit there and read with her.

Now that I'm a librarian, I've got access to all kinds of books and reading material (which is wonderful, and also sometimes a bit awful --- too many books, too little time!)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday -- and reading some good stuff!

Book Blogger Hop ---- books, by the numbers

I haven't participated in the Book Blogger Hop for ages .....  but came across a Hop post on a blog I read, so I thought I'd participate this week.   The Hop runs from May 18-24, so there's plenty of time if you'd like to participate.

This week's question is: How many books do you own?    

I checked my LibraryThing account, and my number is: 1,042.

I'm also on GoodReads, although I use that for not only the books I own, but also the books I review (helps me keep track).   You can find me on either site, under the name Naberius.

Keeping track of my books on LibraryThing is helpful, especially if I'm trying to figure out what books in a series I might be missing.   I will admit that my bookshelves in my home library are pretty full --- but I'm not quite ready to get rid of some my books.  So, I set aside a few stacks to box up and put in the closet.   I've also declared a no-new-books rule for a while (including any used books, or library sale books) ... at least, until I can find somewhere else in the house to install some more bookshelves.  I can always dream.......

Could be the last Hop .....

 Friday means it's time for another Book Blogger Hop, although our host, Jen, has indicated that after this weekend's Hop, it's on hiatus (could be permanent).   So, before I answer this week's question, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jen for putting in the hard work for the Hop every week.  She's got a blog that's chock-full of cool things, and while the Hop was the reason I found her, and why I started visiting her blog every week, I found other things on her blog to enjoy, as well.    I also discovered a lot of nice bloggers and great blogs through the Hop -- so thanks for that, as well.!!

This week's question is: “What is your favorite Halloween costume?Even if you don’t celebrate, what kinds of costumes do you like?”

When I was a kid, my costumes were more or less determined by my Mom.  When I was really little, I was a tiger for a few Halloweens (in a costume passed down from my siblings).  But, even when I got older, it seemed Mom had the final say -- going as a "gypsy" was something that happened more than once because it was really easy to grab old clothes and throw them on.  

Once I was in my 20s, and had the opportunity to go clubbing in Chicago around Halloween, there was a lot more freedom.  I think the easiest, and most fun costume I came up with was Death (from Neil Gaiman's Sandman graphic novels).    A black wig, some face paint and an ankh and I was all set!   I haven't dressed up for a long time, although the last time I did, I did a variation on this.

I do get a kick out of seeing little kids dressed up, and how creative their costumes can be.  There was a little Halloween trick-or-treat parade in our library yesterday, and they all looked so cute!!  Babies dressed as bumblebees are one of my favorites!!!

Happy Hopping, everyone!!!

Friday = Hoppin' time!

I might need a nudge to Hop.....

Friday again already?  My week was crazy --- and somehow, I've arrived at another Friday without knowing where the other days went!    But, now that we're here, I suppose I can do a bit of hopping .....  Book Blogger Hopping, that is!   Jen over at Crazy for Books always hosts the Hop, allowing all of us to visit each other, discover new blogs, and have a lot of fun!   I'm working both Saturday and Sunday, so I'm not sure how much hopping I'll be able to do .....    but in the meantime, here's today's question:

"What is your favorite type of candy?"

I'm going to interpret this as "Halloween candy" and answer with: Take Five bars.    

When I get Halloween candy to give away, I always choose stuff I don't like, like Milk Duds or lollipops.  One year, I chose Take Five bars --- I thought they sounded gross: peanut butter and caramel on pretzel, covered in chocolate --- gross, right?

Um, no.  I tried one .... had another ....   and then my husband and I went through the bag over a few days.  Somehow, the crunchy texture and the mix of salty and sweet is just .... so good.

I'm looking forward to seeing what other people have to say!  Happy Hopping!!!

Wallaby says ---- time to HOP!!

And so we have reached the end of another week (which is a bit scary -- I don't know where the last week disappeared to!) --- which means it's time for the Book Blogger Hop.

If you aren't already familiar with the Hop, please visit Jen over at Crazy for Books, where she explains it all.  She's always so nice, hosting us, isn't she?

This week's question is:  “It’s time to spread some love beyond the borders of the Book Blogger Hop! This week, we aren’t answering a question. We are spotlighting our fellow bloggers. Find your favorite(s) author interview(s), guest post(s), book review(s), or bookish article(s) that ANOTHER BOOK BLOGGER featured on their site recently and tell us why you love it/them! As an additional challenge, find your favorite one of EACH of the categories above and spotlight all 4 (interview, guest post, review, article).”
I took the opportunity to focus on what's in my Reader today, since it's been a really busy week, but I was able to find some really cool stuff to pass on to all of you:

Author interview: Our Books, our Voice   has an interview with author M. Leighton.  I always find cool authors on this site!

Book review:  Lit Addicted Brit has reviewed Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld.  I've been meaning to get around to this book, so it was nice to see a review. 

Article: Pure Imagination -- today's post is more blogger tips and tricks.  I usually find helpful information in these posts.

Guest post:  I wanted to tell everyone about this, instead --- LargeHeartedBoy has usual posts called Book Notes, where authors talk about what songs they would have as a playlist for their book.   It's extremely cool.    Here's the link for the one where Erin Morgenstern gave the playlist for her book, The Night Circus (which I just read and absolutely loved).

I'm looking forward to seeing what other bloggers have up for their favorites --- I'm sure I'll be discovering all kinds of cool things.   Happy Hopping, everyone!!! 

Book Blogger Hop!!

bunnies think trying to ban a book is silly.   Books are to be chewed on, not banned.

I don't know about y'all, but I'm happy to have reached another Friday.   This week (and especially this morning) have been a bit crazy, so I'm ready to settle in to the weekend.    And .... that means doing a little Hopping.   The Book Blogger Hop, that is --- hosted by Jenn at Crazy for Books.

This Hop's question is: In honor of Banned Books Week, what is your favorite "banned or frequently challenged" book?  She also very nicely included a link to the 2010-2011 list of books, so I thought I'd choose one of those.   I actually saw a bunch of books on the list that I have read and liked, but I think today I'll choose:  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

I really love this book, and the entire trilogy --- and I liked how this book got a lot of people reading, and talking about the story (and not only teens, but adults, as well).    The book landed on the list because in 2010, a parent complained to the Goffstown, N.H. school board about it.  Apparently, her 11-year-old read the book and had nightmares.   The parent also claimed that the book could "numb other students to the effects of violence."

Interesting.  The first thing that popped into my mind when I saw that was --- 11 years old is a bit young for the book.   Maybe this kid is mature for their age, and reads ahead of their grade level, but I don't think Suzanne Collins was aiming the story at that young of a reader.   The second thought I had was that all kinds of stories can give you nightmares; heck, even what you see on tv can give you nightmares.   Watch the news, anyone?   And lastly -- I don't think this book can necessarily "numb students to the effects of violence."   The book is set in a world where there are towns that send kids every year to fight each other to the death.  Last time I checked, this isn't actually happening in our world.  Also, I believe there are a lot of other things that kids these days are exposed to that can affect how they respond to violence: video games, movies, television.   I don't think one book alone has that much power.

And that's just my personal opinion.   I understand if not everyone agrees.  I understand this parent was probably concerned that her child had nightmares, and of course, a parent's first instinct is to protect their child.  However -- I don't think that saying that no one else's child can read this book is the right way to go about things.

Ok - enough about that.   Like many book bloggers, I could go on and on about what I think about challenging and trying to ban books.  However, I'd prefer to get my rant over with, and proceed on with enjoying my Friday and my weekend.

So -- have a great Hop everyone!   And read some dangerous books!!

Hopping towards the weekend....

another Disapproving Rabbit ... another Hop

Friday again!!!   Not only is it nice and cool where I live (yay!!!), and a bit cloudy (yay!!), but it's Friday -- which means the end of another week and time for the Book Blogger Hop.   Generously hosted by Jenn at Crazy for Books, the Hop allows bloggers the opportunity to visit each other, meet bloggers, discover all sorts of new books, and spend some quality time online.   You can read all about it over at Jenn's blog.

Today's question is:  "As a book blogger, how do you introduce yourself in your profile?"

I had to go over to my "About Me" page and look, because I didn't remember what I had said.   I keep it pretty short, mostly because I don't tend to talk a lot about myself.  I included the fact that I'm a librarian, because I think it definitely influences my outlook on books, authors, and generally, life.  I also included a little note about the kinds of photos I put on my blog because I participate in Wordless Wednesday, but also occasionally post a random photo.

I suppose I could have gone into more detail, but I figured short and sweet was a good way to go. 

Happy Hopping, everyone!!!

Hopping through the weekend....



might hop, might nap .... we'll see.

 Book Blogger Hop, that is!   If you aren't familiar with the Hop, go on over to Jenn at Crazy for Books, where she explains it all.   She graciously hosts the Hop each week, which allows book bloggers to go around and visit each other, meet new bloggers, find more books to add to their tbr lists.....   and generally, enjoy spending some time online.


This week's question comes from Lori, who asks:  “Many of us primarily read one genre of books, with others sprinkled in. If authors stopped writing that genre, what genre would you start reading? Or would you give up reading completely if you couldn’t read that genre anymore?”

Hmm....  I actually don't tend to read just one genre all the time, so I had to think about this one.  I do read a lot of general fiction, but within fiction, I read a lot of fantasy, some mysteries, and I also read a lot of nonfiction.   I'm a book addict who happens to also be a librarian --- I'm surrounded by all kinds of books!!  Frankly, if the romance books weren't being written any more (those books where the romance is the main focus of the book -- not books where there is a plot, and there happens to be a romance), I would be okay because I don't read romances (maybe one or two a year).   If the entire genre of fantasy disappeared, I'd be pretty upset --- but I would just amp up my fiction reading and look for those "magical realism" books that our library shelves in the fiction section (instead of the SF/F section).   I do read a lot of YA books, but I'm not quite sure I'd say YA is a genre -- because it contains books in other genres (fiction, SF, etc) and is just written with protagonists in a certain age range, and aimed at readers of a certain age.  I would definitely be bummed out if those authors stopped writing, because there are a lot of really great books --- that are enjoyed by both young adults, and adults.  I guess I see YA books as a category more than a genre --- which I guess means I don't need to worry about them (for this question, at least!). 

Whew!  Long answer!   Happy Hopping, everyone!!!

Hopping through the long weekend.....

Friday again means another Hop!  Book Blogger Hop, that is --- the weekly event hosted by Jen at Crazy for Books.   Running Friday through Monday, the Hop is a great opportunity to visit blogs, meet bloggers, discover new books.....    and for me, the perfect way to spend some relaxed time over the weekend.


This Hop's question is: “What are you most looking forward to this fall/autumn season – A particular book release? Halloween? The leaves changing color? Cooler temperatures? A vacation? (If your next season is other than fall/autumn, tell us about it and what you are most looking forward to in your part of the world!)”

I am really looking forward to fall in general --- cooler temperatures, leaves changing, and October.   October's my favorite month because not only is Halloween in October (my favorite holiday), but my birthday and my husband's birthdays are in October -- which is a great excuse to have cake!    And maybe, a long weekend spent somewhere quiet.......       Generally, I just always feel more inspired, and more like myself once I get through summer (I am not a summer person at all) and into the fall.

Happy Hopping, everyone!!!!! 

Another Friday .... Another Hop!

Photo courtesy of Disapproving Rabbits.com

Book Blogger Hop, that is.   Generously hosted, as always, by Jenn over at Crazy for Books, the Hop is an opportunity for book bloggers to visit each other over the weekend (Friday - Monday).   You can find the whole scoop on it over at her blog (the full rules & regulations, and more).


This week's question has nothing to do with books, but is a fun question nonetheless:  “Non-book-related this week!! Do you have pets?”

Yes, I do!   While I don't have any of their photos available to me right now to post (as I'm at work and the photos are on home pc), I share my house with 4 bunnies.  The photo on the left is from a site called Disapproving Rabbits, but it does look like one bunny I used to have.   Right now, we have 2 pairs (one boy,one girl --- both "fixed") -- the first pair are both about 4 pounds each, and mixed breeds.  The other pair are bigger -- A Rex who weighs in at about 8 pounds, and a Florida White who weighs in close to 10 pounds.   Both pairs have their own rooms (yes, rooms), so they are separated (the girls don't get along at all).

I'll try to post pictures of them at some point because they are so cute.    Happy Hopping, everyone!!!

Hopping towards the weekend....

Thinking of hopping......

Another Friday means another Hop --- Book Blogger Hop, that is.  Hosted by Jenn over at Crazy for Books, the Hop is a great chance to meet other bloggers, discover new blogs, and books, and generally have some fun through the weekend.   If this is your first time visiting my blog, Welcome!!   And if you've been here before -- welcome back!

This week's question is: What's the longest book you've ever read?

In recent memory, it would probably be The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.  I have a copy of The Wise Man's Fear, but haven't started it yet.   The Name of the Wind comes in at 722 pages, so it's hefty.

I have read other long books - Stephen King's The Stand is long, and so is The Talisman, which he wrote with Peter Straub (I love that book).

I think it'll be interesting to see what other books people weigh in with this week.   Happy Hopping, everyone!!!

Hoppin' along........

hopping may be happening soon....

Having finally reached Friday (on my 7th straight day of working), I am ready to Hop!  Actually, I'm ready for a rum and coke, but that'll have to wait until later.

The Book Blogger Hop is a great way to spend time visiting blogs, discovering blogs, and discover loads of new books to add to your TBR list.   Graciously hosted by Jen over at Crazy for Books, the Hop runs Friday to Monday, so there's plenty of time to go around visiting. 

This week's question is:  “Let’s talk crazy book titles! Highlight one or two (or as many as you like!) titles in your personal collection that have the most interesting titles! If you can’t find any, feel free to find one on the internet!”

I had to log in to LibraryThing to see what I could find, and came up with:  Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey: Desserts for the Serious Sweet Tooth by Jill O'Connor, a cookbook I treated myself to at Borders.   I also found Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie by Joel Stewart, a children's book that I had to have because it's too cute (and I love the word Beastie).   And - The Deluxe Transitive Vampire: A Handbook of Grammar for the Innocent, the Eager and the Doomed by Karen Elizabeth Gordon.  Interesting title, eh?  

I'm sure I have plenty more, so if you're interested in what's in my Library, hop on over to LibraryThing to find me.    I'm really looking forward to seeing what other people post for this question!   Happy Hopping, everyone!!!!

Hoppin' on the weekend....

Hopping will happen...... eventually

Another Friday, means another Book Blogger Hop!  Graciously hosted, as always, by Jenn over at Crazy for Books, the Hop allows all of us book bloggers to meet, discover new blogs, new books, and have fun.   

This week's question is: "Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the libary, purchased at the store, etc) that you can't wait to dig into!"     

I just picked up Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand from my library and plan on starting it tonight.    Here's the review, courtesy of Booklist, if you'd like to know more:


A second book by the author of Seabiscuit (2001) would get noticed, even if it weren't the enthralling and often grim story of Louie Zamperini. An Olympic runner during the 1930s, he flew B-24s during WWII. Taken prisoner by the Japanese, he endured a captivity harsh even by Japanese standards and was a physical and mental wreck at the end of the war. He was saved by the influence of Billy Graham, who inspired him to turn his life around, and afterward devoted himself to evangelical speeches and founding boys' camps. Still alive at 93, Zamperini now works with those Japanese individuals and groups who accept responsibility for Japanese mistreatment of POWs and wish to see Japan and the U.S. reconciled. He submitted to 75 interviews with the author as well as contributing a large mass of personal records. Fortunately, the author's skills are as polished as ever, and like its predecessor, this book has an impossible-to-put-down quality that one commonly associates with good thrillers.  



I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else is going to be reading.  Happy Hopping!!





 

Book Blogger Hop time!!!!

soft...fluffy..... might just Hop

I'm at the end of an 8-day stretch of straight days at work .... and boy oh boy am I glad it's Friday!!!!!    Seriously.... it's going to be margarita time when I get out of work today.

The nice thing about Friday, other than it being the end of the week, is that it means it's time for the Book Blogger Hop.  Generously hosted by Jennifer over at Crazy for Books, the Hop allows book bloggers to travel around the web, meeting each other, discovering books, and new blogs.

Every week, there's also a discussion question, which always makes for some interesting posts.  This week's question is: What’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t?

For me, that would be ..... romance.   I have never been a paperback romance kind of girl.   While I don't mind if other people read romance, it's never been my kind of thing.   I tend to just find it a bit much, or too unbelievable, or ....  a bit overdone.   Or, I just get impatient with it ....  like, "just kiss already and stop talking about it!"   A bit of romance can be just fine in a story, but when it's all about the romance... no thank you.

Happy Hopping, everyone!!! 

Friday already ?????

poised and ready to Hop

Somehow, it's Friday again.  I feel like I lost a day in there somewhere, but either way, it's nice that it's Friday.   And --- Friday means it's time for the weekend-long Book Blogger Hop.  Hosted by Jen at Crazy for Books, the Hop lets us all discover new blogs, visit familiar blogs, and have a lot of fun.   Plus, if it's hot outside, it's the perfect way to spend some quality time in the air conditioning.  

This week's question comes from Veronica, who asks:  How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?

As a Librarian, I get almost all of my books from the library -- either from my own library, or through interlibrary loan (which is great -- and free!).   I'm definitely a fan of "try before you buy" - especially since librarians don't tend to have huge salaries, but also because I don't necessarily want to own every single book I read.    Books I do buy are ones I really want to have, and to read again and again --- and I try to buy them used (online or at the local used bookstore), or new from my local indie bookstore.    I also am fortunate enough to receive books from publishers and authors, who would like me to review their book.  

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else has to say --- especially because, of course, I'd like to see that bloggers are using their libraries (hopefully).        Happy Hopping, everyone!!!

and ... thanks, as always, to Disapproving Rabbits, for providing such great bunny photos!

Friday means it's hoppin' time

Ready to be fierce.... and hop.

Another Friday means it's time for the weekly Hop!  Generously hosted by Jennifer over at Crazy for Books, the weekly Book Blogger Hop is an opportunity for all of us to visit bloggers, get to know new people, discover new books .....   and for me, justify spending more time in the air conditioning (and not outside, in the heat and humidity).   :)

This week's question isn't a question ---- but a great chance to promote someone else's giveaway.   I think that's a great idea, so I'm giving a shout-out to the giveaway over at A Blog About Nothing, where Cynthia has some great books that I'm sure many us of would love to have (at least, I see a few I'd love to have).   I like reading her reviews, and saw she's got this giveaway going (which is perfect timing for today).    So -- if you have a chance, hop on over to her blog and check it out!!  


And - Happy Hopping, everyone!

Wallaby says ..... time to Hop!

We've reached another Friday (and a three-day weekend for some of us) -- and that means it's time for the Book Blogger Hop.  Hosted, as always, very nicely, by Jennifer at Crazy for Books, the Hop is a weekend-long event that allows us to visit blogs, learn new things, discover more books to read.....   and provide a great excuse to stay in the air conditioning this weekend.

This week's question comes from Sue who asks: What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?"

When I put a book back on the shelf -- it's because, in a word: annoyance.   Annoyance is usually what makes me put a book back on the shelf .   It can be that the plot's just not catching me, but most of the time, it's because I don't like a character or care enough about them to keep reading, or I find the writing style to be irritating.   Sometimes, I just get bored and put it back, but most of the time, it's because something about the book that's getting on my nerves.

It's almost easier to identify why a book gets put back than to figure out what keeps me reading.  Writing style, flow, storylines, characters --- when it all comes together, it keeps me turning the pages.

Happy Hopping, everyone! 

Friday means it's Hopping Time!

Another week down!   I don't know about all of you, but this week seemed to fly by --  and here we are again at the Book Blogger Hop.

why yes, I do believe I'll hop!

I always look forward to the Hop, even if it means I spend a bit too much time noodling around online.  I think it's great that Jennifer always hosts -- and it's her 5-year anniversary today, so stop on over and leave her a nice little message, okay?   

This weekend might not have as much hopping for me -- I'm working tomorrow, and have family plans for Sunday .....  but I'm still going to go around and visit as much as I can.

This week's question is:  "How many books are currently in your TBR (to-be-read) pile?"   Um....  maybe I should just count what's physically in the library bag right now, which is 8.    I used to keep an Excel spreadsheet of what I wanted to read and it got to about 2000 books before I stopped adding to it.   Now, I just try to manage things through my library account, putting things on hold for myself and making a few notes.     I will say this --- being a librarian is both a blessing and a curse if you're a book addict like myself.   I manage certain parts of the collection (meaning -- I order books) and that means I'm always looking at Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, and a ton of other review sources.   Which means ....  I am always seeing what shiny, new books are coming out.    Add to that all of the great books I hear about from book bloggers and it's easy to see how my TBR list could get completely overgrown and out of control.    I just try to stay on top of it.

Have a great weekend, everyone!!!  

Hoppin' Time!!!

leaping AND hopping

We've finally reached another Friday!  I'm breathing a sigh of relief .... I have today off from work and it's not 99 degrees where I live!!  I live in the Chicago area, and it's been pretty hot (and 80 degrees inside the library where I work) --- but we had some storms on Thursday which brought our temperature down, and the a/c in the library finally started to work, too --- so now, it's all good.   :)

So, anyway -- Friday means it's time to Hop.   The Book Blogger Hop this week is being hosted by Lori -- thank you very much, Lori!!   As always, the Hop is a great opportunity to visit with bloggers you know, and meet new bloggers.

This week's question is: "Who is the one author you're dying to meet?"     Lucky for me, the one author I had been dying to meet, I actually DID meet.   I have had a huge author crush on China Mieville for years and I finally had the opportunity to not only hear him speak, but got two of my books signed, as well (at C2E2 in Chicago).    I tell you - I wasn't sure if I was going to faint in front of him, but I was able to not only hold it together, but I didn't turn into a babbling idiot when I was in front of him, getting my books signed.     And let me say this --- I had a feeling he was cool, just from reading and loving his books....  but he is extremely cool in person -- very, very intelligent.   And ... um ..... very good-looking.   If he has any flaws, they aren't visible.   And if you know of any flaws he has, please do not tell me.   I would prefer to just think of him as .... perfect.

This is China Mieville.   He is perfect.

I'm looking forward to reading everyone else's stories this Hop.   Have a great weekend, everyone!!!!