This week, I’m pleased to bring you an interview with my musical and literary twin, Erin, who blogs from Australia at TexErin in Sydneyland. Make sure to check out the interview archives when you’re done!
Howdy! I’m Erin, a proud Texas woman who moved to the magical wonderland of Sydney, Australia late 2008. I blog at TexErin-in-SydneyLand. Jana and I connected through the blogger world for our love of books, rock music, and sarcasm. I’m a mama to 5 fur kids, a step-mama to 2 kids, and a wifey to 1 guy. At my blog, you’ll read about all of these things and other random stuff. Books. I like books. I like books a lot. Let’s talk about books.
Jana: Why do you enjoy reading?
Erin: Escapism. Relaxation. Switching off to the real world, and switching on to imaginary worlds. 
Jana: How do you decide what to read?
Erin: Good Reads is helpful. So is the Show Us Your Books link-up. I participate in approximately 4-6 book challenges a year. Plus, I wander around the library or a favorite second hand bookstore and interesting little gems.
Jana: Who are some of your favorite authors and/or genres?
Erin: I read a mix of fiction & non-fiction, mystery/thriller, memoirs (especially rock star bios), YA, historical fiction, and more. If I had to choose just one favorite author, I’d say John Sandford. I’ve read every book the guy has written (except the ones listed in his “ETCETERA” category on his website). In my experience I’ve found that if you are a crime/thriller/mystery reader, you will often find at least one or two authors that you will stay loyal to and read everything in the series that they publish. That’s me with Mr. Sandford. Karin Slaughter is another one, and I’ve recently fallen in love with Melina Marchetta and Jonathan Tropper (who are not crime/mystery/thriller writers).
Jana: What’s your favorite book or a book you always recommend?
Erin: I have so many that I love and adore but to narrow down to the top that I always mention and/or recommend: 102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (That’s two interviewees recommending this book, plus me. If you have not, get on this book), The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx (YES!!!), The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (DOUBLE YES!!!)
Jana: Do you watch movie adaptations of books? What do you think of them?
Erin: Sure. Mostly, the book is better…but every now and then, a movie surprises me and is really, really, realllly good.
Jana: Ebooks, paper books, audiobooks, or a combination? Why?
Erin: Paper books. Always and forever. Except when I visit my dad and he has a new book on his e-reader that I can’t wait to read.
Jana: Do you use the library or buy books?
Erin: Both. I’ve been using the library more and more. I’m a fan and supporter of local second hand bookstores. I’ve pretty much stopped buying books from the big guns unless I show no self-control. It can happen.
Jana: Does it offend you when people call you a bookworm or book nerd? Why or why not?
Erin: Absolutely not. I embrace it. Most people that say this mean it as a term of endearment. And, if they don’t, they don’t know what they’re missing.
Jana: How do you find time to read?
Erin: I commute via train approximately 12 hours a week. Plus, most nights, I take a hot bath and read some more. I’ve pretty much eliminated most of my television watching.
Jana: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to people who say they don’t enjoy reading or don’t have time to read?
Erin: Find something to read about that you do enjoy, even if it is a weekly magazine. Then, be open to someone who knows you well and is an avid reader to recommend or buy you a book. Try it. Turn off the tv for a week, and try reading.
Love this! When I stopped earning a paycheck, I re-discovered the library. What a gift. It is like being in a candy store!!!
Love, SMD’s Momma
I didn’t use the library back in Texas (don’t know why). When I moved to Australia, the book prices here are ridiculously high, so I re-discovered the library, and I love it.
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
I LOVE the library and love wandering around discovering new books! It’s nice to “meet” Erin! 🙂
Julia @ Grace Makes New recently posted…Weekend Recap: Hello June!
Nice to “meet” you too. I can spend hours in the library. I love the smell, the sounds, the feel of it.
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
🙂 These posts are great!
Libraries are great – mine is just always OUT of the newer books. So exhausting.
And I am real book girl too – but, recently, I really would love the convenience and the savings of books with an e-reader….
Kateri Von Steal recently posted…June Goals – Getting back to Strong!
I just can’t get on the ereader train. I’ve used it a couple of times when visiting my dad. I don’t get the same satisfaction. Call me old-fashioned 😉
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
Lovin the series and the graphics you choose, Jana :). That Frozen one is awesome. Hi Erin, I’m a fan of Rainbow Rowell too!!! 😀
lisacng @ expandng.com recently posted…Page Turners: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me
One of the things I love about Rainbow Rowell books is so many readers feel differently about each book. I love that. She makes us feel.
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
Yes yes yes to being loyal to a mystery/suspense author. Actually I’d say to a character. I’ve read every Jonathan Kellerman novel with Alex Delaware and every Sue Grafton with Kinsey Millhone.
SMD @ Life According to Steph recently posted…Cold Taco Dip
Killer (with Alex Delaware) will be on my Show Us Your Books list this month 🙂
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
oh i love the real books never die picture!! fabulous.
and ahh the guernsey potato peel book is one of my favourites EVER and yes to the book thief! seriously, everyone needs to read it!
again, love this series Jana!
Kristen recently posted…10 Books that need to be movies
This series is the bomb-diggity!
I have The Book Thief and Eleanor and Park on my to read list and this reminded me that I must get to it very soon!!! Loving this series Jana!!!!
Nadine recently posted…Greek Quinoa Salad
They are both such heart-warming books. I adore them.
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
Secondhand book stores are seriously treasure troves! I always have to be careful when I venture into them, it can get dangerous.
There are so many reasons to love and support a secondhand bookstore. Most often, they are independently owned. They have a small staff of booklovers who care about their customers. And, I love that I go into one not sure what I will find, but I always find something.
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
I loved Eleanor and Park as well as The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I wish there were more second hand bookstores or at least the cute smaller bookstores where I lived. They are so much more intimate than the big chain stores.
Karen recently posted…Summer Reading List
I hate it when the big guys put the little guys out of business. There is something so special about an independent small bookstore. I will always support these businesses.
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
I’ve got to get on my questions now that I am feeling better!
I love this series.
Kellli recently posted…Let’s Chat
This series is my FAVE!
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
Jana, thanks for featuring me. I’ll say it over and over again. This is my new favorite series. I’m so glad to be a part of it.
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…Hellooooooooooo
Totally agree on finding a favorite author. I am with Steph and the Sue Grafton novels, whatever will we do when she gets through the alphabet! Karin Slaughter is a great author too.
Kerry recently posted…Girl’s Weekend
Love this interview! I surely enjoy being a bookworm as well. It’s a compliment. 🙂 I often lose all my self-control when it comes to books. I just cannot stop buying them. Even though I have lots of books lined up that are waiting for me already.