1000 + Books to Read

Welcome to the first edition of This & That. What's that you say? Well it's a little of this and a little of that.We are trying to bring more content to 1000 + Books to Read beyond Reviews. You'll be seeing posts from Authors, more Giveaways (Yay) and more from us.

Who's Us? That's exactly the point of This & That. Do you know anything about the Reviewer here? Or who is that person(s) you're talking to on Facebook and Twitter? You're about to!

Hi! I'm Melissa. I'm the Reviewer and the Mastermind behind 1000 + Books to Read. I'm the person who started this blog in March of 2010 while getting back into my love of reading and thought it'd be 'cool' to put my thoughts out in the bloggy world. Basically I needed some where to chat about books because there are barely any readers in my social life. Here we are in 2011 and I can't even believe the response this has generated. I can't believe I'm being sent books to read! My hobby has turned into a second job and I couldn't be happier.

Reading has always been a part of my life but it's become even more important to me within the last couple of years. I've had some major injuries to my spine that has altered my lifestyle in a drastic way. I use to go out dancing and be a social butterfly and now I can barely grocery shop. Books have become my escape. I can live out adventures, do things that I can't do in real life through my books.

I thought it would be a good thing to change things up a bit here at 1000 + Books to Read and I'm slowly coming up with new ideas that I think will bring more life to the Blog. But this isn't just about me.. this is about you all too! If YOU have an idea, something you'd like to see more of, please let me know!

Now before I ramble on anymore I want to give a big THANK YOU to Jen. Jen has taken on the task of helping manage the Facebook Page for the Blog and she has done an excellent job. Not only that she has been instrumental in accomplishing every task that I've asked for. She has been such a HUGE help and I wouldn't be able to do half the things we plan to do without her.

Until next week, Ladies and Gents: Be safe, no paper cuts!

You’re fired”. Sound familiar? No, I’m not talking about Donald Trump. And OK. Maybe these exact words were not uttered to me.  “I’m sorry. With this economy, I have no choice but to lay you off.” That what more like what was said. The sting was still the same.  I worked for almost 7 years at this job. My first real office job, a small place, which I thought would be more like family. I knew that there was a great possibility that I would be laid off. We had hours cut. Big accounts were lost. No new accounts were brought on. And yet, I was still stung at the end, at 4:30 on a Friday. I didn’t even get all of my stuff from my desk.  Even after all my years of dedicated loyalty, I was refused a letter of recommendation. (“But I wish you luck.”) I walked to the train station, like a bag lady, with my belongings wondering what I was going to do now? 

That was 5 months ago. My life has drastically changed. Downsized and moved all in just a few months. Still searching for a job and figuring out life. But, I bring all this up not for a pity party, but to bring up the next point. 

My getting the ax is how I ended up being involved with this great page. I am on Facebook so much between taking breaks from job searching and no job, that I was approached by Melissa and that she would love to have me help her admin her page. I am happy to be involved with 1000+Books to Read. I have met so many great authors and readers and people on Facebook. I love the interaction. It definitely helps me not feel so alone out there. I look forward to getting to know all of you better as well. 

So about me... Well, like all of you...love to read. I read all genres of books. I do mean everything. I love horror, suspense, chick lit, paranormal, urban fantasy, romance, etc. Too many favorites to name!

Writing is my therapy. I need to do it more instead of just thinking about it. Writers write!

Music- All types of music. Classic, 80’s & Alternative Rock, Country & some Top 40.  Too many favorites to name!

Movies-Comedies, Scary & Epic movies are top. I enjoy Classic movies and Disney/Animated movies too. Oh, and some great 80’s movies!  And I am a Star Wars nerd.  Be warned. I quote a lot. Star Trek and Lord of the Rings Trilogy too!

I have an interest in haunted places, ghosts & spirits. I am hooked on Ghost Adventures. I haven’t been to any haunted places yet, but I hope to someday. Stanley Hotel...here I come! 

I love NBA and NHL. I like MLB & NASCAR too. Even some WWE.CENA!  I live with my husband and cats in a small apartment in suburban Chicago. We take our sports seriously here in Chicago! And White Sox...in case you were wondering...

So, see we will have lots to discuss each Sunday. This is just the beginning. I look forward to Sundays, when we discuss this and that! Feel free to comment! 

May the force be with you! 

Stay Tuned each Sunday for a dose of This & That!