My blogger friend, S.F. Dekreel, tagged me for the 20 Questions Book Tag. These questions look pretty cool, so this will be fun 🙂 If you don’t already follow her blog, The Inky Ramble Beast, go check it out!
1. How many books are too many in a series?
I haven’t seen an author pull off more than six books in a series about the same characters in a big-picture story. However, if the series is about different characters in each book, I feel that an author could do a lot with the series and still keep readers interested.
The Christian Heritage Series by Nancy Rue is one of the best series for children I’ve ever read. Nancy Rue pulls off six six-book sets within the series, each set delving into the life of a boy of the Hutchinson family line.
Honestly, mystery series can have an endless supply.
2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?
I like a balance of resolve and tension. Cliffhangers can be awesome but overdone sometimes. When they’re overdone, I get frustrated. If the cliffhanger is done well, I love it. S.D. Smith, author of The Green Ember Series, has some of the best cliffhangers in my opinion.
3. Hardcover or paperback?
Paperback because they’re easier on your hands. When I read, I tend to read for a significant amount of time. My hands get tired if I’m reading a hardback. One plus of hardbacks is the special beautiful covers. ❤
4. Favorite book?
This is so hard…it’s like asking a mother who her favorite child is. THEY’RE ALL SO QUIRKY AND WONDERFUL IN THEIR OWN WAY.
I guess I have to say The Drover’s Road Collection by Joyce West is my absolute favorite. Her writing voice is so calming, and I love how she takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary in its simplicity.
A close tie is the Emily of New Moon Series by L.M. Montgomery, for anyone who wants to know.
5. Least favorite book?
If I don’t like a book, I never finish it so…I don’t really know how I can answer this question.
6. Love triangles, yes or no?
NO. As a general rule, I detest them with a vengeance. The only way I’m interested is when the protagonist is the one competing for the love-interest. I mean, how can I relate to a character if they can’t decide between the multiple people who are in love with them? It’s a stretch to relate to a character with one person in love with them. 😀
The love triangle in Viking Quest Series by Lois Walfrid Johnson was the most enjoyable that I’ve read. In The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin, I also enjoyed the love triangle more than usual.
To be honest, love triangles confuse me. Who do I root for?? Is there a real answer???
7. The most recent book you couldn’t finish?
This is not because I don’t like the book. I love it! Over the summer, I read through half of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Then fall came. School threw homework at me, piano threw music at me, my friends threw socializing at me, and poetry threw words at me. So that wasn’t really my fault. I just needed a little break.
8. A book you’re currently reading?
I just finished The Story Peddler. GO READ IT. It’s amazing. The Story Raider (the newly-released second book of the trilogy) is in my cart and will be my next read. *rubs hands together with a chuckle*
9. Last book you recommended to someone?
The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne U. Clark and Writer to Writer: From Think To Ink by Gail Carson Levine to a poet friend of mine.
10. Oldest book you’ve ever read? (publication date)
The Bible?? I’m pretty sure that’s the right answer. Alternate answers: excerpts from Beowulf and the Epic of Gilgamesh.
11. Newest book you’ve read? (publication date)
Romanov by Nadine Brandes. Anastasia is a story that never gets old. So much mystery. So much intrigue!
12. Favorite author?
L.M. Montgomery.
13. Buying books or borrowing?
I borrow books from friends often, and I literally haunt the library. However, if I love a book, I have to buy it, because for some reason I’m jealous of other people reading the same copy. I like bestowing my special book on worthy people. 😀
14. A book you dislike that everyone else seems to love?
Inkheart.
15. Bookmarks or dog-ears?
DON’T MENTION DOG-EARING IN MY PRESENCE.
16. A book you can always re-read?
My grown-up self: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. Mystery, intrigue, tension-filled romance, secret identities…what more can I ask for?
The child in me: Winnie the Pooh books by A.A. Milne. What’s not to love?
17. Can you read while listening to music?
Not without being significantly distracted. On long car trips, it’s pretty chaotic with everyone is in the car talking and playing games etc, so I can usually block it out in that circumstance.
18. One POV or multiple POVs?
I prefer one POV, with a few insights from other characters scattered throughout. One POV is definitely my preference though. I like being kept in the dark.
19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?
One or two sittings. It’s getting to be concerning.
When I see a homework reading assignment that says 20 pages: I set aside three hours to do the assignment. I barely finish in time. My eyes are glazed over. I feel faint. I hear voices. I can see colors.
When I get a new 400-page novel in the mail: I head to my room. My family knows they won’t see me for the next 4-6 hours, and when I do come to dinner, I’ll only speak in book references. The next morning, the sun rises and is disgusted to see I’m still reading. And no, it’s not the same book. It’s the sequel.
20. Who do you tag?
Tag Instructions: Answer the questions and tag some new blogs! 🙂 If you don’t have a blog, I would love to read your answers in the comments!
Seven Billion Smiles 