A Post In Which I Answer 17 Questions About Books

1. What was the last book you read?

The Android’s Dream by John Scalzi 7081.jpg

A friend of mine recommended Scalzi’s Redshirts, and since reading Redshirts, I’ve been hooked on all things Scalzi. I love Scalzi’s writing, his creativity, and his sense of humor. And this book did not disappoint.

First, I love the obvious reference to Philip K. Dick. Second, Scalzi is brilliant at character development and world building. Third, the irrelevant humor and clever characterization of government, religion, business, and politics. Finally, although the story starts off with a juvenile (albeit intriguing) line, the action takes off from the beginning and doesn’t stop.

I recommend this book to those of you who like The Fifth Element, Terry Pratchett, and irrelevant humor, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

2. Top 7 book characters.

This is a tough one. But off the top of my head: Kate Daniels, Gin Blanco, Sherlock Holmes, Ford Prefect, Belgarath, Eve Dallas, and Hermione Granger

3. What is your favorite genre?

Urban Fantasy

4. Favorite author(s)?

John Scalzi, David & Leigh Eddings, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Ilona Andrews, J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts), Patricia Briggs, Jane Austen, Charlaine Harris, Douglas Adams, Sarah Addison Allen, Robin Hobb, Fredrick Backman, Rachel Joyce, Mary Shelley, Darynda Jones . . .  so many wonderful authors.

5. Do you judge books by their covers?

I try not to, but some covers just do not do the book justice. But I try to focus on the synopsis. If it’s a book I’m buying to keep, I will consider the cover if the book has multiple editions.

6. What is your favorite quote from a book?

dont-panic

Don’t Panic.

I like it because it’s short, simple, and works in most situations.

 

7. Do you have any signed books?

Yes! I have quite a few. I love my signed books.

8. Have you met any authors?

Yes.

9. Hardbacks or paperbacks?

Usually paperbacks because they’re easier to tote around. But I like hardbacks for the books I want to keep.

10. Buy books new, used, or go to the library?

All of the above. Mostly used and library. I buy new when I really, really want the book, it’s newly published (and therefore hard to find used), and I’m going to keep it.

11. E-readers or physical copies of books?

Physical

12. Prefer books set in the past, present, or the future?

I really don’t have a preference. But my fave genre, urban fantasy, is typically set in a parallel world of the present.

13. Do you mark/highlight/dog ear your books or keep them in perfect condition?

NO DOG EARRING! NEVER NEVER NEVER! It’s a horrible abomination to dog ear books.

I typically highlight/mark reference books. Otherwise, I try to keep them in good condition. I won’t say perfect, because a good book will look used.

14. Do you reread books?

YES! And again and again. I have reread most of my favorites multiple times.

15. Favorite villain in a book?

Professor Moriarty

16. Do you like to write reviews when you finish a book?

It depends on the book. But this year, I’m trying to make an effort to do it for every book I read.

17. Do you experience “book hangovers”?

Yes.

In the comments below, feel free to leave me a book recommendation. 

And if you’d like to answer these questions and be featured in a Questions post, contact me here.

An Essay On Attempting To Read Essays

It’s no secret that I like to read. And I read a lot. And while I have my favorite genres, which probably 80% of the books I read fall into, I do read a bit of everything—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, short story.

I have even read a couple horror genre books (a la Stephen King), which is not my genre at all. (Although I just googled “horror books” and several of my favorite classic books popped up, including Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Who knew?! Maybe I need to rethink my stance on horror.)

But one book genre I just cannot get into is the essay collection. Continue reading “An Essay On Attempting To Read Essays”