Book Blogger Spotlight: Oh, Chrys!

Hi ya. My name is Christine and I am an American-Belizean. I am living in Belize at the moment, but I will moving back to the US very soon. I am an avid reader and music listener. I love connecting with people, especially those who are fond of Coldplay and pizza.

When and why did you become a book blogger?

I became a book blogger in August 2012. It was a real spur of the moment decision. I had no idea I would wake up and open a book blog that summer day. I had just discovered book blogging via giveaways, and I just could not wait to sponsor my own and interact with other book lovers. I do not review as often as I wish, but the experience is still thrilling. I am so honored to share my bookish love with others all across the globe.

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

Hmm. A lot of my friends and relatives call me 'Chris', and I always wanted my name to be spelled Chrystine instead of Christine. So I was like, "Oh, Chrys!".

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

My favorite thing about blogging is the natural friendliness among us. I can send a stranger book blogger a tweet of encouragement without feeling shy. I can comment on a review without feeling that my opinion will be shot down. We are a kind people. The support I have gotten since my blog's incipience has been overwhelming. It's a warm blogosphere.

What do you find the hardest about blogging?

Blogging can be tough. Perhaps the hardest thing is finding a balance. I love my blog, but sometimes I obsess over it and neglect other important things. This is especially true when I am tweaking my blog's design. I spend hours trying to make it "perfect", and I am never satisfied. I am glad to have a family and a boyfriend who understand my love for my blog and support me despite my disconnection it can cause.

Does your blog participate in any weekly features and if so which is your favorite?

I did pick up the "Know Me Better" (I Am A Reader, Not A Writer) meme for a little while, but I received no feedback - not even from bloggers whose posts I commented on. So I was discouraged. It is still my favorite though, and I guess I should participate in it again sometime soon.

What has been your favorite moment since you became a book blogger? Which review, interview or giveaway have you been most proud of?

I am a very hard person to please, and I must admit that I have not had the "OMG" moment yet. I am proud of where I am so far, but I do not have an accomplishment so grand to share...yet. For now, I would like to say that my entrance in the book blogging world on August 22, 2012 has been my favorite moment

What kind of genres do you enjoy reading and reviewing the most?

I love historical fiction the most! Books like Game of Thrones and The Pillars of the Earth really get me going. Because those books tend to be longer, when it comes to reviewing I am very intimidated.  >.<  I guess I prefer the shorter, light reads such as romance and young adult when it comes to reviewing.

What is your favorite individual book or series? What makes you love it so much?

My favorite series is Game of Thrones by George RR Martin. I adore it so much because it has an intense plot and a multitude of well-developed characters. The fantastical elements are quite believable (ie. the land of the Seven Kingdoms), and Martin just has a breathtaking writing style.

Who is your favorite fictional male character, why and from what book or series are they from?

My favorite fictional male character is Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. I know this is like the third time I am mentioning this book (in a row!), but ahhh! Snow is my favorite because though he is a bastard, he is determined to make something out of himself. He is witty and brave too.

Who is your favorite fictional female character, why and from what book or series are they from?

I do not want to sound sexist but female characters are the hardest to like. They tend to be so gullible and dependent. For the sake of this, I guess my favorite female character would be Elizabeth from Pride & Prejudice. She was so unconventional and headstrong - something that heroines are lacking today. I really despise those Bella Swan types. No offense.

Who are your favorite three authors and why?

I seriously cannot answer this question without either sounding like a fan girl, a saleswoman, or repetitive parrot. However, George RR Martin, Ken Follett, and JK Rowling would be my top three and for similar reasons. They know how to keep me captivated and to stimulate an array of emotions. It is like they know how to squeeze my heart, leaving me gasping for air.

If you could turn one book or series into films, what would you pick and who would you cast as the main characters?

All the books I love have been made into films, so I really do not have a good answer for this. :(

What books are you most looking forward to in 2013?

I am looking forward to Inferno by Dan Brown the most.

Paper books or ebooks?

Paper books! I am a certified booksniffer and bookflipper! Want to see my badges?

Where is your favorite place to read?

My favorite place to read is in my bed. As long as my mother won't bother me about chores, it is the best place to be.

Milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate?

Milk chocolate.

Coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate?

Hot tea. Gingerbread is the best.

Would you like to give any other details about yourself? How can others find you around the web? Such as Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc...

Blog: http://www.ohchrys.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrysrawr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhChrys