BBAW Day Two: Interviews

And on this second day of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, everyone interviews everyone else! The interviews have always been my favourite part of BBAW. They're a fun and fabulous way to get to know not only our own partners but everyone else who participates in the exchange. And for me personally, they take me out of my comfort zone as I dust off my rusty, rusty interviewing skills.

Interviews are scary, y'all. But they're also doable.

This year, I spoke with Jennifer of The Relentless Reader, who graciously answered my questions about the joys of Little Free Libraries, the bookseller life, and her love of Star Trek. She interviewed me over on her blog, too!

I love that you're a Little Free Library steward! What's the most interesting thing anyone's every left in your LFL? And what's the creepiest?

I've had mostly great luck with my Little Free Library. There was a gentleman that kept leaving religious pamphlets every time I left my house. It was creepy because I felt as if he were watching me come and go. I left a sternly worded note and that was the end of that.

What do you love most about the bookstore where you work?

Recommending books to customers is at the tippy top of my list. I love to ask them questions that allow me to figure out the type of books they like. Those sorts of questions always lead to the most fascinating conversations. I love to send people on their way with a book I'm sure they'll enjoy. I even told one customer that if he bought a certain book but didn't like it I'd buy him a cup of coffee, ha! He came back to tell me thanks and that he enjoyed the book very much. I very nearly bowed.

A confession: steeped in SFF as I am, I recognize relatively few of the authors in your review directory. Where do you find your best recs?

I credit/blame my blogging pals for most of the books on my TBR pile. These darn book people are in every corner of my life! Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are full of them. I really wouldn't have it any other way. I might complain about the crazy stacks teetering here and there but book people are the best people and I can't imagine my life without all of you in it.

What are your top three LGBT novels or comics?

I am always on the lookout for more LGBT themed books. For one thing I think it's important to have diverse reading material available. More importantly it's imperative for my daughter to be able to see herself represented in the books that she reads. Here are a few LGBT themed books that I've found to be excellent:

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Gay)
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (Lesbian)
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (Children's Book)

I adore TV as well as books, and I'm fascinated with peoples' TV Obsession Origin Stories. How did you get started with Star Trek, and at what point did you know you were addicted?

I love this question because I'll take any opportunity to talk about Star Trek. (Just ask my family!) My obsession began when The Next Generation debuted in the late 80s. I was a young teen and I was completely hooked. There was nothing like it on television, nor had there been as long as I'd been alive. It's such a huge world to explore and I was only too happy to jump in the deep end. I think I knew I was hooked when I ran out to get a Klingon tattoo as soon as I turned 18. That was...a few years ago, ha ha.

Thanks very much, Jennifer! It was great getting to know you a little better.