Introducing: Joel, Associate Book Reviewer

Today I'm lucky enough to welcome another associate reviewer to In The Next Room. Joel reads a lot and will be able to add some sci-fi and fantasy reviews to the blog, something I don't usually get around to myself! Here's a nice little introduction from Joel, and you can look forward to seeing his reviews around in the future :)

Hello to all! My name is Joel, I’m almost thirty, a husband, father, trainer, reader and, now thanks to Zoe, reviewer! Being a voracious reader, who averages between 150 to 200 books in a year, I have often thought about getting into the book review blogging scene. So I’m really excited for this opportunity to share with you all some of my thoughts on the books I have read.

My reading tastes tend to the science fiction/fantasy side of the spectrum, but I also enjoy historical (fiction and non), thrillers, more literary offerings, memoirs, indie published works and pretty much anything as long as it is well written and tells a good story. Reading has always been a huge part of my life – I was the family member who would sit in a corner during family reunions with my nose stuck in a book and who used to get bookshop gift certificates as presents! I’m sure most can relate!
 

Following in Meghan’s footsteps, I thought I’d share my top five books from 2012:

1. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

2. Winter of the World by Ken Follett

3. Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon

4. Shadow of Freedom by David Weber

5. The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye

You can find me here on Goodreads, my blog, or here at my Twitter account, @RavenusReader

Introducing: Meghan, Associate Book Reviewer

Two weeks ago, I put out a request for an associate book reviewer on In The Next Room. I wasn't sure if I'd find anyone, because I really wanted the right match for the site and for me. Luckily, I heard from Meghan! Her background, personality, and quality of writing all let me know she was perfect for In The Next Room. You can expect to see her reviews about once a week, and they'll be clearly identified. I'm so excited to welcome Meghan to In The Next Room. Here's a little introduction directly from her :)

My name is Meghan and I’m a 20 year old college student studying Creative Writing, Theatre, and Art History. My dream is to be a book reviewer—and for me, dreams really do come true here In the Next Room! I am so excited to become a reviewer for the site!

I read mainly fiction, though I do appreciate a good memoir or essay collection. I love poetry, short stories, YA fiction of all flavors, plays, mysteries, historical fiction, GLBTQ, fantasy, sci-fi, true crime, and independently published works. (Particularly those from authors in Ohio or Colorado—my two homes!)

I devour books like most people eat chocolate chip cookies: frequently, quickly, and with great joy.

The best books I’ve read so far in 2012:

1. Enchantments by: Kathryn Harrison

2. Rules of Civility by: Amor Towles

3. John Dies at the End by: David Wong

4. My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales edited by: Kate Bernheimer

5. The Catch Trap by: Marion Zimmer Bradley

You can find me here on Goodreads or here at my Twitter account, @meghanc303

In The Next Room is on FACEBOOK

Hey fellow book lovers, I got a Facebook page set up for In The Next Room and I would love if you would join it! I still have a few kinks to iron out but it's ready and waiting for your attention. Being a fan will also get you an extra entry in all my future giveaways, and I've got some awesome ones planned now that I'm back from hiatus. There will also be links to other great giveaways and to posts on the blog, so you don't miss them.

To follow, click here: http://www.facebook.com/InTheNextRoom

New Layout!

I did a lot of work on a new layout all by myself that I am very happy with, so if you are readings this from an RSS feed you should definitely come by and check out the new look at the blog.

Sneak peek:

Now I just need to learn better how to make blog buttons and whatnot, I've deleted my old one for now because I wasn't very happy with it, hopefully I'll have a new one up soon.