Study Buddies discussion

I thought it would be a good idea if we got to know each other.

My name is Ashley and I am 22 years old. I reside in Walnut Creek, California. I am currently in college studying to be a teacher. I love to read, I am a bookaholic. I also like to write and hope to be a well know writer someday.

I just joined the group. I have not read the Study Trilogy but plan to after I finish Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer.

Hi Ashley! I'm glad you joined us!

My name is Jane, 26 years old from Los Angeles.

I'm currently working in a library and am studying to be a librarian, hopefully as a rare book librarian one day (Huntington Library, here I come!). I'll be receiving a BA in Creative Writing (Minor in Classical Studies) this semester and from there off to UCLA for a Masters in Library Science.

I'm writing a YA fantasy novel--currently about 1/3 way through (120 pages). [Don't ask me what's it about-- it's a long explanation.:]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE books. I've worked at bookstores for almost a decade and still can't get enough of it.

I graduated from culinary school a few years back, worked as a pastry cook, then catered a little bit. But I always made my way back to books and writing.

I also volunteer as a writing mentor for Writegirl (founder Keren Taylor) and my mentee is awesome!

Hii everyone!

My name is Lexie (or Alexandra, or Alex...or well I have a ton of nicknames. depends on the group of people talking to me!), I'm 24 years old, currently...sort of between jobs (its a long story, but my old job seems a little desperate to get me back. apparently after suggesting it might be better if I left the daycare center for my schooling, parents have been flooding them with questions as to when I'm due back since many of them had counted on me helping to transition their kids to Toddlers--where I worked--from Infants. its all rather flattering since I didn't know the infant teachers had been reassuring the infant parents that I visit with the infants daily and have built a rapport with most of them and that the parents appreciated it!), working towards a Paralegal degree (practical before fanciful degrees my dad said...) and just moved into a house. A stand alone house, which I've not lived in since I was about 4 years old.

Its my grandma's old house, my dad and his older brother bought it and we're refurbing the entire place. Basically all we've kept is the structure. New paint, new fixtures, new kitchen, all new bathrooms, basement is finished off (that's where I will live--the Den of Doom XD), new studies...Its been exciting, loud and interesting.

i write (i suspect most book lovers do), but have no real ambitions for it until I can stabilize a career and look after myself (and my dad when he retires. he's too old to work 70 hour work weeks plus get his master's plus put up with the family stuff).

I read a lot and my bedroom will be much more in line with a library then a bedroom once all is said and done. The thought of packing books away gives me twitches. I tend to like books over people truth be told and have been well known to voice that favoritism to any unlucky soul who happens upon me reading.

Hi everybody!

I'm Alethea, I've been reading since I was 3 (which means I've been literate for 27 years), according to my mother, from whom I received this hereditary disease called bookworm.

I work as a bookseller for a major US book retailer's branch in Glendale, CA; and while I am currently focusing on art (2 dimensional and/or history) as my BA material, I plan on going through library tech school and eventually get my MLIS to be an art librarian or archivist.

My interests are so diverse that I've had a really hard time figuring out what to do for a major/living. Ideally, if there were some crazy degree/career that would allow me to be equal parts artist / salesperson / librarian / mathematician / short-order cook / tv critic/ birdwatcher, I would pursue that!

For the record, am not currently a bird watcher, but would love to be one.

Alethea--I keep hoping they'll come out with a Bachelor's in popular culture academic studies, but they haven't. I could go for anthropology or a few social studies or some branch of psychology/psychiatry or even media studies...but they don't really discuss what I adore most (I could literally talk all day about the heroic monomyth of Buffy or how Xena paved the way for the 'strong female' hero for many of tv's shows, but sadly they don't give degrees for that).

Luckily I do however have interest in the law and research so Paralegal Studies fits me as well as any other job. At least until I convince the CIA that I would be the best asset they could ask for (soon as I figure out why).

Hi I'm Misty ,but everyone calls me MEME. Baby's can't say Misty

I'm 27 and a stay at home mom of 2 in North Carolina, my books are my passion besides for my family but its close.

At any given time I can have between 2 and 8 kids in my house (Now you see why I love my books so much. lol)

I'm Tina I'm 26 and currently pursuing a degree to teach high school history at Aurora University outside of Chicago. I moved into the dorms for the first time this year (my senior year) and promptly turned my room into a bit of a library. I have been reading for 23 years and will pretty much read anything placed in my hands.

Hi All,

I'm Amber, 28 and wishing 30 was further off. I've loved books my whole life and read a little bit of everything. I couldn't begin to classify myself or pen myself into a genre, but I'm almost always reading a YA/IR Fantasy book. I have less time now than ever for reading, but spend most of my reading hours with my son, who at 10.5 months loves books almost as much as I do! The most books I've been actively reading at the same time is 9- There are 4 books I've started and never finsihed (and though I wasn't crazy about the books, it makes me uncomfortable to know I can't check them off).

Hi,

My name is Gisela and I live in Puerto Rico, a beautiful island in the Caribbean. I'm 25 and well on my way to my BA in English as a second language. I became the mother of a reemie baby boy recently. Durig his stay in the NICU, I would read him stories. It was amazing to see him open his eyes and gaze at me steadily as I read. As you can probably guess, I'm looking forward to sharing my love of books with my little one.

Thanks! I'll check them out!

Hi, I'm Kristen. Currently I work at two libraries. I work in a middle school library (grades 5/6 on our side of the school) in Illinois as a Library Media Aide. I'm also working part time at our local community college in the AV section of the library. I have a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and am working towards a Library Information Specialist endorsement through my local community college. I sometimes have time to read a book a day. I have the fortunate job that can be really low key and I can read one or two J or YA books during my shift.

Lately, I've really been into YA books that center around strong female characters, usually more historical than contemporary. I love fantasy as well and I've really been focused on trying to read as many 5th/6th grade level books as I can this year. I try to read an adult book every once in a while.

Hi everyone!!!

My name is Amber as well, so I hope we don't get mixed up! Just call me Amber S.! lol...I just turned 18 and am currently attending university. I don't really know what to major in, but am trying to narrow down my fields. I would certainly enjoy becoming a writer or painter, but have decided to go into a medical career...BIG jump! My dreams and aspirations all orbit around the idea of helping other people...but I'm still searching for the perfect fit!
Uni is sooo much more different from High School...n i'm still getting use to it!
I am an utter and complete bookworm, my mom actually takes away what I'm reading at the time as a means of punishment! For some people its their Ipod, for some the TV...for me its books!
Its no surprise that I absolutely love the Study series, and hope to discuss just about anything with "Study Buddies--" those who enjoy the books as much as I do!

-Amber S.

Hey everyone! My name is Fianait (pronounced fee-na, I'm 19 and I live in Ireland. Like everyone here, I LOVE the Study books by Maria V Snyder, and reading in general. Im at college at the minute studying to be a secondary school (high school) teacher. My other interests include writing, tv, music ....and BOOKS!!!1

Hey everyone!!
My name is Wajiha and I am 16 years old. Im still in High school. I have always loved reading but I LOVE the Study series!!! However, I'm having trouble finding something to read that's as good as the Study books. Any recommendations?

Hi Wajiha!

Oh boy have we got books for you.

You can look at these posts:
* What other books do you like, started by Jane

* If you liked the Study Series what do you recommend in the same genre, started by E.

* If you liked Magic Study, written by QueenLyzard

Or just check out our bookshelf. We've got tons of suggestions!

Hey Alethea,

Thanks that was really helpful. I've just started reading A Great and Terrible Beauty by Liba Bray, which is pretty good. Some of the books you mentioned or well directed me toward sound really interesting!!! Thanks!!!

Hi everyone! My name is Kimberly, I'm nineteen. I live in Utah and attend Weber State University.I joined this group almost a month ago but between school full time, two jobs, and performing in two play productions, I don't have much spare time so I havent had a chance to really take a look at this group until now.
Lets see... what else can I say about myself? I work at a bookstore and love it. I'm getting a major in English, and a minor in theatre....umm... what else... my boyfriend is coming home in just over three months, I haven't seen him in almost two years! Needless to say, I'm way excited! Oh, and I also work with disabled adults, thats my second job.

As for how I got interesting in the Study Series, a friend of mine introduced me to the series about a year ago. I was hooked from the very beginning. I also like the Abhorsen series, Twilight, and the Golden Compass Series. There are many more that I like, but that would make this a really long post. lol

Anyway, I'm really excited to be part of this group, I don't know many people who have read the series, so I'm excited to have the chance to talk about it with others.

Welcome, Kimberly! Feel free to jump in to any of the threads, they have been stagnating a bit lately. Jane and I have papers and finals (I have paintings and sculptures due too!) and I'm sure lots of other members do too (and if they're not the ones writing them, they're probably the ones correcting them!--intellectual bunch we have here on GoodReads ;-)

I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving so I can spend some more time on GR--I mean, with my family ^_^

Hi everyone! My name is Skye and I'm 20 years old. I read this book just a couple of weeks ago when I needed a book to read for my trip I asked my friend and she was like, "Sure".
Since then I loved it. I can not wait until I get home to finish the series. The feel of book, "Poison Study" was just amazing it reminded distantly of A Great and Terrible Beauty (the idea of magic and everything).
It is on the top of my suggestions for others to read for sure. :D

Hey everybody!

My name is Ashlee (although I prefer Ash, I'll answer to just about any variation of Ashlee), and I'm 22. I currently live just south of Cincinnati in Northern KY. I've been a member of GR and of SB for a pretty long time now, but haven't been able to tear myself away from the rest of my life long enough to introduce myself!

I work in a public library, so I spend my days surrounded by books. I love it. The only problem is that I see at least 5 books a day that I want to read, and there's just not enough time!

After taking a break from school after I got my BA in Anthropology from NKU (during which I got married and moved), I'm back in and working on my Master's in Library Sciences through Clarion University of PA online. Needless to say, I'm super-busy all the time.

If I'm not reading or sleeping or working, I'm taking pictures (shameless self-promotion), or hanging out with my husband and our pets (2 dogs, 1 fat cat).

I'm really excited to get to know you guys. This seems like such a great group of people!

Hey Skye,
I'm reading A Great and Terrible Beauty right now and I'm not sure why, but I often think of Poison Study. I guess great minds think alike. :)

Is A Great and Terrible Beauty a young adult novel that's about a girl with magical abilities who's at a boarding school?

Hi All! I'm Jen Sekella - my Mobile, AL friends called me Jennifleur but now that I'm older and more foolish, it seems to be just Jen. ;)

I am an 8th grade English teacher and am a writer and book lover. I have loved books as a way to imagine and escape since I was very little. I don't know if I was 3 Althea - my mom tells me she can't recall. ;) I've always loved books and writing - but I've become more of a writer this year while writing with my students and also taking a teaching writing course. I've come to like some of what I write. Maybe we can all share some short works with each other.

I love books - am on a witch kick with Kim Harrison but just got the Poison Study novel and will work on that this weekend. :) I've also volunteered to help with Battle of the Books for school and have to read two YA books before Christmas - better get moving on that.

I'm wishing 40 was farther away - I'm thinking of looking for an MFA in writing - I'd like to teach high school and college writing - I have three (yes 3!) black and gray standard poodles (the tall ones) named Princess (gray), Duchess and Marquesa (black). I have no other kids than my school kids and my nephew and that seems to suit me for now. Maybe I'll adopt later - though I don't think I could deal with 8 little guys in my house at once - I totally see why you read! :)

That is all for now. Cheers!

Jen

yeah.. A Great and Terrible Beauty is magical!I just finished reading the third book in the series!!! It was just as amazing as the first book! Wajiha you know all about it of course! :)

What is the third book in the series? I've only read the two!

Hello,

My name is Mara and I'm a book-a-holic (sorry, just had to do it). I'm a stay at home mom of one (a 20 month old little girl), but am hoping to add to the family soon.

I'm 25 and have been a bibliophile most of my life. I think I received more books/gift cards to Barnes and Noble more than anything else last year.

I have a BA in English and my husband is working on his Masters in English. We're originally from Utah, but are living in Montana at the moment, since that is where school is.

I attempted NaNoWriMo (www.nanowrimo.org) this year, but was unable to complete it because of a medical emergency. I hope to still finish my novel soon.

Speaking of novels, I should probably end this one and get back to reading the interesting one (currently it's: Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett).

Glad to be a part of Study Buddies--thanks for the invite!

~Mara

Jen,

The third book is called A Sweet Far Thing.

-Kristen

Hi everyone! I'm Crystal, I am 22 and going to be an ASU graduate in a week with a BS in Biology. I have only been back on the reading bandwagon for about five months. I always liked reading, but never had time for it. I am a born and raised Arizonan, lived in Phoenix all my life! On a quirky side note, I graduated from the same high school as Stephenie Meyer, of course not in the same year though! I am glad to be part of this awesome group!

Hi everyone, I'm Susan or LadyMissSusan to some. I'm 41 (almost 42!) and am currently the full-time caregiver to my 94 (almost 95)year old grandmother. I've loved to read for years but got away from it but since May I've managed to read 25 books which I found exciting for me. I'm finding out that I am a bit of a fanfic girl too. If you would have asked me that a few months ago I would have denied it. lol I'm also a hairstylist and an avid scrapbooker.

Welcome to our group Susan and Crystal! I hope you get a few new book ideas from our group and keep on loving the fantasy genre.

Hey Everyone! I know I've been a part of Goodreads for a while, but just realized I haven't introduced myself!

My name is Rachel and I'm a Marine Biology student at UC Santa Cruz. I absolutely love the ocean and go scuba diving as often as I can.

I LOVE to read fantasy books- that is the genre I live and breathe- I try to read other books outside this genre when I can, but usually they take me A LOT longer to read. :)

Although I am a marine biologist, I love with equal passion Egyptology. I have too many interests and am often inundated with half-completed projects (usually I work on a project then realize there's something else I want to do as well and so on) These include costuming, drawing, painting, writing, and photography.

Also, I love playing Lord of the rings online!! So if anyone plays I'd love to join you sometime! I'm a big LOTR nut. :D

AND THE RENAISSANCE FAIRE! Is there anyone here in CA who goes? IF not you should! :D

Since you're into egyptology, have you tried the series by Lynne Ewing called Sisters of Isis? I think it has some egypt mythology in it.

Rachel,
I go to the Ren Faire... Dressed up too!

That's cool-is it a good book? I have tried several Ancient Egypt based books and get either frustrated at how they get their facts wrong or its a horrible story. And I'm a bit biased, so I've stuck to just reading non-fiction. But if you say it's good then I will give it a shot!

Jane- sweet! That's soo cool! Which one do you go to?

Well, they're YA books... not sure how accurate it is, but I thought it was interesting to read a series that incorporates Egypt mythology rather than greek or roman like we usually see.

Irwindale in May!

Kristen-oh ok. Yes, I agree that it is a nice change to see Egypt mythology. It would be nice to see the ancient egyptians as portrayed positively- I'm always hoping for a historical movie from that time period-there's so much to work with!
Jane-Yeah! That's the one I usually go to! :D What do you dress up as? I am usually just a typical renaissance faire maiden, although I have been creative in the past and gone as a wizard lol My sister always dresses as a fairy :)

I bought a black and purple "Renaissance Queen" Halloween costume, though I can't remember for what specific reason. I did wear it for HP7 release party (that's right Alethea! I have pictures of the Borders staff wearing costumes--that means you too), to the Ren Faire, and on Halloween. 3 uses in one!

Hey, that's terrific! Costumes can be expensive so it's really nice that you can wear it multiple times- get the most out of your money!
lol You should post those pictures from the Borders HP7 release party! :D

Rachel wrote: "lol You should post those pictures from the Borders HP7 release party! :D "

Not too embarrassing, I hope! Yeah, post them, Jane--I'd like to see! I think only a handful of ours came out :( though I have a really good one of Jason sporting the Time Turner on his homemade wizarding outfit.

Rachel - I'll keep my eyes out for some other books, but there really isn't much out there when it comes to Egyptology in fiction.

I've only been to Ren Faire once in Bristol and it was a lot of fun. We were fairly broke and couldn't afford too much, so I'm sure it would have been more fun if we had had more money. I haven't gone since because I convinced myself I needed a cool costume the next time we went.

Aloha=) I'm Shani. I live in Hawaii... which is quite as nice as it sounds. I'm in my 30s and I used to work for a bookstore for over ten years. I kinda miss it (not the hours though)! I recently moved back here after being away for about 6 years. I lived in IL, FL & TX. With the recession, jobs are hard to find and it's likely I'll get back into school just for something to do. I loved reading the Study series! Can't wait for more books in the MVS world. I'm going to highly recommend them to everyone. I'm also a big fan of Anne Bishop, Kim Harrison, Rachel Caine and oh, like a ton of other authors! I've already pilfered a bunch of recommends from off the discussion boards which is fantastic=) My thanks to you all. I'm really looking forward to participating more in this great little community;) You all seem like a fun bunch of people.

Welcome to the group Shani! I live in IL myself, have you been following all the news about our awful governor? I'm glad he's been impeached. I'm a big fan of Kim Harrison too! She has the next Hollows book coming at the end of the month and the first in her YA series comes out this summer! Glad to have another book lover to talk to on this group!

Welcome to the addiction Shani hope you enjoy the experience

Kristen/Meme - Thanks ladies=) I can't believe I ever voted for that Blagojevich guy. What a mistake that was! I hope Pat Quinn does a much better job. Can't wait for the new Harrison bk! Have you read the 2 chapter excerpt available on her site? I just found it. So I'm excited to read it and get a head start on the bk. Plus, there's the entire copy of Dead Witch Walking up there for anyone just starting out in the series. I'm finding the experience of SB very enjoyable so far...

I didn't know that! Gah! I was thinking about rereading the last book, maybe I'll check out that excerpt after I at least skim through it.

Holy cow I must go to her web site now I didn't know that she had the excepts up. I think that I will reread the last book to if I find the time between all the other books I said I was going to read LOL

Isn't it hard? I almost never reread before a next book comes out, I usually just skim.

I don't either but I have to say that I have a lot of books here that I have read 6 or 7 times just because I love them so much LOL