Hi all!

Last week, I hit 1k followers on my blog. It was such a huge milestone, I decided to host a week-long giveaway on X, that ended a couple of days ago. To gain a bonus entry, participants had to provide a question for my Q&A. I ended up accumulating 26 questions total, so I’ve decided to make this a two-part post, divided by 13 questions each. A huge thank you to all of my followers and those that entered the giveaway/submitted a question. They were all so creative and interesting! I appreciate each and every one of you.

Q1.) What is your comfort book? Something you pick up when you’re scared, angry, sad etc.

I don’t have a comfort book, so much as a comfort series. I’ve mentioned this on my blog before, but my favourite series is Sweep by Cate Tiernan. I’ve read them all so many times. They are very nostalgic; transporting me back to my teenage years, where I first became obsessed with witches. I pick them up whenever I am feeling blue. 

Q2.) Do you have a new hobby? 

Yes! In the last couple of months, I’ve begun amateur scrapbooking. I actually have a scrapbooking post scheduled next week, where I will display some of my favourite pages. I’m just starting out, but so far, I’m loving this new creative outlet. 

Q3.) What is something you’ve learned about yourself in this crazy year? 

I’ve learned that I am stronger and more resilient than I give myself credit for. I have worked through a lot of childhood trauma during this pandemic and whilst it has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever done, it’s also been the most rewarding. You can learn more about that journey here. 

Q4.) Who’s your favourite bookish character and why? 

I’m going to go with a popular but honest answer. My favourite bookish character is Magnus Bane from The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. Magnus is an Asian, bisexual warlock, with a penchant for fashion, cats and mischief. He’s cheeky, hilarious and charismatic. I love that he is featured in every single Shadowhunter book. He’s an icon! 

Q5.) What is your favourite childhood book? 

My favourite childhood book/s would probably be The Magic Faraway Tree trilogy by Enid Blyton. There used to be a gigantic tree at the front of my driveway, that I would pretend lead to other worlds. I cannot wait to read them to Abigail someday. 

Q6.) Which book got you into reading for fun and why? 

That’s a tough one, because so many books come to mind! Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, ignited my love for constant reading. It made me fall in love with YA fantasy again. 

Q7.) Are there any kids POC books you recommend? 

I recently purchased I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown and Skin Like Mine by Latashia M Perry for Abigail’s book collection. I couldn’t recommend them more. They are beautifully written and illustrated. I definitely want to collect more POC books for my daughter in the future. Please leave your suggestions down below!

Q8.) What books do you believe change people’s lives? 

I’m not going to name any specific titles here. I will just say that I believe life-changing books are the ones that speak to us and teach us something. They are the ones that stay in our hearts and minds, long after we have put them down. They are the books we recommend to everybody and the ones we pick up when we need comfort. A life-changing book will feel like a best friend that was just waiting for you to find them. 

Q9.) What is your favourite book genre and why? 

This changes all the time. For YA, I am a huge fan of contemporary fiction, because I find them the most relatable. In this day and age, the young adult genre is extremely progressive. It’s good to know what my daughter might be reading and taking from someday. In AF (Adult Fiction), I am obsessed with thriller/horror novels. I want to be spooked and shocked! 

Q10.) What’s your favourite POC book you’ve read this year? 

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta! I wrote a review of it here. It is a beautiful story written in verse, about a queer, mixed-race teen that finds himself through the art of drag. I highly recommend it to everyone! 

Q11.) What is a significant book from your childhood? 

This is a bit different to favourite childhood book. A significant book was Dork in Disguise by Carol Gorman. It’s about a nerdy boy who decides to change everything about himself, in order to fit in at school. As a fellow geeky kid, this one hit close to home. It taught me the importance of being myself. 

Q12.) If you could meet any author dead or alive, who would it be? 

I would meet Darren Shan – one of my favourite male horror writers. I have so many questions for him! He’s a genius! 

Q13.) What’s your favourite POC book and why? 

My favourite POC book would have to be The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Written in verse, it tells the story of a young girl, who works through the tension in her life by writing poetry. 

I hope you enjoyed Part 1 of my 1K Q&A! Please check out Part 2 here. Thank you again to all my followers and those that submitted questions! 

Peace & Love xoxo