Diversity, True Love, and a Speck of Dust
[image error]This week marks the last of our Anonymous Prophecy Readers. I've SO enjoyed getting to know those of you who have submitted interviews. You have continually renewed my faith and belief in the next generation. The Anonymous Reader feature has been part of my blog for almost two years. I'll truly miss it!
But with every goodbye, comes a new hello, and I've decided to try something new on Mondays.
I think you'll all like it! But it's a surprise, so check back next Monday for the big feature reveal.
In the meantime, meet The Ocean Has Her Heart!
And for the record, you guys have mine.
JUST THE FACTS
Interview Code Name (you choose!); The Ocean Has Her Heart
Current country of residence; Canada.
Male or female? Female
Age; 20
ABOUT THE BOOKS
How many books, on average, do you read a month? Between four and eight, but if I'm in school then they're usually for lit. classes.
Favorite kind of book and why; Fantasy, historical fiction and maybe a splash of science fiction, because they allow me to escape for a bit into a different world.
Name the single most important factor in your decision to purchase a book; Sometimes it's the cover that catches my eyes, or the author. If I like the summary then I'll read the first few pages and see if they suck me in.
What makes you feel like you're reading or have read a truly amazing book? When I can disappear into the story and feel like no time has passed. If I can pick a book up, read it again and find things I missed the first time around, then I know it will stay a favourite.
How important is a friend's recommendation in your decision to purchase a book?? It depends on the friend. I've learned over the years who has similar tastes as me and I tend to trust their recommendations more than others.
Thing you'd like to see more or less of in the YA genre; What happened to diversity? I was walking around the teen section of Chapters last week and it felt like everything on the shelves was either super-natural fiction along the lines of Twilight or drama based Gossip Girl style books. So I guess I'd like to see less of the same thing.
What's your biggest pet peeve in a book? My biggest pet peeve is definitely wimpy hero/heroine who doesn't act on their feelings or constantly needs help to do so. Anyone who knows me has heard my rant about Romeo (or any character based on him). Yes, he's romantic, but he spends far too much time bemoaning his situation and waiting for someone to fix it for him.
Paperback or hardcover? Paperback – I hate cracking the spines on hardcovers!
Series or stand-alone? Both! Although I seem to own a lot of series.
ALL ABOUT YOU
If you had a life philosophy or motto, what would it be? I'm going to share one of my favourite quotes for this one. "Always carry on your person two pieces of paper, one in each pocket. On the first write 'I am a speck of dust' and on the other 'the world was created for me.'" It's from a show called 'Everyday Rapture' and I like that it reminds me to keep things in perspective, but that anything is possible if you work for it. (LOVE IT!)
Are your parents divorced? Nope, but my dad is in the military so he spends quite a bit of time away from home.
Do you feel that being a teenager is difficult? If so, why? I think that there are moments when it feels like you are completely alone and no one understands what you are going through, but when you look back on it later you realize that maybe it wasn't so bad.
List some of your hobbies. I dance (it pretty much takes up my life outside of school), and I'm an avid theatre fan. I go through spurts of writing and I've been known to bake a mean apple crisp (or so my roommates tell me). (YUM!)
Why do you think teenagers feel the need to label one another? I think people in general like labels because it makes it easier for them to compartmentalize and dismiss people instead of digging deeper and getting to know them.
Favorite color? Ooo don't make me pick! Blue or green, but as a kid everything I owned was purple.
Is there anything in your past that makes you sad or angry? If so, are you willing to share it here?? Sure, but I try not to dwell too much on the past.
What is your passion? I'd have to say my love for dance. It took me a while to figure out that it was something I could explore and be proud of, but I'm really happy to say that in the fall I'll be starting a teacher training program so I can share my passion with other people.
Do you feel the need to pretend to be someone you're not? If so, why? When I was in junior high and high school I had this idea that if I could dress "the right way" or do the "right" things, then a certain group of people would like me. Eventually I realized that the people I was trying to impress weren't worth it, but there are still days where I'm not completely comfortable in my own skin. (Me, too, hon.)
What kinds of things do you think about when you're all alone? Whatever is going on in my life at the time and the future…I shouldn't be left alone with my thoughts too long.
How do you keep your bed? Covered in pillows? Made perfect every morning? a mess of tangled sheets? During the day it's covered in pillows, but at night it's just me and my fuzzy duvet.
Do you ever feel the need to be invisible? If so, why? Invisible is my default mode at parties or whenever I'm in an uncomfortable situation. I clam right up and fade slowly into the background.
Do you believe that you will ever find the type of love in books and movies? I don't believe that any relationship is as perfect as fiction can make them out to be, but I do think true love exists and I have some wonder examples of it in my life.
Do you like school? Why or why not? Now I do! I like it when what I'm studying interests me or is well-taught, but I've had my fair share of snooze worthy classes.
Do you believe that education is important? I think it is important, because it opens doors for us and makes us explore things we might not otherwise have thought about. That being said, I think that education beyond high should be a choice.
Are the cliques you read about or see on TV present in your school? They are to an extent, but the lines aren't as clearly defined as fiction makes out to be. I know my school never had the stereotypical jocks and cheerleaders sort of situation, but there is always some kind of hierarchy.
Do you ever feel awkward and uncomfortable? Sure, especially when I'm put on the spot or have to be the center of attention, but I've gotten over my fear of public speaking, so I'll take it.
Favorite animal? I like cats, but I'm allergic to them (Dear Mother Nature, what gives?). I like dogs as well, as long as they're not too jumpy.
Have you ever been mean to someone? If so, why? How did it make you feel afterward? I have two younger siblings, so naturally we don't always get along, but I have a terribly guilty conscience, so I always apologize.
Do you regret any of the choices you've made? If so, are you willing to share them here? There were a few things I regretted not doing when I was younger, but I've been trying in the past year to change that.
Do you wonder or worry about what other people think about you? Be honest! Of course! Once I get to know someone or a group of people, then I don't care, but the rest of the time I really need to work on turning off the voices inside my head ;)
