Every time I write a new post about reading habits, I feel certain I’ve reached the end of interesting ideas related to said topic. But then another assortment of questions crosses my radar. This just goes to show there are many unique ways to enjoy the reading process!
1. READING SLUMPS
I don’t feel like I “slump” – I just go through periods of time where I read less.
June through August is peak reading season for many bibliophiles; in theory, books are the perfect accessory for a day at the beach. But I have always prioritized reading during colder months when, at least in rural Canada, there isn’t much else to do with leisure time.
I don’t consider my summer break a slump and genuinely look forward to time away from books. Some of this is the longer days and nice weather so I spend more time outside. The kids are off school and bedtimes creep later, so there is also functionally less time in my day for reading. And, since I get most books from my local library in hardcopy, it is more of a hassle to juggle returns when we’re away on vacation.
2. DO YOU PREFER TO START OR FINISH A GREAT BOOK
This is tough but I think I prefer to finish a great book. It leaves me sad when something wonderful is over, but there is a unique satisfaction that comes from completing a wonderful book.
3. DO YOU RECOMMEND BOOKS TO OTHERS?
I don’t recommend books very often and, if I do, it’s typically only to close friends. I’ve read too many books that others have raved about only to be disappointed, so I tend to mention what I’m reading relatively casually and let others take the lead if they want to know more. I don’t want to be the one who recommends a book someone else winds up hating.
4. DO YOU BELONG TO A BOOK CLUB?
I have never formally joined a book club and don’t have much interest in doing so. I also don’t go out of my way to discuss books with others (blogging aside); generalizations usually suffice.
If I’m reading a non-fiction book on a topic that feels applicable to a conversation, I might mention something relevant.
Reading books with the main purpose of discussing them in a group sounds…tedious. Especially if I didn’t like the book in question. I’ve gotten better about abandoning books and think the sense of obligation I would feel to persevere for the sake of a book club would frustrate me. But what do I know – maybe I’d actually love the experience?
5. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE AUTHOR?
I don’t. I’ve loved many books by many authors, but I can’t easily identify a front-running favourite. For non-fiction, it’s hard to beat Gretchen Rubin, and the Harry Potter series was a home run for me in the fiction category. But I don’t have ONE author that is my absolute favourite.
6. FICTION OR NON-FICTION (READING)?
Nonfiction.
7. FICTION OR NON-FICTION (WRITING*)?
*If you were tasked with writing a specific genre of book (let’s assume – for the purposes of this exercise – it would be bestselling either way), would you rather have your name on a work of fiction or nonfiction?
While I gravitate toward non-fiction, with a special spot reserved for memoirs, I’m not sure about this one. I feel like my natural inclinations lend themselves far more to non-fiction, but for this particular hypothetical – guaranteed to be a bestseller?! – I think I might opt for fiction?
8. DO YOU REMEMBER BOOKS YOUR PARENTS READ TO YOU WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?
I remember my mother reading Puppies Need Someone to Love, The Poky Little Puppy’s Counting Book, and Lambert the Sheepish Lion on repeat when I was little. When I got beyond the board book stage, it became all about the Bobbsey Twins. (I read Nancy Drew novels to myself.)
But my all-time favourite (which I can still recite from memory) was Baby Elephant’s Bedtime. And yes, I did read this to my own kids when they were little.
9. LONGEST BOOK YOU’VE EVER READ?
Centennial by James A. Michener. He knows how to write a verrryyyy long book.
10. MOST MEMORABLE (FICTIONAL) ENDING?
There have been a lot of great endings, but the most memorable for me is easy – The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck. The first time I read the final page of that book my jaw hung open. I thought it was a BRILLIANT ending.
Your turn. How do you handle reading slumps? Do you maintain a full reading schedule over the summer? Do you prefer to start – or finish – a great book? Longest book you’ve ever read?
If you’re so inclined to comment, here are all the questions for easy reference:
- How do you handle reading slumps?
- Do you prefer to finish – or start – a great book?
- Do you recommend books to others?
- Do you belong to a book club?
- Do you have a favourite author?
- Fiction or nonfiction? (Reading)
- Fiction or nonfiction? (Writing)
- Can you remember what your parents read to you as a child?
- What’s the longest book you’ve ever read?
- Most memorable (fictional) ending?
Coree
I read a lot, but 95% fiction, mostly on the literary end of lit fiction, with some fantasy and romance sprinkled in there. I think I read so much nonfiction for work that I want a proper story. I’m currently rationing myself with the Louise Penny books, I’m on book 13 and am quite sad about the prospect of finishing them. I rarely have slumps, I think because I don’t really watch tv, so I’ve got to do something at night.
I am enjoying magazines (New Yorker, NY review of books, and Paris review) which are suddenly available in the Libby app. They are nice when I am tired.
Elisabeth
I was just talking about Louise Penny books yesterday; I’ve never read any of them and the sheer number makes me a bit wary of starting, but I’ve heard such great things.
Coree
They are really beautiful! The author writes about her characters with such love. I’m not normally a mystery fan, but I work on sub-state nationalism so there’s some interesting overlaps etc.
mbmom11
In a reading slump, I reread favorites.
I love to start a great book- so many books disappoint me lately. Picking up a new book and getting drawn in is so nice!
I will recommend books to my sister and a friend at work. Even if I recommend something they don’t like, they’ll be nice about it.
No book club- no time and I don’t love the typical book club choice.
I have many favorite authors – which one depends on my mood. Right now I’m anxiously awaiting the next Murderbot book by Martha Wells. I would never thought that I’d like a sci-fi series, but it’s amazing. For non fiction , Atul Gawande.
I prefer mysteries, and for non fiction science or medical oriented books. I like my books to have a point and an ending.(I love Mary Roach for example. ) dont like a lot of general fiction because its just people behaving badly and not learning anything from their mistakes. I don’t write.
My parents read little Golden books to us- the shy little kitten and the pojey little puppy. I read things like Sarah Boytons board books and Mercer Mayers Little Critter books to my kids.
I’ve read long books but avoid them now. Can I could the LOTR trilogy as one book?
Good ending- Harry Potter 3 – I remember standing up and looking around for someone to talk to about it. So good. Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie as well.
For a bad ending- My Sister’s Keeper- I threw the book across the room.
Good luck with the daily blogging!
Elisabeth
Yes to re-reading favourites to get out of slumps or even to just “reset” a bit. Reading something you know you’re going to love is a very comforting feeling.
Mary Roach’s books are both hilarious and so tightly and expertly written. Big fan.
I feel like I read My Sister’s Keeper, but can’t remember it now. Note to self: avoid it because of the bad ending!
ccr in MA
Just have to say that I, too, wanted to throw My Sister’s Keeper across the room! The ending frustrated me so much, I vowed to never read another book by her, and I haven’t, all these years later.
Ernie
I don’t read as much as you do probably, so I’m not prone to reading slumps. I do belong to a book club. It’s through my local chapter of my college alum club. I enjoy seeing the women once a month and I usually enjoy the books that are chosen. If I could write something and be guaranteed a best seller, I’d go with non-fiction, specifically memoir. I prefer to read nonfiction. My favorite author is Jeanette Wells, but I recently discovered Ann Patchett so that might change. I don’t usually suggest books to others. By the time I read something, most people I know have already read it. I read more in the summer, because I don’t babysit then. I still don’t get a lot of reading done, because summer is busy. I don’t like contrived endings. I agree with mbmom11, I disliked My Sister’s Keeper, too. That author irritates me. I like to start a good book and I’m sad when it ends. Always a sign of a good book.
Elisabeth
Jeanette Walls and Ann Patchett are both geniuses with words. Glass Castle was incredible; The Dutch House is one of my all-time favourite fiction reads.
sarah
How do you handle reading slumps? I read something that’s like candy
Do you prefer to finish – or start – a great book? Finish!!
Do you recommend books to others? All. The. Time.
Do you belong to a book club? Yes, but I haven’t gone in awhile…
Do you have a favourite author? RICHARD RUSSO
Fiction or nonfiction? (Reading) Fiction
Fiction or nonfiction? (Writing) Fiction
Can you remember what your parents read to you as a child? My mom read a ton– I remember her sobbing at Charlotte’s Web, and we all laughed until we cried at the James Thurber story “The Night the Bed Fell”
What’s the longest book you’ve ever read? ooooof I don’t know but def a few over 1K pages
Most memorable (fictional) ending? I love a tear jerker ending. This year, Hello Beautiful really did it for me.
Elisabeth
Never heard of Richard Russo…*crickets*
Hello Beautiful was a lovely ending.
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie
Vroom vroom…reving up the reading engine…
Reading slumps – I know what you mean about those times when reading gets moved down on the priority list, and no I don’t consider that to be a slump. But yes I go through phases where nothing clicks with me and I have DNF after DNF. When that happens I back off of reading and wait for a good book to find me.
Finish vs start – I’m a starter! Usually my interest starts to wane toward the end.
Recommendations are tricky. Would you believe that IRL I almost never talk about books? If someone asks me I’ll tell them the last book that I really liked, but tailored to the audience. For example, when I see my parents this weekend I’ll tell them about The Violin Conspiracy because I think they would like it. I am not going to tell them about Strange Sally Diamond, because although it was excellent I am pretty certain that the part that was upsetting to me would be upsetting to them.
The only book club I’ve ever been part of was The Cool Bloggers Book Club this summer. I’m very much in the camp of reading what I want to read, and I feel like a book club would have me reading books just for the club. With that said, when Stephany wrote about her Silent Book Club a few days ago, my ears really perked up. I’m not 100% sure what it is, but I want to learn more.
Yes I’ve got my faves! Joyce Porter and Nevil Shute are at the top of the list for lifelong favorites.
I prefer fiction over non for reading. But if I was to ever write I think it would be non.
I can’t remember what my parents read to me very well. I think that’s because I never had children, so I never revisited the early books. I recognize titles like Goodnight Moon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar but I don’t remember them at all.
Longest book? I’ve read a couple of thousand pagers back in the day. It’s not something that I seek out in this season of life.
I love a good memorable ending! I still remember the last line of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Huge like I read it yesterday and it’s been YEARS. Nevil Shute was great with ending with a casual one liner that made the whole book sparkle.
Elisabeth
Yes, a Silent Book Club sounds very much up my proverbial alley!
Shelly
I had a huge reading slump after the seven years it took to get my accounting designation. Reading many accounting textbooks destroyed my desire to read for several years.
I prefer to be in the middle of a great book where I can’t wait to read each day.
I usually don’t recommend books.
I read slightly more non-fiction. And writing would also be nonfiction.
I don’t remember my parents reading to me. Maybe they did? I did read a lot when I was young so I did love reading.
Longest book..I don’t remember. Hmm there is a theme here.
What is more memorable and that sticks with me is how a book made me feel immersed in the story so much that I don’t want them to end.
Elisabeth
I was like this after my Master’s degree. I didn’t read basically anything for several years and it made me really sad. That’s when I started reading non-fiction and memoirs. Before that, I read exclusively fiction for leisure and then all the academic books for school. I’ve basically stuck with primarily non-fiction every since.
Ohhhh. Love your answer of being in the MIDDLE of a great book. This hadn’t crossed my mind, but you’re 100% right. It’s the best of both worlds.
Kyria @ Travel Spot
I loved Lambert the sheepish lion! That brings back memories.
How do you handle reading slumps? What are those? Just kidding, sometimes I can’t focus on a book or three and in that case, I find a mindless detective novel or thriller by one of my go tos and that usually perks me up. FYI, summer for me is prime reading time, as I do a lot of hiking and outdoor activities while listening to audiobooks.
Do you prefer to finish – or start – a great book? Finish.
Do you recommend books to others? Yes, but sparingly.
Do you belong to a book club? No, but I would like to. Its nice to have kindred spirits and a social outlet.
Do you have a favourite author? I like a lot of authors; off the top of my head I would say Anne Patchett, Kate Quinn (I just checked my Goodreads numbers and author with the most is Phillipa Gregory)
Fiction or nonfiction? (Reading) Fiction, but I do like non, especially memoirs, but if I had to choose only one, fiction.
Fiction or nonfiction? (Writing) Non-fiction. I am a factual person.
Can you remember what your parents read to you as a child? My Dad read Robinson Crusoe to me, I remember a lot of Shel Silverstein. I have all my children’s books from when I was very small but don’t remember them being read to me.
What’s the longest book you’ve ever read? I have read some long ones, but the two I can think of are Stephen King’s 11/22/63 (which went by quickly) and The Goldfinch (which DRAAAAGGED).
Most memorable (fictional) ending? I am drawing a blank here.
Elisabeth
I’ve never heard of Kate Quinn or Phillipa Gregory!
I hadn’t read a single Shel S book until I had kids; and my mother loathed Dr. Seuss books, so those are also a common childhood experience I didn’t have until I was a mother myself!
Jenny
Favorite author- JK Rowling. Not just because of Harry Potter (which was the best thing I’ve ever read, period) but I also love her Cormoran Strike series and The Casual Vacancy. Everything she writes is incredible to me.
I don’t usually recommend books, just because everyone has such different tastes. I think I recommended the Cormoran Strike series to you, Elisabeth, and you didn’t really like it- so there you go!
I’m going to steal Shelly’s answer above- my favorite place to be is in the middle of a great book. Starting a book takes a little extra work, but I love it when I’m in the flow of the story. And if it’s a great book, I get sad when it ends.
For reading, I prefer fiction. I do like non-fiction, but I love the feeling of being immersed in a story.
For writing… it’s hard to imagine myself writing fiction. I think I would have better luck with non-fiction, but since you’ve assured me it will be a bestseller either way, I’ll go with fiction! Why not.
The most memorable ending… Well, I read Middlemarch about 20 years ago. I had a hard time getting into it and for a long time wasn’t enjoying it. I seriously considered DNF’ing but for some reason plodded on. After the first half it got better and better, and the end was so moving that I CRIED. So glad I didn’t DNF!
Elisabeth
I loved the writing of the Strike books, just too much language – it really distracted me. But I can 100% see why they are beloved <3
Shelly had a great answer. Why did I never think of that?
NGS
I do love these questions! I just googled the ending of The Grapes of Wrath. I don’t have any memory of that ending at all! Isn’t it funny what sticks with us and what doesn’t?
How do you handle reading slumps? Like others have said, I reread favorites.
Do you prefer to finish – or start – a great book? Oh, I prefer to be in the middle, when my entire personality is the book. LOL. I will talk endlessly about it.
Do you recommend books to others? Yes. It is my favorite thing to do. Finding the perfect book for the perfect person is a real highlight in my life. My 13yo niece recently texted me asking for book recs and I really felt like I HAD MADE IT.
Do you belong to a book club? Yes, I belong to an IRL book club. It is also a highlight of my life. Also, Elisabeth, you were definitely in the Cool Bloggers Book Club, so don’t act like you’ve never put in your time with a book club.
Do you have a favourite author? Not really, but there are a lot of authors who I read immediately like JKR (even her Galbraith books are good), JD Robb (Nora Roberts’ pseudonym), Becky Chambers, and Martha Wells.
Fiction or nonfiction? (Reading) Fiction. I force myself to read nonfiction, but it’s not something I gravitate towards.
Fiction or nonfiction? (Writing) Fiction. To create an entirely new world would be amazing.
Can you remember what your parents read to you as a child? No.
Most memorable (fictional) ending? Ender’s Game. I am still stunned when I think about it. Why didn’t I know what was going on?
Elisabeth
So funny! That ending, more than anything other, has been burned into my memory!
Okay, everyone else is so brilliant because middle is clearly the best answer. Or maybe 3/4 of the way through. That’s when all the best stuff seems to happen. And you’re not sad it’s over yet since the best is still to come (or at least the potential for the “best”).
Thank you for reminding me – I WAS part of the Cool Bloggers Book Club. Shame on me for not considering that.
Never heard of Chambers or Wells. I don’t read much fiction…
I just ordered Ender’s Game because about 10 people have mentioned that book in the last week so clearly it is time to read it for myself!
Linda
Hello, I do love these posts about reading–it brings out the introverts!
How do you handle reading slumps? I usually spend some time at my bookshelf browsing, and invariably, I pull an old favorite off the shelf for a lovely reread.
Do you prefer to finish – or start – a great book? I love the start–often I read the first pages aloud and sometimes note the characters, if it’s a complex plot.
Do you recommend books to others? I love asking reader friends to tell me what they’re reading, it brings us to such happy places and we trade recommendations but mostly, I just love talking about books and the reading life.
Do you belong to a book club? No, I don’t like “required reading” of any kind–too much like college. Also, I don’t enjoy the trends of current literature that much and most groups seem to like the really trendy books that aren’t my cup of tea.
Do you have a favourite author? British author Howard Spring (The Houses In Between, These Lovers Fled Away), Dick Francis, Ann Cleaves, Herman Wouk, Gladys Taber (nonfiction), Louise Penny, Mary Stewart.
Fiction or nonfiction? (Reading) Fiction.
Fiction or nonfiction? (Writing) Fiction.
Can you remember what your parents read to you as a child? No, but I do own all of my original Golden Books and dearly love them all. I remember my 3rd grade teacher reading The Box Car Children–such a happy memory.
What’s the longest book you’ve ever read? Probably David Copperfield on Audible–Richard Armitage narrating.
Most memorable (fictional) ending? This question stumped me! I never want books to end but I can’t recall my specific endings. I usually close the book and think to myself, “THAT was an excellent book!” and sometimes I need to rest in the memory of the book for several days, and will choose something new to read or something treasured to reread.
Linda
Elisabeth
Re-reading is clearly the answer to reading slumps.
I really should start writing down characters at the start. When I read Elizabeth Strout books last year I ended up so lost because there are so many different people involved. It left me wanting a giant family tree at the front cover, but I really should have just done that myself.
Other than Penny, I haven’t heard of any of the authors you mention.
The Boxcar Children is my children’s most beloved book and series. They still listen to audiobooks almost daily in this series.
NGS
I answered this, but it did not save my response! Oh, no! I will write it again, but if it somehow shows up twice, it’s not my fault. I had to google the ending of The Grapes of Wrath. I honestly didn’t remember it – isn’t it funny how some books have an impact on us and others don’t?
How do you handle reading slumps? I reread an old favorite. That usually convinces me that there are great books out there I still haven’t read and might become a new favorite.
Do you prefer to finish – or start – a great book? I love to be in the middle of a great book. You know that time when your entire personality is a book and that’s all you talk about all the time?
Do you recommend books to others? Yes. I LOVE to find the perfect book for the perfect person. It is a true highlight of my life when I recommend a book to someone, they read it, and then they ask me for another recommendation.
Do you belong to a book club? Yes, my IRL book club is another true highlight of my life. Also, don’t act like you’re not part of the Cool Blogger Book Club, Elisabeth.
Do you have a favourite author? Hm. I don’t know. There are authors that are must reads for me – JKR, even her Galbraith books, Becky Chambers, Martha Wells, and Robin Hobb.
Fiction or nonfiction? (Reading) Fiction. I feel like non-fiction is homework.
Fiction or nonfiction? (Writing) Fiction. Imagine creating a fictional world where people want to spend time.
Can you remember what your parents read to you as a child? No.
Most memorable (fictional) ending? The ending of Ender’s Game surprised me so much. I still think about it all the time.
ccr in MA
I am in a book club right now, technically, but I haven’t been reading the books in, oof, a while. My dream book club gets me to read books I wouldn’t have otherwise **and like them** but that last part has not been working out. I was in a book club ~25 years ago and much the same thing happened, though at that stage of my life I would make myself finish a book even if I didn’t like it, and I just don’t do that anymore. I have requested the next book club choice from the library and if I don’t like it, I may just give up and leave the book club. Great group of people but it isn’t working for how I read (which is a lot, but I start plenty and don’t finish them).
I definitely read mostly fiction, very little nonfiction. And this year, even my fiction has been mostly fantasy and sci-fi. I get into grooves that way: I used to read a lot of mysteries and now rarely do, etc.
I don’t really have a favorite author, but I would love to sit down with someone in front of my bookcases and talk about why I like this one and that one–it would be hard to shut me up! One time a friend stopped by for something and while we talked, her husband looked over my bookshelves and then suggested a couple of authors I might like. Winner!
Nicole MacPherson
How do you handle reading slumps? I don’t think I’ve had one!
Do you prefer to finish – or start – a great book? Oooh good question, I don’t know! Both!
Do you recommend books to others? Kind of. Only if I know the person’s taste. Otherwise I feel weird if I recommend something and a person HATES it. If I know a person likes similar books to me, then I do.
Do you belong to a book club? No but I used to! And honestly, it wasn’t great. I would think about doing it now but…we’ll see.
Do you have a favourite author? Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, Jane Austen are my top three, and I also love Elizabeth Strout.
Fiction or nonfiction? (Reading) Mostly fiction but I do love a good memoir!
Fiction or nonfiction? (Writing) Nonfiction generally but am trying my hand at fiction these days.
Can you remember what your parents read to you as a child? I remember the Poky Little Puppy! But mostly I read to myself as I was a really early reader.
What’s the longest book you’ve ever read? Hmm. Good question! Maybe the People’s History of the US (I can’t remember if that was the actual name, but it was long). Also a Suitable Boy and A Fine Balance, those were pretty long.
Most memorable (fictional) ending? The end of Of Mice and Men *CRIES FOREVER*
Elisabeth
A good memoir (or set of essays) is HARD TO BEAT.
I haven’t read of Mice and Men. Need to read that. I think it’s a novella, too? So short. I’m here for short books right now 🙂
Meike
I loved this so much. I wish I had more time in my day but reading is the one thing that gives right now. If I try I usually fall asleep over the open book (and it has nothing to do with what I read). I recently joined a reading club but my heart is not completely in it. I thought that way I would get myself to read more but I have not really enjoyed the books that much. If the book is really good I always feel a little sad when I finish it. It’s like saying goodbye to an old friend – so definitely like starting better than finishing.
Elisabeth
Yes, reading is definitely something that “goes” for me when I’m busy or stresses. Reading can feel like another to-do, so I definitely go in waves depending on how crazy life is.
Anthea Booysen
These posts are always interesting – I enjoy seeing other people’s reading habits 🙂
I go through stages where I’ll read loads and then (especially if work is busy) I’ll read less.
I love re-reading old favourites. Often when a book is so brilliant I’ll feel sad when it is finished and not quite ready to start reading another book. I call this my book hangover!
Elisabeth
Book hangover – what a brilliant term!
Lisa’s Yarns
I don’t think I have ever had a reading slump. I read every day and if I am not drawn to what I am reading, I abandon it. I think people should abandon books more than they do.
My parents read to us a lot. I have the strongest memory of my mom reading ‘Emily of New Moon’ to us. I can picture it in my mind’s eye. I remember begging for another chapter. I am afraid to reread this book. I think you did and you did not like it.
I read more fiction than NF and my NF tends to be memoirs or essays. I prefer finishing a great book to starting a great book. I have been in a book club for 9 years and I am the boss of the book club and I love it! I am hesitant to recommend books to others. I feel bad if they don’t like it. So I was super nervous when you read drowning. To read a book is a serious dedication of time. I feel personally responsible if you didn’t like it!
Elisabeth
I definitely abandon wayyyy more books now than I did a decade ago. Life really is short and there are so many good books. I think my issue is sometimes a book starts slow and then becomes amazing, so I always feel like I *might* be missing out on a great book. Sigh.
I watched Emily of New Moon and hated the series (it was very dark), but I know my mom has read and enjoyed the series. Aside from Anne of Green Gables I’m kinda Meh about L.M. Montgomery.
I love that you’re “the boss” of the book club! I think I’d love being in your bookclub. And I LOVED Drowning. Phew. (And Falling).
San
Still so much to learn about other people’s reading habits 🙂 Great questions and answers.
I am surprised you prefer non-fiction, I’d totally thought you were a fiction-girl. What kind of non-fiction do you read?
I agree that recommending books is a mute point. I’ve loved books that other people hated and vice versa. It really comes down to each individual person, but I will positively and excitedly talk about a book that I think is worth picking up and if I am extra-excited about a book, I might give it as a gift at the off-chance that the receiver will hate it. LOL
Elisabeth
I read a lot of memoirs and “self-help/time management.” I love Laura V, Gretchen R, James Clear etc.
Ohhh. I never give books as gifts – except to my father who LIVES for reading.
coco
very interesting post on reading. let me try
How do you handle reading slumps? I let it be, don’t force myself back to it as it’s a hobby, not a must.
Do you prefer to finish – or start – a great book? hard to tell. I love in the middle of a good book.
Do you recommend books to others? not often
Do you belong to a book club? no
Do you have a favourite author? no
Fiction or nonfiction? (Reading) both
Fiction or nonfiction? (Writing) fiction
Can you remember what your parents read to you as a child? they didn’t
What’s the longest book you’ve ever read? outlive
Most memorable (fictional) ending? my little life, the most memorable fiction.
Elisabeth
“Letting it be” is the key to reading slumps, I think.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
Loving these questions and the whole series. I should join in here too…
I am trying to think what the ending of grapes of wrath was but I cant so I might have to google like Engie. Because that will bug me and I don’t have the book anymore I think… *gets up brownies bookshelves*
My favorite author is Jostein Gaarder. I haven’t read a book that I didn’t take anything away. Most of them are 5 star books for me. Wonderful stories and lots to think about.
Longest book Bible 1294 pages, closely followed by The Eighth life with 1280 pages.
Elisabeth
The Grapes of Wrath was just…so shocking to me!
Anne
Check out my post today (Friday) for the answer to the DNF question… 🙂 (I am trying to post a few days in a row, to see what it’s like. I enjoy writing the shorter posts for a change of pace! Also so glad to see you back here daily. :>)
Elisabeth
Thanks! Sorry I’ve been off on my commenting game. Between life and NaBloPoMo stuff I am feeling a bit frazzled!
Stephany
I don’t really get into reading slumps either. But I do sometimes find myself reading less and that’s usually because the book I’m reading is “just ok.”
The longest book I read was The Count of Monte Cristo – 1,300 pages or something like that?! Too many pages! But I did enjoy the book. I read it on the Serial Reader app that breaks down classic novels into manageable chunks that are delivered to your phone each day. Much more doable that way!
Elisabeth
That is SO long. Eeks. Note to self: Don’t read the Count of Monte Cristo until retirement – haha. That Serial Reader app sounds genius.