Well the topic of today's post is a reading meme with "brevity" being key. Hmmm....this is an area in which I struggle, but for the sake of the BBAW community, I will try to comply: Do you snack while you read? Not really....but I do enjoy a cup of tea every now and then
Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you? I constantly mark in my books: underline - circle - asterisk - notes in the margin. When I finish reading it it is truly mine (a la Mortimer Adler's essay, How to Mark a Book.)
How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Well, since I already write in the book, I go ahead and dog ear the pages too (don't hate me -- please)
Laying the book flat open? Yes, I find it difficult to read otherwise
Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? Both, but I lean toward fiction
Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point? Since I am rather structured, I like to stop at end of the chapter, but life does not always allow for that
If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? If I read on my Kindle, absolutely. Otherwise I make note and look up at another time.
What are you currently reading? I just finished The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley; just started The Suspicions of Mr. Wichler by Kate Summerscale
What is the last book you bought? Dog Gone It by Spencer Quinn
Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time? I can only read one novel at a time - but I do like reading short stories or a non-fiction book along with my novel for variety.
Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read? I read any time I have free time. I enjoy reading in my book nook
Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? I have really only read stand alones up until now but I am looking forward to trying some cozy mystery sequels.
Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over? No, although I do find myself recommending thriller/suspense novels more than anything (besides books on dogs, that is)
How do you organize your books? I organize by genre - and then within the genre try to organize by author's last name.,
Well, I didn't exactly keep it to the 5 word minimum, but for me, those are pretty concise answers. So how do we compare - and - How do we differ in our reading styles?or’s last name, etc.?)
I tend to provide a paragraph or two to answer questions. When friends call me, they can ask me a question and I talk forever. So this one was tough for me. I'd say you did a pretty good job at brevity! I can't believe all the closet dog-earers out there! You are not alone!
ReplyDeleteI used to mark up my textbooks but not my pleasure books. Well, my Emerson is marked and falling apart.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that you make the books yours with your marks! And the Kindle is handy for looking up words, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI used to do-ear my books. All my Enid Blytons ARE dog-eared!
ReplyDeleteBBAW: Reading meme
I have been getting into audio books this past year and am really loving them! Listening while I walk!
ReplyDeleteI don't like to write in books, but I can sometimes appreciate the value of doing so. It's just that it distracts me when I'm reading, as I discovered on the few I did mark up for college.
ReplyDeleteI had trouble on the five word limit too but I think you did a great job!
I love books with short chapters that will allow me to break at a great place (unless it's a page turner!). There is nothing more frustrating than a book with long chapters that I can't read in one setting. Like you said, though, life doesn't always allow for that structure.
ReplyDeleteHi Molly, I have given you an award so please stop by when you get a chance. have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of shocked that you write in your books. I'm not sure why really. I thought with you being a teacher you would frown upon it. I can totally see the convenience factor of doing so, I just cannot bring myself to do it myself. I keep a little flat notebook for notes and then use that as the bookmark.
ReplyDeleteYou've surprised me, Molly! Like Ti, I never would have suspected you of writing in books...
ReplyDeleteI usually read one book at a time because I can't keep more than one plot straight in my head. I can read 2 of 1 is non-fiction, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to read that you write in your books and make them your own. I do the same thing (except library books) and it is my personal guilty pleasure.
ReplyDeletewow Molly, you do not seem like someone who would write in books! aren't you a teacher :)
ReplyDeleteHmm. Some of my high school teachers and almost all of my college professors recommended students write in their books. So, I don't think being a teacher necessarily precludes the writing in books.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that Molly DOES NOT advocate writing in library books or books that you do not otherwise own.
Personally, I write in books when I know I'm going to want/need to refer back to something. Otherwise, I refrain from doing so if I want to keep the book in "pristine" condition.
Hi, Molly! :-)
I have been trying to find The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie everywhere, but it's either sold out or on hold at the libraries. I can't wait to finally get in on the yummy reading action!
ReplyDeleteGreat answers!! You have a great blog!! Will visit more!
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun to read everyone's answers to this meme. I can't wait to read your review of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. I love the title & cover so hoping the inside is just as good :)
ReplyDeleteMolly, as soon as I read about how you write in books (& thanks for that link to the essay, too), my first thought was, I'd LOVE to have a book that Molly's marked up! I don't mark up my books, but it's only because I never really think about it. The truth is, I have always enjoyed reading used books that have been marked up. It gives me such a lovely glimpse into another reader's mind.
ReplyDeleteI dog-ear too. And it's so annoying when a book won't open flat (esp trade paperbacks) so yes, I'll crack that spine if I have to!
I've never read the Mortimer Adler essay before; thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteI'm still not convinced, though :) When you re-read a book, don't your previous markings and notes affect what you get from it the second time around?
I won't hate you, but you're not going anywhere near my books! ;)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your answers.
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I enjoyed reading your answers, Molly! It sounds like your books are well loved. :-) I always try to end at a chapter or section break, but as you say, it doesn't always work out that way.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read Dog Gone It. Sounds like a great book.