#ArmchairBEA2014 Introductions & Literature

Armchair BEA

Welcome to my third year participating in Armchair BEA!

If you didn't catch my intro in 2012 or 2013, I'll refresh you here.

In case you don't know, I am Freda. (Pronounced Free-da).

I live in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Apparently the Waterfall Capital in the world. We have over 200 waterfalls in our city region. This behind me is just one of the smaller ones. It's on the Bruce Trail, which I love to hike on with my family or friends when I'm not reading.

I've been blogging since 2009. It started out as a place to put book reviews, but has matured into fashion, food, family and so much more. I like to think of Freda's Voice as a lifestyle blog now. Though books will always be a huge part of the site and my life. It's like being married to your high school sweetheart, my relationship with books, and I'm not about to give up that kind of love yet.

My blog in one sentence; A lifestyle blog from a Canadian perspective.

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Ironically, last year I kept track of which genres I read the most. I can tell you I read more fiction than non-fiction. What surprised me is the amount of YA books I read. I think the imagination runs more wild sometimes in those fantasy books and that appeals to me lately. I know I couldn't get enough of thrillers before hand. Strange how tastes change...
I love to read because it takes me to another place, maybe even another time. Getting me away from real life, and allowing me to see through another's eyes often. Some great teachings can be found, depending on which books you read. I am sure my daily devotional with The Bible gives me that. Reading will always be my escape.

Best book I read in 2013:

AMAZON

Here is a prime example of my love for thrillers. Chevy Stevens scares the shit out of me when I read her books. It's rare when an author can write so well, so gritty and dark that it keeps me awake with one eye open at night. She manages to do it every time, not just with this book. Yeah, she is also probably my favorite Canadian female author too. Props Chevy, you are awesomesauce!

Favorite book so far this year:

AMAZON

After reading this I quickly realized why so many people have loved it! It is literally the best fairytale retelling I have ever read. This is YA, but adults love it too. Like me, an almost 40 year old with a forever 21 year old heart. At least for books.

This would be my ideal book nook:

Pinterest

With a nice seat, a beautiful view and the calm breeze, I would be in my glory. Especially if I could somehow incorporate this in the city. Yeah, dream big or go home.  :-)

My favorite blogging resource is word-of-mouth via the blogging community. I prefer to read someone's review on their blog about a book, service, whatever it is, then decide if I want to get it too. I trust bloggers more than main-stream media or even brand sites. I find a blogger will tell it like it is and keep things real. As for a source where to get books as a blogger, people will approach you when you have established yourself even a little bit, so running around looking for books really is not a thought. At least for me it wasn't. Let your reviews speak for themselves and watch the publicists emails roll in.

Last year I named some blogs I love and afterwards felt bad like I left people out that should have been there too. This year I won't be naming blogs. Just know I value every one in the blogging community. Blogging is about being an individual, having individual choices and sharing them even if others disagree. That is what blogging is about, sharing opinions. You don't always have to like them to respect them.

I love Maya Angelou. I love her so much I got this tattooed on my arm;

It's the title of one of her books. It means much more to me though. Maya had an incredible story. At a young age she experienced such traumatic heartache but managed to overcome it all. From having a child from a rape, to being in an abusive marriage, she lived it all. 

I also know why the caged birds sings. I also lived a hard life once. This sentence is quite profound to me for so many reasons.

Then one night, reading a book, and I can't even remember which one now, I came across this line and took a shot of it with my phone.

How true is that?! I love this line.

If I was stranded on a desert island, I would expect my Bible to be with me. Also I would want a copy of East of Eden by John Steinbeck. That's a story I can read a million times over, and if on an island stranded, I may have to. Lastly, I'd also want the phone book with me. Preferably the biggest one on earth. Makes for great kindling or warm conversation if I ever get rescued. 

I would love to see Spin by Catherine McKenzie made into a film. It's current and I seem to have seen a version play in my mind already when I read it. I think it would be a hit.