Little Known Blogs: Girl Who Reads

I will be hosting a new feature Little Known Blogs, in order to give the spotlight to blogs that I love that deserve a little more attention. In order to be considered for this feature you must have less than 200 followers and have great content. If you’d like to be considered for this feature please fill out this form.

This week’s feature: Girl Who Reads

Girl Who Reads, has a unique design and has great reviews.

MTR: Welcome to Mission to Read, Donna! Why did you start your blog?


GWR: I have always enjoyed reading. I often recorded my thoughts at Goodreads.com, but I was only telling friends (which I was doing in person, too). Then I began working for a publishing house in their marketing department. I was introduced to the world of book blogging. I loved how people would interact on the blogs and wanted to be part of it.


MTR: What is your favorite part of blogging?


GWR: The interactions with other people. I have met many people. Several of us chat on Twitter and the conversation grew to include so many people we started a hashtag - #bookbloghelp. We have impromptu chats whenever one or more of us are on Twitter and encourage other book bloggers to join us.


MTR: What book is your current obsession? (The one that you're so in love with at the moment)


GWR: I'm obsessed with Ted Dekker. I just finished his latest and oh, my. It is the best book of 2011 hands down. Everyone should read The Priest's Graveyard.


MTR: What do you when you aren't blogging or reading?


GWR: I work full-time at my local university and part-time for a new small press. I also swim several nights a week. Most of my time not filled with reading is taken up with my 2 dogs (a shih tzu/Jack Russell mix and a schnauzer). They seem to want to walk every time I sit down with a book. I also love spending time with my niece and nephew.


Please link any posts you'd like to give more attention.


This is the first review I posted on my blog. I really enjoyed the book and the author even sent me a comment on it.


Probably my favorite unknown book that I reviewed was The Gateway Chronicles and the sequel The Oracle.


Sample Review:

My Obsession Continues

The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker

Hardcover, 360 pages

Published April 2011 by Center Stage

ISBN 9781599953342

Read May 2011

I am so obsessed with Ted Dekker's writing it's not funny. I can't remember the last book that I paid full price for and purchased in a real bookstore. I usually look for the best deal online or wait for the library to get a copy. I tried to with The Priest's Graveyard, but I couldn't wait. I went to my local Barnes and Noble and paid full price for the book. Best purchase ever (well, my Nook might take that title).


Since I started blogging about what I'm reading, I've realized that I read a Ted Dekker book at least once a month. I have mentioned in other reviews of Dekker books that I sometimes struggle with the first 100 pages. Not the case with The Priest's Graveyard. I started it on a Friday night and, if I hadn't had to be somewhere on Saturday morning, I would have stayed up all night. After the first 20 pages, I knew it was going to be the best book of 2011.


Dekker always hits a nerve with his books, making the reader think about their basic beliefs of right and wrong. None of Dekker's novels are easy reads and require a lot of thought to really enjoy. However, his writing is superb. And The Priest's Graveyard is the cream of the crop, each word perfectly crafted. I really came to care for the characters of Danny and Renee. I had to remind myself at several points that the story was being retold and that Danny and Renee were safe.


The moral argument that Dekker delves into in The Priest's Graveyard seems simple on the surface: murder is murder. Yet, who wouldn't want to hunt down and kill the man who raped and murdered your mother and sisters? What about your neighbor who beats his wife? Or the politician who kills a prostitute? Where does one draw the line?


Dekker has a habit of linking his books together. While I believe The Priest's Graveyard is a stand alone book, the ending is some what open. We know the direction Danny and Renee are moving in, but we don't know the outcome of their decision. This is probably the only negative comment I have about the book. I guess you can say I'm stilling struggling with what is right and wrong in their situation. I care so much for these two characters and want them to have a happy ever after. I worry a little more for Renee than Danny, because I'm not convinced she wasn't brainwashed into doing what she did.


I highly recommend The Priest's Graveyard. If you like psychological thrillers that also challenge your notions of morality and society rules, then get this book now (you won't be disappointed).


Thanks for being with us today, Donna!

Categories: Little Known Blogs