Book Survey
I spotted this book survey on Emma’s blog, and I’m never one to let a bandwagon roll past without jumping on it, so here you go!
Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
No. I feel like reading has always been a part of my life so I can’t really remember a time that I didn’t read. It must have been in primary school, as I can vaguely remember growing tired of the usual Bif Chip & Kipper fare and insisting on reading something more grown-up in true precocious child style. (If I remember I read something about a dinosaur, so definitely very srs literature.) I’m glad that my teachers encouraged this though! I feel as though some English teachers don’t actually want to foster a love of literature in children, which is a bit sad.
Where do you usually read?
Reading in bed is a classic. Reading on the bus is just good sense. I really feel for people who can’t read on public transport. Reading in a coffee shop with a fancy drink is lovely as a once-in-a-while treat, but not very sustainable in the long term.
Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?
It’s only in the past year or so that I have got into the habit of reading more than one book at once, and honestly I hate it and I’m trying really hard to stop.
What is your favourite genre?
Genres remain a bit of a mystery to me, even after so many years of studying literature, so I don’t know!
Is there a genre you will not read?
No. There are some that generally don’t appeal to me, like thrillers (of the Lee Child variety) and very dry styles of science fiction, but I feel that I can always be swayed by something. I feel like the obvious answer for a modern emancipated woman such as myself is chick lit, but I have read and enjoyed far too many fluffy-cheesy novels and enjoyed them in my time to say that with a straight face. (Also as I say, genres confuse me. What is chick lit? A lot of it is just normal books with rather shrewd marketing. I recently read The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson, was that chick lit? I just don’t know you see.)
Do you have a favourite book?
I have many favourite books, and my answer to this is liable to change depending on when you ask me and how I feel. On Goodreads I have 31 books categorised as ‘favourites’. Today I’m going to say Ghostwritten by David Mitchell. But ask me again tomorrow if you like.
What is your least favourite book?
Here we have two categories: books that were so bad I abandoned them, and books that I persevered with for no reward. From the first category, I would choose Beauty Story by Luke Jennings. From the second, Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion.
What is the longest book you have ever read?
I’d like to say it was The Heavenly Twins by Sarah Grand – but I didn’t read all of it. Don’t tell my university tutor that though, she was truly formidable and would probably track me down to bollock me for not reading it!
What was the last book you bought?
As per my last post I am on a book-buying ban this month, so it was a while ago. Shortly before my ban came into effect I grabbed Dark Places and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn for 99p each on the Kindle. In honesty I didn’t love Gone Girl, but thought at that price they were worth buying.
Do you prefer library books or buying books?
I think they each have their own charms. I’m all for equal opportunities when it comes to books and reading. The library has its place in the world, as do bookshops – both independent ones and huge chains. Just like how I think that Kindles are no better or worse than paper books, just a different take on the same theme. I will always buy paper books, I will always buy ebooks, and I will always visit the library, all for as long as I am able to read.
What are you currently reading?
Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente. Honestly I’ve been reading it for what feels like an age! I really like it but have just been taking my sweet time with it.
