Radiohead, Facebook "Friends", and Fragility
This week's Anonymous Teen Reader is Thoughts of a Basket Case. I have to chuckle a little when I read that code name (chosen by her) because there are times when I can DEFINITELY relate!
But before I continue to the interview, I want to let you all know that the new Song of the Week feature will debut on tomorrow's blog. I've chosen one of the songs nominated by you and am super excited to share it.
In addition, I'll be doing another signed bookplate giveaway for the holidays which I'll announce on Wednesday. Bookplates enable you to give as a gift a signed copy of either Prophecy of the Sisters or Guardian of the Gate. I'm happy to personalize them for your giftee. They make great gifts so check back on Wednesday for details. I gotchoo covered!
And now, without further ado, I give you this week's Anonymous Teen Reader!
Interview Code Name (you choose!);
Thoughts of a Basket Case
Current country of residence;
United States of America
Male or female?
Female
Age; 16
ABOUT THE BOOKS
How many books, on average, do you read a month?
Depending on my work load, I guess about 4 or 5, sometimes more.
Favorite kind of book and why;
I like a lot of different genres. I like classic books that aren't exactly modern. But then again I love any good fantasy.
Name the single most important factor in your decision to purchase a book;
I know you're not suppose to "judge a book by it's cover" but, I think the cover of a book has as much importance as the actually writing itself.
What makes you feel like you're reading or have read a truly amazing book?
When I get that feeling in my stomach where I'm anxious to know what happens next. When I feel like I'm apart of the story and I just can't put the book down.
How important is a friend's recommendation in your decision to purchase a book?
I usually look up a book that a friend has recommended but everyone has different opinions. A lot of my friends have different taste than I do. If I think it sounds or looks interesting, I'll give it a try.
Thing you'd like to see more or less of in the YA genre;
I think today a lot of the books have kind of centered around cliches. I want to see more reality rather than some romantic view on how teenage life is.
What's your biggest pet peeve in a book?
I hate it when there is dialogue in a book that doesn't even sound right when you say it out loud. (Ha! This is one of my biggest pet peeves, too!)
Paperback or hardcover?
Paperback. Definitely paperback.
Series or stand-alone?
Depends. I've read some amazing series. However, I love when there is just a book that in itself is beautiful. When you want to know more, but if you did it might only make the book seem less special. (that is a very intuitive answer, hon. I know just what you mean.)
ALL ABOUT YOU
What music do you most often listen to?
I listen to just about every genre. I think music is a form of art. While there are different styles, in each one you can find something amazing.
Name your favorite band;
I think I have way too many favorites to name. It pretty much changes day to day. Because I listen to my music based on how I'm feeling that day. Right now, it would be Radiohead. (LOVE Radiohead!)
Best movie of all time?
Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
Without naming names, tell us a little about your group of friends;
I have amazing friends. I don't have many and sometimes I can go days without talking to some of them. Most of my friends I don't even talk to outside of school. I go home, and I'm alone again. But when I am with them, I feel alive. My friends are each so different from each other. Different personalities, talents, interests, races. I think that's why I hang out with them. I don't believe in just being friends with a certain group. And then there are the people I wish were my friends but I'm to chicken to make the first step.
What's your biggest concern about the world right now and/or the people in it?
My biggest concern is ignorance. I don't see how people could have so much hate against any group of people.
Someone gives you a million dollars, no strings attached. What do you do with it?
I'd probably buy a life supply of coffee and then give the rest to my mom.
You can live for one year in any place in the world. Where do you go and why?
I'd go to Europe. I've always wanted to see the world and travel. I don't know why but I've always wondered what it'd be like to have tea time. (come to my house around 4pm. We have tea every day!)
Have you ever "Hidden" someone on your Facebook feed? If so, why?
I do it all the time. I currently have 318 "friends" on Facebook. In reality, I'd probably only call maybe 20 of them a friend. Just because I've known you at one point of my life doesn't make you my friend. Because if I died tomorrow, none of them would be at my funeral.
Do you get along with your family? Either way,tell us why.
I get along with my family fairly well. I live with my mom and little brother. My mom and I aren't exactly close. We don't have the relationship where I tell her everything about my day and how I'm feeling. It's mainly we say hello and then move on. But despite all that, I love my mom and I couldn't imagine life without her.
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I think most people don't know how fragile I am. I try to seem strong and independent. But a lot of the time it takes everything I have just not to fall apart.
Name your biggest secret fear.
My biggest secret fear, is that love doesn't exist. I'm young and I know that I have the rest of my life to find love. But when I look at every relationship I've ever known it's all ended badly, whether with a divorce or just a bad breakup. I don't want to die alone.
Name something you like about yourself.
I like that I'm accepting. So many people are so quick to judge others. I like that I don't let anyone's appearance, personal preferences, or beliefs get in the way about how I feel about them.
What one thing would you like to know about other teens?
I want to know if I'm the only one who feels the way I do.
