I grew up in the North of England and my family steadily made their way South as I get older, finally landing in Milton Keynes which is where I have (mostly) lived for the last 30-odd years. I loved reading as a child, I graduated from Mister Men books to Enid Blyton to Sweet Valley High and a short but intense teenage obsession with horror books! Now, I run my own business, so reading is a much-needed escape from all that goes with that. I’m married (10 years this year) and have a black cat called Guinness…he came to stay with us temporarily about 6 years ago – I’ve got a feeling he might be here to stay! When I’m not reading, I like to run and watch TV, the trashier the better.
X: @ke33er
Instagram: @kezreadsandruns
Started Reviewing: 2021
Meet Kerry
Questions on Reviewing
What made you start a book blog and/or book review social media account?
One word – Covid. I ramped up my reading massively during lockdown and also spent more time on social media. I discovered #booktwitter and #bookstagram and wanted to be a part of them. They are such welcoming and warm communities and that was much needed in that time.
What have you learned about the writing/publishing industry since reviewing?
One thing that blows my mind all the time is the sheer amount of books that are published. I see tons of monthly wrap-up posts and they are full of books that I haven’t read or didn’t even know about. The other thing that seems too good to be true is that publishers will give you ARCs in return for reviews – I keep waiting to be told I can no longer have them! Lastly, I don’t think I appreciated just how much luck is involved in getting a publishing deal. I have read so many good un-published or independently published books that are of an amazing quality and have broad appeal but haven’t been picked up.
Are there any authors or books you have discovered through reviewing that you might have otherwise missed out on?
Two that spring to mind immediately are Clare Pooley and Chris Whitaker
What do you think makes a great book review?
I like to know how a book made people feel, what chords it struck with them. I’m interested in what they thought of the setting and how the story unfolded, the techniques that the author used. I don’t like spoilers and never include them in my reviews.
How do you handle reviewing a book you dislike?
I am not afraid of a DNF and then obviously I won’t review it because I haven’t read it all. If I did finish it and just feel at the end that it didn’t work for me, I will try and find some positives – maybe I liked the language choices or one of the characters – and will focus on that. If I really can’t find anything positive to say then I don’t review it. Every book has its audience and if a book wasn’t for me, no-one will benefit from knowing that.
Is there anything that puts you off reviewing a book or author?
Nothing that I have come across so far, except for genres that I know I am not a fan of, because I’m not the audience for those books.
Questions About Books
Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘by your bedside’?
I am currently reading The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom (out on 26 March) and listening to Cover Story by Mhairi Mcfarlane.
What children’s book would you recommend all adults read?
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. My all-time favourite children’s book.
What was the last book you read that you would recommend?
A Far-Flung Life by M L Stedman, it’s just a beautiful epic tale.
Is there an author you always read?
There’s a few – Marian Keyes, Mark Billingham, Ian Rankin, Janice Hallett, Catriona Ward, Will Dean, Paige Toon, Catherine Newman, Elizabeth Strout, Ben Aaronovitch, Beth O’Leary…the list goes on, I’m very promiscuous!
Who is your literary icon?
Im going to choose a character and that is Rocky from Catherine Newman’s Sandwich and Wreck.
How do you sort your books?
Boringly – alphabetically by author surname. I love the look of sorting the by spine colour, but I would never be able to find anything!
What underrated book should more people read?
I don’t know if it is deemed underrated but I don’t seem to find many people who have read 59 minutes by Holly Seddon and that is a travesty. It’s amazing and heart stopping.
What are three books or genres that define your taste as a reader?
Up-lit, thriller, and mystery.
And finally…
Do you have any other reviewers or bloggers you would recommend?
Oh wow, this is like an Oscar’s acceptance speech, I’m bound to forget someone, so let’s frame it as a selection rather than my list! Bookaholic Bex, The Reading Para, Em Nightreader, Bert’s Books, Anne Cater, Tilly Loves Books, Luke’s Blog, Fran McBookface, Jenn Shelton, and Sarah Dougan-Blackburn.
Thank you Kerry😊
Books By Your Bedside 