Who's That Girl?

My name is Lisa, and I'm a nerd. I really like to read. Consequently, I also really like to share my thoughts on what I read in blog form. My absolute favorite types of books ever are young adult books, although I have been known to have my arm twisted into reading a classic or an Adult Book now and again.

When not reading, I try to spend a vast majority of my free time playing video games, board games, and otherwise enjoying the nerdier elements of media with my awesome husband, Andrew and snuggly schnauzer, Albus.

In short, I am a nerd. But please know that I use the word nerd in the most loving and awesome way possible.

Why do you blog?

I started blogging in 2007. I know, I'm old school. The reason I started blogging was for class, actually. I took a Young Adult Literature class in college while working on my bachelor's degree. My professor, Adela Peskorz, had us keep a blog where we reviewed books and decided if the were worthy of a mock Printz award. Thanks to Adela, I fell in love with Young Adult literature and the fabulous world of book blogging at the same time. So for me, YA lit and blogging will always be united. Lovely, no? 

a shaggy Albus

So after the class was over, I kept the blog going. And I've loved it (almost) every day since. The original blogs that helped me to find my way are Bookshelves of Doom (I swear, our taste is the exact same and Leila's snarkiness is my fave) and Reading Rants (Jen has perfected the art of a non-biased book review). Thanks, ladies!

Most recently, I was inspired by Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner and her Blogging Manifesto. So, allow me to share with you things about me as a blogger.

• I blog because it's something I enjoy. Whenever it becomes a chore, I take a step back.
• There is some serious drama in the blogging world. Strange, no doubt, but I do my best to keep out of it. Again, I want this to be enjoyable, not high school dramtatic.
• I love that people read what I have to share, but I'm not obsessed with followers. I am all about people following me of their own volition. That being said, I will never require you to follow me for a contest - but you will almost always get a bonus entry for being a follower because I appreciate your commitment to my nerdish rants.
• I will always blog with integrity, honesty, and respect. Sure, there may be things that I think are total crap...but there is always a respectful and thoughtful way to share my thoughts. I will find that way.
• The four words that describe my vision for this blog are: fun, intelligent, creative, and friendly. I will always focus on those elements within my posts, comments, and discussions.

the boys with whom i game

Why Young Adult Literature?

There is something about the voice of a teenager in a book that I just connect with. I've had the most rewarding privilege ever in working with teenagers for most of my adult life, and I happen think they are super cool.  So I think part of my adoration of YA lit is my adoration for teenagers. The other part is that I love awkwardness and reading about people learning more about who they are and what they want from life. More often than not, YA lit will touch on self-discovery and empowerment in some form or fashion and I love that. 


How do nerdy things fit into this blog?
Yeah, this totally started as an exclusively review focused blog. But as I got more comfortable with my voice as a writer and blogger, the more I wanted to share. And I'm being totally honest when I say I do a lot of nerdy things a lot of the time, so it only made sense that I share that with you! 

I also hope to get some cross pollination going - that those who come to read my YA reviews will find something new to love, and those who come to peep my nerdish posts will find a YA book to read. I know I am in love with the nerdy and YA lit balance, and I hope you will be too! Or, you know, just that you find a balance that you're really in love with. 

book love

What's your all time favorite book?
Okay, if you are a reader, you KNOW how hard this question is to answer. But, I think I can narrow it down to my top five. And three of those are series. That's the best you're gonna get, so deal with it. In no particular order:

• Harry Potter series
• The Chronicles of Narnia
• Pride & Prejudice
• The Chaos Walking Trilogy
• Watership Down

I'm also known to spend a good amount of time on Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon.