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Oct
09
BTT: A Bookish Meme
2008 at 3pm Posted by Rebecca Joines Schinsky
This week, BTT is using a questionnaire that’s been floating around the blogosphere. Check it out!
What was the last book you bought? I bought a replacement copy of Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and the new edition of Holidays on Ice (see “currently reading”) at the David Sedaris event I attended on Monday.
Name a book you have read MORE than once: I’ve read A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving and The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell three times each (I think). I’ve read The Hobbit more times than I can count.
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it? When I read The Giver in sixth grade (13 years ago), I remember feeling really changed by it because it was the first book I read that was about more than entertainment. The Sparrow had a profound impact on me in the way that it wasn’t afraid to ask the big questions about humanity and the nature of faith and belief…but I think every book I read adds something to the way I look at the world.
How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews: I think it’s a combination of all the factors. A great cover or intriguing title might draw me in, but if it doesn’t sound interesting, it’s a no-go. Since I started blogging, book reviews and recommendations from other bloggers and LT members have influenced by reading choices. I also pay attention to what’s selling in our store and try to read enough to be familiar with the biggies.
Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction? I prefer a nice mix of both.
What’s more important in a novel – beautiful writing or a gripping plot? They’re equally important. I want it all!
Most loved/memorable character (character/book) I love Owen Meany in A Prayer for Owen Meany. I also love Bilbo Baggins, and I have very fond feelings for Marianne from The Gargoyle. There are many others—this is a tough question!
Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment? Well, I only keep the book I’m currently reading on my nightstand, so it’s Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris.
What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it? I read The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner in one (long) sitting this past Sunday. Incidentally, I’m running a giveaway for a free copy. Click here to read my review and enter.
Have you ever given up on a book half way in? I don’t know about halfway in, but I’m given up on several books after the first 50-100 pages. You gotta love Nancy Pearl and her Rule of 50 for giving us permission to do that.
Right! I used to plow through a poorly written or little liked book to the bitter end, but now I have decided to treat my reading time as a precious commodity. Come visit and see my answers.
A book on permission to quite a book! Great! I’m now known for putting down a book too quickly. It means I could defend myself… Thanks for the info!
I can’t keep up with new LT features but the members do influence my reading choices.
This 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.
A good book to have on your nightstand!
Here is mine!
Hi from Paris!
Just to let you know that I love your blog so much that I have tagged you on that theme.:)
http://lecture-sans-frontieres.over-blog.com/article-23562156.html
It’s all in French so you might not get what it’s all about but I thought you might be interested in knowing that you are read and loved over here.:)
Marianne from The Gargoyle is an excellent pick. I was very taken by her also.
I can’t believe I forgot about Owen Meany. He was a great character!
Also, I adore David Sedaris, and listen to him on “This American Life” every once in awhile. My favorite story is the one about being a Macy’s elf. I laughed so hard I nearly hyperventilated!
I loved The Sparrow! I only read it once, but I made my husband read it so we could talk about it.
Owen Meany, on the other hand….
I think I must be on a different wavelength than John Updike. I didn’t like Garp, either.
Another Owen Meany lover checking in!
I’ll be reading Holidays on Ice soon. Lucky you getting to attend a David Sedaris event!
Another Owen Meany fan! I adore that book, although it breaks my heart every time I read it (yep, I’ve read it multiple times too).
Another one of my all time favorites to re-read is Men and Angels, by Mary Gordon.