Friday Memes

Q: What would you do over if you were to start your blog again from scratch?

I'd probably plan it a bit more! Haha! I think I jumped in a bit eager and didn't really think of how available I'd be in coming months. I jumped into whatever I could- review and memes. But I couldn't keep it up as exams came, so I wish I'd had the foresight to realise that an plan accordingly. Instead I found myself stressed and annoyed because I had to drop them.

Funnily enough though, if I did start from scratch my biggest regret with probably then be ever stopping since I've a lot a year (almost) of blogging!

Unexpected Books: Which books did you have reservations about reading, but ended up loving once you did?

Despite being a lover of her now (that sounds so wrong), I was nervous about Pride and Prejudice: just Jane Austen in general. I thought that I'd just hate her romances and hate the books. Instead I love them and have read most of them- I finished Persuasion last week! She's become probably my favourite classical author and I'm now afraid to finish all her books.

I felt similar about Dickens to. The first book I picked up of his (Great Expectations) was huge and I was worried it would be too long entirely! Again it wasn't the case, and he takes the proud spot of my second favourite classic author!

Probably every sequel/sub-story I've ever read too- I mean, what if they don't live up to my precious book?

Also, check out my giveaway her for a fantasy book by Jennifer Ford, The Waking Dream! LINK!

Friday Hop Dix-Sept

Q: What would your prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

I would definitely say my favourite book. Everytime I read it I am bound to discover something new in it and I enjoy it so much more for that and I can see the whole book in a different way. Also, why would I settle for mediocre when I can have the utmost best? Also, it's that idea that I would rather live a terrible life but have one moment of pure bliss than merely abide a life of pure mediocrity. It's like choosiing true love over simply living with someone you like for your whole life.

Love Stories: What are some of your favorite fictional love stories?

I adore Jane Austen's stories, and Pride and Prejudice still kind of holds the title of my favourite of all time. It's so perfect, in my opinion, in every which way and I knowing the ending (who doesn't know the ending?!?) makes all the little machinations and side comments up to that point so much better. I've read Emma and Northanger Abbey too- both of which I adored- but Pride and Prejudice is and will remain my favourite.

I also liked the Time Traveller's Wife for the romance since the disjointedness of it makes it quirky and you doubt that it might ever work- but the romance is believable and you're swept away with it all (well, I was).

A non-novelistic love story that always makes me squirm with joy and anticipation is the one in Love Actually- namely Colin Firth's Character's one. He's an English writer, recently in France, with a Portuguese housekeeper. But they slowly fall in love with one another and their conversations, where neither understands the other, is blatant but sweet way to say that on some level they understand one another and that they are on the same page (ha...) in an odd, inexplicable way.

Happy Hopping!

Friday Hop Quinze

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

I like to think I avoid no particular book genre because every book is going to have redeeming qualities and there are probably a small minority of books that I couldn't enjoy one bit. But I tend to not read Horror books, since I hate blood and my imagination is way to active to have such images in my mind. I also try to avoid Angel/Vampire/Werewolf books (so a lot of that side of paranormal novels) because I think I find them too unbelievable and even a tad self-righteous occasionally. It's a small thing, and I'm judging a huge genre by a few, but it's just how I feel.

Buy or Borrow: Where do your books that you read come from? The bookstore? The library? Do you prefer to own a book, or have it on loan?

I much prefer to buy and physically own my books. I've been to the library and try to go occasionally, but when I like a book, I want to keep and hoard it away because dust needs a home (which is my way of saying I don't tend to even read them again). It's a bad habit since I should probably give books away either here, to the library or to charity shops and just keep the ones I love. I'm not so bad that I keep every book, but any book that I liked somewhat is one I can't get rid of.

Online buying is cheaper and often easier since it doesn't mean I have to haul books around the city centre, and I avoid being drawn in by pretty covers and unbeatable deals. I use the store when I can't wait for a book to arrive online or when I get them for someone else (so they can take them back). If I really expect to like a book, I also tend to go in-store because I worry that the book may be ruined over the delivery process and I like my books to be in as good a quality as I can get them.