Confessions of a Book Freak

Thu, May 3, 2012

Confessions of a Book Freak

I’ve been thinking a lot lately that if you guys REALLY knew some of the things I think about when it comes to books…well, you might think I’m CRAZY.

But, I figure we all have our idiosyncrasies. Maybe you get physically ill when someone bends the spine or turns over the page on your books. Or maybe you’ve already got the names of your future children planned out and they’re, like, Rosalie and Jasper or something.

I DON’T KNOW, but I know I won’t judge it.

So, I hope you won’t judge mine:

Oh, trust me, we’re just scratching the surface here. I could go on. FOR A LONG TIME.*

I hope you’ll share a few of your bookish confessions in the comments below. Because, truly, I can’t be the only crazy one…

* For a few more, see my post “Top 10 Bookish Lies I’ve Told”.

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Posted by: Anna • In: me yes me

53 Comments

Jamie said:

These are all the things that make me LOVE YOU and why we get along so well. I MISS YOUR FACE <33 Even if it's craaaaazypants about books sometimes. ALSO, why didn't we scream I LOVE BOOKS as we walked into Anderson's or RT?? lol We could have announced ourselves.
Jamie recently posted..Eve by Anna Carey

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Ginger @ GReads! said:

We both know how crazy I am. This is why we’re friends, BECAUSE WE CAN BE CRAZY TOGETHER. It just is. Always will be. It’s also why I love you!

P.S. I want to see a Marcus Flutie stick figure.

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Jenn said:

Some people think I’m crazy because I say that I love the smell of books. But don’t judge me people, book stores make me crazy. They closed the one around my house, that’s why I use amazon. We can be crazy together though!

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Terri said:

I do the same thing regarding bookshelves, ESPECIALLY if I’ve been on Pinterest a lot. Wouldn’t it be just amazing to be able to design a library? Get some good lighting, maybe a window seat, and then all the wall space for built in bookshelves, and they could have one of those roll-y ladders like in Beauty and the Beast!!! <–I got carried away there, didn't I?
Terri recently posted..Review: “Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception” by Maggie Stiefvater

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Kelly said:

When I buy a house, I’m going to make sure to get a two-bedroom house, just so I can maybe finally have those floor-to-ceiling bookshelves I’ve been wanting.

I mean, I’m jealous of Belle in Beauty and the Beast because of the Beast’s library. Um. . . . Probably not so good to be jealous of a Disney character, right? I’m book crazy in so many ways.

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
elena said:

ummmm yes! I am super picky about my books. I don’t really let people borrow them anymore unless I have another copy or okay with it being in less than perfect condition. I’ve learned my lessons! ALSO I have a HUGE thing for covers, I definitely judge a book by one. I get so happy every time I’m in a bookshop!
elena recently posted..(pretty girls make graves) review: fury by shirley marr

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Cathy (Lay Off The Books) said:

Mmmm, floor to ceiling bookshelves! I get angry when people don’t return my books. I know which one is missing and it irritates me. Plus the other books get sad when their friends go away. Great vid!
Cathy (Lay Off The Books) recently posted..Bumped by Megan McCafferty

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Alwyn said:

I am EXACTLY the same about the subway. I have started taking longer journey home so that I change to my train home four stops early JUST because that makes it more likely for me to get a seat and be able to read the whole way home.In fact a guy once stepped in front of me and grabbed the last seat. I glared at him until he pulled out a copy of the Hunger Games, and then I forgave him. A worthy cause.

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Karin said:

I am as crazy as you! I think this is toally normal for book freaks – as we all are
I tried to perfect my skills btw; I can now read on the subway even without a free seat. It is hard but worth it.
When I am really into a book I prepare a mock exam for the kids I am tutoring just that I can read my book while they do it. Shame on me, I know but that’s hwo crazy I am.
On days when I am in a bad mood I often visit a bookstore because everytime I enter one I start smiling and be happy again. Last year while in vacation in London I spent one whole bookish day (thank God, my mum is just as crazy as I am) – went to the British library and then to a huge, mega amazing bookstore. Not enough time to see everything but I had books all around myself for a whole day – but a lot too but I think that’s life
Greetings from Austria,
Karin
Karin recently posted..… in books

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Jessie Marie said:

YES! I am the exact same way! The reading on public transportation has become such an issue that I’ll go out of my way to get on an earlier stop so that I have a seat and can read!

And bookstores? Heaven on earth, or at least in my opinion. My boyfriend won’t go with me anymore cause I get all starry-eyed and forget he’s there with me.

But, he does understand my obsession. And presented me with “his plans for my personal library” when we build our house in a few years. Now THAT is love right there. ; )

Great post! Love your drawings – they look just like me!
Jessie Marie recently posted..FF | 4 May 2012

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
VeganYANerds said:

I love your videos, Anna! I think we’re all a bit crazy when it comes to books. I get annoyed if I have a spare 5 minutes somewhere but I don’t have a book with me! Also, I recognise some of those bookshelves from pinterest, they are awesome!
VeganYANerds recently posted..The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Lori said:

This made me giggle a lot! I am the exact same way. I suspect we all are. One of my reasons for loving Pinterest so much is looking at all the pretty bookshelves. AND here’s my big one: a couple of years ago my number 1 future baby girl name was Hadley Everdeen….now that THG is out there and BIG it’s not as appealing…but I do still kind of love it.
Fantastic post!
Lori recently posted..Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
jen said:

i’m so glad that you finally got to scream I LOVE BOOKS. because i remember you texting me saying that you really just wanted to tweet I LOVE BOOKS, but that people would probably think you’re crazy. NOT even. i always love stick anna videos <3

AND LOVE YO FACE.
jen recently posted..My Thoughts: Fateful by Claudia Gray

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
oda Oltedal said:

I agree on everything you say! whenever I get into a bookstore I scream of happyness inside ( not out loud but scream in my head I mean) I dream of working in a bookstore one day. that would be utter joy
I had an exam today but dident go so well because I daydreamt too much aout hot fictional guys
btw, I saw you had jane by april lindner on youre to read list on goodreads, I read that book last weekend. its fan-wait for it-tastic just as great as the original by bronte

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Lorren said:

I am SO with you on the Subway thing. When there aren’t seats on the Trax in my city I get so irrationally annoyed — how am I supposed to face the day without my 20 minutes of book time?

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Magan @ Rather Be Reading said:

Thanks for starting my morning off perfectly, Anna! I think that’s exactly what I needed to see! Yes, definitely crazy over here, too. I take every car ride as an opportunity to read. If I can’t read… I kind of feel like I’m *going* crazy..
Magan @ Rather Be Reading recently posted..Magan: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Michelle said:

I actually got really good at reading while standing on the train/bus the summer I lived in San Francisco. I believe I annoyed more than a few passengers by doing that though.
Michelle recently posted..April 2012 Books Recap

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Estelle said:

This is hysterical. I love it. I can totally relate to the subway thing. One thing I do is always have a back up book in my bag. My coworkers make fun of me for that one. Also the extreme giddiness i feel when get an email that my book is on hold at the library. That’s pretty great true. Or how I keep borrowing and buying books when I’m not reading what I already have? Oh yes. My wallet likes that one most. Great video & perfect post for a Friday! Have a great weekend!
Estelle recently posted..Magan: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Rachael said:

If you put a brown wig on your stick figure this video would be perfectly about me too! Love the return of the stick figure video!

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Dani Nguyen said:

Bwahaha! I love that video! And you’re definitely not alone!

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Nikki said:

Anna, I am right there with you on all of your book craziness! I especially agree with you on the “no seats on the el.” I will knock a little old lady out of the way in order to secure myself a spot. I’m not ashamed. I’m just also crazy about books!
Nikki recently posted..Top Ten Tuesday — Books to Movies

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Catherine said:

Oh Anna. I’m so glad we are always on the same brain wave. I LOVE this video!

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
SueT. said:

So is it crazy that while I’m telling myself I can’t buy anymore books until I read some of the books I already own, that I’m mentally planning on what I’m going to buy at the bookstore the next time I’m there??

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Meg said:

Your video made me smile! So cute. Yes, books make me crazy, too — especially when I’m too tired to read before bed, which is usually my quality reading time. I hate waking up in the morning with my reading light still on, book fallen on the floor. Argh!
Meg recently posted..On meeting (friends) online

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Melissa @ Harley Bear Book Blog said:

Do you have a whole board on pinterest just for your dream bookshelves? lol. As for the subway thing you could get an aduio book on your phone or ipod and listen to it while you stand? The only confession I have is I love the smell of new books and the smell of bookstores (books, coffee, and cookies) oh wait I just described barnes & noble lol
Melissa @ Harley Bear Book Blog recently posted..Random Thoughts Thursday: New Adult

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Sash from Sash and Em said:

HAHAHA. YES YES YES. I’m also “that person” in the bookstore casually browsing and when I see people pick up a book I’ve read and love I’m all, “OMGZ IT’S SO GOOD AND YOU SHOULD TOTALLY READ THIS ONE TOO. AND THIS ONE. AND THIS ONE. HERE HERE HERE.” and they look at me like I am off my rocker. hehehe.
Sash from Sash and Em recently posted..Why I Enjoyed The Chaos Walking Trilogy More Than The Hunger Games Trilogy

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Abigail said:

Oh Anna you are not alone!!! With everything from your video I have a few things to add for my craziness…

I feel like the characters are my best friends! And we have adventures sometimes when I daydream.

I live in a small town and so I was worried on Tuesday that I wouldn’t find Bitterblue or Insurgent. I had a couple mild freak outs at the stores and finally found them! In the stores I went to I had employees coming up to me asking me if I was ok.

I sit and read while I wait for everything and anything.

Also, I don’t know how this has always worked out, but every job I have or have had there be a lot of down time so I have been getting paid for reading for years!!!

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Abigail said:

OH! I also just love to smell books! If it’s at the library or a bookstore or someone else’s house, if not at my own house. OH gosh. I’m also known for reorganizing other peoples book shelves.

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
We Heart YA said:

LOL looooove your drawings! And yeah, no worries, you’re not alone. We are TOTALLY book crazy. We are read-while-you-walk (a la Disney’s Belle), read-while-your-kids-want-your-attention, listen-to-audiobooks-while-you-do-your-freelance-work, read-ALL-THE-FREAKING-TIME crazy.

Glad we’re not alone.
We Heart YA recently posted..Veronica Roth Author Event in Cincinnati

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Gnomegrlem said:

I also dream of bookshelves. Floor to ceiling bookshelves that I can arrange and rearrange to my hearts content. My family doesn’t go to bookstores with me because I’m constantly straightening and arranging.
Gnomegrlem recently posted..The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Sharon @ Fictionally Inclined said:

Loved the video! I definitely agree, particularly the bookshelves one. I can’t wait until I have a house/apartment with enough room for another bookshelf. And in my dreams, it will be a super cool one.

My craziness about books? Honestly, I tend to forget what’s “normal,” LOL. For instance, the other day, I opened up the new book I’d just received in the mail and smelled it without a second thought. One friend I was with at the time looked at me strangely and asked if I just smelled the book. I told her yes, and it was perfectly normal. Alas, she did not agree with me.

Other things? I have a book with me everywhere I go, even if I’m 99% sure I’m not going to need one. I read while I do everything. I keep a file of book quotes I love. I sometimes go with ridiculously little amounts of sleep, just so I can finish a book.
Sharon @ Fictionally Inclined recently posted..Review: The Story of Us by Deb Caletti

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Ashley said:

I do the same thing about bookshelves!

I guess the weirdest thing I do is giggle… a lot… when I read. I get to a part that isn’t necessarily funny, but just excites me in some way and I can’t help but shriek or giggle with excitement (often loudly). Then someone says “What’s so funny???” and I can’t even quote a funny line from the book because it usually ISN’T funny.. it’s usually just revealing some event that drives the book, or the start of a new romance, etc. But yeah, I giggle.
Ashley recently posted..Is Anyone Else Not Into eBooks?

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Ashley said:

Oh here’s another one for you…

All throughout high school I ditched all my friends during the 45 minute lunch break. I often skipped lunch completely, never hung out with my friends, and just camped out in the library every single day.
Ashley recently posted..Is Anyone Else Not Into eBooks?

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Jessica Conley said:

Omg!! That video was SO funny and pretty much summed up my craziness and then some!! Awesome video!! Very creative!!

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Kyle @ A Reader’s Pensieve said:

um, YES YES YES this is all perfect. When I walk into libraries, I feel like dancing and telling everyone that, no you don’t understand, I LOVE reading!! I want to tell the librarians that I want their jobs and I feel like I’m home when I walk in.

So yes. I am a freak too. And I love it.
Kyle @ A Reader’s Pensieve recently posted..Friday Check in 5/4

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Anne said:

You are definitely NOT crazy. I will walk in a bookstore, knowing I have no money to buy books, and knowing that it will be insanely difficult to resist the temptation, just so that I can be in the middle of all those bookshelves. I don’t really get the urge to yell about it necessarily, but I *do* feel so calm and collected in a bookstore it’s like “I could totally live here. That’s allowed, right?”

Trust me, those of us who are here blogging are the MOST likely to share your crazy. (And personally, I think it’s everybody else who is crazy, not us =P)
Anne recently posted..Book Review: Goddess Interrupted

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
manda-rae said:

Bookshelves!!!

Honestly, when I see a name I like in a book, I immediately ask my husband if it’s an acceptable baby name for our future kids.

Also, if I’m really into the book I’m reading, I’ll start to have bizarre dreams that spin off of the book. Like last night for example, I was reading a completely swoon-worthy romance novel, and then I had a nightmare of tons of swoon-worthy men chasing me around (I’m not an attention-grabber, especially when it involves the opposite sex).
manda-rae recently posted..The Last Song by Eva Wiseman

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
oda said:

reasons why am just as much as an book freak as you:
1, I have a picture of me reading on top of a steep mountain too into the plot, not thinking about where I walk at all.( that was 8 years ago, so it went fine
2. getting teary eye right now, because of all the books that am dying to read
Oda

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Heidi said:

I love you Anna, your videos always make my day. Here’s a confession for you: I have had serious panic attacks when thinking about how I will never have time in my life to read all of the books that I want to read. Asthma inhalers have been used, and I try not to think about it because I seriously freak out. I still remember the first time I walked into a Barnes and Nobel and almost fainted. =)
Heidi recently posted..Review: The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Jocelyn said:

lol Anna, this is priceless. I dont know if you’re old enough to remember the old American Express adds (AMEX ) the tag line was “dont leave home without it!” that’s me and books, no matter where I go I have a book or e-reader with me, hence my love for e-readers where I can actually have hundreds of books with me all the time.

I live in a fairly small town and when we first got a Borders bookstore I remember walking in and just stopping suddenly to gaze around at all those books.. love

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Jasmine Rose said:

I never EVER leave home without a book. I’m serious. Whether I’m going to the corner store across the street or a 5 minute bus ride or out to dinner. I’m serious. It makes me a little twitchy not to have a book with me at all times.
Jasmine Rose recently posted..Unraveling Isobel by Eileen Cook {Review}

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Shelve It: May 6, 2012 said:

[...] Anna’s Confessions of a Book Freak [...]

Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Smash Attack said:

THAT, was ridiculously adorable. And a big fat YES to all of it.
Smash Attack recently posted..Clock Rewinders on a Book Binge: 5/6/12

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Ellie said:

This is so cute, and so so true!
Ellie recently posted..Incoming!

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
reut said:

1) Love your videos!
2) Secondly, um, no, this is normal compared to me. I take the school bus to school but when I have to take public transportation I practically run in to get a seat so I can read. And don’t even get me started on the bookshelves.

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Stephanie said:

That was made of awesome and you are so not alone. Books will make me crazy as nothing else can. It’s really quite insane. I can’t think of anything to expand upon what you already mentioned but yeah, I am SO there!
Stephanie recently posted..On My Wishlist {4}

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Tanya Patrice said:

LOVE the video! I don’t think I’m too crazy … yet. And no, I don’t leave home without a book – 1 print & 1 audio for the car. And I read while standing up in the subway car or on a bus
Tanya Patrice recently posted..The Sunday Best Link Party {1}

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Liza (WhoRuBlog) said:

Wow, Anna. This is an awesome video that conveys exactly how I feel about reading so I guess that means I’m totally crazy right along with you. Love it!
Liza (WhoRuBlog) recently posted..The Best MG/YA Novels About Death, Dying, or Those Left Behind

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads said:

This post is AWESOME! I think that every bookish person has a little book crazy inside — my personal pet peeve is dogearing the pages… can you seriously not find ANYTHING to use as a bookmark?!? I will often pack a second book with me if I’m close (less than 100 pgs) away from finishing a book … the worst thing would be finishing the first book with no back-up plan!!!!!
Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads recently posted..WWW – May 2

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
capillya said:

I LOVE your little stick people videos, Anna! They always make me smile all the way through! So entertaining and funny and just plain good.

I feel the same way when I walk into a bookstore. I want to yell “I love you books and I want you ALL to come home with me and live with my house and LET’S BE FRIENDS” and then if I’m with someone they’re like, “Girl. Settle down please.”

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Elizabeth @ TatteredSpines said:

I am with you on every single point in that video! Especially the book shelves as I just bought three more at the store the other day AND replaced all the posters in my bedroom with ALA READ posters
Elizabeth @ TatteredSpines recently posted..Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
Lisa @ Read.Breathe.Relax. said:

I seriously love this post! Great video, Anna!!

I am definitely have my crazy moments with books, too. Like…fantasizing about meeting book characters in real life and our conversations.

Also, I have been caught several times ditching co-workers for lunch to read. …oops.
Lisa @ Read.Breathe.Relax. recently posted..Read.Breathe.Relax. Guest Posts on PBFingers

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Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012
creativityscorner.net said:

[...] The Avengers and thought pretty much the same things I did!Anna at Anna Reads talks about how books make her crazy. I think we all go through the same thing honey! Reading Digest (Books I’ve read in the past [...]

Posted on: Thu, May 3, 2012