Some book memes
Mostly from, you guessed it, book_memes :)
A Countdown Book Meme
Five recently read books that you'd like to recommend to everyone:
I haven't really read anything thrilling recently. Probably: The Time Traveler's Wife; The Book Thief (even though I read this a while ago, I still highly recommend it); Sex at Dawn; Death Most Definite (also read quite a while ago); that's all I've got, sorry
Four long-time favourites that you'd like to recommend to everyone:
How I Live Now; The Book Thief; Lolita; and last but not least, my favourite, The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Three characters that you wish could appear in books by authors other than their original creators:
Oh this is really hard. I would love to see Neil Gaiman write some more Sherlock Holmes/Lovecraft. Actually, I'd like a whole novel of short stories by Neil Gaiman where he takes well known characters and does interesting things with them - maybe some Poirot, some Harry Potter... it could be pretty epic. ;)
Two characters who you feel could only ever work if written by their original creators:
I have no idea. Mostly any characters in Jane Austen novels to be honest. The current trend of a Jane Austen novel/other classic + vampires/zombies/sea creatures/whateverthefuck mash up is not really my scene. I tried a couple and I thought they were written poorly.
One strong feeling that a recently read book has left you with:
Sex at Dawn (I still have a few chapters to go though). Feelings it left me with: 'Oh god, that's depressing'. And also: 'Ah, that explains alot'. :P
Random questions
If a book contains ______, you will always read it
This is really specific, actually. If a book contains a group of kids (usually studying English/classics/languages) and who form a cult-like group in college, set anytime from the 1920's onwards, and if the book contains the death of one of the characters, which the other children have some hand in or have to come to terms with/atone, I'm on it! This is why The Secret History and The Lake of Dead Languages are my dream books. Other books with similar themes, such as The Virgin Suicides are also awesome. Yeah, I'm a bit weird. :)
Your "comfort" book
Probably Emma. It always makes me feel happy.
Reading Habits
1. Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
Sometimes, if so, mint chocolate or jelly beans
2. What is your favorite drink while reading?
Tea or chocolate milk
3. Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
God yes. If I love a book it has flags, post-it notes, several bookmarks, corrections and edits (I can't help it, it's my job!), and sometimes thoughts in the margins
4. How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ear? Laying the book flat open?
Bookmarks, sometimes the free ones from Book Depository, sometimes just a receipt/random bit of paper
5. Fiction, Non-Fiction, or Both?
I swing both ways, baby. ;P
6. Are you a person who tends to read to the end of a chapter, or can you stop anywhere?
Depends on how tired I am (ie if I'm reading in bed and dozing). Usually I'll read until the end of a chapter.
7. Are you a person to throw a book across the room or on the floor if the author irritates you?
Absolutely. The characters I loved died in HP7 so once I was done, I threw it against the wall. Still a good book though. :)
8. If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?
Sometimes. I usually Google it or flag it for later.
9. What are you currently reading?
We've been through this already, but Sex at Dawn. It's pretty awesome. Read it, then discuss it over Christmas dinner with your relatives. ;D
10. What is the last book you bought?
Probably the latter...?
11. Are you a person that reads one book at a time, or can you read more than one?
I usually have a few on the go at once. A non-fiction, maybe two fiction, a couple of magazines...
12. Do you have a favorite time/place to read?
Before bed or in the lounge room in the afternoon. Otherwise, I can read pretty much anywhere.
13. Do you prefer series books or stand-alones?
Usually stand-alones, but it depends.
14. Is there a specific book or author you find yourself recommending over and over?
Probably The Book Thief and The Secret History.
15. How do you organize your books? By genre, title, author's last name, etc?
Absolutely not. They're beside my bed in stacks and in bookshelves mixed up with dvds. They're all arranged neatly, but in regards to organisation, I couldn't give a toss.