All About Books discussion

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

Yes. I have always loved books because when I was younger, my mother would sit for hours and hours teaching me my ABC's and reading with me. Since then, I have never been without a book. As a result, she is the person who has most inspired me to read. We often swap books and have discussions about them. When I have children, I intend to teach them very early on about the amazing world of literature.

2. What was your favourite childhood book?

I loved many books as a child, but some of my favourites were "Little Blue Eyes," the "Mother West Wind" books by Thornton W. Burgess, and "White Fang".

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

I remember studying quite a few books, seeing as I went to university for an English degree. Some of the ones I have enjoyed most are "Evelina," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Watership Down," "Northanger Abbey," and "Romance of the Forest." Ones I had to study but did not enjoy include "Brave New World," "The Crying of Lot 49," "Stone Angel," and "The Man Without a Face."

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

I most enjoy reading in a moving vehicle. I find the motion soothing, and can easily get lost in my book. It's not difficult for me to read anywhere, though. I have developed a good knack for half-listening while I am reading over the years, which means I can read on the subway, in line at the theatre, or even at an arena.

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

1. Gone with the Wind Scarlett O'Hara is such a nasty thing, and yet you love her anyway! I found this book so richly detailed, and with such great characters, that I couldn't put it down.
2. Where the Red Fern Grows This is a favourite of mine because it's a wonderful story about a boy and his dogs, and it's written beautifully.
3. The Book of Negroes This novel is on my list because it's a masterful piece of literature. The author writes in such a way that you have no trouble believing the story, and are swept along with the characters until you reach the end. Then you are left crying for more, and wondering what happened to the 300+ pages!
4. Remembrance This book made my list because it's a beautiful love story, and the only one to make me cry!
5. Outlander Of course this one would be on my Top 5! I love the historical details, and the relationship between Jamie and Claire is so romantic and utterly complete, you can't help but cheer for them.

6. Do you prefer reading fiction or non fiction?

I prefer to read fiction because I love getting transported to a different world. I enjoy non-fiction too, but if I am looking for something to read, I generally reach for the imaginary.

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!)

I am attracted to a few authors, namely:
Stephen King I enjoy the supernatural elements added to his stories, and I like the fact that so many of them have been turned into movies. He writes easily, and I can whip through his books in a day or two, depending on how much the story grips me!
Kate Morton I am drawn to her writing style, and the way she describes things. It makes it so easy to envision! Plus, she usually adds a hint of mystery and long-buried secrets that make you want to learn more.
Dean Koontz When I want a book that will suck me in and give me the creeps, I reach for one of his novels. He writes easily too, and again there is that element of the supernatural I enjoy.
Gerald Durrell His stories are all non-fiction, and tell the escapades he got into while collecting animals for zoos. He writes with intelligence and humour, which is very appealing to me. I always laugh out loud at least once when reading a Durrell.
and Philippa Gregory I enjoy her novels because of the historical accuracy in them. She generally writes about Henry VIII's court, which is always alluring! It doesn't hurt that she's not shy when it comes to romantic scenes either!

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

I would really like to try Sara Donati, and Edgar Allan Poe. I have some of their work, but haven't gotten around to reading them yet.

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

I have kept a reading journal for a few years now, and so that is what I rely on. I keep track of the title, the author, how long it took me to read it, and any comments, guesses, or quotes I have about the book.

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?

The best book I have read so far this year is Diane Setterfield's "The Thirteenth Tale." I loved the story and the mystery, and the way she described things. At the moment I am reading "The Time Traveler's Wife," and it's very interesting. A little confusing, but a good story so far. Next, I intend to read "Yes, My Darling Daughter."

Thanks so much for reviving the Reading Journey thread - it's a great way for members of the group to get to know each other better! Also a great way to find out about books! I already added The Book of Negroes to my to-read list.

I remember loving White Fang, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Watership Down too though I read them long ago. I haven't read many of the other books you mention as favorites, though of the books you don't like, I agree with you on The Crying of Lot 49. It wasn't my cup of tea either - some intellectual interest there but I didn't feel any emotional center to the book.

Oh there's a new Reading Journey! Will get back to it once more time on my hands!

Thanks for sharing Maggie! I just skimmed through so I will try to come back and read it more carefully later.

I was surprised to see that you like to read in moving vehicles -- I am so envious! When I read in a car or bus, I get motion sickness :( This was particularly irritating to me as a child during long car trips, as I loved to read but couldn't.

And you are yet another person to put Outlander high -- I recently bought this but haven't had a chance yet to read it. Guess I need to move it higher in the TBR...

Thanks for sharing your reading journey, Maggie!

I will move Outlander to my wishlist as you are yet another to recommend it, so I should give it a try!

I'm like you - I like to be "transported to another world" so usually choose fiction, but this can mean I struggle with autobiographies - they are too "real" for me...

I hope you continue to enjoy The Time Traveller's Wife - one of my favourite books, even if it is confusing. You just have to go with the flow for that one.

Like Leslie, I struggle to read in a car or bus - motion sickness gets me every time! Trains are ok though.

I've only read one of Kate Morton's books but I have two others to read on my kindle when I get to them. I read Gone with the Wind years ago, so can't remember it so well, but I think I enjoyed it. I had seen the film though first.

Outlander has moved onto mine as well!

Thanks, Maggie. Enjoyed reading that

Heather wrote: "Outlander has moved onto mine as well!

Thanks, Maggie. Enjoyed reading that"

And I just found out that the Kindle edition of the second book of the series is on sale at Amazon (at least here in the US) for $0.99.

Leslie wrote: "Heather wrote: "Outlander has moved onto mine as well!

Thanks, Maggie. Enjoyed reading that"

And I just found out that the Kindle edition of the second book of the series is on sale at Amazon (at..."

Sweet deal! It's well worth the download. ;)

Maggie, thanks for sharing. Your reading journey has given me some ideas for new reads! I have The Book of Negroes on my shelf, maybe I'll get to it soon.