When the German Book Prize 2016 is awarded at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 17th, with a bit of luck Sophie Weigand will also be there. The 27-year-old runs the blog “Literatourism” and is one of this year’s book prize bloggers. “When I go to book fairs, I always look forward to seeing fellow bloggers again,” she says. The literary blogger scene is relatively clear, but widely spread across the country. Sophie is studying cultural studies with a focus on literature at the Open University of Hagen; She also works in the bookstore. Literature is a fundamental part of Sophie's life.
The student originally used her blog to record her thoughts about reading. 'It's just a game,' she thought at the time; she certainly didn't have the stamina for anything more. Wrong thought. Almost 3,800 followers are now following her reading career on Facebook.
Sophie has reserved the 2016 book autumn for the longlist of book prize nominees. Interviews, event reports and opinion pieces on literary topics also make the blog interesting. Particularly recommended: the series “Please Take Over”, in which scene stars such as Benedict Wells, Katharina Hartwell and Kirsten Fuchs answer questions.
Sophie's...
... first book: “Beauty and the Monster”, illustrated by Elizabeth Shaw. I was maybe four years old. Although I couldn't read properly yet, I was still able to enthusiastically recite almost the entire book.
... Favorite writer: Saša Stanišić, Clemens Setz, Nino Haratischwili and Truman Capote are currently jostling side by side on the podium.
... Favorite genre: I am interested in German and international contemporary literature, which includes all forms and subcategories of the novel. I also have a great interest in graphic novels.
... current book tip: I was very enthusiastic recently, for example. E.g. Katharina Winkler's “Blauschmuck”, Rui Zink's “Installation of Fear” and Saša Stanišić's new collection of short stories “Trappers”.
Sophie Weigand runs the blog “Literatourism” and is one of this year’s book prize bloggers.
