Wednesday, February 18, 2015

A bookish friendship.

Hallo meine Lieben,

I feel very lucky to have such wonderful friends like Martha and Erin. We have a whole lot in common and one of these things is our love for books. Erin had the fantastic idea to do a book-related link-up and here we are. If you do not already love those girls' blogs, then please hop over and say hello. 







1. Name a book that made you feel happy -

M. Bill Bryson's books make me laugh, which makes me happy.

K. All the Adrian Mole diaries by Sue Townsend. Those books are so hilarious that they make my smile every single time I read them. Which is why I read them quite often - and I am not planning to stop. 

E. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, I love Douglas Adams pure British humor meets space opera. The whole series is fantastic.


2. Name a book that made you cry -

M. I cried over one of the character deaths in The Knife of Never Letting Go. If you've read it you'll probably guess which one. (No spoilers here.)

K. The most recent one was "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven. I don't want to spoil anything because if you have not read it yet then you clearly should. But it is definitely one of those books that touches your heart in a way that makes you smile and cry. 

E. The Dark River by John Twelve Hawks. I loved The Fourth Realm Trilogy and recommend everyone read it, so I won't give away why this made me cry...but it did.


3. Name a book that made you adventurous -

M. I suppose reading the Nancy Drew novels gave me a sense of adventure as a kid. I thought it'd be awesome to sleuth around like she did. As an adult, Bill Bryson's books have made me want to travel, even if it's only through my own backyard.

K. When I was a teenager I read a book by a person who traveled around the world to find the perfect place to live. And at some point she lived on Christmas Island for a while. The description of that island impressed me so much that I decided that I have to travel there someday. I want to see the famous crab migration. The crime novels Arnaldur Indriðason make me want to travel to Iceland as soon as possible. Such a fascinating country. 

E. Voyage of the Dawn Treader by CS Lewis. I am going back a few years here, but as a child I used to love this book and probably read it about 15 times. I imagined running off to live on a boat and have adventures. (Looking back I should have done that, maybe there is still time!)


4. Name a book that scared you -

M. The Ruins, by Scott Smith. You won't look at plants the same way afterward.

K. "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer because the truth about the meat/dairy/egg industry is scary and horrifying. 

E. The Stand by Stephen King, I don't trust humans not to mess around with biological warfare. After all recent events have shown that some countries see the Geneva Conventions as vague guidelines.  (Additional shout out to 1984)


5. What book did you dislike at first, but really loved by the time you were done with it?

M. I really struggled to get into A Game of Thrones--I thought it was tedious and long-winded. But by the end I'd totally changed my mind and loved it.

K. I am thinking about this questions for days and I cannot really come up with an answer. I don't think that ever happened to me. There are books that I had to start reading a couple of times before I finished them. But that was mostly because I did not really get into the books at first, not because I really disliked them. One recent book was "Eleanor & Park". I think I started reading it 4 times before I really started to feel the book. And after the first 40 pages or so I absolutely loved it and could not stop reading.

E. Several years ago I picked up The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, read the first chapter, and put it down. Then about two years ago I got it again and basically binge read the trilogy! I have no idea why I wasn't hooked the first time..


6. What fantasy land do you most want to visit?

M. I wouldn't mind spending an evening at the Night Circus.

K. Hogwarts. I always wanted to fly on a broom and learn how to do magic. 

E. Jasper Fforde's literary world. If you have not read Fforde's book pick up The Eyre Affair and Shades of Grey now. Actually, after writing this I am inspired to give them a reread!


7. What character do you identify with most?

M. I've thought about this one all weekend and can't come up with a really good answer. I suppose I slightly identify with Eliza Braun from The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences--she's a bit out of place and a little too feisty for her own good. Though I'm sure she's much braver than I am!

K. I don't really identify with any character. If I have to name one I would say Luna Lovegood. Her mother died when she was young, she behaves strange, she speaks up for others, she likes books, she is artistic, has some odd beliefs, she is brave, a nonconformist, she is bluntly honest, she does not care what other people think of her and she wore a dress made of rainbows. And she wants to find a Crumple-Horned Snorkack.

E. I kinda hate saying Lisbeth Salander, but it's true. Bad childhood, I wear a lot of black, did boxing for a couple years, have several tattoo's and more than a passing interest in technology. If only I could have her photographic memory!


8. Who is your secret literary crush?

M. Aragorn, though that's not much of a secret!

K. Tim from the TKKG books (my childhood literary crush) and Inspector Erik Winter from the Åke Edwardson crime novels. Oh, and Bob the street cat. 

E. Lord Vetenari from the Discworld series. What girl doesn't love a morally ambiguous genius?



9. Who is your favorite fictional villain?

M. I don't know if he's really a villain, aside from his family associations, but I love Tyrion Lannister. Actually, I don't know anyone who doesn't!

K. Patrick Bateman. He disgusts and fascinates me at the same time. I have a  slight obsession with serial killers. Give me a book about serial killers and I'll read it. Which is why I also like Hannibal Lecter. 

E. Napoleon from Animal Farm.  How can you not love an evil pig written by George Orwell and based on Stalin. It's genius.



10.What is the geekiest thing you have ever done for your love of books?


M. I don't think I've done anything truly geeky yet. Though the husband and I have agreed that if we get a pure black girl cat, we have to name her Guenhwyvar after Drizzt Do'Urden's magical panther.

K. A midnight Harry Potter release - including staying up all night and finishing the book in a couple of hours. Going to a book flea market and coming home with bags full of books. Going to the movies to watch all the Lord Of The Rings films in one night. 

E. I have a tattoo of a turtle that partially represents The Great A'Tuin from the Discworld series.



Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. You can find out more about Erin and Martha on their brilliant blogs. 
Have a fantastic week!

And of course thanks to Erin and Martha for being such fabulous friends! It means a lot!

PS: We also did a vegan-themed link-up a year ago (can't believe that was already a year ago!) which you can find there: Journey to vegan: three stories

50 comments:

  1. I still don't like Game of thrones! REALLY! It just is boring...I stand apart rom the world I know!

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    1. I have not started the books yet but I do like the show!

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    2. I LOVE THE SHOW, but I would love to read the books though...

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    3. I want to read the books as well. I like the show a lot but never found the time for the books!

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    4. Lol I am the only one who does not like GOT!

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  2. i love reading this! the book that made me cry is the Kite Runner - ha. and i wish stieg larsson is still alive to write another brilliant books after The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series.

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    1. Glad you liked it! I have not read the Kite Runner yet but have to check it out.
      You might find this interesting:
      http://time.com/3685678/stieg-larsson-dragon-tattoo-that-which-does-not-kill/
      A journalist finished a manuscript written by Stieg Larsson. It will come out in August.

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  3. I'm also a fan of Bill Bryson.. what's your favorite book of his?? - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  4. I'm also a fan of Bill Bryson.. what's your favorite book of his?? - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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    1. So cool you like the books as well! They are so entertaining! It's hard to say which one is my fave but I really liked Notes from a small Island and A Walk in the Woods. Which one is yours?

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    2. I'm butting in to say I loved Notes from a Small Island and In A Sunburned Country. So good!

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    3. notes from a small island is soooo good! And I also love In a sunburned Country!

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  5. I can't believe it's been a year since our last link-up! Wow! That's interesting that there's a new Larsson book coming out--I'll have to keep an eye out for it!

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    1. There is a new Millennium book coming out, but the politics are it kind of make me back away. His partner of 30 years wanted to finish the series (and was reportedly heavily involved in the original 3) but because they were not legally married his family wouldn't allow it. His family also denied his (unofficial) will which stated that his funds would be left to a social party and instead kept all the proceeds from his books.

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    2. Yeah, I was so surprised to see that it was already a year ago!

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    3. Erin, I did not know about this. Thanks for clearing that up. That really sucks. I wondered who that guy is that finished the manuscript. His family seems to be pretty crappy! It's a shame!

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  6. It's interesting what books can do to you. I need to read more.

    /Avy

    http://mymotherfuckedmickjagger.blogspot.com

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  7. What a great idea for a link-up! Some of those questions were difficult too. I need to hear more about this book you read about the person looking for the best place to live and lived on Easter Island...do you remember the book title? It sounds interesting. Going to check out Martha and Erin's blogs now..............

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    1. Thank you, Erin. I am glad you liked it. I had to think a couple of days about some of the questions and I am still not satisfied with my answers! I think the book is called "Gibt es den perfekten Platz zum Leben? - eine weltweite Suche" written by Susanne Haase. (Is there a perfect place to live? a worldwide search). It's a German book and I couldn't find an English edition. :( I am sure you will like Martha's and Erin's blogs!

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  8. This is so cool. I love this post!

    Aragorn! Ooooo yes.

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    1. Glad you liked it! And yes, Aragorn definitely is a hero. :)

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  9. Aww this is a terribly cute book post idea - I'd love to live in the world of the Night Circus for a little while as well

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    1. Glad you liked it! It was Erin's idea! I would not mind spending some time there either!

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  10. A bookish friendship is the best kind of friendship :)

    www.blogsbygabrielle.blogspot.com

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    1. Hehe, I absolutely agree! Thanks for stopping by!

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  11. Loved this, thanks for joining! <3

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  13. I am so glad you mentioned Luna Lovegood! She is one of my favorite characters from Harry Potter and she normally goes so unappreciated! I thought the actress who played her in the movies did a fantastic job, too! I totally agree with Martha's answer about Nancy Drew, too. I read all of those books over and over again when I was a kid. I have never wanted a book character's life as badly as I wanted hers! :)

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    1. I love Luna Lovegood very much. There are many great characters in Harry Potter but she is definitely one of my favorites. I am glad you like her as well. She is smart, funny, weird, brave...everything I like! And I agree that the actress did a fantastic job portraying her! I never read Nancy Drew! I am pretty sure I am the only one but those books were not popular in Germany when I was younger. We had some other detective series though which I loved very much!

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  14. Good to know about Game of Thrones! I've wondered if it is worth the effort. :)

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    1. I want to check out the books at some point because I like the show. But never found the time!

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  15. I love this post! What an awesome idea you all had!
    I definitely want to be in Hogwarts, too :) That would simply be awesome! :)
    Ich wünsche Dir ein super tolles Wochenende und drück Dich ganz feste!

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    1. Thank you, Beate. I am glad you like it! We should totally travel to Hogwarts together. :)
      Hab ein tolles Wochenende! Ich drueck Dich ganz ganz dolle! Und schreib Dir ganz bald! <3

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  16. This is a very awesome idea. I used to love the Nancy Drew mysteries when I was younger!

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    1. Thank you, Keith! It was Erin's idea! So glad you like it! I never read the Nancy Drew books, I guess they were not very popular in Germany when I was younger. I read lots of other detective series though!

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  17. Luna Lovegood - I love that character, her weirdness, her noncomformist ways. I wished Harry would have ended up with her instead of ginny.

    I haven't been doing much reading so I'd probably wouldn't be able to answer these questions. anyway, hope you have a lovely day.

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    1. Luna clearly is one of my favorite characters in Harry Potter. Glad you agree. They would have been a great couple I guess. :)

      I do not find enough time to read either. January was good but I barely finished any books in February.

      Have a great day!

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  18. Loved reading this. There are so many books out there - truly something for everyone. It's amazing how different but alike we can be!

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    1. Glad you liked it, Susi! You are right, there are so many books out there. And not enough time to read them. :)

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    1. I am usually not the one who cries a lot over books but this was very touching!

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  20. I love this link-up! Agree on Adrian Mole. I'm saving AtBP because of your rec - I know I'm going to love it and also cry a lot. I am too scared to read Eating Animals. I read Fast Food Nation about 8 years ago and still haven't recovered! Hogwarts would be my first choice too. I can see you as Luna! I think mine would be Hermione on account of how she reads so much and always wants to answer in class. Loved reading this link-up!!

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    1. I am glad you like it, Em! Would you be interested in being a part of it next time? That would be so cool! I hope you will like All The Bright Places as well. I am pretty sure you will. :) And if not, tell me why. :) You definitely need to tell me your thoughts, no matter what. :) I have not read Fast Food Nation but I clearly should. Of course Eating Animals is a difficult read but definitely eye-opening. I made myself watch Earthlings a couple of years ago. I cried the whole time but I do not regret watching it. I think we would probably good friends at Hogwarts. :)

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  21. Your blog won't let me just reply to the previous comment - sorry! But yes, I'd LOVE to participate. Any time you've got anything book-related, count me in! (I still want you to guest post on my book blog sometime, too....) I read about a quarter of AtBP and I know I'll like it! I might try Eating Animals someday, but I feel like I know enough that I don't eat meat anyway, and it'll just upset me. And yes, we'd be best of friends!

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    1. That's weird. I don't know what's wrong! But fantastic! I will let you know once there will be another link-up! It will be fantastic. If you have any ideas, let me know. I am sure Martha and Erin would be thrilled! I need to think about what I could write for your blog. It would be such an honor but I always feel like nothing would be good enough! I am glad you like AtBP! Let me know once you are finished so that we can talk about it! You are right, Eating Animals is definitely upsetting, but I learned a lot from it!

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    2. Just a blogger glitch, I assume! Looking forward to it. No pressure or anything, only if you are inspired!!

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    3. Stupid Blogger. :) I need to come up with something that is worth being on your blog. :)

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