I got a tickle of excitement at being nominated for the Book Lover’s Tag – after all, as an avid reader and writer, there is nothing quite like a ‘chat’ about books!
Many thanks to Marje at mjmallon.com for tagging me; as well as being a writer who recently launched her debut YA/MG fantasy book ‘The Curse of Time’, Marje is busy on her blog reviewing books and running the writers support group she set up called the Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club.
To the questions:
1.Do you have a specific place for reading?
Not at all…if I could only read in one place I’d barely finish a book! A book with breakfast is a treat, reading a chapter whilst at the doctor’s surgery happily passes the time. There is only so much scenery I can gawp at whilst on the train before out pops my kindle and I become engrossed in the novel, often rueing the punctual arrival.
Many know of my fear of flying which has to be faced frequently and I couldn’t cope without a book …several contented minutes will pass when I forget I’m 36,000 feet in the air with just a thin piece of metal and two engines separating me from imminent doom.
Lastly, my absolute favourite time and place to read is at night, snuggled up in bed, book in hand and being transported to other worlds (safely!) before drifting into dreams. Bliss.
2. Bookmark or random piece of paper?
Isn’t it odd how childhood habits that we could never imagine breaking become a sweet memory. When young I collected bookmarks from places we visited…a new bookmark would gingerly replace the one tucked in my book, which in turn would be added to the box under my bed. From castles to towns, from writers’ houses to cathedrals; these bookmarks were treasured and some used more than others – The Bronte Parsonage was a particular favourite.
Meanwhile, I looked at my mother’s torn pieces of newspaper or envelopes peeking out of her books with disdain. How could she? It just didn’t look right? Where were the bookmarks I ‘d bought for her? And now, years later, my books display said paper, my bookmarks have gone awol and ironically her books are full of pretty bookmarks! How times change!
3. Do you eat or drink whilst eating?
A book with breakfast is not uncommon and at weekends a quick read in the afternoon with a biscuit is a relaxing way to spend half an hour!
4. Music or TV whilst reading.
There is no way I could read whilst the TV is on…the chatter, action would be an instant distraction and it should only be on if watching. Music is another matter and can either be tuned out or a lovely accomplishment to a book.
5. One book at a time or several?
Until recently I read only one book at a time…nowadays though reading has become a luxury and I want to continue to read a lot of books. Whilst having a thriller on the go (which is too exciting for nighttimes), I’ll often be reading another fiction book as well as enjoying a non-fiction book a the same time.
6. Do you prefer to read at home or elsewhere?
I’ve partially answered this elsewhere but to clarify, whilst home is best, I can become equally hooked on a book whilst out traveling, visiting family and friends etc. In the end, it’s about how riveting, fascinating, thrilling, enjoyable the book is.
7. Read out loud or silently?
Always silently…I only read my own work out loud and this is an excellent way to listen to the cadence of a piece and spot those glaring errors which are easily missed when reading silently.
8. Do you read ahead or skip pages?
The reasons for skipping pages are diametrically opposed…either the story is so exciting, so enticing I can’t wait to read every word and am compelled to rush ahead…or the novel drags and I move forward hoping to become engrossed further along. In the former instance, I mostly manage to rein in my urge to skip ahead, in the latter I hope to find redeeming features quickly.
9. Break the spine or keep it like new.
Breaking a spine is like sacrilege to me!! Never never! Having had a few borrowed books returned in this state I’m now cautious to whom I lend books.
10. Do you write in books?
As a rule I never write in fiction books (although I did as a student), however, I will scribble notes in travel, spiritual and other factual books…often underlining or making smaller notations in the margins for later reference.
11. What books are you reading now?
Two books which I’m currently reading have been recommended by bloggers here on WP.
The first I’ve just started after recently buying it with birthday money and it is a book I’ve been very keen to read. Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close’, which is also now a film, tells the story of nine-year-old Oskar Schell whose father was killed on 11th September in the attacks on the World Trade Centre. Oskar, a boy of many abilities which include being an inventor, natural historian, detective and percussionist, sets out to solve the mystery of a key discovered in his father’s closet and the search leads him through the lives of strangers ranging from history to the bombings of Dresden and ultimately a journey to inner peace.
The second book I’m reading was written in 1949 by Henry Beston and only completed under duress when his fiancee refused to marry him until he’d finished it. A two week sojourn on the extreme coast of Cape Cod turned into a year as the author became mystified by the mysterious surroundings and ‘The Outermost House’ chronicles his solitary year on a Cape Cod beach and the debut book quickly became recognised as a classic of American nature writing. Its poetic lyrical language enraptures my soul:
‘Autumn ripens faster on the beach than on the marshes and the dunes. Westward and landward there is colour; seaward, bright space and austerity. Lifted to the sky, the dying grasses on the dune tops’ rim tremble and lean seaward in the wind, wraiths of sand course flat along the beach, the hiss of sand mingles its thin stridency with the new thunder of the sea.’
Henry Beston writes of life as itself a ritual:
‘The ancient value of dignity, beauty and poetry which sustain it are of Nature’s inspiration; they are born of the mystery and beauty of the world.’
The final book I’m reading is for a book review for NetGalley – this is long overdue and I’m thoroughly enjoying ‘The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 Years Old’ by Hendrik Groen and this is one for all fans of ‘A Man Called Ove’.
12. What is your childhood favourite book?
Yikes, this and the next question have me scratching my head in total befuddlement – how is it possible to choose from a lifetime of books?! Instead, I headed to one of my bookshelves and selected three books from my childhood that I’ve re-read many times and which have given me years of joy.
‘The Hobbit’ by J R R Tolkien is easily in the top five.
E Nesbit books were a delight, innocent, childish and incredibly likable – and it’s hard to believe they were written over 110 years ago! The Bastable children are so memorable and I empathised with their efforts and failures at being good in ‘The Wouldbegoods’!
Lastly the courage and fortitude of the ‘Children on the Oregon Trail’ inspired me for years in this exciting and tense true-life tale of 13-year-old John Sager left to fend and fight for himself and his five siblings as they continued their trip alone to the west coast in the summer of 1844 following the death of their parents.
13. What is your all-time favourite book?
This is another impossible question but one of many favourites revealed itself as I scanned my bookshelf. My numerous readings of Jack London’s ‘Martin Eden’ never dulled my enthusiasm and adoration of this book with its skillful writing and striking character. I recall my complete awe and overwhelming emotion at the end…now that the book is out on my desk I fear it will not return to its place before I’ve read it again!
With which of these questions can you identify…or not? What are you reading at the moment? Which is your favourite childhood book? As always I can’t wait to read your comments.
I would like to invite all readers who enjoyed this Book Lover’s post to please consider themselves tagged – if you feel like answering these questions and post on your blog do link to mine so I can find them – I look forward to reading all about your bookish habits!
Annika Perry 
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Delightful insights and a wonderful read, Annika. I have made a mental note of getting “The outermost house” after having read your quotes.
Warmest thanks and so happy you enjoyed this tag…I can imagine you could write a book similar to ‘The Outermost House’ with the amazing and wonderful beach location of your abode! The concept is brilliant and this is a book I would not normally have approached but it came highly recommended from another blogger and I just had to read it. I hope you enjoy it just as much and do let me know what you think of it. 😀❤️
Fabulous!
Many thanks! 😀😀
I enjoyed this post so much, Annika, and it reminded me that I need to carve out more time for reading. I am currently reading ‘Just Kids’ by Patti Smith. She is such an artist and with each word paints a ridiculously vivid picture in my mind. Reading a good book is like being transported to a magic kingdom. Thank goodness for all the writers out there, who didn’t give up. Hope you have a great week, Annika! 🙂
Tanya, life does get like that, doesn’t it? When you need to carve out time for reading…the book you’re reading now seems terrific and I can tell it’s making an impact on you. It’s amazing how words can create these vivid, technicolour images and often sound too! Although I don’t read many biographies this is one I like the look of and might read. Wishing you many happy Reading moments and being transported away to magic kingdoms where all is possible! Wishing you a lovely weekend, Tanya…❤️😀🌻
Hope you are enjoying your weekend as well, Annika! 😊
I so loved reading this post. I am glad after returning to my folk its the first read I had and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading this. The theme is so intriguing that took away my vision at very start. Book marks and that too very beautiful nobody can actually denies the fact that they are just mind blowing. Allured update.
Will glad to have you at my site and your words at my latest post. Thanks. Happy weekend!
Thank you so much for your bubbly comment, Purva! 😀 I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that you are a fellow book lover. Bookmarks are wonderfully varying in design and easy to collect…I’ll have to find my box of them all! Heading over to your latest post and wishing you a lovely weekend. 😀📖
Thanks to you. And will wait for ypur words at my site too!
Books are precious and like you I dislike those who mistreat them, breaking spines and giving them dog ears.. And big smiles at you collection of bookmarks.. I also when younger collected bookmarks from places too… 😀
I also loved buying books form my children and when funds could afford it I would love those pop up books that magically unfolded ..
Lovely post..
Blessings
Sue 🙂
Sue, I’d forgotten those pop-up books!! 😀 My son had a dinosaur one which he adored and squealed in delight at every page, often reaching out to touch them…by the end, it was loved to bits! Yeah, another bookmark collector…do you still have yours? They are a wonderful reminder of trips out with the family out as young. Oh, books are so precious and like you, I read them carefully…I have a feeling you squirm too on seeing someone open a book wide on a table and force down the spine! Happy reading and many thanks for your lovely comment. 😀📖
Oh! I am so late in sharing my reflections about books and reading habits but it is too hard to resist what I have to say about this post. I loved loved and loved it because apart from sharing your love for reading, you have said so much about books you have read and are reading right now and the way you have squeezed in some observations about book marks…those are the things, which have made this post so special!
What caught my attention was the book shelf you talk about…it took me down the memory lane…I had a little library at my home with all the books I had accumulated over the years, some of which were presents that my girls had won at school…I had to donate most of them when I decided to shift to US, guided by human attachments, so difficult to let go…I chose relationships.
Thanks for a wonderful post. Have a blessed weekend. 🙂
Balroop, it’s never too late to comment and it’s been a delight to read your lovely thoughts on my post! 😀Oh, it was difficult to constrain myself as there was so much I wanted to share…instead few tidbits instead. Who would have believed bookmarks were so popular and I ‘ve loved learning about everyone else’s. Balroop, it must have been so hard not to bring that special bookshelf with you…I know my mother had to let so much go when we moved to the UK, it was quite heartbreaking. It is a matter of accepting the decision made, choices arrived at…but still, a tug of memories. Hope you’re having a good weekend. ❤️📖
Annika, I loved reading your assessment of being a book lover. You and I share many of the same habits. I love reading at bed time, I also need complete quiet. Did I mention my significant other is an incredible chatterbox? Ha ha. …aint gonna happen. I laughed also about the bookmarks as I have resorted to the bits of papers. All of your current books look great, and I find the one authored by the older gentlemen really appealing. Pick one favorite, well that’s like trying to pick a favorite song!
Hmm…I see a small problem here, Lana with your partner being a chatterbox – any chance he can find some work outside for a while now and then so you get the quiet to read! Haha! 😀😃 Hendrik Groen is brilliant and I can’t believe that this is based on his diaries. I can highly recommend it and hope to get a review out soonish. Happy Reading, Lana and have a lovely weekend. 📖😄
That would be nice, wink, wink. I am going to make a note of that book, I don’t get to read much, but I’d really like to check it out. Thanks Annika! Have a lovely weekend also 😀
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Annika, I had to confirm with Julie how much I loved “Island of the Blue Dolphins!” I should head back and write on Diana’s post response, I also really treasure EB White, there are other of his books of note, a great male author who embraces two females (there’s lots of characters but he does an amazing job with Charlotte) and a pig!
Annika, I included my favorites including ones my Dad and Grandma recommended. . . . I liked the beautiful sections with pretty pictures. This was a treasure chest of golden pieces! hugs ❤
Robin, thank you so much for your gem of a comment and all you wonderful book suggestions. 😀❤️ After both yours and Julie’s effusive words about ‘Island of the Blue Dolphins’ I had a closer look and was so hooked by its very description and wanted to read it there and then!I had no idea it was a true story. I’m heading back to the library today to order this in – and hopefully pick up Charlotte’s Web. I loved how you all took turns for your Dad to read a chapter and how your brothers enjoyed Jack London. Sherlock Holmes is another great classic, but blimey, a couple scared me witless when young. I also fell in awe of ‘Out of Africa’ – thank you for reminding me of this another favourite! The language and story is enthralling, enriching! So lovely to chat all about books, Robin…all we’re missing is a cup of tea/coffee and slice of cake! 😀😀
A friend was just saying to me last night that The Hobbit is one of his favorite reads and here you go and mention it in your post 🙂 Great minds think alike! You’re right though that it’s not easy to choose favorites from a lifetime of reads. We like different books for different reasons. Great to learn more about your reading habits ❤
Haha! 😀😀 Oh, definitely great minds…or just a true classic! 😀 It was a hugely influential for me and one I reread every year for at least a decade. As one changes, so do the books that holds one’s interests…always fascinating to look back at the journey and accompanying books! Many thanks for your lovely comment, Christy! ❤️
I read this beautiful post earlier in the week, and I enjoyed very much reading about your book reading habits and chat about books. I even contemplated participating but unfortunately in the end, I couldn’t because of time constraints. And that picture of the book bed, is just amazing! Thank you for another wonderful post.
Thank you so much, Khaya and I totally understand about time constraints! I’m so glad you enjoyed the chat about books…always lovely! Ah…the book bed image is a delight, very clever and sums up my perfect place to read! 😀
What a wonderful post Annika! 🙂
I absolutely enjoyed reading the post. I also loved all the photos that you’ve used for the post. Just like a fish cannot stay without water, book lovers book cannot stay without bookmarks. 😉 I don’t like using a piece of paper as my book mark but at desperate times I would use any business card that I can find at hand as my weapon. Oh, and sometimes I’ve also used tickets as bookmarks.
Many thanks for your comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos and post…bookmarks can be just anything and I like your suggestions of business cards and tickets! 😀
talking about books, have you read My Life with Bob by Pamela Paul? Flawed Heroine Keeps Book of Books, Plot Ensues. it’s a fantastic read. Bob is her Book of Books. ‘Imagine keeping a record of every book you’ve ever read. What would this reading trajectory say about you? With passion, humor, and insight, the editor of The New York Times Book Review shares the stories that have shaped her life.’ – Goodreads
Libby, I hadn’t heard of this book but it’s gone to the top of my list to read! 😀 It’s sounds so original and unique and I was hooked just reading the free sample. Many thanks for recommending this…There really is nothing quite like talking about books! 😀❤️
It was a delight, Annika, to read about your reading habits. My favorite place to read, like yours, is in the evening in bed, although lately podcasts seem to be taking more and more space. Perhaps I’m just getting lazy! 🙂
Thank you so much, Carol – this was such a fun post to compile as I could indulge in matters to do with books! Reading in bed is a real luxury…pure bliss. I’m very impressed you’ve managed to download podcasts – every time I try I’ve failed spectacularly! I think whatever is relaxing, rewarding and relaxing is the best! 😀 It’s not lazy at all…just mindful!!😀😃
Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner.
Many thanks for the reblog, Connie! 😀❤️
I love this post, Annika. As a lover of books, I understand and relate to your various book-reading habits, and the bookmarks anecdote made me grin!
My husband, too, has several books on the go. I don’t know how – I can barely keep up with one!
Great post — thank you.
Cynthia, I never used to have more than one book on the go…but then read on WP how many were reading lots of books at a time and I picked up the habit!😀 It seems to work, although I never finish as quickly as before for obvious reasons. So happy you enjoyed the post, Cynthia and as a fellow book lover this might be a tag that interests you – I would love to learn about your favourite books etc. Many thanks for your lovely comment.
My husband once had 22 books on the go. It was the leaning bedside tower of Pisa. I don’t know how he did it.
That must be a record!! 😀 😀
A crazy one., Annika.
Books & I , this title seems suitable for you Annika. Your love of books and enthusiasm shines through the whole post. You have made what could be a factual tale into an exciting event.
There is no doubting your love of books from childhood and to date.
Like you I read any place and waiting rooms certainly loses the boredom when you immerse yourself in a good book. As to book marks and beautiful book marks. I use both, depending on urgency 😊 and type of book.
I adore everyone of your pictures, so vibrant and fun. Have also picked two books to order today. Wow, what a post.
Miriam 💕
Miriam, wow, thank you so much for your wonderful in-depth comment! I’m intrigued now…what books did you buy? I really hope you enjoy them. Ahh…to rest in bed reading is a real luxury…an opportunity to give a book 100% attention and disappear within the words. I’m glad you like the title and it sums me up so well…I’ve been surrounded by books all my life and they mean so very much to me – I really hoped to convey this in the post – from your words, it looks like I succeeded. The pictures mostly came from google and pixaby but they were a find and very evocative I feel. Happy Cosy Reading, Miriam! ❤️😀📖
So nice to learn about some of your reading habits Annika. I can’t say we’re much alike, other than reading 2 and 3 books at a time, lol. I’m a bad spine breaker. Ok, I’ve said it! 🙂
Debby, you’re a brave lady!! 😀😀 I’m giggling away at your admission to spine breaking…can you feel me cringing at the very thought! 😀😄 At university, I often had to lay the books out flat to read and take notes and then I’d weight the spine down with other books…A fun tag and I would love to know your other answers…any chance you’d have time to do the tag?
Lol Annika, you know I say it like it is. :). Actually, I was tagged a few times, and recently by Judith Barrow. I’m currently up to my eyeballs in posts and interviews I’m writing, and in edits and such getting my next book ready to publish, so I’m declining for now. But I have ‘the tag’ in my draft folder in my website to remind me to hop on and do the tag, just later in the fall. ❤
What a great collection of questions that only book nerds would become fully engrossed in. One (well many, but I’ll focus on one) caught my attention because I do it differently with digital and print: Reading ahead. In digital, I actually search a character’s name to see if they survive the novel. I hate surprises.
Jacqui, I’m laughing at you hating surprises and checking up on a character!! One of my best friend’s at university did exactly this with every new book…whilst I always wanted to be surprised or try to guess the outcome! I love how we’re all different…and you’ve taught me that I can go searching digital books. 😀 Never realised!
I very much enjoyed reading about your reading habits Annika! Like you, I read in many different places. I’ll often use a bookmark but I’ll also use a piece of paper or whatever else is to hand – in one of the books I’m currently reading, it’s a feather I found on my walks. I find it very hard to narrow down favourite books, but it is something I’ve thought about writing about some day! I adored The Outermost House – I hope you enjoy it!
Andrea, I am sure it is you who wrote so wonderfully about The Outermost House and ‘sold’ me on it! Thank you. 😀 The writing is exquisite and it’s making me look at my surroundings with far more intensity and attention to detail. Ahh…I love the sound of your feather bookmark…must be the best one ever! When reading outside I’ve used twigs or leaves before and then found them many years later.
What fun! I love reading more about my blogging friends. I used to read multiple books at a time, but now I find I don’t have the time to read more than one or two simultaneously (not including audio books). My favorite books as a kid–how can anyone pick just one? 🙂 I started with the Three Investigators series by none other than Alfred Hitchcock, then on to Anne McCaffery’s Pern books. One that stands out, though, is Island of the Blue Dolphins. Loved that book!
Have a great week, Annika!
Julie, I remember the Three Investigators very well, I loved the series along with Nancy Drew – think it was a tomboy thing!😀 I’ve never heard of the Island of Blue Dolphins but the title alone is so evocative and I’m going to check it out! Audio books are hugely popular and a great way to catch up books – personally I’ve never taken to it – as yet! Here’s to Happy Reading…😀📖
Julie, 🐚🐬
I loved “Island of the Blue Dolphins!” My brothers and I took turns choosing chapter books for my Dad to read. We listened to several (ahem, brothers!!) Jack London books but I do remember they were held spellbound by the Island girl. 🙂
My Dad’s favorite books were Sherlock Holmes, I remember the red headed club and the speckled band (snake) stories. It was nice when they could be completed in a week.
My Mom’s mother liked A Tree Grows in Brooklyn so I read it and Grandma was right! My auntie loved Isaak Dineson who wrote “Out of Africa.” I read it before Meryl Streep and Robert Redford portrayed memorable characters.
Lastly, I read “The Yearling” to a rural classroom of 6th graders every day after lunch and recess. I allowed them to draw or write in their journals. There was nothing in my early 20’s better than looking up to see students enthralled in a book.
Smiles, Robin
Hmmm, are you sure you didn’t answer the questions asked of ME? I think my answers would be so similar to yours it would be scary. We are ‘soul readers,’ Annika. I couldn’t possibly fly on a plane without a book – I hate to fly, and as soon as I sit down on the plane (last one on, if I can help it), I open a book and escape for the next 2-6 hours, however long the flight is. The only difference between you and me is that I still use bookmarks that mean something to me. One is a faded thin bookmark from Florence, Italy that a friend bought me when we were there together about 10 years ago. Another is my own bookmarks that I made for my books The Right Wrong Man and Twin Desires (and I make sure my friends use these too – haha). A third is a bookmark from my favorite independent bookstore. My 9-year-old granddaughter is becoming a voracious reader (yay), but when I caught her dog-earing the page of the book she was reading, I yelped out loud. So now I’ve been collecting book marks for her as well. 🙂
Bless you, Pam…your comment has me smiling and crying! ❤️ We are so often similar as once again is evident from your lovely words on this post! Hmmm…I reckon I’ve made it a mite difficult for you to pick up the tag then?!😃😃 I love the term you’ve coined for us both as ‘soul readers’. Ah…good for you for still using bookmarks and how great you still have the one from Florence – I’m sure I bought one from there when I visited but it’s probably up in the loft with the rest of my collection. Yeah!! You made your own bookmarks for your books, what a terrific idea and if I had one I’d make sure to use it at all times and leave it prominently on display for others to notice! It’s wonderful when the young have the reading bug and I’m so happy your granddaughter has discovered the joy and magic of books…she’ll never be bored in her life! Poor girl, reckon I could hear your yelp all the way here but bet she’s chuffed with her new bookmarks. 📖🔖 hugs xx
I love having a ‘soul reader sister’ across the ‘pond.’ Send me your address (on my e-mail pam.wight@colettawight.net) and I’ll send you a couple of my bookmarks. Maybe you’ll use them instead of a newspaper clipping every once in a while. 🙂
Pam, that would be wonderful. 😃 Thank you so much!! I’ll definitely use them and keep them very safe. ❤️My emails address is annika.perry@btinternet.com
This is a fascinating read, Annika! I doubt time will permit me to rise to the challenge but you’ve certainly given me food for consumption (in book form, of course 🙂 ) That opening photo is so inviting and the whole post gives me a warm glow. Have a great week!
Ahh…thank you so much, Jo…a warm glow sounds a good start to the week.😀 Hope the rest continues equally warm and contented. Glad to give you some bookish nourishment…if you ever get a chance I would love to learn about books and you! Totally understand about time though…😀
Thanks to my inspiring English teacher I was thirteen when I read The Hobbit. Lovely post Annika – I like hearing about others favourite reads too.
Inspiring teachers are often the key to enjoying literature and interesting how many have brought their love of The Hobbit to their students! There’s nothing quite like a chat about books, I find! Always enjoyable…any chance you’d be able to pick up the tag?😀
I love these questions and so enjoyed your answers! Very clever and so nice to learn about your reading habits. Read on!
Thank you, Barbara…it’s fun to have a good excuse to while away a few hours engrossed in bookish matter past and present. So glad you enjoyed this…I’m reading, I’m reading…and likewise, enjoy your books and look forward to reading your thoughts on them. Any chance you’d like to carry the tag on? I’d love to read your answers! 😀
Sure! That sounds like fun!
Congratulations! Those were good questions and your answer even better. I knew the Hobbit had to come out somewhere. And ”Extremely Loud”… a very good book and the movie was good also… jc
I’ve just started ‘Extremely Loud’ but already drawn in with the writing and story…I bet I’ll want to watch the film afterwards – many thanks for the recommendation! Oh yes, The Hobbit just had to make an appearance! 😀
Such an enjoyable post to read, Annika! I love finding out about other peoples’ reading habits and comparing them with my own. I have recently started reading more than one book at a time for similar reasons to yours – so many books, so little time! I also find it very difficult to choose favourite books; I have many favourites that I return to again and again.
I am currently between books having finished the two I was reading today. One was “A Spell of Winter” by Helen Dunmore, an author I return to often as I find her writing mesmerising and beautifully atmospheric. I recently read a Kindle copy of a book written by a fellow blogger – “Maya and the Book of Everything” by Laurie Graves. This is a book written for young people but I was entranced by it and would highly recommend it.
I love your illustration of the book bed!
Thank you so much, Clare! 😀 I also do enjoy these kind of posts and especially learning more about people’s reading interests. Reading more than one book at a time seems to be popular at the moment and I’m not surprised! 😀 Thank you for sharing your recent reads…I used to read Helen Dunmore but she’s fallen off my radar in recent years; thank you for the reminder and I’ll check out ‘A Spell of Winter’. The Laurie Graves book sounds fascinating and definitely interesting and another terrific recommendation. Some YA books are greats novels for almost ages! Ahh…the book bed image is one I found on google but just fell for it and perfect for this post! 😀😀
I often find Dunmore’s books difficult because her subject matter is quite contentious. ‘A Spell of Winter’ features incest – not an easy read!
That’s a fun tag, Annika. I might take you up on it. 🙂 I like hearing about what you’re reading as I’ve found some great books as a result of your recommendations. Oh, I wish I had more time to read! The story of your bookmarks and your mom’s slips of newspapers made me laugh – especially switching places. Ha ha. My favorite kid’s book? Charlotte’s Web. It was the first book to make me cry, and I quickly read it again, so I could cry again. 🙂
Diana, I really hope you take up the tag and I look forward to reading your post! 😃 I remember writing an essay at school about how the people of the future would fill all their leisure time – no danger of this becoming a reality as we scrounge for time to read books! I’m so glad you’re enjoying some of the books I mention on my blog, that feels so good to know. Haha! 😀Whilst writing about the bookmark/pieces of paper answer I noticed the ironic circularity of this situation and had to smile. Oh, I still haven’t read Charlotte’s Web and this is one I’ve meant to for ages…must go and check it out – wonder if I can borrow next-door’s daughter for an outing to the library?! It’s not often I cry at books (apart from despair at my own!!) so I really want to read it! Must be amazing.
What?! You haven’t read Charlotte’s Web?!? Ha ha. We’ll, get yourself over to the library, my friend. ❤
Just been and after a palaver managed to order a copy – they are all out at the moment so hugely popular! Can’t wait! 😀 It will be the DVD next, I reckon!
Yes. Written in 1952, Annika. It’s a timeless tale. I read it when I was 8 years old, I think. I hope you enjoy it.
Ahhh….Diana, I’ve just finished ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and absolutely love it!! It’s one of the most heartwarming children’s books I’ve read and I’ve been savouring every word. Phew..I’d heard it was sad so relieved Wilbur was okay and then so touched when three of Charlotte’s children stayed behind. A real gem and thank you so for the recommendation! ❤️
Yay. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Annika. I just cried and cried when Charlotte died. I get teary just thinking about it, even now. Thanks for letting me know. ❤
Such a delightful post, Annika. I love the ways you have described your passion and care as a critical creative reader. Ah, how I miss those days. After reading textbooks, academic articles, and student papers, I have a hard time picking up a book for pleasure these days. Although, like you, I do like to read when I am sitting in a waiting room for some type of appointment. It was thus I discovered the most beautiful book I have ever read, judging merely by the first few chapters – Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2013). Normally I would dread all of the upcoming appointments in the next 2 weeks, but now I look forward to an excuse to read something that transports me into other times and places.
Carol, wow, I’ve just looked at Braiding Sweetgrass and I totally understand why you are so in awe of this book…it looks wonderful and unlike anything I’ve come across…I’ve now put it in my Amazon basket but I’ll have to be patient as delivery is one to two months so I’m going to ask at a bookshop. Thank you so much for mentioning this book and I’m sure the waiting time will pass quickly! I hope all goes well with your appointments. As a student I read so much for my subjects and at that time skim read many novels; afterwards it felt a luxury to read slower without guilt that I should be reading course books – pure bliss and delight to be able to read voraciously once again! Warmest wishes xx
I am intrigued by “The outermost house”. Will have to check it out.
Lynne, I’m glad to be able to recommend it…such an unusual read and a wonderful eye to his natural surroundings along with literary skilful writing.
A fascinating post to read Annika and I now have an additional two books on my ever expanding Too Read list as a result. It brought back memories of my habit of buying one of the leather bookmarks which were prevalent whenever we visited castles, stately homes, obscure earth mounds etc when I was young. They always seemed to disappear and I still ended up using old bus tickets, scraps of paper or anything else to hand. But as you say it never seemed quite right at the time and still doesn’t. I too loved the pictures and particularly the book/bed at the end.
Mike
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What a lovely read, Annika. I feel like I know you much better now. 🙂
Bookmarking it as a future blog post possibility. Thanks!
That’s what I really like about these tags – the opportunity to learn much more about a person! Being book mad this one was a joy to research and compile and I do hope you get a chance to continue the tag soon, Jennifer – I so look forward to reading your answers! 😀
As you said, though, hard to pinpoint my favourite books! So many of them. 🙂
The bedroom where we normally end up in when staying at my sister-in-law’s has an illustrated copy of the Hobbit. I can’t help but gravitate to it when going to bed. I, too, have read the book many times, Annika. We often give bookmarks as gifts. 🙂 And are given book marks in return. I have a bunch from England, all in lovely leather. Your photo reminded me. –Curt
So happy to bring back good memories, Curt. 😀 My original copy of The Hobbit was the wonderful hardback illustrated one which was well read. This is the copy I leant out and was never returned…still feels raw. Ahh…leather bookmarks! There are wonderful to collect and I have a huge collection too which I wanted to photograph but alas they’re in one of the numerous boxes up in the loft!
Fun to read your answers. Like you, I find a book helps me relax on an airplane and takes my mind off the vulnerabilities we face in an aircraft. As long as the book I’m reading isn’t about a plane crash, that is. 😉
Absolutely and there is no greater need to escape to a world within yourself than when high up in the air! So glad you enjoyed my answers, Carrie … I tried not to rattle on too much!!😀😃
Annika, thanks for revealing more about yourself. The Hobbit was my all time favorite book and probably still my favorite genre. You might like to read the Vohrr by Brian Catling. He is being called a modern day Tolkien.
Wow! I’ve just read the description of Vohrr and am hooked – what a concept and I can see why you recommend it. It’s now on my wish list…😀😀
Great, let me know what you think.
Annika it was so nice to learn a little more about you and your reading habits. A hugely enjoyable read. 🌼🌼🌼
Thank you so much, Brigid…a joy to complete this tag and always enjoyable to have an excuse to revisit books long since read and loved! 😀
Our book habits are quite similar, Annika. In the past, I always read one book at a time, but with so many great stories, I’m often reading a paper book and another on my Kindle, while I work out.
You said, “Several contented minutes will pass when I forget I’m 36,000 feet in the air with just a thin piece of metal and two engines separating me from imminent doom.” This made me smile…it’s so true! Happy Sunday! xo
Jill, I’m so happy this post has you smiling…😀😀 You’d laugh at me on an aeroplane- one minute engrossed calmly in my book, then at the least sudden movement, clutching the arm seat, white in panic! Yeah, another multi-book person and I agree, with so many great stories out there it’s the only way to cover more ground! Wishing you many happy and peaceful moments reading…it’s so important to bring a bit of balance and normality to one’s day. ❤️
What a wonderful post Annika, it was so much fun finding out all about your book loving habits. Like you I think a book deserves a decent bookmark and I can and used to read anywhere. These days my reading has given way to more writing and I’m reading less but growing up I was never without a book. Ever. Lovely post. xo
Thank you so much, Miriam! 😀 This was a very enjoyable tag and perfect for me as I couldn’t imagine a life without books! It is so hard finding the time to read as much as one wants to but my life would be all askew without a book(s) on the go! Happy writing, Miriam and hope you get a chance to read now and then…I can just imagine sitting at some of those wonderful locations during your trip this summer, relaxing with a book and a glass of wine! Bliss! ❤️
That does sound pretty good Annika Hopefully this coming summer I’ll get back into the reading in a big way. 🙂
Very lovely post, Annika, and thank you tagging us all with the Book Lover´s Tag! I enjoyed reading this very much and had to laugh hard at the bookmark story! 😀 I will make sure to answer the same questions, blog it and link back to you soon! Have a lovely Sunday! Sarah 🙂
Sarah, I’m so happy you’re going to take part in this tag and look forward to reading it soon! 😀 There’s nothing like a good excuse to think about books, look through childhood ones…so glad you enjoyed the post and had a laugh at the bookmark saga! I can see myself reverting to them in the near future now…I’m beginning to feel nostalgic! 😀 Happy Reading! 📖📕
Annika, I´m planning on posting it tomorrow 🙂 It´s been so much fun to write it, and as you say, there´s really nothing like a good excuse to think about books! It was wonderful to look through my shelves, hunting for those childhood books that are still with me 🙂
Have a lovely day/evening! 😀 Happy Reading! xo
Wonderful post Annika and I loved all your illustrations too xxxxxxxx
Thank you, Shey!! 😀 It was fun finding accompanying images on google and pixy…I so wanted to photograph my large leather bookmark collection but it’s hidden in a box in the loft!
I especially love the pic of the old children’s books. Such a sucker for old books like that. I still have all mine too. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ahh…that’s great. I kept my absolute favourites but had to give a lot away when we moved…there is something about handling them that brings the child out once again! The print is minute though!!😀
Loved your answers Annika, your love of books is evident in every word! I especially loved your amusing response about the bookmarks and the mother/daughter changes through time! Thank you so much for taking part in the tag and mentioning my debut book and the Authors Rainbow Support Club. 🙂 xxx
You’re very welcome, Marje – you a great supporter of writers here on WP! Ha, it was only as I was writing about the bookmarks that I realised how our habits have changed…is it a matter time, I wonder? 😀
Thank you! Yes maybe it is Annika. Oh, by the way I will be doing a price promo on my book in the next day or too so keep so thought I’d let you know. Will be on twitter etc. Marje x
Love the picture of the book bed, by the way, and the tiny slippers. I too have a range of bookmarks and scraps of paper which make their way into my books.
Rosie, those markers are so important, aren’t they and woe betide anyone who messes with them! 😀 This last image was the first when initially drafting the post – I was torn between them! The notes sticking out from the slippers are so cute!😀
Annika, I’m off to bed in just a few minutes but decided to read this post first, and am so glad l did. What a fun and uplifting article. I learned a lot of interesting things about you, a great deal about books I’ll have to add to my TBR list (now many computer pages long,) and found you’re reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, which I think you learned about from my blog.
So of course, now I’m motivated to answer the same questions in an upcoming blog post. Keep your eyes peeled.
Thanks for a terrific time just before bed. (Um, that sounds a little funny, doesn’t it?)
Sharon, yet again this might catch you as you’re heading off to bed.😃 I’m so glad you enjoyed this post and thank you for your wonderful comment! Wow! I thought I had a long TBR list – I”m sorry (not!) to add to it with some suggestions here. You’re right, your recent recommendation of Extremely Loud inspired me to put in my basket and then I waited for the price to fall a bit…which it did. I just love the writing style and sense of the boy…I’m with him in his head, his thoughts. Brilliantly written and I can see this becoming one of my newest favourites!
Yeah!! I’m so happy you’re picking up the tag and really look forward to your post…eyes peeled and waiting! 😃