BTT: Interview

1. What’s your favorite time of day to read? I usually read before bed...  But that isn't my favorite time, it's just the most convenient.  I really liked reading in the morning after my shower. 

2. Do you read during breakfast? (Assuming you eat breakfast.) No.  I am very clumsy and don't want to get breakfast on my books. 

3. What’s your favorite breakfast food? (Noting that breakfast foods can be eaten any time of day.) I really love apples and cinnamon oatmeal.  It's not the most glamorous breakfast food, but I love it. 

4. How many hours a day would you say you read? Usually less than an hour.  During readathons, I really try to focus.  But with work 9 hours a day, making dinner, and hopefully spending some time with J, I just don't have a lot of time available for reading.  I do try to read on my lunch break. 

5. Do you read more or less now than you did, say, 10 years ago? Definitely more.  Or at least I'm more consistent with my reading.  Ten years ago, I was in college, so most of my reading was class assigned.  I didn't have a lot of pleasure reading. 

6. Do you consider yourself a speed reader? I definitely read faster than most people I know.  So, I guess that makes me a speed reader. 

7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To retain everything I read.  I know, a pretty geeky superpower.  But wouldn't it be awesome to have total recall? 

8. Do you carry a book with you everywhere you go? Of course!  And sometimes I even have two, just in case I finish the first one. 

9. What KIND of book? Genre -- whatever.  I am an equal opportunity reader at this point.  Type -- Usually trade paperbacks or mass market paperbacks.  Hard back books are murder on my purses. 

10. How old were you when you got your first library card? I was probably in middle school.  I have always frequented the library, but I can't remember if I had my own in elementary school or we just put books on my mom's card...  I definitely had my very own in middle and high school. 

11. What’s the oldest book you have in your collection? (Oldest physical copy? Longest in the collection? Oldest copyright?) Longest in collection -- The Awakening by Kate Chopin.  Oldest copyright -- probably something by Jane Austen. Oldest physical copy -- possibly my copy of Contact (I'm not at home, so I can't check the book to make sure).

12. Do you read in bed? Yes.  Although recently I have learned that trying to read science fiction (e.g. Heinlein) in bed is a bad idea.  I really have to concentrate on his words and as I'm falling asleep is not a good time. 

13. Do you write in your books? No way.  They are too precious to write in.  I do make notes in journals and of course on my blog.  But I try not to write in books. 

14. If you had one piece of advice to a new reader, what would it be? Don't be afraid to try new genres.  It might just become your favorite.

15. What question have I NOT asked at BTT that you’d love me to ask? (Actually, leave the answer to this one in the comments on this post, huh? So I can find them when I need inspiration!) Sorry, I can't think of any today. 

BTT: In Public

Do you carry books with you when you’re out and about in the world?

And, do you ever try to hide the covers?

As J can attest (and he thinks I'm crazy), I carry a book with me every where I go.  Part of my purse buying requirements is that it has to be big enough for a trade paperback.  I have a few "special occasion" purses that don't meet my requirement, but every other one does.  I have to have my book.  I feel naked without my book.  I read everywhere.  There's always that moment when you get stuck waiting for something and then panic sets in.  What am I going to do?  Never fear!  I have a book to read!

As to the covers, I don't usually try to hide the covers.  But I am slightly embarrassed by the ridiculous romance covers I see.  I read romance, I like a little escapism now and again.  But do they have to be the most awful covers?  I don't think it's necessary.  Laura over at Book Chick City published a great little rant about romance covers today.  Read it Here.  I completely agree with her on every point.  I don't hide them but I do wish they were better looking...

BTT: Replay

Have you ever finished a book and loved it so much you went right back and started re-reading it again?

(And obviously, if so, we want titles!)

There have definitely been a couple of books I have done with.

The first was probably The Awakening by Kate Chopin.  I had to read the book for an hour long presentation for my 10th grade American Literature/U.S. History class.  We had to choose an American novel from a list.  I picked Huckleberry Finn, but too many others had also picked it.  So the teacher picked for me.  I was skeptical..  But once I finished the book, I went right back and read it again.  I loved it so much.  It has since become my favorite book.  One of those that I reread every other year or so, just to feel it again.

I've also done with this Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Twilight, and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  All from my favorites bookshelf.  Some book you just have to reread and quickly!

BTT: Queue

What are you reading now?

Would you recommend it?

And what’s next?

I'm currently reading Scoundrel (Blades of the Rose #2) by Zoe Archer and loving it!  J described it as Lara Croftish and I agree.  It has a blend of action/adventure, romance, and magic that I just can't resist.  I can't wait to finish this one and get started on the next one, Rebel.

BTT: National Book Week

It’s National Book Week. The rules: Grab the closest book to you. Go to page 56. Copy the 5th sentence as your status

(We’ve done something similar to this before, but it’s always fun, so … why not?)

"Load of old tosh," said Uncle Vernon.  (hee hee, I just love British English!)

BTT: Night Owl

What’s the latest you’ve ever stayed up reading a book? Is staying up late reading a usual thing for you?

I've stayed up all night to finish a book.  Two come to mind: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows and Eclipse.  I was so into the books that I just kept on reading.  Unfortunately, the day after reading Eclipse I still had to be at work and teaching by 8am.  That was killer!

I am finding that my advancing age is cutting on the ability to stay up reading all night.  Eventually my eyes tire out and I can't even see the words on the page.  I try not to stay up too late reading.  But it does happen sometimes.

BTT: Rut

All things being equal (money, space, etc), would you rather own copies of the books you read? Or borrow them?

I would definitely buy them.  I have a book buying addiction.  I love just looking at them all lined up on a shelf.  Surounded by a nice reading chair, a soft glow lamp, a cup of tea, and a comfy pillow, I would reveal in the beauty of the books.  Rarely, I would give away a very special book to a friend, but most would stay pretty on my shelf until I reread them.

Alas, I have neither money or space to buy books.  I borrow, and borrow, and borrow some more.

BTT: Reviews

Do you read book reviews? Whose do you trust? Do they affect your reading habits? Your buying habits?

I have a strict rule on reading book reviews... I don't.  I don't want to color my view of a book by seeing it through another's eyes.  However, I do have a ton of book bloggers on my Google Reader.  I have found some people who have similar tastes as myself.  So, I often use their reading lists as a guide for new books.  If they give a book high marks (I try to only look at the rating), I'll add it to my list.

After reading a book, I often go back to certain book bloggers to read the details of their reviews.  It's interesting to read what they thought versus my thoughts.  Sometimes I comment on their reviews and sometimes I don't.

BTT: Rut

Do you ever feel like you’re in a reading rut? That you don’t read enough variety? That you need to branch out, spread your literary wings and explore other genres, flavors, styles?

Most definitely.  I get on reading kicks and can't stop.  A couple of months ago, I started reading Christian historical romance and just kept reading.  Even after I stopped enjoying the genre.  I also go through different life phases.  In high school I read basically the classics of literature.  In college, I turned back to horror (Anne Rice mostly).  I tend to pick up a book and if I love it, I get more by that author and/or more just like it.  Sometimes this can be turn tiresome.  I find myself not really paying attention to what I'm reading.  Maybe because it's the same style or even the same story.  I have to break myself out of the rut.

That's why my blog and reading challenges are amazing; they are helping me branch out.  Sure I'm still reading a lot of what I already love, but I'm learning to try new genres and new authors.  Without the reading challenges, I would not have picked up The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff.  But I did, and I loved it!  It's also turned me on some great books within the genres I love such as The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (zombies).

Now I just need to fix my time rut.  I never feel like I have enough hours in a day to read.  And when I schedule time to read, sometimes I feel like it's a chore instead of a joy.  Need to work on that rut!

BTT: Age-Inappropriate

In contrast to last week’s question–What do you think of censoring books BECAUSE of their intended age? Say, books too “old” for your kids to read?

I say no to blanket censorship.  Again, reading is about levels and interest, not genres or age-appropriate groupings.  A couple of months ago, I actually wrote two very long posts about censorship and appropriateness at my other blog The New Athenian Academy.  You can read them here: Part 1 and Part 2.

BTT: Age-Appropriate

Do you read books “meant” for other age groups? Adult books when you were a child; Young-Adult books now that you’re grown; Picture books just for kicks … You know … books not “meant” for you. Or do you pretty much stick to what’s written for people your age?

I hate the age categories.  Instead of looking at these incredibly arbitrary distinctions, we should be looking at reading levels and interests. When I was in elementary school, those books that were deemed "age-appropriate" for me were way too easy and stupid.  I started reading "teen" and "adult classic" books.  And I turned out just fine.  My teachers even encouraged me to read books above my age level.  I like the reading level classifications for children's books.  They give people a much better idea as to the strength of the vocabulary.  But once a person gains enough vocabulary to read most things, why are we going to pigeon hole him or her into an arbitrary category?  Don't

I pick up just about anything that looks interesting.  I read picture books.  I read independent readers (one of my favorite all time books is From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler).  I read Young Adult.  I read adult classics.  I read pulp fiction.  I read romance.  I read science fiction.  I read Christian fiction.  I read horror.  I read mystery.  I read cook books.  I read media related books.  I read history books.  I read textbooks (mostly to spot the inaccuracies).  I read science books.  Should I go on?  My point is that age categories are crap.  It's more about the quality of the book.  Is it well-written?  Does it sound interesting to you?  Then read it.

BTT: Coming Soon to a Theater Near You

If you could see one book turned into the perfect movie–one that would capture everything you love, the characters, the look, the feel, the story–what book would you choose?

Definitely the Outlander series.  I adored the first book, Outlander, and am told by C that the rest are just as amazing.  I'm planning on reading the entire series in July for my author month.  I would love to see these as movie, but am really concerned that the film makers would cut/destroy/add things that would ruin the movie in my head.

BTT: Covers

CAN you judge a book by its cover?

Most definitely.  I love browsing through the stacks at the library.  I love browsing through bookstores.  Good, fun covers catch my eye.  Cheesy looking covers--anything with half naked men (yes, I know lots of women like them, but reminds me of Fabio), childlike drawings, or horrible fonts--make it almost impossible for me to read the book.  I am a snob.

BTT: Personality

In a related question to last week’s–

I was reading the other day a quote from JFK Jr who said on the death of his mother, that she died surrounded by family, friends, and her books. Apparently, Jackie’s books were very much a part of HER, her personality, her sense of self.

Up until recently, people could browse your bookshelves and learn a lot about you–what your interests are, your range of topics, favorite authors, how much you read (or at least buy books).

More and more, though, this is changing. People aren’t buying books so much as borrowing them from the library. Or reading them on their e-readers or computers. There’s nothing PHYSICAL on the shelves to tell strangers in your home, for better or worse, who you ARE.

Do you think this is a good thing? Bad? Discuss!

I am one of those people that is holding onto physical books.  I love browsing through bookstores.  I love browsing through other people's collections.  I really love discovering personality through libraries.  I am concerned that going digital destroys the discovery factor.  Of course, J has completely embraced the digital age.  He's trying to convert me to digital.  I'm resisting.  It would be easier to put my books on a digital device and not carry around all these heavy books.  But then I don't have the physical comfort of a book.

I want a physical library in my house.  I want to see the books that I've read or really want to read.  I want to see the fruits of my labor.  I am sad for the death of the physical, but I'm sure I'll get over it.

Small victory: J bought me a reading chair for the living room.

BTT: Visual

 So … the books that you own (however many there may be) … do you display them proudly right there in plain sight for all the world to see? (At least the world that comes into your living room.)

Or do you keep them tucked away in your office or bedroom or library or closet or someplace less “public?”

Right now all of my books are stuck in boxes due to the limbo state I am stuck in.  So there's a little stack of books (and when I say little I huge) next to my bed.  Unfortunately, they aren't displayed in any way.

In the future, I would love to have my books displayed.  We've decided that almost every room will have bookcases.  The theater will house media related books.  The kitchen with cookbooks and food related books.  The office with fairly boring textbooks (well boring to everyone besides geeky nerds like us).  The boys' room with their books obviously.  And the living room with everything else.  I want to see all my books.  I want to peruse them.  I want the living room to look like cozy library nook.  (And J bought me a reading chair today!!!  I am so excited!  Now I need the bookshelves and my books out of storage)

BTT: Serial

Series? Or Stand-alone books?

It really depends.  I read both.  However, I do have a condition for reading series.  I hate to read series until they are all published.  I don't want to get into a story, like really into it, and then have to wait 1-2 years for the next chapter.  Makes me angry.  Of course, this past couple of months I started Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods series.  And of course not all of the books have been published. Argh!!  Why did I start this series?  I'm really kicking myself now, but I'm invested in the story.  Thankfully I just got Misguided Angel from the library (had to get it from holds) and the side book, Bloody Valentine.  Unfortunately the next book won't be published until later this year.  I don't know if I can wait!!!  But if I actually follow my rules, I do like to read series.

BTT: Multi-Tasking

Do you multi-task when you read? Do other things like stirring things on the stove, brushing your teeth, watching television, knitting, walking, et cetera?

Or is it just me, and you sit and do nothing but focus on what you’re reading?

(Or, if you do both, why, when, and which do you prefer?)

To be honest, I do both.  It really depends on how engrossed I am in the book.  If it's a book that really grabs my attention or has difficult language, I focus only on the book.  On the other hand, if it's a fun read or an episodic read (short stories, nonfiction knowledge books) I can be watching tv (read during commercials) or cooking dinner.  I have even been known to walk and read, but I don't do that anymore.  I think I have become more clumsy in my old age.  Really looking at my behavior, most of the time I just read.  I like to get sucked into the world the author created.  And if it's really good I lose all track of time and just read.  Those are the best books...

BTT: Something Old, Something New

All other things being equal–do you prefer used books? Or new books? (The physical specimen, that is, not the title.) Does your preference differentiate between a standard kind of used book, and a pristine, leather-bound copy? Looking at my library, I have a mix of everything.  The most important factor in buying books is price.  I don't have a lot of money to spend on my reading habit.  So, I tend to buy books from used books stores or publisher overstocks.  Most of those books tend to be trade paperbacks.  The only factor is portability.  I take a book with me everywhere, so it needs to be easy to carry around.  (I haven't jumped on the mobile reader band wagon yet, so not dealing with that debate right now) I prefer trade paperbacks for their size (not too big, but not too small) and weight (not noticeably heavy for purse carrying).  I guess overall, I am an equal opportunity book buyer.

BTT: Romantic

What’s the most romantic book you’ve ever read?

(Mind you, I don’t mean the hard-core stuff you hide in plain wrappers under your mattress. I mean True Love, Romance, deeply emotional, heart-tugging, and all that stuff.)

And, secondly, did you like it? Is it your usual kind of reading, or did it take you by surprise?

Anyone who knows me or has read my blog has probably figured out that one of my favorite books is Persuasion by Jane Austen.  It just so happens to be my favorite romantic book.  The story of lasting love between Anne Elliott and Captain Wentworth hits me right in the mushy heart.  They never stopped loving each other.  After years apart, a chance meeting finally gets them to admit their feelings to each other and end up where they should have been.  I love that they are both very realistic and pragmatic characters.  They don't go running off to silly infatuation (like Catherine Morland or Marianne Dashwood).  Instead, they took time to examine their feelings.  That is romance to me.  Maybe it's because I'm such a cynic, but I still think this is the most romantic book I've ever read.  Every time I read it a panic rises in me.  I start thinking about half way through the book that Anne and the Captain won't end up together, that they'll deny their feelings and/or get too scared to admit them to each other.  I panic... and then I get to the end.  He writes the letter, they reconnect, and everything is good in the world again.  It is such a release.

As to the second question, no, my answer did not really surprise me.  I love Jane Austen, so of course, the book is part of my regular reading.  I don't usually read those labeled as "romance"  (although I have picked up a few more lately for a light read in between more serious fiction).  I tend to read more historical fiction and anything paranormal.

BTT: Big Books

What’s the largest, thickest, heaviest book you ever read? Was it because you had to? For pleasure? For school?

Hmmm... interesting questions.  The majority of books that I read are around 300-400 pages.  There are some that end up being upwards of 500 pages.  But for the truly long, I would have to go for The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova or something by Stephen King (like The Stand).  To be fair, neither of those authors are Tolstoy. They are a much lighter read.  So more than 1000 words doesn't actually seem that long.  I've been known to read a 300 book in a day, so pages alone don't really count.  I must take into account difficulty.  And all those crazy long books... my choice!