Booking through Thursday: Playing Favorites
1. Do you have a favorite author?
I do. I'd definitely consider Jane Austen to be my favorite. I know a lot of people have a hard time with her, but reading Pride and Prejudice when I was 17 was the catalyst for turning to literary fiction and classics rather than continuing to read nothing but mass-market literature, which is what I had been reading to that point. And while I don't have a problem with people reading mass-market fiction, I think I'm much better off for reading more quality literature.
2. Have you read everything he or she has written?
I've read all six of the major novels, but I'm slacking when it comes to her minor works, such as her short stories. I own almost everything (save Lady Susan and The Watsons), I just haven't read it yet.
3. Did you LIKE everything?
Honestly, no. I don't love Mansfield Park. I love to go back and re-read her books, but MP is never at the top of my list. I found most of the characters to be grating and the main character, Fanny Price, just didn't interest me in any way. I really should re-read it. I might get something out of it now that I didn't when I was 18.
4. How about a least favorite author?
This is possibly very unfair of me, but William Faulkner. It's unfair because I really haven't given him much of a chance. I tried to read The Sound and the Fury when I was in high school. I got so frustrated with it that I gave up thirty pages in and have since sworn off everything he's written. I need to give it another chance, but I just haven't been able to bring myself to do it yet.
5. An author you wanted to like, but didn’t?
None that I can think of off the top of my head. Maybe Mark Twain. I feel like I should like him, but after two forced readings of Huckleberry Finn, I'm in no hurry to read anything else by him.
What about you? Which authors do you love? And which can you do without?
Don't forget to check out my Barnes and Noble gift card giveaway!