Hi. I’m Em aka em_nightreader and as my handle suggests I do most of my reading when the sun goes down. I was brought up by an English teacher and my love of reading started early on. Reading time with my mum was always special as a child and now, me in my late 40s and mum in her mid 70s , we still love to sit together reading our books.
I’ve never slept well and have struggled with my mental health for a very long time. I find the early hours of the morning the hardest to manage unless I stick my head between the pages and escape to someone else’s world .
Reading has saved me, continues to care for me and nourish me and always gives me something to look forward to. My tbr is huge but I see it not as a problem but a pile of joy yet to be experienced.
Meet Em
Questions on Reviewing
What made you start a book blog and/or book review social media account?
I decided to join the book twitter community years ago purely because I love to chat everything Bookish and wanted more people to do this with. I’ve stayed because of the wonderful people I have met and the fabulous books I have discovered as a result. I never intended to start reviewing as such, it just happened and the more I chatted about what I enjoyed the more my world expanded. A couple of indie authors reached out to me and I read and reviewed their wonderful books. I’m grateful to these authors and am always honoured when someone asks me to read their work.
What have you learned about the writing/publishingindustry since reviewing?
I had no idea just how many authors and great, talented ones too, are out there trying to get recognised. The industry seems to me to be very harsh and geared towards top names which is a shame because many people will miss out on some great books as a result. I love supporting indie authors, publishers and shops and will continue to do so as much as I can.
Are there any authors or books you have discovered through reviewing that you might have otherwise missed out on?
J M Simpson and Murray Bailey are two authors that immediately spring to mind. Both authors have been kind enough to ask me to review their work and I’ve enjoyed doing so immensely. Murray writes in time zones and with subjects that I wouldn’t normally choose yet the stories are detailed and captivating and keep me turning those pages. Jo (J M Simpson) writes the most amazing books that combine genres to give the reader such a full and immersive read that I feel like I have actually lived in the places she writes about and met the characters she has created. The Castleby and Whistlers Peak Series are two of the best series I have ever read and it’s a crying shame that they are not on everyone’s radar.
What do you think makes a great book review?
I don’t think my reviews ever do the books I read and love justice. I think a great review is one that is fairly short, highlights what made the reader want to shout about this particular book and lets other readers know what they felt. Personally I’m not a fan of reviews that describe the storyline, I can find this easily. I want to know what the book meant to that individual.
How do you handle reviewing a book you dislike?
If I’m not keen on a book I am asked to review I will not shout about it. I think that everyone is different and will enjoy reading different things. I will review it honestly on my ratings apps e.g. Goodreads, but will leave it at that. I will contact the person who kindly asked for my views and will share them privately, usually stating that the book was not for me. I don’t like to rubbish a book on social media as someone has worked hard to produce it. I would rather just not post about the ones I don’t enjoy and save my posts for the ones that I do.
Is there anything that puts you off reviewing a book or author?
I don’t like authors who jump into my DMs after I have just followed them with a link and a pushy request to read their work. No interaction at all other than “please review this”. I never respond to these. I appreciate politeness and friendliness, not the hard sell.
Questions About Books
Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘by your bedside’?
None! I never read in bed. I live in a small flat so my books in the front room are never far away. I find it more comfortable to read on my sofa or, my favourite reading spot…my car seat! The books in my front room number approx 700. Currently at the top of the pile is Paper Sisters by Rachell Canwell which I started last night.
What children’s book would you recommend all adults read?
I love books by Michael Morpurgo and think these should be read by all. I recently read Stig of the Dump again and loved that too. I still remember fondly the Faraway Tree books by Enid Blyton but I have not re read them as an adult.
What was the last book you read that you would recommend?
The last book I read and would thoroughly recommend was The Magdalene Stones Murders by J M Simpson. A genre busting, thrilling read and a fabulous follow on from The Ophelia Murders in the Whistlers Peak Series.
Is there an author you always read?
Far more than one! Angela Marsons, J D Kirk, J M Simpson, Murray Bailey, Marion Todd, William Hussey, Will Carver, to name only a few.
Who is your literary icon?
I actually can’t think of one individual. I am in awe of anyone who can write a good book and one that keeps me entertained during those lonely early hours. Those are the people I admire and am grateful for.
How do you sort your books?
Badly ! I have piles of books everywhere. I do have two large shelves and only my top favourite books make it there. One is for fiction, the other non fiction. They are my special shelves.
What are three books or genres that define your taste as a reader?
It would be hard to say what I like the most as my tastes are varied and changeable. I’m very much a mood reader. I will say though that I have three genres that I’m not usually a fan of, and they are: general romance, sci-fi and horror. One of my all time favourite books is The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons . This was recommended to me by a great person at a difficult time in my life. Not only does it have sentimental meaning but I loved the epic tale of love and war in Russia during WWII and the two other books in the trilogy are also great reads.
And finally…
Do you have any other reviewers or bloggers you would recommend?
nat_avidreader would be one that springs to mind. Natalie is a lovely lady with a passion for indie books, authors and publishers .
Thank you Em😊
Books By Your Bedside 