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I was woken up from a stressful dream this morning (the dreams that I remember have a strong tendency to be about running away from unknown pursuers, and hiding, and being discovered, and then running again; not very relaxing!) by the sound of one of the neighbours playing Mark Knopfler's What It Is through the walls. It's one of my favourite songs in the world and I've never before met anyone who's heard it, but I must admit I wanted it to go away so that I could sleep some more and maybe bring the dream to a non-stressful conclusion.
Anyway, I spent today at the Imperial War Museum, which was exhausting in every way imaginable. I manfully resisted a) sobbing all over the 'Poets and Artists' section of the WWI exhibit, and b) all of the KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON merchandise.
1. Favorite childhood book?
Helpfully, I posted about this a long while back. Coming down on 'favourite' is difficult, but... I do think I'd be a different sort of person without the works of Noel Streatfeild.
2. What are you reading right now?
As usual I have one book on the go in the flat (Scarlett Thomas's PopCo) and another in my handbag for reading on the tube or in lunch breaks (Pat Barker's The Ghost Road; I am rereading the Regeneration trilogy, as they are nice and small and easy to carry around). Back in Canberra are several books that I was in the middle of when I left for London: I'm about halfway through Bertrand Russell's History of Western Philosophy, I had just begun Peter Ackroyd's London: the Biography and I was also midway through William Gibson's Virtual Light
Usually I try to be in the middle of no more than three books (home, bag, non-fiction of the moment) so this is a bit of an unusual situation for me :)
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
None at present, because I won't be back in Orange until March, but I have a list of books which I PLAN to request on my return! These include Dorothy Dunnett's King Hereafter, Nick Harkaway's The Gone-Away World, Annette Curtis Klause's Blood and Chocolate, and the second & third Hunger Games books.
4. Bad book habit?
This used to be scattering: as a child I had my double bed taken away and replaced by a single bed with a bookshelf built into it, because I was in the habit of storing about five books at a time all over it. And then a couple outside the bathroom. And then a few on the couch. And on the dining room bench. And -- yes.
Right now it's probably borrowing NEW AND EXCTING books from the library when I already have a pile of unread books (library or otherwise) at home.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
Nothing.
6. Do you have an e-reader?
No, but I'm tempted. <-- what Nny said! I love the idea of being able to go overseas for a month without lugging ten paperbacks home at the end of it all. But I do have an emotional attachment to my library of paper books, and wish to keep adding to it.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
As I said: three is about right for me. I like having one book of non-fiction or essays sitting beside my bed, so I can read a bit before bed without getting hooked by a plot.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Absolutely! As a direct result of LJ and fandom I am now reading a lot more YA and a lot more books by people of colour than I otherwise would have, and I can't even begin to count the number of books I've read because someone blogged about them (or played a character from them in Milliways!) or recommended them to me directly. The range of things I'll read has expanded, and as a result I now do a lot less rereading of things, although I do try to reread particular favourites periodically when I'm in the mood for them.
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
I am choosing to interpret this as 'the past 12 months' because I have only read a handful of things so far in 2011, and I've liked all of them a lot! Therefore: John Banville's The Sea. BORING. And the thing about Banville's prose is that he can put together a nice sentence, but then the next sentence will be so over-constructed and purpley that it will ruin the effect. Ugh.
10. Favorite book you've read this year?
I am choosing to defy consistency and interpret THIS one as 'read in 2011', hah-HAH. Let's see. Despite both Kraken and Birdsong being excellent books, I think my favourite so far has actually been Minette Walters's The Shape of Snakes. Walters is a fairly new discovery of mine and I think her books are fantastically clever.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
I'm not entirely sure how to interpret this. I have certain genres that are more comfortable than others, but I have never felt uncomfortable with the prospect of picking up something entirely new. That said, I still don't read a lot of non-fiction; I'd like to read more, but I prefer reading for narrative escapism, and there are so many books on my pile!
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Urban and/or YA fantasy, most things classed as 'literary fiction' even though as a label it's not without problems.
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yes, but not for extended periods.
14. Favorite place to read?
Anywhere with lots of cushions.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
I have had some poor experiences when it comes to having my books returned, so unless it's someone I see often and know well (or unless I am not enormously attached to the book) I don't often lend. However, if I DO see someone often and think they would like a particular book a lot, I can be FORCEFUL in my lending.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
I try not to, but if I come across a quote that I want to put in my commonplace book and I don't have any coloured tabs, then I will.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
No, I never have the urge to. If I want to comment on a quote, that's what the commonplace book is for.
18. Not even with text books?
I'll highlight my text books, but I rarely need to write in them.
19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English. The only other language I am even passingly familiar with is French, and my reading age is probably that of a very small child.
20. What makes you love a book?
If it is written well, sustains my interest, and features characters that I am interested in (and at least ONE that I actually like as a person). Other things that can contribute to my love: themes that I like (medicine, war), and romances that don't make me want to stab myself in the foot.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
I hesitate to recommend books except for close friends, although if I'm having a conversation about books with someone and they name something THEY like, I might recommend something that I think would appeal to their tastes based on that example. Very occasionally I enjoy something so much that I recommend it to the internet at large :D
22. Favorite genre?
Am I allowed 'speculative literary fiction'? You know, whatever it is that Audrey Niffenegger writes. That is a genre I love reading AND writing in.
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
Pure sci-fi; I really want to read the classics of the genre. I've also tended to avoid historical fiction but I'm starting to develop an interest in it, so I might seek out recommendations there.
24. Favorite biography?
I, uh. Cannot think of any. That I have read. Wait! Robert Dessaix's sort-of biography of Turgenev, Twilight of Love. To be honest my interest in biographies is almost as low as my interest in watching commentaries and interviews on DVD extras.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Nope.
26. Favorite cookbook?
Ooh, tie! Between Jill Dupleix's I Hate To Cook and Charmaine Solomon's Complete Asian Cookbook. If I could only own one cookbook in my life it would be the latter, but I have enormous amounts of LOVE for the former, with its magic chocolate cake and hilarious commentary accompanying each recipe.
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
Yeah, we're reverting to 'last 12 months' for this one. I could name dozens that were inspirational in terms of providing examples of writing that I would like to work towards, but I particularly liked Margaret Atwood's book on writing, Negotiating with the Dead.
28. Favorite reading snack?
Usually? Tea or coffee or hot chocolate. At the moment? Pimms and lemonade. (I have just discovered Pimms, after being curious about it for years. I even pimped it to some very excited eighteen-year-old Americans in Waitrose yesterday.)
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
I can't really think of anything in particular that deserves the word ruined. Though I was SO EXCITED about Malinda Lo's Ash because the entire concept of 'lesbian Cinderella' was awesome, and then it turned out to be... a reasonably enjoyable book, but not as awesome as I'd hoped.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I only read proper book reviews very occasionally, when I pick up the weekend arts supplements in the Canberra Times or the Australian. And they hardly ever review books that I've read or am interested in reading.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I don't make a habit of reviewing books, and usually only when I feel strongly positive about them, but if I don't like something/think it's crap, I am quite happy to say so if asked!
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
Maybe if I could read Russian I would be more likely to actually, you know. Read one of the Russians.
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Les Miserables wins that one.
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
Proust's À la recherche du temps perdu. There's just so fucking much of it.
35. Favorite Poet?
Sorry, too hard, have a list. WH Auden, Dylan Thomas, Carol Ann Duffy, Wilfred Owen.
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
Between three and five.
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
Only occasionally, if I'm leaving town. Otherwise I just renew cheerfully until it's read.
38. Favorite fictional character?
I. I. WHAT. *head explodes* This would be easier if I had my bookshelf in front of me. Let's go with Susan Sto Helit and Sam Vimes, because I can never decide which of them I prefer.
39. Favorite fictional villain?
Now all I can think about is Discworld. Um. I think I'm going to pick Lord Jordan from the Pagan books by Catherine Jinks, because he's a great kind of villain: a complete bastard who is nevertheless a very complicated person, and gets a kind of redemption. If we're including graphic novels, I think Ozymandius is pretty damn awesome.
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
Long ones that I haven't read! This time that included Ben Okri's The Famished Road but true to form I have, um, not read it. I just bought a whole lot of other books and read those instead. SMART.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Uh. I. I don't know. Maybe three days?
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I don't tend to put books down with the intention of never finishing them, but there's a few I've become willingly distracted from and set aside for when I'm in a better mood: Anna Karenina and The Master and Margarita are two. Did I mention that I seem to have a problem with the Russians?
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
OTHER BOOKS. LJ.
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
I'm watching Stardust right now, which has reminded me of how much I love it. But I am also pretty damn fond of Master and Commander, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy will always own my heart.
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
The newer BBC film of Persuasion (with Rupert Penry-Jones) was a TRAVESTY and a DISASTER. So many pointless changes to the plot! So much weak sentimental rubbish! Give me the Ciaran Hinds/Amanda Root version any day.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
Hmm, I don't know. I've occasionally spent fairly hefty sums at bookfairs, but never more than $50 or so that I can recall.
NO WAIT THAT'S A LIE. The three-volume set of Lost Girls cost me something like $120.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Never!
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
That willing distraction I mentioned before. I don't often read books I dislike, because I tend to stick with recommendations that I trust.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
For a given value of 'organised'. My mother is all about alphabetising, but I prefer my own more whimsical system based on vague opinions and similarities. And height.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
KEEP. A couple of times a year I go through my collection and ask myself if there is the remotest chance that I will ever reread them, and if the answer is no then I give them to a fete or a fair. This doesn't usually apply to very many of them, though. My library is still large.
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
TWILIGHT. And, you know. The Russians. And also Charles Dickens, because I'm not sure if I'd like him or not and there's a lot to be getting on with in the meantime!
52. Name a book that made you angry.
Julia Serano's Whipping Girl gave me that feeling of furious impotence that you get when you know that most of society probably disagrees with you on a subject, and you know you're right.
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
I don't really read books that I don't expect to like; life's too short! Though my Booker Prize project has introduced me to some books that I had no particular opinion about to begin with, and I ended up loving them -- Keri Hulme's The Bone People is the most notable example of this.
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
I remember being quite underwhelmed by Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys, considering how much I adored American Gods and how excited I was at the prospect of a sequel, but I didn't dislike it.
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Diana Wynne Jones, Terry Pratchett, high fantasy favourites from my teen years like Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay and The Redemption of Althalus by David Eddings.
Anyway, I spent today at the Imperial War Museum, which was exhausting in every way imaginable. I manfully resisted a) sobbing all over the 'Poets and Artists' section of the WWI exhibit, and b) all of the KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON merchandise.
1. Favorite childhood book?
Helpfully, I posted about this a long while back. Coming down on 'favourite' is difficult, but... I do think I'd be a different sort of person without the works of Noel Streatfeild.
2. What are you reading right now?
As usual I have one book on the go in the flat (Scarlett Thomas's PopCo) and another in my handbag for reading on the tube or in lunch breaks (Pat Barker's The Ghost Road; I am rereading the Regeneration trilogy, as they are nice and small and easy to carry around). Back in Canberra are several books that I was in the middle of when I left for London: I'm about halfway through Bertrand Russell's History of Western Philosophy, I had just begun Peter Ackroyd's London: the Biography and I was also midway through William Gibson's Virtual Light
Usually I try to be in the middle of no more than three books (home, bag, non-fiction of the moment) so this is a bit of an unusual situation for me :)
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
None at present, because I won't be back in Orange until March, but I have a list of books which I PLAN to request on my return! These include Dorothy Dunnett's King Hereafter, Nick Harkaway's The Gone-Away World, Annette Curtis Klause's Blood and Chocolate, and the second & third Hunger Games books.
4. Bad book habit?
This used to be scattering: as a child I had my double bed taken away and replaced by a single bed with a bookshelf built into it, because I was in the habit of storing about five books at a time all over it. And then a couple outside the bathroom. And then a few on the couch. And on the dining room bench. And -- yes.
Right now it's probably borrowing NEW AND EXCTING books from the library when I already have a pile of unread books (library or otherwise) at home.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
Nothing.
6. Do you have an e-reader?
No, but I'm tempted. <-- what Nny said! I love the idea of being able to go overseas for a month without lugging ten paperbacks home at the end of it all. But I do have an emotional attachment to my library of paper books, and wish to keep adding to it.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
As I said: three is about right for me. I like having one book of non-fiction or essays sitting beside my bed, so I can read a bit before bed without getting hooked by a plot.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Absolutely! As a direct result of LJ and fandom I am now reading a lot more YA and a lot more books by people of colour than I otherwise would have, and I can't even begin to count the number of books I've read because someone blogged about them (or played a character from them in Milliways!) or recommended them to me directly. The range of things I'll read has expanded, and as a result I now do a lot less rereading of things, although I do try to reread particular favourites periodically when I'm in the mood for them.
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
I am choosing to interpret this as 'the past 12 months' because I have only read a handful of things so far in 2011, and I've liked all of them a lot! Therefore: John Banville's The Sea. BORING. And the thing about Banville's prose is that he can put together a nice sentence, but then the next sentence will be so over-constructed and purpley that it will ruin the effect. Ugh.
10. Favorite book you've read this year?
I am choosing to defy consistency and interpret THIS one as 'read in 2011', hah-HAH. Let's see. Despite both Kraken and Birdsong being excellent books, I think my favourite so far has actually been Minette Walters's The Shape of Snakes. Walters is a fairly new discovery of mine and I think her books are fantastically clever.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
I'm not entirely sure how to interpret this. I have certain genres that are more comfortable than others, but I have never felt uncomfortable with the prospect of picking up something entirely new. That said, I still don't read a lot of non-fiction; I'd like to read more, but I prefer reading for narrative escapism, and there are so many books on my pile!
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Urban and/or YA fantasy, most things classed as 'literary fiction' even though as a label it's not without problems.
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yes, but not for extended periods.
14. Favorite place to read?
Anywhere with lots of cushions.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
I have had some poor experiences when it comes to having my books returned, so unless it's someone I see often and know well (or unless I am not enormously attached to the book) I don't often lend. However, if I DO see someone often and think they would like a particular book a lot, I can be FORCEFUL in my lending.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
I try not to, but if I come across a quote that I want to put in my commonplace book and I don't have any coloured tabs, then I will.
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
No, I never have the urge to. If I want to comment on a quote, that's what the commonplace book is for.
18. Not even with text books?
I'll highlight my text books, but I rarely need to write in them.
19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English. The only other language I am even passingly familiar with is French, and my reading age is probably that of a very small child.
20. What makes you love a book?
If it is written well, sustains my interest, and features characters that I am interested in (and at least ONE that I actually like as a person). Other things that can contribute to my love: themes that I like (medicine, war), and romances that don't make me want to stab myself in the foot.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
I hesitate to recommend books except for close friends, although if I'm having a conversation about books with someone and they name something THEY like, I might recommend something that I think would appeal to their tastes based on that example. Very occasionally I enjoy something so much that I recommend it to the internet at large :D
22. Favorite genre?
Am I allowed 'speculative literary fiction'? You know, whatever it is that Audrey Niffenegger writes. That is a genre I love reading AND writing in.
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
Pure sci-fi; I really want to read the classics of the genre. I've also tended to avoid historical fiction but I'm starting to develop an interest in it, so I might seek out recommendations there.
24. Favorite biography?
I, uh. Cannot think of any. That I have read. Wait! Robert Dessaix's sort-of biography of Turgenev, Twilight of Love. To be honest my interest in biographies is almost as low as my interest in watching commentaries and interviews on DVD extras.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Nope.
26. Favorite cookbook?
Ooh, tie! Between Jill Dupleix's I Hate To Cook and Charmaine Solomon's Complete Asian Cookbook. If I could only own one cookbook in my life it would be the latter, but I have enormous amounts of LOVE for the former, with its magic chocolate cake and hilarious commentary accompanying each recipe.
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
Yeah, we're reverting to 'last 12 months' for this one. I could name dozens that were inspirational in terms of providing examples of writing that I would like to work towards, but I particularly liked Margaret Atwood's book on writing, Negotiating with the Dead.
28. Favorite reading snack?
Usually? Tea or coffee or hot chocolate. At the moment? Pimms and lemonade. (I have just discovered Pimms, after being curious about it for years. I even pimped it to some very excited eighteen-year-old Americans in Waitrose yesterday.)
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
I can't really think of anything in particular that deserves the word ruined. Though I was SO EXCITED about Malinda Lo's Ash because the entire concept of 'lesbian Cinderella' was awesome, and then it turned out to be... a reasonably enjoyable book, but not as awesome as I'd hoped.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
I only read proper book reviews very occasionally, when I pick up the weekend arts supplements in the Canberra Times or the Australian. And they hardly ever review books that I've read or am interested in reading.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I don't make a habit of reviewing books, and usually only when I feel strongly positive about them, but if I don't like something/think it's crap, I am quite happy to say so if asked!
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
Maybe if I could read Russian I would be more likely to actually, you know. Read one of the Russians.
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
Les Miserables wins that one.
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
Proust's À la recherche du temps perdu. There's just so fucking much of it.
35. Favorite Poet?
Sorry, too hard, have a list. WH Auden, Dylan Thomas, Carol Ann Duffy, Wilfred Owen.
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
Between three and five.
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
Only occasionally, if I'm leaving town. Otherwise I just renew cheerfully until it's read.
38. Favorite fictional character?
I. I. WHAT. *head explodes* This would be easier if I had my bookshelf in front of me. Let's go with Susan Sto Helit and Sam Vimes, because I can never decide which of them I prefer.
39. Favorite fictional villain?
Now all I can think about is Discworld. Um. I think I'm going to pick Lord Jordan from the Pagan books by Catherine Jinks, because he's a great kind of villain: a complete bastard who is nevertheless a very complicated person, and gets a kind of redemption. If we're including graphic novels, I think Ozymandius is pretty damn awesome.
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
Long ones that I haven't read! This time that included Ben Okri's The Famished Road but true to form I have, um, not read it. I just bought a whole lot of other books and read those instead. SMART.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
Uh. I. I don't know. Maybe three days?
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
I don't tend to put books down with the intention of never finishing them, but there's a few I've become willingly distracted from and set aside for when I'm in a better mood: Anna Karenina and The Master and Margarita are two. Did I mention that I seem to have a problem with the Russians?
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
OTHER BOOKS. LJ.
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
I'm watching Stardust right now, which has reminded me of how much I love it. But I am also pretty damn fond of Master and Commander, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy will always own my heart.
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
The newer BBC film of Persuasion (with Rupert Penry-Jones) was a TRAVESTY and a DISASTER. So many pointless changes to the plot! So much weak sentimental rubbish! Give me the Ciaran Hinds/Amanda Root version any day.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
Hmm, I don't know. I've occasionally spent fairly hefty sums at bookfairs, but never more than $50 or so that I can recall.
NO WAIT THAT'S A LIE. The three-volume set of Lost Girls cost me something like $120.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Never!
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
That willing distraction I mentioned before. I don't often read books I dislike, because I tend to stick with recommendations that I trust.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
For a given value of 'organised'. My mother is all about alphabetising, but I prefer my own more whimsical system based on vague opinions and similarities. And height.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
KEEP. A couple of times a year I go through my collection and ask myself if there is the remotest chance that I will ever reread them, and if the answer is no then I give them to a fete or a fair. This doesn't usually apply to very many of them, though. My library is still large.
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
TWILIGHT. And, you know. The Russians. And also Charles Dickens, because I'm not sure if I'd like him or not and there's a lot to be getting on with in the meantime!
52. Name a book that made you angry.
Julia Serano's Whipping Girl gave me that feeling of furious impotence that you get when you know that most of society probably disagrees with you on a subject, and you know you're right.
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
I don't really read books that I don't expect to like; life's too short! Though my Booker Prize project has introduced me to some books that I had no particular opinion about to begin with, and I ended up loving them -- Keri Hulme's The Bone People is the most notable example of this.
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
I remember being quite underwhelmed by Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys, considering how much I adored American Gods and how excited I was at the prospect of a sequel, but I didn't dislike it.
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Diana Wynne Jones, Terry Pratchett, high fantasy favourites from my teen years like Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay and The Redemption of Althalus by David Eddings.
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I wish there was a museum in the States close to me like that.
I would live there.
I loved the childrens war exhibit the most.
The holocaust exhibit was sobering and heartbreaking. I still remember all those shoes.
The WWI Poets exhibit wasn't there when I went. That sounds amazing.
On the meme: Have you read Her Fearful Symmetry? I haven't read either of the author's books but I'm really curious about which one to read first.
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I have! I'd say read TTW first, it's a nice twisty love story and I enjoyed it a hell of a lot. HFS is creepy and delicious and features ghosts and cemeteries and OCD; it's quite a bit darker in tone than TTW, I thought, but still very good.