I have been asked a lot of questions over the past few months and I have decided to finally answer them publicly. I am not an overly public person, I realise this sounds odd coming from a blogger, but I do value my privacy. Over the years this blog has been in existence one will not find many pictures of my family or myself. I am neither ashamed nor embarrassed by my family, rather I love them and I feel it my duty to protect their privacy.

Why do I not have a picture of myself up? Oddly, this is a question I receive often. Seriously? Out of all the things people could ask, this is the burning question? I am not certain why this is a big issue, however, it appears to bother people that my face is not visible (hint: it still is on many comment forms, on Ravelry, Skype and on FB). I used to have my picture on my About Me page and then decided it truly was not necessary. What I look like, my age, gender, nationality, race, none of those things, in my opinion should matter. Hence, I no longer have a picture of myself on my blog. For the record I am a 40 year old, happily married woman with 3 wonderful teen sons and a very pampered cat.

Why do I participate in so many memes? Fair question. I have seen arguments for and against memes. I participate for a few reasons, none of which is to use as filler for my blog. I participate mainly to discover other blogs that I would not otherwise have found. In doing so, I have made wonderful on-line friends. I also find some of the best books to read that I probably would not have ever tried if not for the memes.

How am I able to read and review so many novels in one week? This is an easy question to answer. I have a lot of time, I do not watch telly, I need little sleep, and last but not least, I am a rather fast reader.

Why do you read such a wide variety of books? I am surprised at how often I do get asked this question. The quick answer: there are so many wonderful genres out there how can I not? With that said, some genres simply do not interest me and even the books I review, some within the genre do not. However, that does not mean the books are not worth reviewing, I do not have that high of an opinion of myself. Just because I did not care for something does not mean my readers will not enjoy the book.

Why do I not write more about me? Several reasons, but mainly because my life is rather dull and I am a rather private person. Still skeptical? Let me share a little about myself. I speak several languages, I am well educated, I have 3 teenage sons, I have been married happily for almost 19 years and I am a SAHM. See? Dull. The most exciting thing to happen was when I had my second stroke when I was 37 years old (ironically I was in the best shape of my life and contemplating a triathlon). I discovered I have a rare form of migraines and so I live in chronic pain, suffer TIAs (disturbingly often) and have since had at least one other mini-stroke. Do I feel sorry for myself? I have tried, however, my friends and family do not allow me to wallow in self-pity, for which I thank them.
More fluff about myself? I am a coffee snob. It must be fairly traded, organically grown and I must grind the beans. I only drink French Press coffee and it must be exceedingly strong and black. I love food, especially cupcakes. I am an introvert. I prefer to be alone with my books or my family. I detest shopping, unless it is to a bookstore or thrift store. I am heat intolerant (thank you age and medications for my head). I have a black thumb, fake plants wilt when I am near. I am a cat person, cannot tolerate the drivel that is currently on telly, I lack all sense of fashion and I prefer comfort. I do not wear fingernail polish, have never had a manicure or a pedicure and I do not wear make-up.

Back to book reviewing, one of my favourite topics! Why do I review books? It is most definitely not for the lucrative paycheck (I do not get paid for reviews). I adore reading. I cannot recall a time in my life I did not read. I could read independently when I was 3 and I have never ceased. Being a book reviewer allows me to read books from authors I have never heard of and likely would not have if not for the fabulous publishers, publicists, authors, and others who contact me to review a novel for them.

To my readers: I adore everyone who takes the time to stop at my blog. If you read a review, please take a moment if you are able to leave a comment. I know the authors and publishers do enjoy receiving feedback of all kind.

What do I do with all the books I receive? If the books are ARCs, personally autographed to me, or books I know I will read time and again, I save them. All others I donate.

Finally there has been some talk about social media and whether or not it is necessary to have a public policy. Obviously I do not have one, as I see no need. If you leave a comment I try to reciprocate. If a commenter has their account set not no-reply, it makes it rather tricky for me to email back answering questions left for me. If a person emails me and is not a spammer, I will email back. If someone sends a tweet, I tweet back. If a message is left on my FB page it could go unread for weeks ( please do not sent me any “gifts” on FB, I do not even look at those), I do not often look at FB. Do I occasionally fail, yes! I am human after all.

If there is something I have not covered that I should have, send me an email or leave a comment and I will reply.