A Life in Books with Sam from Clues and Reviews

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This evening I welcome fellow blogger Sam from Clues and Reviews to discuss books that she has loved in A Life in Books.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

I’m Sam, the blogger behind Clues and Reviews. By day, I am a teacher and by night, I read mystery, suspense and thriller titles. Anything crime fiction? I’ll read it! Besides reading, I enjoy trying to take selfies with my dog (who is un-cooperative) and baking.

1. What was you favourite book from childhood?

My first memory of really loving a book was Flowers in the Attic by V.C Andrews. My mom bought me a copy from a used bookstore when I was eight. My grandmother almost had a heart attack when she caught me reading it!

2. What type of books did you read as a teenager?

You’d probably be surprised to know that I loved any sort of teenage romance; if it had a title with a pun in it and a geeky girl who was in love with the popular boy, I was probably reading it.

3. When you were at school what was your favourite book you studied?

Night by Elie Wiesel. I am a history geek and have always been fascinated by human survival stories so this one really got under my skin; it was has always been one of my favourites to read and to teach. I am always in awe of his story and his ability to forgive.

4. What is your favourite classic book?

Ooh! Good question! I majored in English Literature in University so I have read many a classic. I have always been a huge fan of The Great Gatsby and The Sun Also Rises. I am a huge fan of American expatriate literature. I also love anything by the Southern Gothic writers; Flannery O’Conner, William Faulker.

5. What would you consider to be one of the best books you have had over the last 5 years?

This is a hard question! I have read all kinds of amazing books- especially lately. I think one that I go back to and constantly recommend would be The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson. I had been in a book slump for a few years after I first stated teaching, I read this one and it reignited my love of reading.

6. What book to you think you should read but never get round to?

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I feel like it is a crime fiction staple but I never have enough time!

7. What do you consider to be your favourite book ?

You know, I couldn’t even answer this question if I tried! Depending on my mood and the time and the year, this would be continuously changing. I do know for sure I am always a fan of Ania Ahlborn books and I love Tess Gerritsen. I also am a huge fan of the Harry Potter series; I re-read them every year at Christmas time. I’d say those are all my favourites.

8. Is there a book that you have started but been unable to finish?
Yes and I always feel so guilty!

9. If you were stranded on a desert Island which 2 books would you want to have with you?
Lord of the Flies and Robinson Crusoe. Maybe I’d be able to pick up some tips for survival!