Murder by Death

1. What is your favorite childhood book?

  If we're going with early childhood, it has to be Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss.  This is the book I was obsessed with as a child and a large part of why my parents taught me to read at a very early age (3) - they claimed it was self-preservation; none of my family are particularly smooth with the tongue twisters.  I'm told they used to hide the book all over the house, including on the top of the kitchen cabinets in an attempt at getting this book off my radar.

Later childhood, it would be a Judy Blume book, but I'm not sure which one.  Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret is probably the one I've always remembered most clearly.

2. E-books or printed books?

Printed books.  I appreciate the value of e-books and their portability, versatility, and flexibility - especially for those who have issues with eyesight or being able to hold a physical book (my BF with severe arthritis loves her Kindle because it's lightweight and easy to hold).  But for me, I not only prefer paper books, but they are actually healthier.  I was diagnosed with mild narcolepsy about 18 months ago.  Most people think of it as a sleeping disorder but it's actually a central nervous system disorder and electronic devices at night should be avoided.  I still load up the iPad before a long flight, but otherwise, it's paper all the way.

3. What is your favorite place to read?

This is a tough one - depends on the weather.  If it's cold and crap outside, huddled on my couch underneath my quilt.  If it's brilliant outside and the two demons next door aren't around, I drag my beanbag out into my garden; I have a little patch of (fake) grass I've surrounded by scented perennials - it gets a little bit of shade and a little bit of sun.  It's perfect.

4. Is there any genre you would never read?

To answer this letter of this question: science fiction and stories that take place in space bore me senseless and I don't like horror/psychological thrillers.  To answer the spirit of the question: anything where animals are mistreated, where the prevailing tone is hatred or cruelty or anything that tries to manipulate me emotionally.

5. What’s your review rating system?

5 stars - The book was so good I'm hugging it and quite probably stroking the covers.  

4.5 stars - I loved it but I'm not actually showing physical affection.  

4 stars - I really liked the book although I probably found imperfections that I'd feel the need to mention should someone ask (or in my review). 

3.5 stars - Good, not sorry I read it, but I'm not going to gush about it.

3 stars - Ambivalent.  It was neither good nor bad.  

2 stars - The book probably had potential but was ruined by bad editing, bad writing, hateful characters or horrible plotting.

1 star - The book is, in my opinion, complete crap and I am irritated about the time I spent reading it that I'm not going to get back.  Too many obstacles to overcome to be redeemed.  Will actively tell people I disliked the book.

DNF - Because it's a waste of ink, OR, the story is just not working for me on a personal taste level.  Recommendations are made (or not) depending on which.

6. What is your favorite fictional character?

Sherlock Holmes.  He's brilliant, he's introverted and he's dangerous enough that no one gives him any shit about it and they'd be wasting their breath if they did.  He's unapologetic and unemotional but moral.  He's practically perfect.

7. What was the best film adaption of a book?

Harry Potter is the gimme, but I'm going to stick with The Hunt for Red October because that was a dauntingly complicated book to read (so many damn ships to keep track of!) and the movie managed to boil the story down to its essence without losing or adding anything.

8. How do you choose the next book to read?

It's a mystical thing.  I stand in front of my TBR piles and I read the titles lazily until one just "clicks".  I can't explain it beyond that.  Similar to food cravings where only one thing lights up that part of your brain.

9. Top 3 authors?

1. Arthur Conan Doyle

2. Jane Austen

3. A lot of ties here: Donna Andrews, Kerry Greenwood, Juliet Blackwell, Jennifer Crusie

10. Is there any book release you are particularly looking forward to?

The next book on the list in terms of release date that I'm most looking forward to is Lowcountry Bordello