In the Spotlight ~ "Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer"

Thanks for stopping by today, it is another addition of "In the Spotlight", where I invite a fellow blogger over to answer a few questions. Today we are being joined by Kimba from 'Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer'.

Welcome Kimba! I personally want to thank Kimba, she was one of the first GFC friends here at Forever Book Lover. She is always popping in and commenting. I can't tell you what it means to have someone stop by and respond to my posts and share my love of books.  Thank you so much!

Ok, so now let's find out more about Kimba….

When and how did you decide to become a book blogger?
I was posting my reviews on B&N and Goodreads, when a friend online suggested I start a book review blog and begin receiving ARC’s. It was suggested at a perfect time in my life. I have two children in college and one in high school, and my days as a soccer Mom are rapidly coming to a close. I found myself with a lot more free time and to be honest I was a little lonely.

What’s the hardest part of being a book blogger?
Eek! Saying No, to wonderfully promising author’s who want you to review their novel and sending a letter to an author stating you gave their book a two.

This is a multiple question: How many followers do you have? How did your blog get so popular? How long did it take to rise to that level?
If I add all the options to follow me…I have around 1100 followers. I began my blog on August 11, 2011. I had two followers, who told two followers, who told…….you get the point. I set up a Facebook page and twitter account and shared it with my family and friends. They helped me reach my first twenty-five followers and from there it grew. I also follow blogs and comment on them, others see it and stop by my blog. I made friends on Goodreads and shared my skills with them and vice-versa. More importantly, I give the best, honest review that I can. I avoid spoilers and I always take the time to comment back. I never want my blog to become so big that I no longer can connect with my followes. I love books, talking about and sharing them…….I think that comes across on my blog and its help it grow.

I love your blog's name, Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, how and why did you come up with that name? 
Ok, first I wanted something that was a reflection of me. Coffee to me is the nectar of the Gods. I love it, love it, love it!! As for Kimba, I was using it as a user name on B&N and Goodreads, since it was a nickname my father gave me. My first name is Kimberly and he called me, Kimba, after the Golden book with the title Kimba the White Lion. It is also a Japanese Anime cartoon. It’s unique and my followers seem to love that and my coffee cup rating system..LOL

What is your preferred reading device, a Kindle or a Nook (or another electronic book reader), or do you prefer reading a traditional book?
I have a nook original and recently received a Nook Tablet. I absolutely love it. Since I read an awful lot of books and series, and I wanted to be able to carry them everywhere; it was important to me, that it have an expandable memory. I also wanted to be able to get books from the library, goggle and book depository. With nook I am able to do all of it. I can even watch Supernatural and Dr. Who on it. J All of the e-readers on the market today are great, you just need to find the one that works for you.

Who are your three favorite authors?
Only 3 *gasps, and sighs* This is such a tough question for me, since I read so many genres -Kat Richardson author of the Greywalker series, Tahereh Mafi author of Shatter Me and Harper Lee author of To Kill a Mockingbird are on my list of top 100 authors at the moment.

Any words of wisdom to new bloggers?
Review books you enjoy old and new, be honest with your reviews but respectful when giving a bad review. If you do not like something about a book, say so but also say why and if you can, say what would have made it better. Network, and most of all have fun sharing books!

Which author would you most like to meet (dead or alive)? Tell us more..
Wow, you really want to make me think this morning..Hmm Harper Lee for sure. I loved her book and wish she had written more. I’d like to know about her life. I’d also like to meet Jayne Anne Krentz, aka. Amanda Quick, aka. Jayne Castle. She writes the Arcane Society (paranormal series). It is fascinating to me how she writes with three names, each in different period. Her, Amanda Quick novels take place in the past. Krentz is contemporary and Castle is futuristic. The cool thing is that all of these tales tie together.

How big is your TBR pile? How many books do you read/review in a month?
*fidgets in her seat uncomfortably* Do we really have to talk about that..I mean doesn’t everyone have a room full of books, buy a dozen or so a month and have seven hundred or so on their e-reader????

I read/review between 15 and 25 books a month. It depends on how many ARC’s I have accepted.

Finally, if someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be a best seller. I live an ordinary life. I’d like to think a good one. My family is very important to me and that has been the focus of my life. My nest will be empty in a few years as my youngest enters college……..so I will have an opportunity to do more things…who knows maybe I’ll do something interesting! Right now, I guess the title would be She lived, She loved, She Hoped (She read a lot!!)

On a Personal Note:

I have been married for twenty-five years to my best friend who indulges my love of books. He has sat patiently many times, while I finish that last chapter. We have three beautiful children and currently live in the Midwest, USA. I was born in New Jersey and have lived in Florida and Virginia.

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Kat,

Thanks so much for having me on your site and for making me think. I had a wonderful time. I am off to get another cup of coffee! Have a great day.

Kimba


Thanks Kimba it was a blast.