When I Was Young – BookLust

Blog Name: BookLust
Blog URL: http://aartichapati.blogspot.com
Twitter Name: @aartichapati
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/149420
LibraryThing: Aarti

When did you start your blog and why?
I started blogging on LiveJournal in 2006.  I moved to Blogger at the end of that year, I think, and have been there since.  I didn’t do much reading or reviewing, however, in 2007 or 2008, so 2009 was my big year!  I started it because, frankly, it seemed at the time that everyone on my Yahoo! groups had one.  And I felt left out.  Plus, it was a way for me to reflect on my reading, instead of just finishing a book and moving onto the next one.  I mainly review historical fiction and fantasy novels, but I’m really trying to branch out this year and read more out of my comfort zone- that’s one of my goals for 2010 and so far I think I’ve done pretty well.

I really enjoy blogging and have gotten much more involved in the community over the past six months or so- I run the Rosie’s Riveters weekly post, and am starting one called With Reverent Hands.  I also participated in the Read-a-Thon, Bloggiesta and BBAW this year.  I am also working with Amy of My Friend Amy and Chris of Book-a-rama to start a series in which we spotlight indie publishers, called the Spotlight Series.  So there’s a lot going on!  It’s great to be able to use a blog as a format to support books I believe in.

Tell us a little about yourself outside of your interest in books.
I really enjoy cooking as well!  I have an obsession with farmers’ markets, and I feel classy when I cook a meal and have a glass of wine with it.  I really like to travel, and do so as much as possible.  I am currently in a career transition from accounting to marketing.  I grew up in and currently live in Chicago and have a whole lot of local pride!

Your favorite book from your youth and the story behind it.

My favorite book from my youth is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.  It’s a short fantasy chapter book where a bored young boy travels to another world and helps save princesses locked in a Castle in the Air.  I reviewed The Phantom Tollbooth on my blog for the Flashback Challenge in January.  Another series I loved growing up was Patricia C. Wrede’s Enchanted Forest Chronicles, in which the Princess Cimorene goes to a cave to live with a dragon.  There, she participates in dragon politics, makes great friends and gets rid of all the princes who come to “save” her from the dragon.  The first book is Dealing with Dragons.  I loved the series because Cimorene was so strong and there was so much humor, and it was a really great story.  I highly recommend the story to younger girls, particularly, as Cimorene is a great role model.  She is strong and self-confident and really comfortable with herself.

“Brilliant. Every post I’ve ever read on Aarti’s site has been something worth sitting in front of your computer for just a few more moments. In fact while compiling some of the information for this post I took quite a bit of extra time just reading and re-reading what was written. And I loved every extra minute.

“Her new feature, With Reverent Hands, is one of my new favorites. I’ve already found a few new, “old” favorites to grow attached to. And anyone looking for a reading challenge to add should definitely look into her “Flashback Challenge“; I may just be adding it myself. Her review of The Phantom Tollbooth for this challenge was wonderful, and being someone who hasn’t yet read it…it is now on my list.

“This last Sunday her “Sunday Salon” post was one you can’t miss, especially if you’re a book blogger. Aarti talks all about the joys of picking your next book and the downward spiral so many book bloggers can fall into when succumbing to “ARC envy”.

“More than anything Aarti’s vision and words inspire you to take joy in your next read. Take joy in discussing it with those around you. And discover a whole new world that is waiting for you when you open you the book sitting in your lap.

“Go, fall in love with her site and be inspired to find your next great read or just the next great conversation you were seeking!”

Interested in participating in When I Was Young? Send a request on the contact page and we will get back to you ASAP!

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