Friday, July 19, 2013

Blogger Interview with Anasheh Satoorian and INT giveaway!

So I know I said I'm taking a blogging break, and I am (I REALLY AM!) but I can't wait to put this interview up with one of my dearest blogging friends, Anasheh, who is hailing from the terrific blog, A Reading Nurse. 



About Anasheh
I'm a 28 year old Armenian girl from Los Angeles. I'm the epitome of a Virgo: Analytical, observant, helpful, reliable, precise, and extremely loyal. Yes, I'm a little bossy too, but I like to consider it as being a born leader. I worked in Retail Management for 11 years and finally got tired of it and quit my job to go back to school. Some people called it risky, but I call it following my dream to become of a nurse. I have 5 months until I graduate LVN school and am hoping to go back in school for my RN towards the end of 2014. When I'm not studying about one disease or another, you find me nose deep into a book. Print or on my Ipad, honestly don't have a preference. I am lucky to have some amazing friends who share my love for reading, and follow me on road trips to meet amazing authors and other book lovers. My favorite genres are: YA or NA/MA. Specifically: Paranormal, Contemporary, or Historical. My other love is JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction). Continuations, variations, or re-tellings with Zombies; If it's about one of Jane Austen's famous characters I am sure to read it! I spend more time on Goodreads than on Facebook or Twitter combined. Some people want to travel the worlds 7 natural wonders. I however, want to travel the world’s best libraries. I started blogging because I wanted to meet other book lovers, and so far I can honestly say that my wish has been fulfilled! 

Interview with Anasheh
1. Tell us a little bit about how you fell in love with reading.
I fell in love with reading probably at the age of 3. When my family first moved to the states we didn't have a lot of money, so my mom would take me down to the local library where they had great children's events (BTW I still go to the same library.) They would show tons of movies and I could check out as many books as I wanted. Even though English is not my first language, I was always at the top of my school's reading level throughout elementary school and was in Honors English classes in high school. And the love of reading is a big part of who I am today at the age of 28.

2. What have been your top 5 YA reads in the past year or two and why?
The biggest thing I look for when reading books regardless of what genre they are in is originality. After reading hundreds of books, like any avid reader I start being able to predict the ending and I HATE that. It’s what will make me give a GREAT book a 4 star rating instead of a 5 star. But the following I would say are my Fav Five from the last 2 years:

1)  The Madman's Daugther - Megan Shepard : Loved the mixture of historical fiction, paranormal and the anatomy thrown in!

2) Second Chance Summer - Morgan Matson: This book is a contemporary that actually had me bawling at one point. Beautiful story about making the  most of every moment you have.

3) The Bloodlines series - Richelle Mead: There is just something about reading a book by a favorite author that makes it feel like coming home. Richelle Mead is one of those authors. I love the fact that she has some kick-butt heroines and yes, her heroes aren't that bad either. 

4) Anything by Gayle Forman - Gayle Forman is one of those authors that has me glued to my seat and unable to do anything besides read her beautiful stories. I think I read If I stay, and Where she Went in one day, one sitting.

5) The Infernal Devices by Cassie Clare - I have been a huge fan of Cassie's work for years now. But since I loved The Mortal Instruments so much, I was kind of hesitant to start this series. But my one of my best friends Vivian, who knows the books I like, said that she thought I might actually like this series more. And boy was she right! Luckily I waited until all 3 books were out before I picked it up. This is hands down one of the best series out there in my opinion. It mixes historical fiction, romance, steampunk all into the amazing Shadowhunter World Cassie Clare created! 

3. What's your favorite candy?
Hmm favorite candy? Not sure about that. I'll get back to you **Runs to the nearest candy store to do research** Just Kidding. If I have to choose one, I would probably say Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

4. What superpower would you choose if you could have it?
Can I create a new one? If so I would pick the super power of not having to sleep. I could accomplish so much more that way!
But if I had to pick a super power already out there I would pick being able to fly! That would come in handy when I have to go somewhere during LA rush hour!

5. Who is your favorite author and why?
My favorite author of all time is Jane Austen. I am a huge sucker Pride & Prejudice and have watched almost every single adaptation out there. It is probably one of the most beloved love stories out there. Jane Austen was also much ahead of her time. She wrote themes and topics that were way advanced for the world she lived in.  Her stories are still beloved today, 200 years later and even though there are a gazillion adaptations out there, people still go out to see it!

6. What has been the three best things you've loved about blogging?
1) Meeting people from around world and developing some lasting friendships
2) Being able to be more active with some authors and to be able to express to them out how much their world affected me.
3) Knowing that there are thousands of people out there like me, who like to fan-girl about books and fictional characters. 

7. Which Hogwarts house would you be placed in by the Sorting Hat and why?
This has to be the toughest question yet, because honestly I have attributes that could qualify for any of the houses. But I think I would like to believe that I would I sorted into Ravenclaw. I have and always will be a nerd who loves to learn and that will probably never change.
Even though anyone who has ever known, worked as or shadowed a nurse, can say that there is a great amount of bravery associated with the nursing profession! Some obvious reasons and some not so obvious. So maybe the hat would sort me as a Gryffindor.

8. Who is your favorite villain and why?
My favorite villain has to be Valentine from the Mortal Instruments series. There is just something about him that you love to hate. Plus I would be lying if I didn't admit that I was more excited about Jonathan Rhys Meyers, being cast as Valentine than any of the other casting choices! Anyone who has watched Tudors knows why ;)  

Thanks so much to Anasheh for her awesome answers in this interview! Now please go on to enter her very generous giveaway!!! Either the box set of The Infernal Devices (US only) OR $40 Amazon Gift Card (INT).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

72 comments:

  1. Looks like I'm not the only one who's confused about her House. I can't decide whether or not I should be in Ravenclaw or Slytherin. I could never be in Gryffindor since I'm not that brave, hehe. :)

    Great interview! Love the questions you asked!

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  2. I love Anasheh's blog 'A reading Nurse' ! Its good to finally know the person behind that amazing blog!

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  3. I've really enjoyed getting to know Anasheh over the past couple months. Lovely interview!

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  4. Hey girls!!
    We love this interview! Now we know a little bit more about our beloved friend, Anasheh. You're awesome!! Thank you for telling me, I really enjoyed reading about you ;)

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  5. Great interview! :)

    And I love Valentine too! :) Love the Mortal Instruments...

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  6. Christina - Thank you so much for hosting me! I loved doing a Q&A with you! But most of all I am honored to have met you and to call you a friend :)

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  7. Great interview :) I already knew about her blog :) but I didn't know she felt the same as me about predictable endings. I think it is cool when an author throws me for a loop and does something I didn't see coming :) Sadly I'm falling down on my job and haven't read her favorites yet :) But I will :)

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  8. I really want to read The infernal Devices. I'm a fan of Cassie's work too and can't wait to read this series!

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  9. I really enjoy reading her blog and really enjoyed reading this interview because I loved learning more about her and her likes. Thank you for the awesome interview and giveaway.

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  10. Great interview and giveaway! I love to hear about book blogs. <3
    -Cali W.

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  11. Awesome interview! It's really nice to know a little more about Ana! I've been an avid reader and follower of her blog for awhile now! It's an awesome idea you had Cristina to interview a fellow book blogger! Ad this giveaway is saweet

    ^_^

    Dee @ Dee's Reads

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  12. I love Ana's sense of humor! This is one of my favorite interviews by far!

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  13. What a great interview! The giveaway is pretty good, too!

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  14. Interesting interview...covered a lot of topics....and appeared easy going...chemistry there?? :)

    Well done! Keep up the good work, and look forward to the tweets and GR connects!

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  15. Awesome interview! That was real interesting xD

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  16. Entered. So happy to see someone say Valentine as their favourite villain ! Thanks for the giveaway :D

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  17. Very cool interview. I will have to hide my stash of peanut butter cups though! lol

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  18. LOL! You just can't leave us! Or are you just using this as an excuse not to study? Seriously... that was a very good interview and I love Cassandra Clare so I just had to enter...

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  19. Very up close and personable interview Q & A. And love the super power response with the ability to not sleep. Really transcending the wish of many for more hours in the day to get more accomplished.

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  20. Very up close and personable interview Q & A. And love the super power response with the ability to not sleep. Really transcending the wish of many for more hours in the day to get more accomplished.

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  21. LOVED the interview! I still go the library, as well, and as much as I can. It's nice to be able to borrow as many books as you want free of charge. And I agree--The Infernal Devices is one of the best series out there! :)

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  22. Awesome questions! They really helped me get to know the epic person behind the blogs! PLus, she loves Jane Austen and Cassandra Clare (like me) and might've been in Ravenclaw (also like me) ;)

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  23. Hey great interview!!! I would love that superpower of never having to sleep!! Anyone created it yet??? LOL That would be so awesome!! ! Im probably one of the few ppl that hasn't read any Cassanddra Clare books, but have heard great things about it!!! I will be the first thing Ill buy when I have money... LOL

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  24. Thanks for the interview and giveaway =)

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  25. Like the blog post. I like so many authors it's hard to choose a favorite.

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  26. It made me smile to hear how the library influenced Anasheh's life when she moved to the states and thought it was pretty cool that she still goes to the same library!

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  27. Great interview! I love how important the library and books are to Anasheh.Thank you for sharing her information.she has been a joy to read about.

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  28. Nice to "meet" you!! Reese Peanut Butter Cups!!! I'm right there with you on that one, FOR SURE! :)

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  29. Great interview! I've been dying to read The Infernal Devices!

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  30. I'm totally gonna miss your blogging Christina!! And I will be hanging out with Anasheh while your gone! Good luck!!

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  31. Anasheh's blog is fantastic and i am a keen follower. It is great to find out about other readers and bloggers, so thank you for this fantastic post!

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  32. Love the interview!
    Favorite question ever: "Which Hogwarts house would you be placed in by the Sorting Hat and why?" :D


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  33. I agree! Valentine is an awesome villain and Jonathan Rhys Meyers is going to be AMAZING in the role! Can't wait for the movie :D

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  34. I loved reading this blogger interview. Anasheh is a name I have never heard before. very unique name!. The intro part was very interesting. It takes a lot of guts to go back to studying, after having worked for a long time. Kudos and goodluck with your exams!. You are following your dreams and that's simply amazing. Your love for book is beautifully put forth in that paragraph. The reason you gave for giving 4 stars to a great book.. God!.. That's right what I had in my mind!

    I have heard a lot about The Infernal Devices. Thank you for the giveaway. Really nice reading about you. You sure have proved that you are a Jane Austen fan..

    Note to Christina: You are super cute. I found myself smiling when I read "I know I said I'm taking a blogging break, and I am (I REALLY AM!)". Also, I loved the question about the sorting hat!

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  35. Have you tried getting sorted on Pottermore to see what house JKR would have sorted you into?

    penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. What a great ! I love your sense of humor and how you answered each question fully and interestingly.

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  37. I am super stocked about John Rhys Meyers being Valentine, and how dork that the first thing I thought when you said villain was Gru. Hee hee.

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  38. I also fell in love with reading at a very young age! I have read to my daughter since she was born so that she would hopefully have the same interest in books that I have always had.

    I have never read any of Cassandra Clare's books but I really need to! I feel like I am the only one who hasn't!

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  39. I started reading city of bones but I didn't finish it, I really need to get back to it! Great interview!

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  40. Yay! A fellow Virgo who adores YA. Can't beat that, huh? :)
    bidelia78@yahoo.com

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  41. i've been hesitant to read the infernal devices after the mortal instruments, too. this may have just convinced me to take the leap. although i do not love everything about cassie's writing style, she sure does know how to create worlds that a reader really falls into.

    i'm a ravenclaw, too, by the way!

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  42. Replies
    1. I always enjoy reading what books others like to read and who their favorite authors are. I have to say asking what her favorite candy is was a surprise question to me but I liked her answer.

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  43. Yaaay!!! Favorite Villian being Valentine. Love it. Also, I totally agree about Blogging, it's opened me up to so many different new friendships and just a wonderful way of life.

    xoxo

    Bethany

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  44. Nice interview ^^

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  45. Great interview! I love the which Hogwarts House question! :D

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  46. Great interview! Loved the Hogwarts question. There is a quiz somewhere on FB that sorts you based on the questions.

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  47. I agree about Cassandra Clare. That woman writes astoundingly, especially the Infernal Devices series. Perhaps it's that period language - but it is beautiful and profound. I love the values she communicates through the story.

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  48. I'm a Ravenclaw! I was never really sure until Pottermore sorted me into there, and after reading the descriptions of Ravenclaw, I've decided I belong :)

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  49. This was a great Interview and i feel exactly the same way about the houses. it could totally go either way for me Ravenclaw or Gryffindor, but i really want to be in gryffindor because then i could be like hermione!

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  50. I'm so happy she likes The Madman's Daughter and the Infernal Devices. I love those books!

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  51. My daughter is a major Cassandra Clare fan. I just had to enter the contest for her. How many "mom points" could I get for a boxed set??? Haha.
    Loved this interview.. The questions are classic! Which Hogwarts House had me lol. And favorite candy?? Nice. Not your run-of-the-mill blog interview questions. Very entertaining!!

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  52. Awesome Q and A! I love all the Cassandra Clare books, she's an amazing author..It's so great to read this and know we have a lot in common(:

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  53. Great interview and giveaway, loved your questions!

    Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

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  54. I really enjoyed all the questions you asked. It's always fun to read what another reader would say. Great job.

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  55. Thanks for this incredibly generous giveaway! It's always nice to meet a fellow book lover. I agree with Anasheh that Valentine Morgenstern is a great villain. Draco Malfoy is another that I had a soft spot for. : )

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  56. I'm going to have to check out some of those reading suggestions such as The Madman's Daughter. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  57. boths of us are armenians aw lovelovelove

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  58. we have one thing in common...i love JANE AUSTEN too especially PRIDE & PREJUDICE :)
    thx u for hosting this giveaway..

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  59. I loved the interview. haha!

    i hope I get the $40 amazon giftcard or infernal devices box set! Thank you so much for the giveaway.

    P.S: looking forward to reading reviews on goodreads!!

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  60. Love the interview. I need to read some of these still. :)

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  61. Thanks for the interview.

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  62. Great interview! And thanks to the both of you for a very generous giveaway.

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  63. Great interview. I love The Infernal Devices as well.

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  64. Cassandra Clare is one of the best writers out there. Great interview and thanks for the giveaway :)

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  65. Great interview! I've been a blog follower there for some time now and love her blog!

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