Here are a few bloggers who have answered the questionnaire so far. Click the links to see their answers:
Rikki at The Bookkeeper
Fiona at The Book Coop
If I have missed you, leave a comment with a link to your answers on your blog. I'd love to read them!
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1. Favourite childhood book:
Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
2. What are you reading right now?
Middlemarch by George Eliot, Against a Dark Background by Iain M. Banks, and The Tricking of Freya by Christina Sunley
3. What books do you have on request at the library? None, but I am looking for In the Shadow of Gotham by Stefanie Pintoff. My library doesn't have it! *cries*
4. Bad book habit:
Buying but not reading. My Mount TBR is ridiculous.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library? None, I just returned When the Bough Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman and Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
6. Do you have an e-reader?
Yes, I own the Sony Reader PRS-505 and a Kindle 2 but I still read mostly paper books
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
I prefer to read one book at a time, but as you can see, that isn't happening right now. Middlemarch is best read with a more fun book on the side. *shakes a fist at those pesky Middlemarchers!*
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Absolutely. I've opened myself up to reading a lot of different genres I wouldn't have considered a few years ago.
9. Least favourite book you read this year:
The Cold Spot by Tom Piccirilli
10. Favourite book I’ve read this year:
I can't pick just one! I loved The Waste Lands by Stephen King, Storm Front by Jim Butcher, Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews, and Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Oh, I don't know. I think I read a pretty wide variety of stuff, so maybe only 10%?
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Fiction (Fantasy mostly). I am beginning to really enjoy non-fiction though.
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yes, but I never ride the bus. When I did, I usually strike up conversations with people instead. Hehe!
14. Favourite place to read:
On my couch with a dog curled up beside me--too bad they are usually acting like baddies though!
15. What’s your policy on book lending?
I loan books, but I've had to let go of getting upset if they come back in poor condition. My policy now is: Don't lend anything you care about getting back.
16. Do you dogear your books?
*GASP*!!!! Absolutely not! I disown The Literary Lollipop and The Bookkeeper for doing so! (not really....I love both their blogs)
17. Do you write notes in the margins of your books?
No, but I have a notebook I will take notes in and I often mark passages I like with small Post-It Notes.
18. Do you break/crack the spine of your books?
*GASP*!!! Not if it can be helped. I'll admit it though. I'm not very careful with library books because the spines are often already cracked.
19. What is your favourite language to read?
I can only read English. I would love to be able to read in Spanish though and have that as a life goal.
20. What makes you love a book?
I'm beginning to love the fun in books. If the plotline has a quirky character I usually end up liking it. I'm a plot girl though. Good prose isn't enough. If you can't make me care about the story, I think you are not a very effective writer.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
I typically recommend books that I think people will like based on their reading tastes. There are few books that I recommend because I think everyone on the planet should read them. The one book I constantly recommend is Bad News by Tom Fenton. Absolute life changer and big indictment on the state of American news organizations.
22. Favourite genre:
High Fantasy
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did):
Historical Non-Fiction (I am trying to remedy this now.)
24. Favourite Biography:
I'm not sure that I have one. I don't read many biographies. I guess Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther was probably one of the most memorable I've read.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
I've read a few books on marriage. Suffice it to say, they were generally not good for my marriage. It was right after I got married and they made me feel like I needed to be June Cleaver or Harriet Nelson. Not a fan of self-help AT ALL.
26. Favourite Cookbook:
I don't have a favorite cookbook, but I love using AllRecipes.com or local recipe books that are put together by people.
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction):
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan (fiction) and The Pacific by Hugh Ambrose (non-fiction)
28. Favourite reading snack:
Crackers/chips, yogurt with fresh fruit...mostly I drink iced coffee or tea while reading.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience:
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
30. How often do you agree with the critics about about a book?
I feel bad saying this, but I don't read a lot of critics reviews of books. I mostly get recommendations from bloggers and Shelfari friends.
I feel bad saying this, but I don't read a lot of critics reviews of books. I mostly get recommendations from bloggers and Shelfari friends.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I am ok with it. I think we are all such a varied species that we all see things differently. What I don't like, someone else may love. Case in point: I just thought Middlesex was ok and @Nymeth (Ana) from Things Mean A Lot loved it. I don't like mean-spirited reviews (and I have read a few), but I think that constructive criticism is good. It only shows people have different tastes which I think is a good thing.
I am ok with it. I think we are all such a varied species that we all see things differently. What I don't like, someone else may love. Case in point: I just thought Middlesex was ok and @Nymeth (Ana) from Things Mean A Lot loved it. I don't like mean-spirited reviews (and I have read a few), but I think that constructive criticism is good. It only shows people have different tastes which I think is a good thing.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
Spanish most definitely. Everything in the store is printed in Spanish and I hear it a lot when I'm out in public. I would love to be able to understand and communicate with Spanish speakers.
Spanish most definitely. Everything in the store is printed in Spanish and I hear it a lot when I'm out in public. I would love to be able to understand and communicate with Spanish speakers.
33. Most intimidating book I’ve read (in progress of reading):
Middlemarch by George Eliot and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I'm doing the Middlemarch Read-a-Long with The Literary Lollipop and loving it. Without her weekly updates, I probably would have given up for the second time. Instead, we're having lively conversation through her comments and it's actually fun. Things Mean A Lot is also hosting a Middlemarch Read-a-Long that I believe just started so if you want to read that book, I highly recommend either of those blogs to get your dose of George Eliot.
Middlemarch by George Eliot and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I'm doing the Middlemarch Read-a-Long with The Literary Lollipop and loving it. Without her weekly updates, I probably would have given up for the second time. Instead, we're having lively conversation through her comments and it's actually fun. Things Mean A Lot is also hosting a Middlemarch Read-a-Long that I believe just started so if you want to read that book, I highly recommend either of those blogs to get your dose of George Eliot.
34. Most intimidating book I’m too nervous to begin:
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I do want to read this someday, but I am afraid. I would say Finnegan's Wake by James Joyce, but I honestly have no desire to read James Joyce after what I've heard about his writing.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I do want to read this someday, but I am afraid. I would say Finnegan's Wake by James Joyce, but I honestly have no desire to read James Joyce after what I've heard about his writing.
35. Favourite Poet:
John Keats or Samuel Taylor Coleridge (I don't know a lot of either of their work, but I do love the poems I've read by them)
John Keats or Samuel Taylor Coleridge (I don't know a lot of either of their work, but I do love the poems I've read by them)
36. How many books do you usually have checked out from the library at any given time?
One to two books. I live really close to the library so I try to only check out what I can read in the two week span I'm given.
One to two books. I live really close to the library so I try to only check out what I can read in the two week span I'm given.
37. How often do you return books to the library unread?
Not very often.
Not very often.
38. Favourite fictional character:
Menolly from Anne McCaffrey's Pern Series or Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Menolly from Anne McCaffrey's Pern Series or Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
39. Favourite fictional villain:
Tyrion from George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. He's kind of a villain, but not really. I like characters that I shouldn't like, but still do and he's one of my favorites.
Tyrion from George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. He's kind of a villain, but not really. I like characters that I shouldn't like, but still do and he's one of my favorites.
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation:
Definitely fun fiction and usually try to bring a book that is available for my e-book reader because I can read multiple books on vacation.
Definitely fun fiction and usually try to bring a book that is available for my e-book reader because I can read multiple books on vacation.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading:
Maybe a month or two. I didn't read a lot for fun while I was in school, but I read A LOT while in school--it was just textbooks. It counts!
Maybe a month or two. I didn't read a lot for fun while I was in school, but I read A LOT while in school--it was just textbooks. It counts!
42. Name a book you could/would not finish:
The Fifth Book of Peace by Maxine Hong Kingston. I tried...I really did. It was boring and portion in Hawaii was the kicker. I put it down and didn't pick it back up.
The Fifth Book of Peace by Maxine Hong Kingston. I tried...I really did. It was boring and portion in Hawaii was the kicker. I put it down and didn't pick it back up.
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Everything distracts me. I have to have quiet when I read. I think that's why I don't read 200 books a year like some people do. How do you guys do it?!!!
Everything distracts me. I have to have quiet when I read. I think that's why I don't read 200 books a year like some people do. How do you guys do it?!!!
44. Favourite film adaptation of a novel:
Field of Dreams (Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella) and Atonement by Ian McEwan. Oh, and Lord of the Rings...can't forget LotR!
Field of Dreams (Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella) and Atonement by Ian McEwan. Oh, and Lord of the Rings...can't forget LotR!
45. Most disappointing film adaptation:
Eragon...but the book was just as bad as the movie. I don't see how people can like it. Christopher Paolini was pretty blatant about his plagiarism of other fantastic fantasy authors. Made me want to vomit.
Eragon...but the book was just as bad as the movie. I don't see how people can like it. Christopher Paolini was pretty blatant about his plagiarism of other fantastic fantasy authors. Made me want to vomit.
46. Most money I’ve ever spent in a bookstore at one time:
$70 USD
$70 USD
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Never. I read the back to see if it's something I'll like, but I never thumb through the pages.
Never. I read the back to see if it's something I'll like, but I never thumb through the pages.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through?
If the story is boring, I'll give up. I rarely ever do though. I always think it will get better.
If the story is boring, I'll give up. I rarely ever do though. I always think it will get better.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
I do like to, but I have too many now and so I've organized them into shelves that have been read and TBR shelves. I would like to alphabetize by author eventually though. I used to do that when my shelves were more manageable.
I do like to, but I have too many now and so I've organized them into shelves that have been read and TBR shelves. I would like to alphabetize by author eventually though. I used to do that when my shelves were more manageable.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once they’ve been read?
I prefer to keep my books, but I have started giving them away because I just have too many. I give away the ones I don't think I'll read again. I feel like I have the propensity to become a book hoarder which is probably not a good thing.
I prefer to keep my books, but I have started giving them away because I just have too many. I give away the ones I don't think I'll read again. I feel like I have the propensity to become a book hoarder which is probably not a good thing.
51. Are there any books that you’ve been avoiding?
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. As soon as I can get my reviews under control, I'm going to start reading it with Fizzy Thoughts and Trish at Love, Laughter and Insanity.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. As soon as I can get my reviews under control, I'm going to start reading it with Fizzy Thoughts and Trish at Love, Laughter and Insanity.
52. Name a book that made you angry:
Web of Debt by Ellen Hodgson Brown--Worst book I ever read. The vast majority of it was conspiracy theory drivel and Libertarian propaganda. The woman actually talked about the Middle Ages like it was a wonderful time for people to live and thought that getting rid of "Ron Paul" Dollars was just a big government conspiracy to control our monetary system. I hated it so much that I refuse to even sell it to donate it. It will become a book wreath in my house since I don't believe in burning books.
Web of Debt by Ellen Hodgson Brown--Worst book I ever read. The vast majority of it was conspiracy theory drivel and Libertarian propaganda. The woman actually talked about the Middle Ages like it was a wonderful time for people to live and thought that getting rid of "Ron Paul" Dollars was just a big government conspiracy to control our monetary system. I hated it so much that I refuse to even sell it to donate it. It will become a book wreath in my house since I don't believe in burning books.
53. A book I didn’t expect to like but did:
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
54. A book I expected to like but didn’t:
Marked by P.C. Cast (Terrible, terrible book)
Marked by P.C. Cast (Terrible, terrible book)
55. Favourite guilt-free guilty pleasure reading:
Terry Brooks' Shannara series (except the first book...I wasn't a big fan of The Sword of Shanarra)
Terry Brooks' Shannara series (except the first book...I wasn't a big fan of The Sword of Shanarra)
Do you want to take the quiz? Go ahead and post the questionnaire on your blog! Also, check out the other blogs that have done this quiz that I listed at the top. Thanks to The Literary Lollipop for posting it! This was fun!
Posts
12 comments:
Whew that's a lot of questions...which means also a lot to comment on. I'll try not to run you ragged.
I dogear. If I'm reading something classicky then I usually also have a pencil in tow. My copy of Middlemarch is heavily underlined (as is Brothers K). I used to break my spines but have since given up the habit.
So you're one of those who will see a reader on the bus and pester them about what she's reading instead of letting her read!? LOL! ;)
One more and then I'll cut myself off...critics stink. Don't trust their reviews!
Yeah, I'm sorry I posted all the questions in one post, but I have some guest posts next week and Friday Coffee Chat tomorrow so I decided to do one huge post. It was fun though! You should do it! I'd love to see your answers!
You know, I feel like Publishers Weekly hates EVERYTHING they read. Their blurbs on Amazon.com are always negative! I think I get most of my TBRs from bloggers and Shelfari friends. I just don't believe everything has to have amazing prose and be stuffy to be good. I'm fine with some fluffy reads! :)
For Middlemarch I am mostly using post-its and commenting on The Literary Lollipop as soon as I finish. Her summaries are fantastic. I'm all about the read-a-longs for classics. They are WAY more interesting and fun that way. I'm hoping to catch up with you and Fizzy Thoughts for Bros. K in the next few weeks. Cross your fingers and bug me about it for sure! :P
Great info, and I am all over Allrecipes.com too!
By the way, I love the "*GASP!!!" :)
@Coffee and a Book Chick - I think I actually did *gasp* when I saw that on their pages. I maybe even got a little chest pain! LOL! I have been known to repurchase books when I've accidentally cracked their spines!
Allrecipes.com is a great resource. I got a recipe for A-1 Banana Cake from there and I use it to make banana bread rather than cake. Oh the deliciousness! It's amazing!
That was awesome! I had to copy and post my own answers....it took forever!! So tell me, why IS a book intimidating?
@Scrabblequeen - Hmmm...why is a book intimidating? Well, I think some of the classics are simply because the language is different and the way things were published back then was different. I'm going to conquer War and Peace someday, but something like Finnegan's Wake I think is the ultimate intimidating work since my English professor said she thought it was unreadable. She said someday she would finish but it was just a very unreadable book. To me, that's irritating. I just don't know anything about James Joyce, but why would I want to torture myself to try to understand something that so many people deem unreadable?!!
OK...off to comment on your 55 questions!
Haha, wait until you see my answer to question no. 18.
Books are to be used not worshipped. There was a discussion of the weekly geeks about this some time ago. Not the book is sacred, but the content.
At least this is how it see it.
@Rikki - I think I've just disowned you. :P I actually can't explain why I feel that way about dog earing (or is it earring?) and the spines of books. I have definitely relaxed some--I used to read my books by only opening them a little way. I open them a little further now. Maybe part of it was that I didn't really have very many nice things when I was growing up and so when I did get something new I tried to be very kind with it? I have no idea. I think I might have to hit the psychologist's couch about it! It might also be the challenge of trying to read it as many times as possible with it still looking new at the end. I think that might actually be it. Anyhow, it still drives me nuts, but less so because when I loan out books I expect them to look a little more "worn" if I get them back. Is that a satisfying answer? LOL!
Carin, if you want to treat your books nicely, then do so, by any means. I don't oppose to that at all. It;s just that to me a book is an item to be used and the more worn it looks the better. It's like a coffee table that looks better with age.
With ky kids I also encourage them to look at books like an everyday item in their life. And to everyday items you don't give too much special care.
If you disown me, remember - no tote bag for ya! :-)
@Rikki - Haha! Now I'm just thinking I have some kind of problem! You have me thinking about my craziness! LOL!
I love this! So fun to get to know more about you Carin. I might do this on my blog as well... or maybe even just for myself in my journal. Very fun.
About Publisher's Weekly, I hate it when people only negatively review books. I have several friends (and see many on GoodReads) who do the same thing. It's almost like they think if they can find fault with books it makes them smarter than the rest of us who love those books. I think it just makes them people who don't like books, haha!
@Wallace - Please do this on your blog! I would love to see your answers! I don't know if Publishers Weekly hates everything, but whenever I check Amazon.com, they seem to give most everything I look up a bad review. I just wonder how fantastic something has to be before they are like, "Oh wow. This is an awesome book. Well done author person!" LOL!
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