I’ve seen this series of questions floating around the ‘net the last few days, and thought it looked like a good one for us!What was the last book you bought?
I bought three books yesterday: Last Night at the Lobster by Stuart O'Nan; All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve; Whistling In the Dark by Lesley Kagen. All were recommendations from fellow book bloggers from their reviews. (Books on the Brain, J.Kaye and Booking Mama respectively)
Name a book you have read MORE than once.
I typically don't re-read books so I can't even think of one!
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
Yes, a non-fiction book called Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer helped me through a difficult time and changed not only the way I look at life, but also the way I want to live my life. It is a very positive book and I will always keep it close for whenever I need it.
How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews?
Usually by recommendations of fellow book lovers. The cover design does add to it, but never determines if I'll read it or not. Many times if there are mixed reviews on a book, it will make me want to read it more to find out where my views stand.
Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
I enjoy reading fiction more, but I generally have a non-fiction book going at the same time, but it takes me longer to read non-fiction because I only read a little at a time.
What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Well, beautiful writing is always a pleasure to read, but if the plot isn't interesting I'm not going to enjoy the book as much. Maybe that's not the answer writers want to hear, but I think in a perfect book, good writing and a captivating plot go hand in hand.
Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
Gus McCrae from Lonesome Dove is one of my favorite characters because he was a good man and always a gentleman with women. Although he never could have the one woman he truly loved, he still treated all women with respect.
Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
Matrimony by Joshua Henkin, Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson; The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton and The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
The Day I Killed James by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I just finished it this week.
Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Unfortunatly, yes there have been a few. The Constant Gardener and Middlesex. I do plan on finishing them both, especially Middlesex because I do think it will be a great read. I just wasn't in the mood for it at the time I started it.
I love getting recommendations from fellow bloggers! And I gave up Le Carre's The Tailor of Panama halfway through...maybe it's just a Le Carre thing.
ReplyDeleteSwapna - that's interesting. I had a hard time getting into Le Carre's The Constant Gardener, so I put it up.
ReplyDeleteI don't go back to finish one I've given up.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, yes. Who could forget Gus? (apparently me!) I should have had him on my list of memorable characters.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Out Stealing Horses. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.
ReplyDeleteThis question pretty much sums up many of the past ones.
I mostly read fiction, although once in a while a non-fiction, like history or a biography will interest me.
My favorite genres are historical fiction, foreign literature, and classics.
My complete answer.
I like the books stacked on your bookstand - I've read/reviewed *Matrimony* and *The Lace Reader*. My IRL book group read *Out Stealing Horses*, but I didn't have time (when will that 30-hour day come along?). *The Wednesday Sisters* is on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteDo give *Middlesex* another try. I enjoyed it so much more than his *The Virgin Suicides*. *Middlesex* is quirky, but there's a lot to it.