Posts
Peeves
1.) Brand new damaged/dirty books. I don’t know how many of you have experienced this but I HATE it when I go into a bookshop to buy a book and there’s one copy left and it’s really dirty. Sometimes there can be a big crack down the spine where somebody’s opened it or the bottom of the pages can be dirty thanks to dusty shelves. When I’m paying for a brand new copy I like it to look just that- brand new! When there’s a gross looking book left over and I REALLY want the book I can get pretty mad.
2.) People talking to me when I read. I hate when people try to strike up a conversation when I’m trying to read my book. Okay so some people read as a pass time because there’s nothing better to do but I’m NOT the kind of person who’ll put their book down when “something better comes up” or someone comes along to talk to.
3.) People who tell other people what or how they should be reading. I’m a big believer in letting people read what they want to read without shame and I really hate it when people try to push books on to other people telling them that’s what they SHOULD be reading. I also hate it when people get onto others about having e-readers or dog earring pages. I personally like to keep my books as neat as possible but if I see somebody dog ear their own books it doesn’t make me cringe like it does some people. I don’t care HOW people read I just care that they read.
4.) Gross second hand books. See above. I’m talking suspicious stains, bound together by tape books. No matter how cheap the deal I just cannot do it *shrugs* personal preference.
5.) Book sellers who know nothing about the books their selling. You know the kind. Ask them for a recommendation and they point you straight towards the charts and bestsellers no matter what books you say you like.
6.) People who smoke whilst borrowing your books. I have nothing against smokers but smoking whilst reading a borrowed book is horrible. Ruins the lovely bookish smell AND makes the pages yellow.
7.) Book snobs. You know the kind of people who make it their mission to read every classic ever written and indulge in obscure literature. I don’t mind if that’s what people enjoy reading in fact I’m all for it but I hate when people turn their noses up at those who don’t read or enjoy the fancy pants stuff.
8.) Mothers/fathers who let their children run riot in bookshops and libraries throwing books everywhere and STANDING on them! I’m all for kids enjoying themselves looking for a new book and deeply encourage it but some kids really push the boundaries on having fun and making the place look like an earthquake hit.
9.) Covers that change! There’s nothing that I hate more than when your half way through a series and the publishers decide to give the covers a makeover.
10.) Series that go on forever. I’m talking 8 books or over, I mean really do we need that many? I’m looking at you Gossip Girl, Morganville Vampires, House of Night and Pretty Little Liars!
Loves
1.) Bookmarks! I’m a huge lover and collector of bookmarks. You’ll never see me cram a bit of paper in to mark my book I even select the bookmark I’m going to use based on the book. I really like it when they match. For instance right now I’m reading Die For Me by Amy Plum and I’m using an I love Paris bookmark.
2.) New book smell. I love the smell of books with a passion.
3.) Relaxing with a book. Reading is definitely my favourite way to unwind. There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting a drink be that glass of wine/ hot chocolate/ diet coke and running a bubble bath/snuggling up in bed/ laying out on the grass and getting lost in someone else’s story.
4.) The anticipation of a new release you’ve been pining for. Whether you receive the book early for review or go to the bookstore and buy it on its release date nothing beats that feeling of holding a book you desperately want and have waited ages for in your hands for the first time.
5.) Talking about books. Especially now that I’m part of the blogosphere there’s nothing I love more than a good book discussion with blogger pals on twitter!
6.) Spreading the book love. I love doing giveaways or swapping or lending my books especially when I have read and loved the book I can’t wait to share the experience with somebody else.
7.) My Kindle. I never thought I would be but I’m a big fan of my kindle, I find it easier to read on there and always enjoy downloading the cheap/free books off Amazon!
8.) This brings me on to my next love cheap books. Whether there from a charity shop, second hand shop, Amazon or special offer in a book shop nothing beats those book bargains!
9.) The feeling after you’ve just closed a really great book where you feel content and happy and the story’s still going through your mind.
10.) Lastly it has to be books themselves. Although I love my kindle nothing for me beats the smells and feel of a book. I love the pretty covers and having them on my bookshelf so I can look and see how many books I’ve read. Books themselves are so special and I treasure every single one of mine :)
So those are just a few of some of my top bookish peeves and loves. Do any of them make your top 10’s? Are there any you think I’ve missed out? I’d love to hear them! Feel free to drop me a comment with some of your own loves and peeves :-)
