Armed with a suitcase and a reusable shopping bag full of books, I ventured to the UK’s first ever Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC) last weekend 11-13th July at London Film and Comic Con (LFCC).

All I can say is WOW- so much to see and not enough time!

I was accompanied by Michelle (Much Loved Books) and 2 other bookish friends; we attended the preview night on Friday and were greeted by a huge Game of Thrones dragon skull as we entered Earls Court exhibition centre.

We walked through stalls selling some amazing items- tshirts for every fandom in creation, autographed photos for every celebrity known to man, merchandise and cool gadgets. There was so much to look at, I’m sure we didn’t even see half of it.

Our mission was to find the Book Zone which was home to YALC. We saw all of the signing tables, ready for the celebrities the next day, but tucked in the back corner we found the haven of all things bookish.

The very nice organisers of YALC had some free ARCs available and lots of free book swag for attendees. Once we’d got our goodies, we had a wander around the stalls and made our way back to our hotel for a good night’s sleep before a very early morning on Saturday.

Saturday morning at 7.30am, we were stood in a queue waiting to get into Earls Court- even though the doors didn’t open until 9am for early bird ticket holders.

By 9.10am we were inside, and racing to see what YALC had to offer. Free author talks; workshops for bloggers, authors, budding writers; book signings and a few more activities to keep bookworms happy. Despite it being a very warm day, and waiting in queues for book signings, Saturday was tiring but great fun. I waited over an hour to meet the lovely Rainbow Rowell, who if anyone ever gets the chance to meet her- do it! So cheery!

I also met Patrick Ness, Ruth Warburton, Holly Bourne and Natasha Ngan. There were many more authors I could have met but sadly, time would not allow. Thankfully I have brilliant friends, so we did a book swap, so everyone could have their books signed by the author, even if they couldn’t get there themselves.

Saturday evening, the fantastic Sophia Bennett, author of The Look and The Castle, arranged a small meet up for authors, bloggers and bookworms called For The Fringe. I met some really nice authors and bloggers. It was a nice introduction to the blogging world, as technically YALC is my first major book event, since starting to review for the blog.

Sunday was once again a 7.30 am arrival at Earls Court. We queued for 2 hours behind a Klingon and saw some of the actors and actresses arrive for LFCC.

When the doors opened we raced through to the YALC book zone.

Michelle ( Much Loved Books) and I attended a Bloggers Breakfast. We met Holly Black (who I’ve met before and she is awesome), Non Pratt, Matt Haig and James Dawson (the UK’s current reigning Queen of Teen). I spoke to some more bloggers, mingled with the authors and got books signed and came out with a goodie bag including 2 new books to add to my library.

We enjoyed a couple of great author talks; met some more authors- Cat Clarke, Sally Gardner, Sophie McKenzie, Sarra Manning and Lucy Christopher; and finished the day off with YALC’s big book giveaway.

The weekend ended with 4 very tired but very happy bookworms. We left London with lots of new books to add to already overflowing TBR piles, and the possibility that arms were going to fall off from carrying all the extra goodies (an extra XL suitcase in my case).

YALC was great fun; I hope they do the event next year, possibly on its own as an event separate to LFCC. All of the attendees proved that the book is not dead, and people no matter what their age, love YA.

Thanks to everyone who made the weekend so brilliant. Whether you are a new friend, an old friend, an author who I met or a person I spoke to in an author queue. The weekend wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Cats and Books – A Universal Connection

Greetings walking can openers with legs! This is your feline overlords speaking. We have highjacked this blog in order to discuss a very important subject with you. Our topic: Cats and Books. More importantly, how you cannot have one without the other.

Yes, we felines have been a part of shaping literature since the beginning of time, it’s one of the reasons we were worshiped as gods after all. When the first human created the very first story, it was with the gentle guiding paw of a feline muse. Okay, maybe it wasn't exactly “gentle.” It was more like a swat with claws extended, but you get the idea.

Don’t believe us? Check out this article that one of you wrote not so long ago about a medieval manuscript found with cat paw prints inked on the pages: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/03/130326-animals-medieval-manuscript-books-cats-history/ Now we must admit that we find the heading to be rather misleading as this particular feline wasn't “curious” about the manuscript at all. He was actually checking to make sure that the scribe was writing down the correct text as dictated by the cat himself. But this goes to show that you humans often miss the greatness that is Felis catus. =^.^= Anyways, we cats have always been there helping your favorite authors write those books that you love so dearly. We've perched on the arm chairs of some of the greatest authors the world has ever know. We've criticized the early drafts of Jean Paul Sartre, Edward Gorey (who by the way wrote an entire book dedicated to the greatness that is Cat), Neil Gaiman, and many more! Behind every great author, there’s an equally greater cat. For a list of some of our favorite authors to work with, check out this site: http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/30-renowned-authors-inspired-by-cats

We've shared our story ideas with writers everywhere, and sometimes we've dictated entire manuscripts to help their cause. But do we get any of the credit? No. The glory goes to the human authors, and we don’t begrudge this lack of acknowledgement. Well, not much anyways. Sure, we've occasionally left a reminder to a few authors who have allowed their fame to go to their heads that it was one of us who made that fame possible. It’s amazing how a simple hairball inside of a shoe or the head of a mouse on the pillow next to you can remind you that we are also deserving of praise. But for the most part we are happy to provide readers with wonderful works of literature.

Yes, when we aren't planning world domination, we are helping authors write. When they agonize over a scene, we are there to help plot it out. When they stare at a blank page, we help them overcome their writer’s block and provide them with the inspiration they need to keep going. It really is the least that we can do. Another one of our little missions has been to help guide readers towards those books we feel will provide you with the most enjoyment or help aid in furthering your growth of knowledge. When we knock a book off a shelf it’s because we want you to read it. And when we lay down in the middle of whatever it is you are reading, it isn't because we are demanding attention, it’s because we want to talk with you and make sure you understand the message within that book’s pages.

So remember, the next time you get upset at one of us for chewing on your favorite copy of Pride and Prejudice or get creeped out by those long intent stares that we like to throw your way, it’s not because we are seeking to destroy things or kill you. It’s because we want you to read what we have helped bring forth into this world, because really, how else are we going to subliminally guide your entire race?

Find Cameron & her Felines Online:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

So the rumors are true! I really didn't believe them until I showed up here at A Life Bound By Books and saw it with my very own eyes. But they’re true!!!

Lisa’s blog has been hijacked.

Oh my gosh! I am so excited... I mean, I’m so worried about Lisa. If her blog has been taken over by a bunch of rogue book bloggers then where is she? If she were okay she never would have let us have a free-for-all on her blog. Lisa’s way too much the professional for that.

I've been told that she’s on a “family vacation” but I have my own theories about where she really is and it most certainly isn't on vacation. After all, Lisa knows that there is no such thing as a break for us tireless book bloggers. And she never would have taken a break from reading. I've seen pictures of her bookshelves, she’s way too much of a book addict for that.

And... she would never have let me take over her blog for a second, let alone a day. I do have a tendency to cause mischief. Or ramble on endlessly, much to many a reader’s chagrin.

But here I am. And here she’s not. So I’m going to take full advantage.

And I’m going to share exactly what I think happened to Lisa which led to the opening up of her book blog’s proverbial doors.

First, let me let you in on a little secret. That expression “getting lost in a book” isn't just an expression. No. It’s true. As any avid reader will tell you, every so often someone they know gets lost in a book.

That’s right. The story grabs hold and pulls them right in. Sometimes at the story’s end they’re allowed to return to their lives. Other times... well... they’re so caught up by the story that they never return. And they’re only seen again when the book goes into a second printing... or if it does.

Well that’s what I believe happened to Lisa. It was no family vacation that caused her to leave her book blog unattended. To be taken over. To be hijacked. No. Lisa is organized. She’s a planner. If she were truly going on vacation she’d have prepared and scheduled posts to cover those days of her absence. And she wouldn't truly be absent.

But to allow days and weeks to go by without even a peep... well, that’s not like Lisa at all. Which only reinforces my belief that she was swallowed up by one of the tomes she had been perusing.

As I hadn't been closely following Lisa’s reading piles immediately prior to her disappearance, I am not certain where to even begin to guess.

I can only hope she wasn't reading Julie Kagawa’s THE ETERNITY CURE. While Lisa may very well have the skills to survive as an Unregistered, things have taken a bit of a darker turn in this sequel. And I’m not confident of Lisa’s fortitude to withstand all the horrors that have befallen New Covington. Even if she does manage to make it through, the series doesn't end with this book, which means it could be awhile before she’d be allowed to return.

And I hope she hasn't gone back in time to the world of shadowhunters and downworlders in Cassandra Clare’s CLOCKWORK PRINCESS. Because there is just too much of a temptation to remain in that world with those characters. And as Lisa is quite familiar with life across the pond, she just might not want to return to reality and her book blog. She may even choose to stay lost in that world until such time as Jace, Clary, Simon, Alec and Isabelle make their appearance.




Maybe, just maybe, she’s lost in Brodi Ashton’s EVERBOUND with the Everlivings. Trapped in a maze that is fraught with peril. Or perhaps she’s decided to try and save Varen Nethers in Kelly Creagh’s ENSHADOWED, a book she’d been anxious to read. But a world that dark would be nearly impossible to escape, so I hope she’s not lost there.


Hopefully she’s lost in a romance, though her appearance would potentially turn a love story into a love triangle and that would make it a bittersweet or even tragic one. And I know Lisa wouldn't want to get in the way of anyone’s happily ever after. So, I suppose I hope she’s not lost in that type of story either.

Well... I could go on guessing, but I don’t think I’ll ever know, unless or until Lisa decides to reappear, the book decides to release her, or her name becomes etched forever on the story’s pages in a subsequent printing.

I will just keep my fingers crossed for her safety and her safe return. And I’ll grin just a little bit because I got the chance to take over her lovely blog for a day, even if it is without her permission.

And no, I am not in the least bit ashamed that I have hijacked A Life Bound By Books. It’s just so pretty here. If I could, I’d stay just a little bit longer. But there is a code amongst thieves.

Before I go, though, I just want to say one thing to Lisa...

Lisa, whatever book you are lost in, in whatever world you’re navigating, with whatever friends and foes you encounter, I hope it’s one that you are enjoying enough to make the fact that your blog has been hijacked not quite so upsetting.

And if you do return with a vengeance against those who have taken over your little space on the interwebs, I seriously hope that no one taught you how to use a katana, a broadsword or crossbow. And I really hope you know how awesome I think you are.

Find Rachel Online:

Fiktshun | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr

Hey everyone. I’m really happy to be visiting Lisa’s blog today. When I was trying to think of a post idea I just kept thinking of how some of us book lover’s have crazy book habits. I’m sure you all have some too. Here are a few of mine. 

Crazy Book Habits

1.  One book at a time.

I hate reading more than one book at a time. It bugs me and I’m not sure why. Right now I have 4 books that I’m “currently reading” on Goodreads and it drives me nuts! Odd, right? But I think it’s because I just like to focus on that one story, get it finished, and move on. I know a lot of people who read way more than one book and they don’t get twitchy every time they see their Goodreads page. -- Not me! It may have to do with my insane ideas of organization and if there isn’t just one book being read, my life is chaos. Do you see the connection? ;)

2.  Do NOT bend the pages *gasp*

I see old books that have dog eared pages and I know it shows their character, but...I can’t do it. I always try to be so very careful with my books and flipping down the corner of a page would make me break out in hives. Again, maybe it’s linked to some of my organizational/perfectionist tendencies. It’s not like I’m a neat freak (trust me! You should see my house), but I am when it comes to my books. This also goes along with the idea of not bending the spine of the book. I have in the past. Those darn tiny romance novels are hard to read without it bending some, but for my YA books, they are kept in mint condition! My house can look like a tornado touched down in the living room, but darn it, those books will be spotless!

3.  Bookshelf Organization (and the lack of...)

Yes, it’s true. I like my bookshelf to be organized. Too bad that I have way too many books for the bookshelf. Right now books are piled on the main top of my shelf; siting in front, on top, and sideways. My goal is to one day have a huge built-in bookshelf but for now, I’m dealing with 2 tiny bookshelves for my “to read” pile, and another for my “read” pile. But, when I do have the ability to keep things more organized, hardback books are kept together, paperback together, signed copies together. Books in a series are together and everything is organized by height. I used to have a few shelves strictly dedicated to ARCs and the books that I had to read soon. Now, not so much. My happiest day will be when my build-in shelf is ready to go and I am standing there waiting to add my books to the shelf. I’m sure I will spend hours sorting and organizing and I feel feel like a kid who just got a lifetime pass to Disney World.

4.  Must..STOP...reading....series. BUT I CAN’T!

I know a lot of people have to break up with a series. You just can’t get along, you have loved and hated each other for a while and it’s just time to go your separate ways. I just .... CAN’T! Okay, in some cases I have stopped reading a series a few books into it but I would never count it out. I just don’t go out of my way to get the new books. In my mind the series is still a little blip on my radar and someday I may get back to it. I just feel loyalty to the series and it’s hard to break. For example, the House of Night series. That series was one of the first ones I picked up over 2 years ago. I adored the first few books. I hadn’t read a lot of paranormal YA but it really grabbed me. Then...it kinda lost me somewhere around the middle. But, I just couldn’t let it go! So I read 2 more books in the series last year and liked them. Now I have the most recent book and hope to read it soon. I know that I’m too far gone to stop now. It would drive me nuts to not know what happens to these characters. I’ll just keep chugging along. Even when I’d like to scream and throw my book across the room, don’t worry..I hate bending pages, remember? So the book is safe. :)

Do you all think I’m crazy yet? Maybe just a little? I know it’s okay because true book lovers do have some slightly crazy habits. I feel like I am good company with my obsessive tendencies towards my book collection.

Go ahead, spill the beans! What are your crazy book habits?

Find Jessica Online:

Blog | Twitter | Goodreads

Together, we co-host - Haunted Halloween, Top 10 Week and Blogger Talk, Novel Exposed.

Jessica, thanks so much for taking over my blog today! I'm excited to have you here. My BFF, partner in crime. Feel free to take over my blog ANYTIME! <3