Orsayor: What factors are important to you when choosing a book to read?
Shannan: Usually, I stick with authors I’m familiar with. If it’s a new author, I will try them out if some one I’m familiar with recommends them. Sometimes I’ll chance it if the cover or the blurb about the book is just so outstanding I have to see what it’s about. Also when I go to certain book events, Like the Cavalcade of Authors in Chicago. I know the organizers make sure that the Authors there are passionate about their work and will make sure it’s right before it’s printed and sold. Nothing irritates a reader like me more than a book that does not flow or is not edited properly. My reading list is also influenced by some of my favorite bloggers, including Black Page Turners, Reading in Black and White, Books, Beauty and Stuff and of course, Book Referees.
Orsayor: Who are your favorite authors and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Shannan: (Disclaimer: This list does not mean I don’t like my other Authors, I just know space is limited and there is no way I could list everyone J)
All of my authors are favorites. One of my favorites is Victoria Christopher Murray, because I’ve been reading her books the longest and you can tell she puts so much passion in her work. Another is E. N. Joy, because her writing is like a soap opera for Christians, and you can tell through her writing that she is truly inspired by God, Including Pat Simmons, Michelle Stimpson and all the others. Actually all of the Christian Fiction Authors I have read you can tell through their writing is God inspired. Another favorite is Naleighna Kai. Her books are just simply great. I mean, some of the titles and concepts she comes up with is just phenomenal.
Orsayor: If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
Shannan: My life is truly boring, so I don’t know if there’s really a title for it. I am working on trying to get out more and travel a little more.
Orsayor: Where is your favorite place to read?
I read anywhere, but in my room I have a chair with ottoman right next to one of my bookshelves that is considered my reading corner.
Orsayor: What factors are important to you when choosing a book to read? Reviews? A Recommendation from a friend? The cover?
Shannan: The only reviews I pay attention to are the ones from the people I follow, so that doesn’t necessarily influence my interest. Some of the reviews I’ve seen are truly insane, like they give it 1 star because their kindle wasn’t working. What is important is the author or a recommendation from a favorite, a favorite blogger, or a recommendation from someone in the FB Page Turner group.
Orsayor: Do you prefer eBooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
Shannan: All of the above. I could care less about the format, as long as it’s a good read.
Orsayor: Most people say the book is better than the movie. Is this true for you?
Shannan: Sometimes. The Secret She Kept as well as The Vow, the Movie was just as good as the book. And I’ve heard a lot of people say that they didn’t like the book Queen Sugar, but I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the TV Show
Orsayor: If you were shipwrecked on a desert island what 3 books would you want with you?
Shannan: Stand Your Ground by Victoria Christopher Murray – When all is said and prayed by E. N. Joy – The Path from Pain to Purpose by Kendra Norman Holmes.
ABOUT SHANNAN HARPER
Besides reading, my loves are Jesus, Coffee, Fishnets and Shoes in that order. I am the oldest living child of 4 and the only girl. I work in the Health Care profession and have been doing that for 16 years. Between reading, I do make the time to hang out with my adopted sisters. I am also a play Aunt to 4 beautiful girls, and three handsome boys. And it just so happens that my 10-year-old niece is a reader just like her Aunt.
