I am so incredibly excited by today’s Sharer of my Shallows! Elessa is my first blood relative to share my shallows! Elessa is my first cousin’s daughter and I have known and adored her since the day she was born. When she was little, at family parties, she would excitedly tell me about her favourite books that she found in the library and my heart would go all happy melty. As she has grown older, through her teen years, uni years and now as a teacher, whenever we see each other, it is inevitable that the two of us will have a reading conversation.

Elessa

Teacher

Can you describe yourself?

I’m a primary school teacher who loves to read a little bit of everything. Some of my best life lessons have come from quality picture books. I don’t like to discredit any genre or text type.

What is your main reading medium (books, blogs, games, news, etc) and how much time do you spend reading a week?

Books (I try to read a bit every week), Facebook and Instagram news feeds (daily scrolls) and a quick flick through the top stories of Online news. Otherwise, I’m often looking through various teacher blogs for classroom inspiration.

What or who is your joyful reading (guilty or otherwise) pleasure? 

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It doesn’t matter how old I get or how many times I’ve read the series (15), JK Rowling’s Harry Potter is something I can easily always come back to. It’s probably the series that began my love of reading as a child, and I could honestly forever immerse myself in that world. To be 10 again!

Otherwise, lately I have been reading Liane Moriarty’s novels (As seen in my picture). I’m currently reading Big Little Lies. A rule of mine: Always read the book before you see the movie/show.

Sometimes If I’m really connected to the characters that I’ve mentally constructed, I put off watching the movie or show as much as possible so as to not have them replaced by the Daniel Radcliffes and Nicole Kidmans of the world haha.

Do you have a favourite storyline or plot? And do you have one you will not read?

I love books that make me cry, real gut wrenchers…but in saying that I love a reasonably happy/positive ending. I read to escape and don’t overly enjoy doses of reading reality. I’ve also noticed that most of my favourite reads have been trilogies- Good things seem to come in threes!

Why do you/don’t you use a public library?

I used to use public libraries all the time as a kid, but since I’ve always preferred to own books myself, now I just buy them ($$$). Whether they are second hand or brand new, I love building my collection! The ultimate would be to have a sliding ladder and finally be able to act out a scene from Beatuy and the Beast.

Do you RUI*. If so, what?

Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!

Do you have a favourite reading spot?

I mostly read in bed, although lately it’s starting to become a bit of a problem- there’s more ‘falling asleep with a book on your face’ than’ reading’ going on.

Toilet reading: 

Never do it with my precious books!

Might scroll through Facebook or check my messages but that’s about it.

Romance fiction of the Happily Ever After (not the love tragedy) kind – are you a Lover or a Hater and why?

I’m a bit of a lover of a wide range of genres. I do prefer plots that aren’t solely about love and romance and one couple/love triangle trying to sort themselves out. In saying that, I do find love a necessary addition to all genres. Sci Fi/Romance, Historical Fiction/Romance, Drama/Romance. It works everywhere.

What would you give up reading for**?

As aforementioned, apparently I give up reading for sleep (involuntarily), but other than that most likely, pasta. I’d give up anything for a good bowl of pasta.

Can a romance/crime/super/etc hero be the driver of a hatchback?

Why not! Throw in a heroine that drives a Honda rodeo ute (manual), too!