Meet Our Editors: CJ Redwine

There are several Editors (staff reviewers) here at YABooksCentral.com, and they all have their own taste in books. While one might give a certain book 5 stars, another might only give it 3. We like that kind of diversity here, because we know every reader is different. Every reader’s opinion is valid.

But we also know it’s helpful to read reviews by those who share your same interests, especially when you’re looking for recommendations.

So which YABC Staff Reviewer has your taste in books? Find out in this new blog series, Meet Our Editors! Each week, I’ll be spotlighting one of our editors. When you find one that shares your same taste in books, movies, TV, even food, then make sure to check out the books that editor has reviewed favorably.  

See how it works? Great! 

First up, I did a Fast Faves interview with Kim Baccellia, who has been with YABC the longest. 

Second was a Fast Faves interview with our newest editor, Christina Franke. 

 

This week’s Editor is CJ Redwine, whose unwavering dedication to YABC’s success and countless brainstorming sessions have kept my own dedication strong. Running a website as large as YABC can be daunting at times, but CJ is always there to re-fan the flames and remind me what YABC can (and will!) become. I’m not sure if I could do this without her. I wish I had ALL THE MONIES to pay my volunteers for their individual brilliance, but for now, I’m thankful they’re happy to be “paid” in books. If CJ could have the entire YABC Prize Shelf each month, she’d take it! She is a voracious reader, and her reviews are always touching, eye-opening, and helpful. Thank you for being a part of YABC, CJ! 

 

Here’s a little about CJ: 

 

C.J. Redwine loves stilettos, lemon bars, and any movie starring Johnny Depp. She is the author of Defiance, the first in a post-apocalyptic fantasy trilogy from Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins. C.J. lives in Nashville with her husband, four kids, two cats, and one long-suffering dog. To learn more about C.J., visit her website at http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/

I’ll read almost anything if the characters are well-developed, the conflict feels authentic, and the world building is solid. I’m most drawn to fantasies and speculative fiction (post-apocalyptic, urban fantasy, and genre mash-up), but I also love contemporaries and historical. I read mostly YA for pleasure, but as I have four kids ranging from toddler to teenager, I read a lot of picture books, chapter books, and middle grade too.

 

 

Which types of books do you hate to read?

I’m not a fan of hard sci-fi or paranormal romance if the plot is utterly predictable. I really don’t care for “loner girl is suddenly the object of hot boy/supernatural boy/multiple boys’ affection” plot tropes unless it is really well done.

 

 

I think there’s always something to admire about every book. It may not be a book that I’ll want to keep in my own collection, but that doesn’t mean someone else won’t love it. My job in writing a review is to be honest in pointing out what worked for me and what didn’t in a respectful manner. Especially if I see something that I know might bother other readers like me. But again, I always approach it with the attitude that just because the book didn’t connect with me doesn’t mean it won’t be someone else’s favorite.

 

 

 

 

 

Best moment/memory – Each time I brought home one of my kids for the first time

 

Worst/most embarrassing moment – Can’t narrow that down. I embarass myself all the time.

 

Haven’t accomplished yet, but one day I’ll – visit Europe

 

Childhood toy you’ll never get rid of – a carosel horse figurine

 

Wish I had more time for this guilty pleasure – watching Netflix late at night

 

 

 

 

So? How much do you have in common with CJ? Let us know in the comments. And stay tuned next week for another editor interview!