Meet Ashley from Book Labyrinth

Today is Work the Network Day for us Armchair BEA participants, meaning it's interview day. I was lucky enough to get assigned a really great interviewee: Ashley. While searching for a job as a librarian, Ashley blogs over at Book Labyrinth, a review site with a YA focus. Her writing is intelligent and entertaining, and if you have not checked out her blog yet, you really should.


Let's deal with back story first. What inspired you to love reading?

I would definitely have to credit my parents with that because they're both huge fans of reading. My parents read to me before I was even born, so I think that's probably why I've always been such a lover of stories, whether they be in books, TV, or movies. My Mom especially always made sure that I had books in my life, whether by owning them or getting them from the library. I find it hard to describe exactly why I love reading, but I know I can trace my love of it back to when I was little, and possibly to before I was even born.

And how did this love of reading transition into blogging?

I always find it hard to pin down this answer to just one thing, but in the end I think it comes down to the blogging community. I wanted to be a part of that discussion on a more personal level beyond just commenting on reviews. I had been writing reviews on Goodreads for more half a year and considering writing a book blog for several months before I finally created one. The connection with fellow book lovers and the idea of promoting a love of reading is what really inspired me.

Okay, now on to more specifics. What character in a book you have read do you think is most like you?

Honestly, I have no clue. I've always identified with Hermione's bookishness, but we're not actually all that similar as people. I tend to identify with characters that are the 'good girls', as boring as that sounds. Characters who mirror my own faults always intrigue me, but most of my favourite characters tend to be strong and courageous -- the qualities that I wish I held.

Who are some of these "strong and courageous" characters you admire?

My favourite characters tend to be strong both physically and emotionally, but it's the emotionally strong and brave that I'm interested in. Tris from Divergent is a character that I read about recently who I thought was amazing. A whole main part of the book is reconciling the fact that sometimes being brave isn't about dominating others... in fact sometimes the bravest you can be is to put others first. Katniss (Hunger Games) is another character who is brave through her selflessness. Rose from the Vampire Academy books is kick ass tough, but she also isn't afraid of being caring and a bit emotionally vulnerable. Frankie Landau-Banks (The Disreputable History of...) is another amazing character who comes to mind. She's incredibly clever, and she's strong because she believes in gender equality and wants to be seen as a strong and independent person.

You actually have a feature called Future Reads in which you highlight upcoming YA releases, but I would like to know: what books are you most excited to read this year?

Two of them (Veronica Roth's Divergent and Sarah Dessen's What Happened to Goodbye) have already been released. Ones that are still upcoming include The Death Cure by James Dashner, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.

We have to hit the hot topic. We just have to. So what are your thoughts on e-readers?

On eReaders themselves, I love them. There are pluses and minuses to everything, I think, but for the most part I am totally pro-eReader. I have a Kobo and I love how light it is, how easy it is to carry around 100+ books at one time, and the convenience of getting a book at any time, either by purchasing or by downloading it from the library. eReaders are great for reading eGalley books, and I think they've hugely boosted the self-publishing industry. All that being said, I think the sales model for eBooks is greatly flawed, especially when it comes to the publishers selling to libraries. I find the prices way too high for most eBooks, and I love collecting books themselves, so I mostly buy hardcopies of the books I love. But when it comes down to it? Whether eReading or "regular" reading you're still experiencing the same great stories.

I realize that books are not just blogging, especially for you! So for a completely different type of bookish question: As a librarian, what one improvement or addition would you make to the library system if you had complete control and unlimited resources?
 

It's tough to generalize because each specific library system has different needs. I think what's most important for libraries is to be a true part of the community they're in and through community development see what the community wants and needs. That being said, if I could improve one thing about libraries it would be helping them with PR. So many people don't even realize all the services their local library has to offer them, and I think that's why libraries are always facing budget cuts... people think that libraries are antiquated places that are just about books, but they're not (even though the books are an awesome part of them). Maybe if people realized what libraries had to offer they wouldn't be so quick to judge them. With unlimited resources every library could either create or improve their webpage and create promotional campaigns. With more interest and support because of this then libraries could keep improving their collections, programming, and technology.

And for a totally non-bookish question (although I am convinced that books and tv go together): Like me, you are an avid television watcher. What are some of your favorite shows? And why do you like them?

I am definitely an avid television watcher. I watch so many shows, it's insane. Thank goodness for my PVR! I have a really hard time picking my top favourites, but I actually wrote a post about some of them in March. The ones I featured there were Being Erica, Friday Night Lights, Mad Men, Merlin, and Veronica Mars. I think what they all (roughly) have in common is that they're all very smart shows. They're smart and funny and they don't talk down to viewers. Friday Night Lights is probably my top favourite show ever. I watch so many other shows, though... The Vampire Diaries, Modern Family, and The Good Wife are some other current favourites.

I totally just started watching Friday Night Lights! Sixty-three episodes available on Netflix Instant Play = Heaven! Okay, I shall stop pestering you with questions now (I emailed her like three times with more questions). I am so glad I got to meet you - and your blog - through Armchair BEA!

Other places you can find Ashley include Twitter and GoodReads.

Be sure to check out the other interviews going on over at Armchair BEA!

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My interview is over at Mission to Read!