All About Books discussion

Hi Everyone, here is my reading journey...

1. Have you always loved books? Who, anyone, in your life has most inspired you to read?

I loved books from a young age, I had a huge collection of Enid Blyton, and I can remember scowling carboot sales and searching for any I didn't have. I stopped reading when I was around 14, I was always out with friends and never at home. I started reading again when I was 18, I took a book on a girls holiday to read whilst on the beach, and that then reminded me how much I loved to read.

I don't really think I have had an inspiration to read, both of my parents read but not as much or as quickly as I do (or did do before I had a baby!)

2. What was your favourite childhood book?
I loved The Magic Faraway Tree I had the series of all three and I read them over again!

3. Which books do you remember studying at school? Did you enjoy them?

One of the first books I remember studying at school, was in year 6 at Middle School. (around 10-11 years old) It was The Wind in The Willows. I can remember we would read a chapter every lesson and then have homework, drawing pictures or researching words from the dictionary. I can remember the book (in my mind) being really colourful.

The first 'serious' book I remember, was The Lord of the Flies. This was in year 11 (15 years) and this was during my reading is uncool stage, however saying that, I can remember being engrossed and found the idea fascinating. Lots of boys living on their own, the pigs head scene is one that sticks in my mind. I should read that again some day.

4. Where do you most enjoy reading? Do you need silence to read, or can you read almost anywhere?

I like to read with my feet up on the sofa. If football or something boring is on the TV then I don't need silence, but if it's a documentary then I will find that distracting.

5.Choose five of your favourite books and tell us why you loved them so much!

Can You Keep a Secret? I love this book as it was the book which got me back into reading. Really funny, light hearted book.

Atonement This is a new favourite of mine, I only read this a month ago and I loved it.

The Horse Whisperer This was the first book I ever read written by a male. When I got back into reading, I mainly read chick lit. A friend recommended this one and it really opened my eyes to all of the other genres and authors out there.

Bel Canto I loved this book, it really makes you think about how different people react in situations. It was a book that really got me thinking, even now and I read it a year ago!

Child 44 One of the best crime novels I have ever read, I recommend this book to everyone.

6. Do you prefer reading fiction or non fiction?

I prefer fiction. I have read some non fiction, but I find fiction easier to escape into.

7. Are you fond of a particular author and what attracts you to their books? (You can pick a few if you can’t choose!)

The first author who comes to mind is Stephen Leather. He writes fantastic crime stories, but makes really believable characters so the book isn't only about the crime. I love reading the Dan 'Spider' Shepherd series in paticular.

8. Is there an author you haven't yet tried but you'd really like to?

There are lots! I am happy that I recently got to read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

9. Do you rely on goodreads to keep track of your reading or do you have your own method?

I track all of my books on Goodreads, but I don't find it helps me to stay organised. There are too many books, and too many discussions about amazing books people have read so it's hard not add them all to my to read list!

10. What's the best book you've read so far this year? What are you reading at the moment? What will you be reading next?

Atonement is the best book I have read so far this year. I am reading The Girl on the Cliff at the moment. (reading is taking a long time, and a back seat at the moment as I have a 9 month old baby!!) I have absolutely no idea what I'll read next. I'd like to join in with Wuthering Heights, so perhaps that will be my next read.

Thank you for stopping by :)

Nice tripp around you bookshelf Gemma!
I have to look for some Enid Blyton books: a lot of english mother tongue name her as first reads.... and I usualy love "children literature"

Great reading journey - I really enjoyed Child 44 too - and Daphne Du Maurier is one of my all time favourites.

Nice answers, I read similar childhood books and have also recently read Rebecca. I think the only one of your favourite books that I've read is Atonement, so I'll have to look up the others :)

Great journey Gemma! I will have to check out some of your favorites, especially Child 44!

I enjoyed reading that, Gemma. I can second Child 44, brilliant book!

Heather wrote: "I enjoyed reading that, Gemma. I can second Child 44, brilliant book!"

Leslie wrote: "Great journey Gemma! I will have to check out some of your favorites, especially Child 44!"

Ok, I'll write this title down as well. When I'll be able of reading it is unother matter, but I'll see to that later on!!!

Thanks ladies, it's nice to hear that I didn't just bore you all. Please do all add Child 44, it's a fantastic book. Maybe I'll suggest it as the next group read.

Awesome answers gemma! Wind in the willows is one of my books on my tablet as an ebook. I'll probably read it next year though. I enjoyed your reading journey. I can't wait to do mine next month! :-)

Gemma, I loved The Horse Whisperer. A lot. Glad you liked it.

Loved and still love Enid Blyton. Thank you for sharing your journey.

It's a great book, Portia. Have you read anything else by Nicholas Evans? I've read The Divide and The Brave, both of which I thought were excellent. But, couldn't finish The Loop.

Thanks Gemma, it's been good to read your journey. I too remember reading Lord of the Flies at school - which was unlike anything I had read before. Really stuck in my mind.

I also loved Atonement when I read it a few years ago.
Much better than the film - why do film directors have to change things??

I have added both Bel Canto and Child 44 to my to read list, though when I will eventually read them is anyone's guess!

I'm glad you liked Rebecca in the end, are you going to join in the Du Maurier readalong early next year?

Thanks again, Gemma!

Can You Keep A Secret, Atonement, and The Horse Whisperer were already on my TR shelf but I did add Child-44 and BelCanto.

That's great Julia. I recommend Child 44 to everyone, I hope you enjoy it.

That's great Julia. I recommend Child 44 to everyone, I hope you enjoy it.

Somehow I missed this post until now. Thanks for sharing - I enjoyed reading your journey!

I've heard a lot of good things about Bel Canto - maybe that needs to move up higher on my to-read list. :)

Glad you enjoyed Rebecca ~ It's my 2012 Favorite read! I have been thinking of adding Bel Canto - thanks for sharing recommendation!