 |
| Top shelf of the big bookcase in the living room |
There are many. There's no one author who I've read several books by, but I've read all six of Jane Austen's, lots by Bill Bryson, Alison Weir, CS Lewis, JK Rowling, Sebastian Faulks, Philippa Gregory...
Best sequel ever
I'm not really sure, but I like the way that Sebastian Faulks' French trilogy - The Girl at the Lion D'Or, Birdsong and Charlotte Gray all link together. My favourite of the three is Birdsong.
Currently reading
In the process of deciding what to read next having just finished a book.
Drink of choice while reading
Definitely tea.
E-reader or physical book
Physical book. I sometimes borrow my husband's Kindle, but I love holding an actual book, even if I'm reading a long book that's really heavy to carry around in my bag to work, I'll tend to opt for that over the Kindle.
Fictional character you probably would have actually dated at high school
Not being successful in the world of dating when I was at secondary school it would be more apt for me to say who I would have most likely had a crush on. Probably Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables - tall, dark and annoying at first but a great friend in the end.
Glad you gave this book a chance
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. My youngest brother got given the first three for his ninth birthday and seemed to love them, reading them over and over. The family friends who have given them to him went on about how great they were, but looking at the front covers I just thought they were kids books that I might have enjoyed when I was younger. One half-term when I was bored with GCSE coursework and fancied a break I picked up the first book thinking I could do with an easy read and anyway, I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Well, the rest is history!
Hidden gem book
I would have to go for one from my childhood which is Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer. It's about a girl called Charlotte who goes to boarding school and thanks to the bed she chooses in her dorm every other night she switches places with a girl from the past called Clare. I loved the concept and the story haunted me as well as inspired me as a kid. Apparently it also inspired The Cure who wrote a song about it. Maybe not that much of a hidden gem then but I have yet to find anyone else I know who has read it! Let me know if you have!
Important moment in your reading life
This will sound ridiculous but probably when I stopped reading out loud and began reading "in my head." I began to devour books a lot quicker after that.
Just finished
Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir for the second time. Great book, well written and very well researched, not to mention heart-wrenching.
Kind of books you won't read
As others have said I'm not interested in stuff like Fifty Shades of Grey and erotica.
Longest book you've read
Coming Home by Rosamund Pilcher. It is a pretty long story but I find it a joy to read. A good indulgence for long summer days.
Major book hangover because of:
Harry Potter. Each time I finished one I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one and each year or years between felt too long. And then when I read the last one I found it difficult to accept that it was all over. I got so wrapped up in the world of magic and Hogwarts that I would think about each book for a long while after I'd read it. And I would also spend a lot of time wishing and hoping that I could one day write something as good.
Number of bookcases you own
Five, technically four that actually have books in as the fifth currently holds DVDs and files but we have plenty of books without a home that could do with living in that fifth bookcase so I might need to do some storage rearranging!
One book you've read multiple times
Too many! Most of my childhood favourites, and plenty of my adult favourites but I've probably reread Anne of Green Gables the most.
Preferred place to read
Although I can comfortably read in most places - the train to work, coffee shops, indoors and outside - my favourite place to read is one of the big armchairs at my parents' house, especially in winter when the log fire is burning.
Quote that inspires you from a book you've read
Oh man, I feel like I should something really profound here but don't know what to say. I can think of several and nothing good all at the same time. I'll have to get back to you! Inevitably it will be something said by Aslan or Dumbledore.
Reading regret
I've wasted time reading some trashy chick lit when I've wanted an easy read. The stories are often so similar that I usually ended up wondering why I bothered. I didn't enjoy Bridget Jones' Diary (love the films though), but I felt like I should have done because it's so popular. I generally avoid chick lit now as it just gets on my nerves.
Series you started and need to finish (all books are out in series)
None at the moment. Need to find a series to start I guess!
Three of your all time favourite books
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis
Harry Potter by JK Rowling - all of them
Unapologetic fan girl for
Harry Potter, Bill Bryson, Jane Austen
Very excited for this release more than all others
Honestly can't say. I feel unaware of new releases at this moment in time *feels ashamed*
Worst bookish habit
Curling the tops of the pages absent-mindedly whilst I read, and laying books face down while I go to make tea or whatever because I can't find my bookmark - all I can say is that my books look incredibly well loved!
X marks the spot - start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book
The Last Battle by CS Lewis
Your latest book purchase
Lonely Planet's Italian phrasebook for our trip to Rome. Before that it was The Fault in our Stars by John Green and Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth - there was an offer on books at Tesco when I was meant to be buying stationery or paper plates or something... That was a while ago, but as it is my birthday soon I will hopefully have some money to spend on some new reads!
ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up way late)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I know that was some considerable time ago now but I have lost the stamina to stay up late reading in my old age.
Yeah, I know, Harry Potter was the answer to a lot of these questions. You could say I'm a fan...oh wait, I did say that...
