Better Know A Blogger: Angel - Mermaid Vision Books

Today's featured Better Know a Blogger is Angel - yet another new blog to me! I really enjoy her reviews and became a new follower!

Introduce yourself! My name's Angel and I'm a creative writing major. I recently moved to Toronto and am enjoying the amazing reading culture in the city. I read mostly YA fiction, though romance novels are something I can't do without.

What is the name of your blog? How did you pick your blog’s name? My blog is called Mermaid Vision Books. The title is a tribute to my mom, who used to (jokingly) tell me that she was from Atlantis because she loves the water. She also instilled a love of books in me and I wanted my blog to reflect that. I also like to think that it's what I aim for: clarity and joy in reading.

How do you measure blogging success? Is it strictly number of followers or something more? Followers are nice, of course, but I consider my blog a success if it can help at least one person find a book they'll love. I work hard to read as much as I can and write fair reviews, so knowing that it's helped someone makes me happy.

What genres/subgenres do you review, and what do you like best about those genres? I review a lot of genres, depending on how interested I am in certain novels. Lately, I've been reading a lot of dystopian novels, for which I blame The Hunger Games. I've liked dystopians ever since I read The Giver when I was eight years old. What I like best about those books is how they force their readers to face their fears. Whether it's loss of emotion or being forced into horrifying situations, dystopians make us consider what our societies can turn into and what we're doing to bring them to that extreme.
I also really love funny contemporary romances. It's difficult to write these books without sinking into romantic-comedy territory, so I commend the authors who manage to pull it off, like Stephanie Perkins. In the middle of a stressful world, funny contemporaries can make a day just a little bit brighter.

Karen: I love to read contemporary romances and chick-lit in between the darker stuff. Sometimes it's fun to just escape into a silly, happy, romantic world.

What are you reading right now? I'm currently reading Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey, Anastasia's Secret by Susane Dunlap, Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison and Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien. It's a pretty eclectic mix, which I'll admit can get confusing at times. I love the juggling I have to do though. Right now I've got 24 books from the library, over 50 holds and at least ten e-galleys to read this month. I'm a happy girl.

Do you use social media to promote your blog or discuss reading/blogging? Yes, I use Twitter, Goodreads and Tumblr, though the latter's really just for pretty photographs. I love Twitter because of the myriad groups of people you get to talk to, and it's a great way to keep up with the latest book & author news. Goodreads is where I do live updates of what I'm reading and it's also the basis for my Anticipation posts.
Twitter
Goodreads
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Where is your favorite place to read? I've got a futon set up right against my window, which I stack with pillows and blankets. My to-be-read-pile is usually scattered around the futon and my bed, depending on what I want to pick up at a certain time.

Karen: That sounds so perfect for reading!

What are your ideal reading conditions? I've always wanted to have a cozy library to go to in the late afternoon. Pillows are a must--the more, the merrier. As for snacks, I love having a bowl of nuts and Cheetos nearby.

What are the top 5 books in your TBR (To Be read) pile?

If it's books I already have in my possession:

Forbidden, Tabitha Suzuma

Hourglass, Myra McEntire

Supernaturally, Kiersten White

Circle of Fire, Michelle Zink

Small Town Sinners, Melissa Walker

If we're talking books that aren't out yet:

Lola and the Boy Next Door, Stephanie Perkins

The Name of the Star, Maureen Johnson

Cinder, Marissa Meyer

The Future of Us, Jay Asher

Crossed, Ally Condie

Karen: I Loved Hourglass and I will scream from the rooftops for people to read Lola - <3 <3 <3 Lola! And I have the Future of Us in my TBR. It sound so good!

Obligatory controversial question: Love triangles! Love ‘em or hate ‘em, and why? Neither, though I tend to lean more towards "hate 'em," because of how common a trope it's become in YA fiction. I need to feel like it's right for the story and for the characters before I can enjoy it. That rarely happens nowadays. If it's the central point of a novel, I'm less likely to read it. I appreciate love triangles when they bring about major character developments and aren't written simply for a thrill.

What has been the best thing about blogging and reviewing books? I love getting to talk to authors and readers alike! Reading has always been about the power of words to bring together a community, and I'm so grateful that I get to be a part of that. I've been inspired by so many writers throughout my childhood and if I do what little I can to help fellow readers find inspirations, then I'm going to be a very happy girl.

Thanks Angel! We seem to have similar taste in books and after reading this I want to curl up in a big pile of pillows and read the day away!

Better Know a Blogger is a feature of The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge. Keep linking those reviews for a chance to win a YA prize pack! There are only *8* days left!!!