Armchair BEA Introduction

So, I'm a very new book blogger . . . pretty much clueless about blogging, the Bookternet, etc. I'm not new to loving great books, of course, but I jumped headfirst into blogging knowing, um, ZILCH, about how to do it. Yeah, you know, not the best idea. Anyway, apparently it is de rigeur for book bloggers to gather at BookExpo America in NYC this week. I am so green that I didn't even know about this until it was too late to arrange to attend. And I live in a nearby state. I'm not even sure what bloggers DO at BEA ... but book giveaways and meeting for drinks have been mentioned a lot on Twitter, so clearly I am missing out on something very important!

Fortunately, I have just discovered something called Armchair BEA that allows bloggers to participate virtually .... "a conference for book bloggers in the comfort of our favorite chair." Perfect, and I'll add a glass of wine tonight so I don't feel so bitter missing all the "meeting for drinks!" Alright, so Armchair BEA asks that you introduce yourself by answering a few questions. Looks like I'm a day late to the party, but here goes:

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? Where in the world are you blogging from?

I've been blogging for only a little over a month, from the lovely (truly!) state of New Jersey. I got into blogging because I love to talk about books... and although I participate in 2 books clubs and have been posting reviews on Goodreads for a few years, I needed a place to really let loose my inner Book Goof. And, you know, not have people laugh. I'd like to find other Book Goofs to connect with!

Describe your blog in just one sentence. Then, list your social details so we can connect more online.

Ok, one sentence: "My blog Readers' Oasis is brand-spanking new, and no doubt full of ridiculous newbie mistakes, but also, I hope, has some insights to offer about new literary, historical, and contemporary fiction and assorted bookish topics."

On Twitter, I'm @Leila_A_Rice. Very happy to connect with other book bloggers on Twitter! My Facebook account is not book-related, at this point (do bloggers make a separate FB account for their book-related content?) and I haven't ventured onto Instagram yet. Pinterest scares me. I'm interested in what other bloggers do; how many different social media platforms do you really have to participate in to be considered active in the blogging community?

What was your favorite book read last year? What's your favorite book so far this year?

Last year, tie between Khaled Hosseini, "And the Mountains Echoed" and Amor Towles, "Rules of Civility." This year, so far, I think "Frog Music" by Emma Donoghue.

What does your favorite/ideal reading space look like?

In a lounge chair, beach or poolside! Or in the rocking chair on my porch. In winter, in my armchair, the piece of furniture closest to the fireplace. Oddly, other family members seem to think they can sit there.

Share your favorite book or reading related quote.

"Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them." Lemony Snicket, Horseradish.

(By the way, credit to Amber of Shelf Notes for the cool Armchair BEA image above!)