two book haul memes in one!

This week, I'm doing two book haul memes! The usual, In My Mailbox, from Kristi from The Story Siren, where we feature books we received this week. And a new one I want to do more often - Bargan Book Bonanza from Baja Greenawalt's Cozy Book Nook, where we feature bargain books!

Birthday gifts from friends:

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• Where She Went by Gayle Forman
• The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

Bargain books:

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• Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - $3 - BRAND NEW
  
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker - $3 - BRAND NEW
  
• Villette by Charlotte Bronte - which I have never even read! - $4 BRAND NEW
  
• Watchers by Dean Koontz - thanks to Delphyne for the recommendation - $3
  
• Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky by Chris Greenhalgh - $2
  
• The Borrowers by Mary Norton - $1
  

What did you all get this week? Comment below or link it!

blogging tips: things I personally learned

Today's topic for Armchair BEA - Blogging about Blogging.

Over the 17 months that I have been blogging here, I have had my fair share of different experiences; thankfully, most of them have been amazing but I can't deny that there have been a few mistakes and failures here and there. The good thing is that I have learned tons from book blogging itself - from reading books, reviewing them, and interacting with other book bloggers. Here are a couple of tips that I think are crucial to blogging.

1. Interaction!! It is so very important to reply back to your commenters, and post comments on other blogs as well. There's nothing worse than being an unapproachable book blogger - someone that never replies or interact with other bloggers. It's just not nice, to put it simply. And I know, it's hard to keep up with comments. I have this problem too, believe me! But I've realized that one of the best things about blogging is really the interaction with other readers and book lovers. And trust me, it pays off in the end. For both parties. You not only gain consistent 'followers' and comments, but sometimes, you gain blogger friends too.

2. Do what you want with your blog! Don't be afraid to experiment. Don't be scared to venture out in other genres. Don't be nervous about trying out a different layout or a different theme - Just be careful with changing URLs. Make sure you know how to do it 100% ;) - All I'm saying is, this is your blog. Your domain. Your place. Your true followers will continue to be your readers even with all the changes.

3. Don't let others tell you that you can't do something. Now it is extremely important to listen to others' suggestions, opinions, and constructive criticisms. I have improved my blog a lot through others' help, but what I'm trying to say here is - don't let others limit what you want to do. There will be people criticizing you for the sole reason of putting you down; saying that it's wrong to write personal posts, or post non book related topics. People will constantly nitpick at these kinds of things. Just say no. Like I said on my second tip, this is your blog! As long as you're not hurting, offending, or being destructive to anyone, and it's to ultimately benefit your blog, you can do whatever you want!

4. It's okay to take breaks. Blogging is supposed to be fun. For me, it's a form of stress-relief. So there's nothing worse than getting stressed out over blogging! It is not fun and so not convenient! You don't need additional worries and stress - so really, don't worry about it too much. If you want to take a brief hiatus, go ahead. You would probably even gain a new and better perspective on blogging when you come back.

5. Work hard, but have fun. Total cliche, but this is probably what you need to learn first before anything else. Blogging does take a huge amount of time and a lot of effort. Posting good content is not always easy! So if you want to have a 'good' blog, you do have to work hard. But while doing this, you have to remember - this is not supposed to be a "job." This is supposed to be fun. Really, when you start having fun posting, and interacting with others, it's when the blogging experience is at its best.

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If you have any blogging advice or tips, let me know as a comment. I would love to hear from you!

armchairBEA: blogs I always have to read.

Today on Armchair BEA, it's all about nurturing relationships - relationships we have developed with authors, publishers, and of course, other book lovers. I decided to do this post, linking the blogs I always, always have to visit. I love their posts, and even though I fail at commenting sometimes (sorry!) the fact is, I always read what they have to say. Here are some of them, in alphabetical order.

• A Literary Odyssey - She always inspires me to pick up a Classic, or re-read one. Seriously, without fail. I also like the way she reviews the books she reads - she makes it very personal and relate-able not only for herself but for her blog followers as well.

• a thousand Books with Quotes - If you like quotes, you will love her blog. She picks the most perfect ones from the books that she reads - and these quotes truly convey what the stories are all about. I am always getting new ideas for new reads through her as well. Oh and she is my Aunt - clearly books run in the family!

• Baja Greenawalt's Cozy Book Nook - I love all the ladies in this cozy book nook! They are all so very "inspiringly bookish" that I just can't help but drop by their charming blog daily. I just find them to be one of the best to have conversations with, especially Lesa, who I have followed - and has been a follower here - pretty much since Day 1!

• the bookworm - Love her reviews and taste in books! She features everything from SciFi to Romance to the Classics to poetry, that I believe would suit everyone. And her 'approachable' and genuine personality makes the blog visit even more worthwhile than it already is.

• Fantasy4eva - Aly's reviews are epic. Haha. I read them all. They're long, but every word she says counts, let me tell you that! She is so meticulous and observant, and her blog post ideas are creative. She also replies to everyone, comments on everyone's blogs, and really, is just very sweet.

• Imagination in Focus - One of the very first blogs I've followed. She reviews YA/MG and like Aly from Fantasy4Eva, is also very meticulous. Her reviews are detailed, and all her thoughts are explained very well. But one of my favorite things about her and her posts is the honesty. She will tell it like it is, while still being respectful and tactful, and I always respect someone who can balance both.

• J'adore Happy Endings - Favorite YA International blogger? Definitely. Her reviews are also never biased - she can tell it straight-up if she doesn't like a book. She won't sugar coat it! Plus, love her simple, cute layout. And the blogger behind the blog, Nina, is also such a sweet girl. You'll love to read her reviews.

• Shredded Cheddar - What can I say? I love an honest, straight-forward blogger that I can have countless bookish conversations with. Everytime I read a post from her, to be honest, I always end up going, "Hmmm. Not quite sure what to say." Haha. She's always challenging me to think outside my comfort zone, which I especially appreciate as well. Again, she's been one of my blogger friends here and love it when she comments - they're conversational and they're more than just your usual, "GREAT REVIEW." ;)

• Life After Jane - A YA blogger who reads and talks about other genres as well, like the Classics and Romance. I really enjoy her blog and her posts, especially her spunky personality that shows in them. She also offers interesting input that I wouldn't really think of, so it's nice to get to know somebody who doesn't necessarily think similarly as I do. Love her blog, the blogger, and the blog name itself!

• ~*Loves to Read*~ - Great, honest reviews and super sweet blogger! You should visit her blog if you like YA books. She's one of my favorite YA bloggers for sure.

• The Avid Reader's Musings - Charming blog posts - from her reviews, photo posts, and book discussions. I always want to have bookish conversations with her. She just has this approach that makes you feel like you're friends, if that makes sense. Visit her blog!

• The New Dork Review of Books - This guy always provides interesting input on various book and reading-related topics. Whether or not I agree with his opinions, I always respect him for being able to tell it like it is, without sugarcoating anything for anybody.

• The Story Siren - the goddess of Young Adult blogging. Need I say more?? I don't think people realize how much work and effort she has put into her blog. I think her accomplishments as a blogger shows how hardworking and helpful she is to everyone. But seriously, if you want to find out about YA books, go here.

• Loving Books - My favorite thing about her blog are her bookish discussions. I tend to always agree with her about her opinion, and it's always nice to find someone who almost has the same ideas as you! Haha. I just feel like I can relate to her a lot! You should definitely visit her blog.

• My Girl Friday - Super awesome blogger! She has eclectic taste in books, movies, music, and yeah... she loves fashion. She even does book-fashion cross overs, which to me, is a perfect combination. You need to check out her Polyvore posts! Simply put, it's just fun to be on her blog. It's cute, whimsical, and unique.

• Tales of Whimsy - I think everyone can agree with me. Juju from Tales of Whimsy wins the best commenter award. Haha. Well at least she always comments on almost every single post I have. Sometimes when nobody else reads my posts, she still does. I appreciate it so much, Juju! And her blog... her layout, her reviews, her random "Yakety-Yaks..." I just love her blog. I visit it regularly, and you should too.

• third-storey window - Beautiful writer. Eloquent. Poetic. I ADORE HER POSTS so much. I'm always left inspired by her writing.

• Watcha Readin' Books?: A Teacher/Learner's Blog - Really like her eclectic taste in books as well. She reads everything, and I always like it when I see different reviews and discussions about books coming from many different genres. Not everyone does that, so when a blogger does, it's exciting for me! She definitely does offer great input too - check her out!

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Of course, there are so many other blogs out there that I love and enjoy visiting too. I can't possibly name them all, because they won't fit. Some examples... Mindful Musings, i swim for oceans, The Perpetual Page-Turner, 21 Pages, Bewitched Bookworms, Books out of the Bookshelves, Consumed by Books, Dreaming of Books, Lily's Bookshelf... gah so many! If you have a favorite blogger, please link them down below!

05.24.11

My birthday celebration was great!

I did have work, if you could even call it work! My co-workers and the students threw a little mini party for me, complete with cupcakes and lemonade! The kids were so sweet - each made their own handmade birthday cards. Adorable.

After work, I had dinner with the family and my boyfriend. Went to the bookstore right after, and went home to find over 100 wall posts on Facebook full of birthday greetings. And then of course I saw all your comments here on the blog as well as on Twitter! Some even sent me e-mails and I really appreciate your thoughts! It's so great to come home to all of the nice messages, so thank you!

P.S. - Some of you asked; I did get a couple of books as gifts, from different people. Apparently, they all know me too well.

Armchair BEA: interview with the Witch of Creation

My thing I love the most about Armchair BEA is the opportunity that we get to meet other book bloggers and see their blogs that we wouldn't have discovered otherwise. One perfect example of that would be when I was assigned to interview Usagi, also known as "the Witch of Creation," from Birth of a New Witch. I was really excited to see her blog and learn more about her eclectic taste in books! She sure is a creative person, and I was happy to have met her through Armchair BEA.

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1. First thing I always ask bloggers; why did you start blogging about books in the first place?

My site originally started out is an archive for my creative fiction that I know will probably not end up being used in my book, and I figured that since I did the occasional review that I might as well use it for that as well when the muse wasn't around. Thus, my blogging for books began and I combined the two sites into one.

2. So what does reading mean to you?

Everything. I've been reading since age 3, and I haven't stopped since then. Since I was bullied a lot as a kid (and a lot of the time, without me even knowing it), it was always a way for me to escape into worlds and make friends that I couldn't find here in this reality.

3. Can you give me some titles of books you always find yourself recommending to other readers?

Oh, there are so many! Seriously. I think my top five include my mentor, Francesca Lia Block's “Dangerous Angels” (the omnibus edition of her “Weetzie Bat” books – it literally changed the way I saw the world when I read it at age 12!), “Brave New World” (which started my love of dystopian fiction at age 14), Murakami Haruki's “Kafka on the Shore” (Just. Plain. Amazing.),
Nabokov's “Lolita”, and finally, Laurie Anderson's “Wintergirls” (not recommended with those uncomfortable and/or triggered by self-harm).

4. You are to be stranded on a deserted island. Pick 5 fictional characters (from books or movies) you would like to accompany you.

Again, with the making me choose. I'd pick Puck from Julie Kagawa's “Iron Fey” series, Witch Baby from Francesca Lia Block's “Dangerous Angels”, Touwa Erio from “Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko” (lol aliens), Harry Dresden from Jim Butcher's “Harry Dresden Files” series, and Cersei Lannister from George R.R. Martin's “A Song of Ice & Fire/Game of Thrones” cycle. I'd especially love to see the interaction between Cersei and Puck. I'd pay anything to see that!

5. If you could read ONE book your entire life, what would it be?

Eep. Again, so hard. Um. Probably John Ajvide Lindqvist's “Let the Right One In/Let Me In” - I have literally read it somewhere near ten times and I still marvel at the things I discover that in which each previous reading I didn't have/find before.

6. If you could pick ONE book that you wish you wrote yourself, what book would that be?

Believe it or not, Milton's “Paradise Lost”. Yeah, I'm kind of a sucker for the classics that way. Either that or Dickens' “A Christmas Carol”. I just love me some Scrooge.

7. Do you have any funny reading habits, or pet peeves about books or reading?

Funny reading habits and pet peeves...hmm. I really cannot stand a lot of traditional YA heterosexual romance (that sounds awful of me to say, but it's true), mostly because it all follows the same plot of teenagers pining for one another with no other plot than that. I love my fiction with bite to it, so anything controversial or untraditional is most definitely going to catch my eye when reading. Usually because the plot is more complicated than girl meets and then chases boy (or vice versa). As for habits, I do most of my reading (a lot with most of my activities) in bed or on public transport. It relaxes me before I sleep, and it also relaxes me while in public, dumbing down the sensory input that often overloads my system and sets off all of my autism alarms, which causes panic attacks in turn.

8. Where is your favorite place to read? What would be your "dream" place to read at?

Aside from bed and public transport, I love reading at coffee shops and cafes. Oh! And at Barnes and Noble. I love curling up in chairs and reading for hours on end. I got kicked out at closing time at quite a few cafes/coffeehouses in Tokyo because I was there for hours and I was the last person there.

9. What were the books you grew up with?

My mother encouraged a lot of early reading with me, so I grew up with a lot of traditional kids' books (I had a particular obsession with Laura Ingalls Wilder at some point), but I also read a lot of “new” fiction at the time – particularly Anne Rice's vampire series/spin-offs. I also got called on the carpet at school and scolded for my inappropriate reading choices in middle school since I was the only kid reading a lot of Dickens and Nabokov and no one else was. My mother usually just told them that it was lucky for them that I was reading at all, and as long as I wasn't causing any trouble, to shut their traps. But you know, in a nicer way.

10. On your 'about me' on your blog, you said one of the things you enjoy is learning new languages. What is your favorite language of all time, if you could pick one?

Outside of English, it's Japanese, hands down. There are so many complex ideas that just can't be translated over into other languages but that explain a lot of feelings/ideas that I have within me. I could give you quite a few examples, but again, they don't translate over very well, so it would be a bit moot unless you speak the language.

11. So what does your nickname, "the Witch of Creation" mean?

It's taken from one of my favorite visual novels of all time, “Umineko no Naku Koro ni (When the Seagulls Cry)” - the name that the Golden Witch Beatrice gives to the young Ushiromiya Maria upon making her a witch. Maria has the power to create anything and everything because she has such a rich imagination (and is possibly autistic, but that's up to interpretation), so it makes her almost god-like in her abilities, far surpassing any other witch in the story (including Bernkastel, Witch of Miracles, and Lambdadelta, Witch of Certainty). I've been told my imagination is pretty wild, so thus, I adopted the nickname on the blog.

12. Last but not the least, do you plan to ever go to Book Expo America?

It's definitely on my bucket list, yeah. But I need a more steady job/income before I can even think of going to BEA, and freelance isn't paying too well right now, so I'm content to do the armchair deal until I can actually go there in person.

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Well, thanks to her, I definitely have added a couple of book titles on my TBR list! Haha. Go ahead and check her out and her blog as well! And follow her on Twitter.

it takes a long time to grow young.

Today, I become a year older!

I just want to say that if you're reading this, thanks for caring enough to read a post that is not related to books at all. Haha. I have posted a couple of those kinds of posts and so thanks for sticking with me and the blog for a long while now!

Aside from that, I wish you have a great day today; I know I will :) I know some of you are at BEA so enjoy for me! And as for the rest of you who aren't at the Book Expo, let me know what you're doing today and everything and also what you're currently reading. I would love to hear from you as always.

Happy reading! Happy Tuesday, Happy May 24th! and thank you <3
P.S. - tweet tweet tweet tweet

Armchair BEA: who am I and whatnot.

If you have never been here before and have only come across my little blog from Armchair BEA, then welcome and thanks so much for dropping by! Today's supposed to be all about introducing yourself and your blog, so hello!

This blog, Random Ramblings, is full of random bookish things; reviews, discussions, random musings, random thoughts, rants, raves, and every once in a while, some personal thoughts as well. I started book blogging January of 2010, and have fallen in love with it ever since.

I first discovered what Book Expo America was all about at that time, but didn't get to go last year. I really swore to myself I'd go this year, but things just didn't go as planned.

I did however attend the Armchair BEA and found it really enjoyable. So this year, I'm excited to meet more book bloggers, and more readers.

I would love to visit your blogs too so go ahead and link below especially if you're part of the Armchair BEA this year. We could also always talk on Twitter! Enjoy this year's virtual Book Expo, and have fun! Happy Reading!

I wish I was in New York right now.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably all know about the biggest publishing event that is Book Expo America. Last year, I just found out about this great event when I first joined book blogging so I didn't get to go. But I promised myself that I was going to attend in 2011. It would be perfect since it would be my birthday next week too.

So about two months ago, I registered as non-editorial press, and asked for days off from work. I was so set on going. Unfortunately, life happens. And so now, I can't go. This is so disappointing to me, but like all other disappointing times, we all just accept it and move on.

So I wish everyone who's going to BEA a very safe, fun, and fulfilling trip! I wish I could meet some of you personally, but maybe next year! ;)

And if you would like to join in BEA-related festivities but can't go to NYC like the rest of us, do join Armchair BEA.

Happy Sunday!!