Hey y’all! I love reading a good book and telling the world about it. I also love curating my home library. That’s been such a fun part in my reading journey. TBR Lowdown is the creative outlet my heart’s been desiring for quite some time. I love building this community with my friend. It’s really nice nurturing a project you truly love.
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Naomi aka Bookladyreads
Hi!!! My name is Alyssa and I have a book addiction. I’m an RN, greyhound mama, and reader of things. I firmly believe that reading can change minds and the world. I love cohosting TBR Lowdown with my best friend. We get to introduce people to new and exciting reads from different backgrounds, cultures, and people. My grandma, the librarian, would be so proud.
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Alyssa aka Nerdynursereads
A Little Bookish Q&A
What are three books you want to recommend to readers?
Alyssa: There are too many but if I must name a few: Rebecca, anything Jane Austen, Mrs. Dalloway, The House of Mirth, and anything by Clarice Lispector
Naomi: It’s so hard to narrow down the list. I’d recommend absolutely anything written by Elena Ferrante, The Street by Ann Petry, and The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
Do you reread books? What book have you reread the most?
Alyssa: Yes! I love to reread books. Especially when I’m in a reading slump. I think there’s a three-way tie between Rebecca, Jane Eyre, and Pride and Prejudice.
Naomi: I sure do. I read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova and The Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire every year.
What five authors would you invite to your dinner party?
Alyssa: Jane Austen, Daphne Du Maurier, Virginia Woolf, James Baldwin, Clarice Lispector
Naomi: James Baldwin, Margo Jefferson, Fernanda Melchor, Toni Morrison, and Mariana Enriquez.
Do you prefer mostly reading new titles or backlist books?
Alyssa: I like a good mix of both. I’m happy to read anything as long as it’s interesting.
Naomi: I enjoy a newly released book, but my reading heart also loves a good backlist book and that’s what I gravitate to mostly.
Where do you buy the majority of your books?
Alyssa: Most of my books are second-hand, either from the book barn at my local library, thrift stores, or PangoBooks. I wish I had an independent bookstore near me when I need a new release. For now, I rely on my local Barnes & Noble and Blackwells for any brand-new books.
Naomi: I buy most of my books from my local used bookstore, Richard McKay Used Books in Manassas, VA (no relation to McKay’s in TN/NC). Their inventory, prices, and trade-in program cannot be beaten. When I buy used books online, I prefer buying from Abe Books. When I buy books at full retail price, I support my local indies and buy from Blackwell’s.
Is there an author you’re interested in reading their entire backlist?
Alyssa: Do I have to pick one? Du Maurier, Woolf, TJ Klune...there are so many.
Naomi: Oh yes! Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Cormac McCarthy, Magda Szabo, Marlon James, and N.K.Jemisin (just to name a few).
Where’s your favorite place to read?
Alyssa: Wherever I can but the best place is in my reading nook.
Naomi: OUTSIDE! Specifically on my front porch or my deck.