The Return of Love-A-Thon
After participating in last year’s Love-A-Thon and coming across some amazing people, I knew I had to take part again this year. In fact, I was the first person to sign up this year. Yep, I wear that as a badge of pride. Hah.
@wordrevel I adore the fact that you were the very first person to sign up for this year's #LoveAThon! 💗
— ALEXA S. (@alexalovesbooks) January 17, 2016
Now, if you’re new here, Hello! I’m glad you decided to stop by. If you’ve been here before, Welcome back! I hope this weekend will be a fun one for everyone to interact. The best part is that this year’s Love-A-Thon is intentionally multi-platform. This means you’ll also see me take part in the bookstagram challenges, and maybe even doubly so.
Responses to Questionnaire
1. What’s your name?
My name is Joséphine. Some call me Jo.
2. Where in the world are you blogging from?
Currently I’m blogging from Singapore.
3. How did you get into blogging in the first place?
Actually, I’ve been blogging on and off, jumping across various blogging platforms since 2003. During one of my classes, which happened to be in a computer lab, my teacher was on medical leave. Left to our own devices, a friend signed up on Blogspot, so out of curiosity, I followed suit.
Book blogging, however, came much later. I was in uni, applying for internships, and didn’t have a social media presence I was confident in sharing with potential employers. Since the advice tends to be to pick a blogging niche, I chose books because I figured that’s a topic I would be able to talk about for a long time.
4. How did you come up with your blog name?
With lots of wailing over it. I previously blogged under Dudette Reads, even though I didn’t have much liking for the name. It just was the one I disliked the least among those I thought of which were still available. After about a year I finally had a stroke of brilliance and came up with Word Revel. I absolutely love the name but am glad I didn’t wait for it to come to me. Starting to blog was more important than the name.
5. What genre do you read and review the most on your blog?
My reading taste is fairly eclectic and my reviews, particularly on Goodreads, do show that. Though on the blog I predominantly stick to reviewing YA fiction. Once in a while I throw in some general, MG or NA fiction as well as non-fiction mostly related to design, sociology and photography.
6. What other types of posts do you do on your blog, apart from reviews?
Many know me for my photography because I heavily integrate it here as well as on Life Reve. In line with that, I post photography tutorials and recently started a series of bookstagram tutorials too. Also in line with photography, together with Georgie, I host a weekly book photography challenge Bookish Scene: Project 52.
That being said, I do enjoy writing and debating a fair bit too, so discussions posts also are a staple on Word Revel.
7. Best blogging experience so far?
I don’t think there’s something I’d necessarily describe as the best blogging experience. There’re just so many great things about it. Some of the most amazing things though are meeting friends online and in person. I had the opportunity to meet quite a number of them — some from Singapore and some from Germany and Hazel from the Philippines when she visited Singapore last year.
8. Favorite thing about the blogging community?
The people, obviously. Need I say more?
9. Name the 5 books you’re most excited for this 2016!!
There are countless books I’m excited for but I don’t exactly have a top 5. I try to focus on the books I already have rather than pine for release dates. Well, unless, we’re talking about The Raven King. With that, I picked out five 2016 releases that I already own and look forward to reading soon. They are:
- The Chimes by Anna Smaill
- Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
- Up to this Pointe by Jennifer Longo
- Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
- The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork
10. Name the 5 books you want to read this 2016 that you didn’t get to in previous years!
Again, there are so many great books on my shelves that I have yet to get to. Picking out five was tough but here’s my top 5:
- Tonight the Streets are Ours by Leila Sales
- A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
- The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLeomore
- Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dunn
- Blue Voyage by Diana Renn
11. What’s an underrated book or series that you think everyone should read?
Based on Goodreads ratings my pick isn’t all that underrated but I’ve not seen it a lot on book blogs either. One underrated book I recommend is How to Lead a Life of Crime. It’s unpredictable and has intelligent characters — two things I always prize.
12. Which book boy or girl would be your book BFF?
Most any sarcastic character who keeps it real. Off the top of my head, Cayman from The Distance Between Us by Kasie West fits the bill.
13. Which book boy or girl would be your book boyfriend/girlfriend?
No love lost for this concept, I’m afraid, so none to speak of. Don’t get the point of it all. Please don’t mind me.
14. Who would you recruit for your apocalypse squad? (5 characters max)
- Aileana, The Falconer by Elizabeth May
- Victor, Vicious by V.E. Schwab
- Karou, Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
- Rosie Black, Genesis by Lara Morgan
- Gwyneth Shepherd, Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
15. Apart from reading, what are your other hobbies or interests?
In case you missed it, photography’s right up there ;) Also, sports and baking. I used to sew but somehow I forgot about it along the way. I suppose that stems from how complicated it can be to stop in the midst of a project over and over again.
16. Apart from book shopping, what else do you like shopping for?
More books? Well, and baking utensils. Can never have enough of those.
17. At a party, the DJ suddenly changes the song – and it’s your song. What song would be playing?
According to my iTunes library’s most played rankings, that would be Pause by Plain White T’s. Here’s the MV for your viewing pleasure:
18. Pick out either a book you want turned into a film/TV show, or a film/TV show you want turned into a book.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern needs to be filmed. The set would surely be breath-taking to behold.
19. What would your dream library look like?
Rows of white lacquered wooden shelves along the walls with high ceiling and huge glass windows and doors facing outwards towards a garden. Ample comfortable seating spaces in the centre of a room with a mezzanine floor to cozy up in for reading at night and gazing at the stars. Walls should be white too, so that framed photographs, posters and other decoration would stand out.
20. Author you want to meet and sit down to tea with?
Sara Zarr — I think she’d be a really interesting person to sit down with and talk. I say this based off her tweets and the fact that I’ve read all her YA novels, including Roomies which she co-wrote with Tara Altebrando. I’ve found her books to be rather introspective on the religious, moral and cultural front. Of course, I’d expect the author behind those books to be every bit as colourful and intriguing to interact with.
Trisha Jenn Loehr says
Oh my goodness. The Night Circus would be breathtaking as a movie. But I feel like it would be difficult to fit everything in… :)
La La in the Library says
A Darker Shade of Magic is stellar! I hope you get to read it soon. The Raven King is also my most anticipated 2016 release. I also love your blog title!
Rochelle @Cover2Cover says
Your Blog is beautiful and so is the name! You’re going to livelove A Darker Shade of Magic and The Night Cicus woukd make an awesome movie! Kudos to being first to sign up and I would love to visit Singapore some day soon!!
Kath says
We have the same answer on #18. I really love the book and I want to experience Le Cirque des Reves. ♥
Hazel @ Stay Bookish says
I totally remember when you were still under Dudette Reads! But I think Word Revel fits you so perfectly. :D You know how much I loved Leila Sales’ This Song Will Save Your Life but unfortunately I didn’t feel so strongly about Tonight The Streets Are Ours. I do hope you enjoy it when you pick it up this year! I’m so reading How To Lead A Life of Crime soon! And hey, it was so lovely we met when we did! Hope we’ll get to hang out again someday. :) <3
Alexandra says
FIRST, THE BOOK HEART PHOTO HEADER THING IS GORGEOUS. Second, it’s so cool that you live in Singapore! I would love to visit there one day. I’m also really looking forward to reading Passenger, although I (unlike you) chose only 2016 books that haven’t been released yet as my answers for the question because I’m always eagerly anticipating books (even when I have a giant stack I already own sitting unread. I know it’s really bad, but I can’t help it :O) I’m currently reading A Darker Shade of Magic, and it’s fantastic so far! I hope you read it soon and enjoy it! Everyone seems to love it, so I was worried about all the hype, but so far (at least for me) it lives up to my expectations. Also SO MUCH YES TO MAKING THE NIGHT CIRCUS INTO A MOVIE. I absolutely loved that book, and even though I don’t remember it that well since I read it a while ago, I remember it was so vivid and gorgeous and it would definitely make an epic movie!
Aditi says
Hi Jo! Its SUPER cool that you live in Singapore, I might be moving there for college this coming September. Of course, its just an option! If I do, we should definitely meet up and you MUST show me all the bookish haunts.
I haven’t read ADSOM or Tonight the Streets Are Ours either, but I have them and I CAN’T wait!
LOVELY blog, and I’m a new follower!
Aditi @ http://athousandwordsamillionbooks.blogspot.in/
Lauren @ Lose Time Reading says
I adore your photography posts Josephine! I love photography a lot but am not so great at it yet so your photography tutorials have been great for me!
YAYY!! We have the same book bff <3 Cayman is amazing!
Happy Love-a-thon <3
Kizzi says
I haven’t read the “Night Circus” yet but it’s on my list :) After reading your post, I’ll also be adding “How to Lead a Life of Crime”. So glad I stumbled across your blog with Love-A-Thon!
Becca@The Bookkeeper's Apprentice says
I just read The Night Circus this past year, and it immediately became one o f my all-time favorite books. It would be amazing to see it portrayed on screen.
Alexa S. says
I seriously love that you were the first person to sign up <3 And I hope we get the chance to meet one day! I wish we'd known each other when I visited Singapore a couple of years ago. ANYWAY, your posts are always excellent and I always walk away (or click away, to be accurate) feeling inspired and educated. I also really admire your photography skills, and really have been encouraged to continue practicing mine. Enjoy Passenger and The Weight of Feathers! I really enjoyed both of those novels <3
Bruna says
I’ll have to check out your photography and bookstagram tutorials, since I just started my bookstagram and need some tips! Your book photos look gorgeous by the way.
The Night Circus is one of my favorite books – it would make a beautiful movie in terms of cinematography! I just get scared they would mess it up…
Melanie says
YOUR BLOG IS PERFECTION.
Singapore would be such an amazing place to visit, I can’t wait to travel there <3
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT MAGNIFICENT SONG, I'm obsessed. Oh and thank you for encouraging my bing-book-buying, I now have a mile long list of books I need to get because of your recommendations. <3
Aubrey says
This is an awesome (tag?) post! I agree with a lot of those books :) Thanks!
kaitlin michelle says
OMG Night Circus could be the best movie ever! It is one of my faves!!
Mel@thedailyprophecy says
Awesome that you were the first one to sign up :D
If I think about you, I definitely think about photography, your beautiful pictures and all the amazing tips you have.
I hope you’ll love A darker shade of magic, I super enjoyed it.
Aileana + Karou are two kick-ass girls that could definitely join my squad.
Krystianna says
I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one who hasn’t read A Darker Shade of Magic! Everyone seems to love that book so much! I hope you love it when you get the chance to read it. ALSO, I LOVE YOUR BLOG DESIGN. It’s so magical and simplistic and BEAUTIFUL.
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Ellen says
Love your photos! I hope you enjoy A Darker Shade of Magic – so much love for Schwab’s work!
Shelly says
I love how you included photos in your post, it’s so nice! I’m so excited for UP TO THIS POINTE, it looks great! Lovely post! :D
Jayvee @ Writer For Misfits says
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC IT’S ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!
tonyalee says
Nice to meet you!! I ADORED Passenger! :)
Kristin says
The Night Circus would be the most beautiful film ever<3 The aesthetics Erin describes were basically written to be a gorgeous movie. Passenger was one of my favorite books of this year and I hope you enjoy it when you read it!! I'm also DYING for The Raven King<3 Is it April yet?!
wrjosephinesimonek says
Absolutely beautiful! I wonder if it’s at least been optioned. Should definitely check it out. I do plan to read Passenger very soon. The moment I read the synopsis, I knew I had to have it because I like time travel in books. Makes it a lot of fun to see how characters adjust to the strange universes. Haha. Nope, still February. At least there’s time to re-read the first three and fall in love with the books all over again <3
Jackie says
It’s been ages since I’ve listened to the Plain White T’s. Probably not since my freshmen year of college when Hey There Delilah was popular (that was like TEN years ago!). Some kid in the dorms carried a guitar around one night and walked into people’s rooms (if they had the door open) and sang that song to everyone. It was like a quintessential college moment.
I haven’t read the Night Circus yet, but it’s still on my wishlist. I have no true concept of what that set would look like, but if it’s anything like the cover, I bet it would be stunning.
wrjosephinesimonek says
I remember those days! Lol. I was in high school then but a lot of people did the same with guitars and singing away. If you like descriptive settings that are absolutely beautiful, I’m sure you’ll enjoy The Night Circus when you do get round to reading it.
Geraldine @ Corralling Books says
It’s so awesome that you just kept blogging, regardless of not having a fantastic name – honestly, that’s so good, because names can change later, but you built up a presence in that time! :)
And thanks for the recommendation for Pause by Plain White T’s – I’m loving the song! :)
Hope you’re having a great LoveAThon!
wrjosephinesimonek says
That’s exactly what I figured! Of course, I didn’t want to stick to the old name for too long though because it did out a slight damper on things. But I didn’t want to wait too long either before launching. The entire album with that song’s pretty great too. You should check it out! ;) I am! And I hope you are having a great time too!
Geraldine @ Corralling Books says
Yeah of course! I think Word Revel is a pretty epic name now, and I had no idea you had that blog name before…so I think you’ve done a great job with promoting (…that isn’t the best word) Word Revel as your blog name! :)
I definitely will, Jo! :)
Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales says
Singapore was the first ever country I visited. I was 10 then, I guess. I still remember the journey though. I loved the experience!
Rebel of the Sands!!! I want to read that one as well! Let me know how you like it, huh?
A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC!!!! READ IT!!! I am sure you’re going to love the book!
I have a copy of How to lead a life of crime, and this makes me so curious to read it!!!
And I had the same answer for the best friend question!!! I love Caymen!!!
Night Circus!!! That would be such a magical movie! Imagine Baz Luhrman directing it! It would be epic!
wrjosephinesimonek says
That’s quite some years back already! Haha. I’m glad you still have fond memories :) I’ve been pushing ADSOM in front of me because I didn’t want to wait a whole year after finishing it. I’d rather read ADSOM and then delve into AGOS straightaway.
Alyssaz says
Can i come visit your dream library? Sounds lovely!
wrjosephinesimonek says
Of course! It’d be spacious enough to accommodate friends ;)
Tiffany @ The Bookish Thought says
Ohh you’re from Singapore? We’re actually really close haha xD I’ve been to Singapore twice and I love it, we probably should meet up the next time I went there :) I want to read Tonight the Street are Ours too! It’s been on my shelf since last year and I seriously need to pick it up. Anyway, nice to know you <33
wrjosephinesimonek says
Hi Tiffany! :D Sort of — I live here, so there’s that. Haha. Close means you’re from Southeast Asia? Which part?
Cee says
Josephineeeeee. Have I told you your photos are out of this world? So much love whenever you take such gorgeous pictures.
I really need to read The Weight of Feathers. Magical realism is something I think I’d love reading about.
I’m such a sucker for thief-like stories with academies and such. How To Lead A Life of Crime had been on my radar since it came out, and blessss that you brought it back to my attention!
wrjosephinesimonek says
Ceeeeee! Nope you haven’t before but now I know ;) I’ve enjoyed magical realism in general fiction, so I’m curious how it’ll translate to YA fiction. Go read How to Lead a Life of Crime! It’ll leave you wanting more!!
Joey @ Thoughts and Afterthoughts says
Uh, no one calls you “Joséphine” or “Jo” — most call you WeaveRevel. C’mon now.
-sees Raven King-…
…-thinks of Pynch-
Way to condition people into thinking this way.
Cheers,
Joey via. thoughts and afterthoughts.
wrjosephinesimonek says
Lol. Joey, only you come up with all sorts of nicknames for me. And you thought of Pynch all by yourself ;)
Rayna @ Reader Rayna says
I don’t think you thought about your ideal library enough. I think it needs more. It sounds beautiful!
Hooray cooking utensils! Can never have enough of those. (Seriously, why do they all get ruined so fast? I don’t understand.)
wrjosephinesimonek says
Well, I didn’t think I had to describe every last detail. The questionnaire is long enough ;)
Actually, mine don’t get ruined on the regular. I just like to expand the repertoire, so I can try new things xD
Jaz says
Ahhh Singapore is definitely a country on my list of top places to visit.
I am so excited for Rebel in the Sands, that cover *drools* and I can’t wait for you to read ADSOM. I have a feeling you’ll love it :D
I love your photography posts. I must visit your blog more often to read them haaaa.
Your dream library sounds so beautiful White is best – you can see all the books clearly and it looks so clean and pretty.
(Psst no survival crew? :o)
wrjosephinesimonek says
Holler when SG does happen ;) I agree! The cover of Rebel in the Sands is ace! I kept pushing off ADSOM because I wanted to get my hands on AGOS first. Didn’t think I could handle waiting an entire year to continue with the sequel. Although, since it’s a trilogy, hmmm… Hope you’ll find the photography posts useful! Oh and no survival crew because it was 2 a.m. as I typed this and couldn’t think of five characters. Lol.
But let me attempt this again:
1. Aileana, The Falconer by Elizabeth May
2. Victor, Vicious by V.E. Schwab
3. Karou, Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
4. Rosie Black, Genesis by Lara Morgan
5. Gwyneth Shepherd, Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
Looks like I’ve got a squad after all ;) Now on to slotting my answers into the post. Hoho.
Lillian says
Yesss to doing all the bookstagram challenges haha.. I haven’t read The Distance Between Us but I too chose a sarcastic character.
Ooh, The Night Circus set would be the best! If only we could intern or something ;)
I always associated you with Plain White Ts, because calmness.
wrjosephinesimonek says
I’m not doing all but most. Well, tomorrow. I didn’t get the chance to take photos for a bunch of props that I meant to get to today. Sarcastic & witty characters definitely make for some of the most fun ones. Haha. No interning for me. I’d have to be involved full-time ;) Really? I never knew that you somehow associated me with PWT’s. Hoho.