Meet Our Editors: Jill Van Leer

There are several official Editors (staff reviewers or Review Ninjas, if you will) at Young Adult Books Central, 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 Editor has your taste in books? Find out in this new blog series, Meet Our Editors! Each month, 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! 

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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. 

Then we did a Fast Faves interview with CJ Redwine. 

Here is the Fast Faves with Megan Kelly. 

Fast Faves with Jason Gallaher

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This month’s Editor is Jill Van Leer. Jill has been an immeasurable support these past few years, helping me get YABC’s feet on the ground. When I took over YABC back in 2009, I was swamped with books for review and couldn’t get to them all by myself. I needed more volunteer reviewers and Jill was kind enough to help out. Although she’ll be the first to tell you she’s a reader, not a reviewer, she tackled the job for her dear old friend, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I suppose that’s what great friends do for one another, especially friends who’ve known each other, and stuck by each other, since preschool. I’m forever appreciative of her support for YABC and all the volunteers here. She’s been the best cheerleader a person could ask for, and as long as she has time for reviewing, I’ll keep sending books her way. 

 

Thank you, Jilly!

 

 

 

Jill, tell us a little about yourself.
 

I’m a stay at home mom of 3 awesome children. I love to read, garden, and spend time with my family.  
 

 

Which types of books are your favorites to read/review?
 

I love to read dystopian, romance, supernatural, steampunk, contemporary and picture books!  

Which types of books do you hate to read?

 

I’m not a big fan of the middle grade books, I think it’s just the phase of life I’m in. I’m sure once my eldest gets a couple years older, I’ll be all over the middle grade!  

What do you think about writing negative reviews?
 

I hate writing reviews on books I didn’t enjoy.  I never want to upset the author, or bash a book. I try to make the review positive, while still stating why I didn’t enjoy the book.  

 

Why are reviews important to share online?
 

I think reviews are important to share online not only to hype up a book, but to find people who share your interests.  When I read a really amazing book, I want to find others who enjoyed it as well. I love to “squee” over books with fellow bloggers!  
 

 

 

Now it’s time for Fast Faves with Jill! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~ Life ~

 

Best moment/memory – My Wedding and birth of my 3 children

 

Worst/most embarrassing moment – All of high school

 

Haven’t accomplished yet, but one day I’ll – see Paul McCartney

 

Childhood toy you’ll never get rid of – Umm…I don’t have any left

 

Wish I had more time for this guilty pleasure – reading 😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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