Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Monique from Write Note Reviews

monique from write note reviews

Please welcome Monique, who blogs at Write Note Reviews.

Questions:


What is the name of your book blog?

Write Note Reviews http://writenotereviews.wordpress.com/

How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging seriously about January 2012 after I left my job as a newspaper editor. I’d been fortunate enough to review books while working in media, so I just made a few calls to my contacts and went from there. Now I review regularly for about 10 publishers in Australia.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I review across a number of genres, but most books probably fall into the contemporary fiction, historical fiction, crime/thriller/suspense and romance categories.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I don’t really remember not reading. I’ve always had my nose in a book. Well, nearly always! I think I inhaled books.

What was the first book you read over and over?

Probably The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Still love it!

What book have you re-read the most?

That’s hard. It’s a toss-up between Jane Eyre and Anne of Green Gables.

What's your favorite place to read?

In my new reading chair. It’s gorgeous! I picked it up at a garage sale last week and it is a beautiful French-style chair with walnut carving around the legs and arms. Other than that, anywhere I can be uninterrupted.

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

A blanket in winter. I can read without munchies … but I am partial to them, especially popcorn.

Finish the sentence:

My bookshelves are...

groaning under the weight of all my books.

My TBR pile is...

overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Is that possible?

What's a book that's changed your life?

I don’t think I can limit myself to one. Different books have met different needs at different times. Reading books about living in Italy have affirmed my outlook on the way I cook and live (sadly, without the actual living in Italy bit); the Bible has met spiritual needs at different times; cookbooks never fail to inspire me. All books have changed my life because they have enhanced it and allowed me to embrace my imagination and the thoughts of others.

One book you like that no one else seems to? How about a book that you dislike and everyone else seems to love?

I’ll answer these together. No specific titles are coming to mind, but the way I see it, we’re born with different tastes, desires and needs. Sometimes a book will meet a certain need for you, but doesn’t for others. Does that make it no good? No. It’s all subjective. Like a good wine, books are bound to taste different for every consumer.

What's one book that intimidates you?

Les Miserables. I have tried to read it, but have not yet succeeded.

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

Also a hard question … as a child I wanted to see the Lake of Shining Waters with Anne (Anne of Green Gables), as well as Mary’s secret garden (The Secret Garden) with Dickon and Mary. These days, I’m easily swayed by all the wonderful places I read about, but the Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy as described by Marlena de Blasi would probably be at the top of the list.

How about non-book related hobbies?

What do you do when you don't feel like reading? Cook. I love cooking feasts and treats for my family. I also enjoy writing, photography, walking and going to op shops.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Can I choose two? Chocolat and Lord of the Rings.

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

Funny that … when I started book blogging, I thought it was a pretty original idea. Not, as it turned out. Mine is ‘unique’ in that it’s my voice … other than that, I add a bookish treat idea to the end of each review – a book and a treat all in one.

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

I’m an eclectic reader, or as I say, a bit of a licorice allsorts.



Thank you for joining us today, Monique! Remember to check out 's blog, Write Note Reviews, and leave a comment or question.

7 comments :

  1. Oh Monique, I just posted about needing a blanket while I read! There's a company that is putting favorite authors' words onto blankets...called Comma Workshop.

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  2. Monique,your unique voice comes through in this interview too. For anyone who hasn't yet visited Write Note Reviews, I can highly recommend it. Without exception the reviews are thoughtful, considered and insightful.

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  3. Great interview Monique. I hope the weather has been treating you to some well deserved time under your blanket with a good book. As usual, your uniqueness shines through your responses.

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  4. Hear, Hear, on all the other comments - I enjoy Write Note Reviews very much!
    I'm with you on the Narnia books. I have managed to read Les Mis, but that's because I fell in love with the musical, then the music... and a friend leant me the book. Heavy and I cannot claim I read every word - but it helped keep me motivated that I loved the stage show so much.
    I haven't seen Chocolat, but I have both read the book & loved LOTR.
    And of course - I just love your hat!
    Cheers
    Lily M

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  5. Thank you for all your lovely comments - they have made my day.

    Jennine, Comma Workshop sounds fantastic. And Marcia, it's cold outside and what I WANT to do is read under a blanket ... and what I NEED to do is some freelance work, fold the washing, growl at Bear for still not cleaning the kitchen (it's nearly 3pm) and ....

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  6. GREAT interview!!! I love how you answered the question about the books you liked/disliked! :)

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  7. Les Miserables intimidates me too, especially as I know I'll be thinking 'this isn't like the musical'..., for shame on me.

    I have always wanted to go to Mary's secret garden! That would have made my childhood.

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