Book Meme
My first post of the new year---how sad is that, lol? It's almost February. Epic-fail-ness on my part. On the other hand, it's been a pretty slow moving year so far. But I did find this nifty meme in the journal of antiqueskies . And we all know that I can't resist a good meme ;) So, without further ado...
1. Favorite childhood book?
'Anastasia's Album' by Hugh Brewster. I got it on a whim from one of those programs where you ordered books through your grade school and it changed my life. I became obsessed (and still am) with Nicholas II and his family, and it's the reason why I have a degree in History.
2. What are you reading right now?
I'm reading 'Bruiser' by Neal Shusterman. I know, I know, I say it all the time---YA writers don't get the credit they're due. They write some AMAZING stories, and Shusterman is currently one of the best YA authors out there.
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
None. The library did wonders for me when I was little---all those stories at my fingertips! But now I'm A. too picky about what I read and B. I keep all of the books I enjoy so that I can reread them.
4. Bad book habit?
Let's just say I've dropped a few books in the bathtub ;)
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
N/A
6. Do you have an e-reader?
As someone who frequents used bookstores because she enjoys the smell, uh, NO. Call me old-fashioned, but I appreciate the weight of a book in my hands, the texture of the pages. It's all about the senses, really.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
I'm all over the place, lol. Sometimes, I'll have a few going, and other times, I'll focus on one. Depends what I'm in the mood for.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Blog, no. But college, definitely. I was juggling so much between two jobs and being a full time student that reading for enjoyment happened on the train or in the tub. Now, I'm getting back to taking more time to enjoy it, especially at night before bed.
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
It's January, so nothing yet, really.
10. Favorite book you've read this year?
'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell. It was love at first read, really. I totally adork the BBC miniseries (which completely did it justice, by the way), so I decided to read the book. It didn't disappoint.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
I like my comfort zone. It's all ...comfort-y. Lol, like I said, I'm pretty picky about what I read.
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
YA books, classics (particularly British), sci-fi, TV tie-ins, any books about Nicholas II and his family, poetry
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yup! And on trains, planes...
14. Favorite place to read?
Bathtub!!! It's quiet and cozy, and I can really enjoy whatever world I've entered into. Either that, or my bed.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
Please keep it in relatively the same condition as I gave it to you in and, most importantly, GIVE IT BACK. Lol.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
For quotes! I'm such a quote nerd. I have a notebook full of them.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Nopers.
18. Not even with text books?
Some, but not really. I mostly highlighted in the book, and then wrote notes in a notebook.
19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English
20. What makes you love a book?
I'm all about making a connection with the characters. A book can have a huge plot, or a lot of action, but if there's nothing to base it on...it's pointless, ya know? I also enjoy authors that create ridiculously detailed new worlds that tell us a lot about the world we're living in now.
When it comes to history books, I don't want just a bunch of numbers and facts. Dig deeper---talk about the people, offer a human connection. Remind the reader that these were real people, just like them.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
Obviously, it's gotta be something I really enjoy, but I also try to think about the person I'm talking to and what they're interested in.
22. Favorite genre?
Sci-fi
23. Genre you rarely read but wish you did?
I'm not interested in YA or Adult novels that focus on....hmm, how should I put it? The whole Gossip Girl/Desperate Housewives atmosphere. The backstabbing, the focus on money, the emphasis on societal hierarchy. Ick.
24. Favorite biography?
Okay, I've stared at this question for way too long, lol. There's too many about Rasputin and Nicholas II, so yeah...those types.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
The Bible is my self-help book :D That, and different books about/by different saints are really inspiring.
26. Favorite cookbook?
N/A
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
Other than different parts of the Bible, nothing so far. But it's early.
28. Favorite reading snack?
I don't really snack while I read. But I HATE sitting and eating a meal on my own, especially when I'm out and about, so I'll pull out a book then.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
Ruined it? Hasn't really happened.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I don't really read what critics say about books *shrugs*
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I don't normally waste my time writing about it if it's bad.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
I can read some French, but I would love to be able to read it/understand it fluently.
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Different classics scared me at first---'Dante's Inferno', 'Crime and Punishment', works by Sophocles and Plato. But I'm glad I read them, and some of them I even fell in love with, ie 'Antigone.'
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
'Anna Karenina' by Tolstoy
35. Favorite Poet?
Emile Nelligan (though John Keats is a close second)
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
N/A
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
N/A
38. Favorite fictional character?
Too many! Heathcliff from 'Wuthering Heights', Beth March from 'Little Women', Candy from 'Candy' by Kevin Brooks, Anne Elliot from 'Persuasion'...
39. Favorite fictional villain?
Heathcliff again
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
I always have a stack of books that need to be read, so I just grab whatever is next.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Yeah...I gotta read every day.
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I usually try to see books through to the end. And if I don't, I tend to forget about them ;)
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Not much, lol. I read in public places quite a bit, so I'm good at blocking everything out.
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
BBC rocks a lot of classic adaptations, let me tell ya. 'North and South', the 2008 version of 'Persuasion', they're all amazing.
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
I'm not disappointed by entire adaptations of it, but, having seen pretty much every version of 'Wuthering Heights' that exists, there are certain actors or scenes or w/e that just....make me question what the heck people were thinking, lol.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
Let's just say, I try not to think about it ;)
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
I don't, really. I like to be surprised and really enjoy the adventure.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
No connection whatsoever to the characters/bad writing in general.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
Not really. I have too many, and I just keep adding more to the mix. I would constantly be moving things around.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
I keep them!!! My room looks like a library, lol. If I enjoy a book, I'm gonna wanna reread it, so I need to hang onto it. The books that I don't enjoy I take to the used bookstore and trade for something else :)
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
Nah. As far as I know, there are no ex-boyfriend or ninja books lurking around the corners of Borders.
52. Name a book that made you angry.
I HATE 'Lord of the Flies.' With a fiery passion. Bunch of naked kids running around an island, devoted to a pig's head. Crap on toast. Oh, and 'The Yearling'....ugh. Kill it at the beginning of the story, and save me the dullness.
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
'The Time Traveler's Wife.' Not usually what I go for, but I enjoyed it :)
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
'Linger', the sequel to 'Shiver' by Maggie Stiefvater, let me down. I wanted it to be good soooooo bad, but it was cliched and obvious.
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Any book that I want to read.
1. Favorite childhood book?
'Anastasia's Album' by Hugh Brewster. I got it on a whim from one of those programs where you ordered books through your grade school and it changed my life. I became obsessed (and still am) with Nicholas II and his family, and it's the reason why I have a degree in History.
2. What are you reading right now?
I'm reading 'Bruiser' by Neal Shusterman. I know, I know, I say it all the time---YA writers don't get the credit they're due. They write some AMAZING stories, and Shusterman is currently one of the best YA authors out there.
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
None. The library did wonders for me when I was little---all those stories at my fingertips! But now I'm A. too picky about what I read and B. I keep all of the books I enjoy so that I can reread them.
4. Bad book habit?
Let's just say I've dropped a few books in the bathtub ;)
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
N/A
6. Do you have an e-reader?
As someone who frequents used bookstores because she enjoys the smell, uh, NO. Call me old-fashioned, but I appreciate the weight of a book in my hands, the texture of the pages. It's all about the senses, really.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
I'm all over the place, lol. Sometimes, I'll have a few going, and other times, I'll focus on one. Depends what I'm in the mood for.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Blog, no. But college, definitely. I was juggling so much between two jobs and being a full time student that reading for enjoyment happened on the train or in the tub. Now, I'm getting back to taking more time to enjoy it, especially at night before bed.
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
It's January, so nothing yet, really.
10. Favorite book you've read this year?
'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell. It was love at first read, really. I totally adork the BBC miniseries (which completely did it justice, by the way), so I decided to read the book. It didn't disappoint.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
I like my comfort zone. It's all ...comfort-y. Lol, like I said, I'm pretty picky about what I read.
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
YA books, classics (particularly British), sci-fi, TV tie-ins, any books about Nicholas II and his family, poetry
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yup! And on trains, planes...
14. Favorite place to read?
Bathtub!!! It's quiet and cozy, and I can really enjoy whatever world I've entered into. Either that, or my bed.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
Please keep it in relatively the same condition as I gave it to you in and, most importantly, GIVE IT BACK. Lol.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
For quotes! I'm such a quote nerd. I have a notebook full of them.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Nopers.
18. Not even with text books?
Some, but not really. I mostly highlighted in the book, and then wrote notes in a notebook.
19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English
20. What makes you love a book?
I'm all about making a connection with the characters. A book can have a huge plot, or a lot of action, but if there's nothing to base it on...it's pointless, ya know? I also enjoy authors that create ridiculously detailed new worlds that tell us a lot about the world we're living in now.
When it comes to history books, I don't want just a bunch of numbers and facts. Dig deeper---talk about the people, offer a human connection. Remind the reader that these were real people, just like them.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
Obviously, it's gotta be something I really enjoy, but I also try to think about the person I'm talking to and what they're interested in.
22. Favorite genre?
Sci-fi
23. Genre you rarely read but wish you did?
I'm not interested in YA or Adult novels that focus on....hmm, how should I put it? The whole Gossip Girl/Desperate Housewives atmosphere. The backstabbing, the focus on money, the emphasis on societal hierarchy. Ick.
24. Favorite biography?
Okay, I've stared at this question for way too long, lol. There's too many about Rasputin and Nicholas II, so yeah...those types.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
The Bible is my self-help book :D That, and different books about/by different saints are really inspiring.
26. Favorite cookbook?
N/A
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
Other than different parts of the Bible, nothing so far. But it's early.
28. Favorite reading snack?
I don't really snack while I read. But I HATE sitting and eating a meal on my own, especially when I'm out and about, so I'll pull out a book then.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
Ruined it? Hasn't really happened.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I don't really read what critics say about books *shrugs*
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I don't normally waste my time writing about it if it's bad.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
I can read some French, but I would love to be able to read it/understand it fluently.
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Different classics scared me at first---'Dante's Inferno', 'Crime and Punishment', works by Sophocles and Plato. But I'm glad I read them, and some of them I even fell in love with, ie 'Antigone.'
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
'Anna Karenina' by Tolstoy
35. Favorite Poet?
Emile Nelligan (though John Keats is a close second)
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
N/A
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
N/A
38. Favorite fictional character?
Too many! Heathcliff from 'Wuthering Heights', Beth March from 'Little Women', Candy from 'Candy' by Kevin Brooks, Anne Elliot from 'Persuasion'...
39. Favorite fictional villain?
Heathcliff again
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
I always have a stack of books that need to be read, so I just grab whatever is next.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Yeah...I gotta read every day.
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I usually try to see books through to the end. And if I don't, I tend to forget about them ;)
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Not much, lol. I read in public places quite a bit, so I'm good at blocking everything out.
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
BBC rocks a lot of classic adaptations, let me tell ya. 'North and South', the 2008 version of 'Persuasion', they're all amazing.
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
I'm not disappointed by entire adaptations of it, but, having seen pretty much every version of 'Wuthering Heights' that exists, there are certain actors or scenes or w/e that just....make me question what the heck people were thinking, lol.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
Let's just say, I try not to think about it ;)
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
I don't, really. I like to be surprised and really enjoy the adventure.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
No connection whatsoever to the characters/bad writing in general.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
Not really. I have too many, and I just keep adding more to the mix. I would constantly be moving things around.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
I keep them!!! My room looks like a library, lol. If I enjoy a book, I'm gonna wanna reread it, so I need to hang onto it. The books that I don't enjoy I take to the used bookstore and trade for something else :)
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
Nah. As far as I know, there are no ex-boyfriend or ninja books lurking around the corners of Borders.
52. Name a book that made you angry.
I HATE 'Lord of the Flies.' With a fiery passion. Bunch of naked kids running around an island, devoted to a pig's head. Crap on toast. Oh, and 'The Yearling'....ugh. Kill it at the beginning of the story, and save me the dullness.
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
'The Time Traveler's Wife.' Not usually what I go for, but I enjoyed it :)
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
'Linger', the sequel to 'Shiver' by Maggie Stiefvater, let me down. I wanted it to be good soooooo bad, but it was cliched and obvious.
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Any book that I want to read.