Reading is my favorite hobby, but it is more than just a hobby. It feeds my mind and my soul. Paula at Between the Bookends had a fun questionnaire about reading habits recently. I enjoyed it, so I thought I’d borrow her idea with some of the same questions and some different ones. I’d love to see your answers in the comments.
1. Bookmarks or dog-ears?
I hate to see dog-eared pages. I have bookmarks all over the house, but I can rarely find one when needed. I often use whatever scrap of paper is at hand: a receipt, a Post-It note (folded so the sticky part is inside), a piece of (ahem) toilet paper. Do you have a favorite bookmark? What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever used as a bookmark?
2. Book accessories?
I have a book light that’s supposed to clip on the top of the book, but I’ve never used it–I think because if I am reading someplace dark, like in the car, I have the Kindle app on my iPad mini, which has a built-in light. Probably my favorite book accessory is a book weight (called a weighted bookmark in some places), which holds a book open for you. It’s great when I am reviewing a book for the blog.
3. Are you a fast or slow reader?
I think I must be slow. I always had trouble getting my required reading done in college. Unfortunately, many quizzes and tests included the question, “Did you complete the required reading,” resulting in my losing a few points. I don’t like the idea of speed reading, unless it’s something purely informational, like an instruction manual. I feel that speed-reading through a novel or some nonfiction books is going to miss some nuances. But I might skim over boring parts of a book.
4. Have you ever written to an author?
I don’t remember doing so, but I may have. I once wrote to Elisabeth Elliot’s husband, Lars Gren, to ask in which book she used a particular poem in reference to widowhood (“To a Waterfowl” by William Cullen Bryant). He misunderstood my question and sent me a copy of the poem. 🙂 Later, I found the excerpt from the poem in her book, The Savage My Kinsman.
5. Have you ever met an author in person?
Yes! I heard Elisabeth Elliot speak in person a couple of times. I didn’t have the nerve to stand in line to speak to her the first time. The second time, my pastor asked me to take his copy of one of her books and ask her to sign it. I spent much of the time in line wondering what to say. When I finally got to her, all I could come up with was, “How do you find time to write all these books?’ She said, in her no-nonsense way, “You don’t find time; you make time.”
I also met Beverly Lewis at a bookstore near where we lived in Spartanburg, SC. She was very gracious. Hers were the only Amish novels I read, before that genre became so big, because her early stories stemmed from her family.
That bookstore used to host a lot of great author events. One time they had a panel including Ted Dekker, Karen Kingsbury, Terri Blackstock, and a few others. The bookstore owner fielded questions from the audience. Then each author went to a different table in the bookstore to sign books. I still wasn’t bold enough to meet any of them then, though I would have no trouble doing so now.
6. Do you have a favorite character who is not the main character?
One of my favorites is kindly Mr. Peggoty, an old sea captain in David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Peggoty is the name David’s nurse goes by. When his mother remarries, Peggoty takes David to her brother’s house, made from a grounded boat, in Yarmouth. Mr. Peggoty had no wife or children of his own, but took in his niece and nephew when their parents died as well as his business partner’s wife when she was widowed. When his niece runs away and gets into trouble, he searches for her for years. I got this print, which I think was $5 at K-Mart years ago, because it made me think of Mr. Peggoty.
7. Do you have any bookish merchandise?
Lots! This tote bag:
This mug:
This planter, which I just got for Mother’s Day:
This pen-holder, based on Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, also a Mother’s Day gift. I haven’t decided whether to put pens or flowers in it::
And I have mentioned previously a couple of bookish Lego sets, gifts from my husband.
And this little book nook, a gift from my son:
8. Favorite book from childhood?
We had Dr. Seuss and Little Golden Books around as long as I can remember, but I don’t remember reading those until I had children. The first book I remember loving was A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. I especially remember the poem “Bed in Summer,” where he laments having to go to bed when it is still daylight.
The first novel I remember reading was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I’ve reread it many times since then.
9. Do you read one book at a time, or several?
I am usually in three or four at a time, but they all have to be different, or else I’d get them mixed up. I often read a commentary or companion book to whatever book of the Bible I am in. I’ll have one audiobook going, usually a classic, biography, or novel. I keep a book at a time in the bathroom. And I’ll have one in my Kindle app.
10. Favorite genre?
I like classics, biographies, and Christian fiction. A lot of my Christian fiction is historical fiction–not because I necessarily like that better than other genres, but some of my favorite authors write in that genre.
11. Genres you don’t care for?
Horror, erotica, and westerns. I’m also not especially fond of romances, though I’ll read one occasionally.
12. Best movie based on a book? Worst?
One of the best book-based movie series ever were Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings series several years ago. Kevin Sullivan’s first Anne of Green Gables starring Megan Follows movie was wonderful and got me started reading the book series. The second was okay, and the third, Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story was awful, going almost completely away from Lucy Maude Montgomery’s story.
I also liked the 1995 series of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle and Sense and Sensibility, also made in 1995, with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and Hugh Grant.
The recent Masterpiece Theatre series of The Count of Monte Cristo was great, too.
I had some other questions, but this is probably more than enough. I’d love to read as many of your answers as you have time and interest for!
(I often link up with some of these bloggers.)
Stray Thoughts 
These are great questions. I’m a fast reader. I love bookmarks and other book related items. I’m usually reading 2-3 books at a time. I am an author. Yes, I enjoy meeting other authors. I could go on and on. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
I had forgotten about writer’s conferences–I met several authors there!
My mind exploded with answers to your many questions, but I won’t bore readers. Instead, I’m heading out to find some bookish Lego sets. Thanks for making my morning!
I don’t think your answers would be boring at all. 🙂
What a fun post! So, here you go. . .
I collect bookmarks and love them. No dogears for me.
I read both slow and fast. Slowly if it’s something I want to savor and “live in” and fast if the subject isn’t that interesting to me.
I’ve written a post on Face Book to Jan Karon (and she answered it!) I’ve never met her or any other author. I sure wish I could meet her.
I have a Mitford mug with Father Tim’s favorite sayings and the list of the Mitford books. I also have a map of Mitford framed. It’s put away right now.
My favorite childhood books were the little Golden books and a couple that were my mother’s – “Five Little Peppers and How They Grew” by Margaret Sidney and “Daddy Long Legs” by Jean Webster.
I don’t think I have a favorite genre. I enjoy some non-fiction, Christian living, some romance if it’s not spicy, and historical. I do not like horror or erotica and not crazy about fantasy although I am trying to dip my toes into Narnia and Lord of the Rings.
Great post!
You have that Mitford Christmas village, too. Fun! I didn’t discover Five Little Peppers and Daddy Long Legs or even Narnia until adulthood. I’ve enjoyed finding a lot of classic children’s stories as an adult.
I guess I do read Christian living books slower and more deliberately. When I am reading a novel I love, I wrestle with wanting to read fast to find out what happens, but also wanting to go slow and savor it.
Yes! I forgot about my Mitford village!
Well what fun! I don’t dogear/turn down/write in pages on books (Bible excepted, although I’m transitioning mostly to online Bible reading–but that can easily be highlighted too). Since I review all the books I read, I usually have a piece of paper in my book as a bookmark, so that I can take notes there of things that stand out to me. Walgreens every now and then offers a set of 4 bookmarks free. I usually make those with favorite photos of the kids or of trips I’ve taken. I love those and often use those as placekeepers too. I don’t know that I have much bookish “stuff,” although I’m consciously trying to cut down on such things, especially after working to clean out my mom’s house. But I sure enjoyed seeing all your fun things! I think as time goes by I increasingly enjoy non-fiction. A lot of fiction just gets dull to me. Loved reading your questions/answers!
I like to use what I call sticky tabs to mark places I want to remember or comment on when I review a book. They’re like Post-it notes, but thinner, and the bottom is clear, so I don’t have to worry about it obscuring the print.
What a fun post! The questions would make for a good conversation over coffee with a new friend!
Oh these are so fun! I prefer bookmarks but will dog ear in a pinch (usually though I can just read the page number and remember were I left off). I think I’m definitely on the faster side of reading but that can vary greatly depending on the book and my mood. I really like that weighted bookmark! I tend to use whatever is nearby to weight down my book– my cell phone, the napkin holder, the soap dish, etc.
I’ve used anything on my desk to try to keep a book open. LOL. I didn’t know there was such a thing as a book weight until recently. It’s been so helpful.
This was so fun to read–also the comments. I may borrow the theme for my author’s page. I really don’t have much bookish merchandise except bookmarks, and I LOVE bookmarks! I have personally met several authors including two I have yet to read. A highlight for me was meeting Jamie Langston Turner and finding out she has written some books I haven’t read yet. Also, I met Heather Day Gilbert whose books always entertain. I can only read one book at a time, and I am fairly fast. I sometimes back up and savor beautiful language. I read many genres but mostly Christian authors. My daughter introduced me to some that were award winners and recommended by friends and teachers. I am presently reading Theo of Holden. Just started, but it is beautifully written so far.
I just started Theo of Golden, too. Honestly, the description of the book didn’t sound too interesting to me. But I have seen such rave reviews of it, I decided to check it out.
I like savoring beautiful language in a book, too–rereading and staring up at the ceiling for a moment, replaying the words.
I absolutely loved this post! I’m an avid book reader as are all of my sisters and both daughters. Hubby even reads a book from time to time. I’ going to do these questions on a post later because I really enjoyed them. Thanks Barbara!! (and I’m with you. Sadly, I picked up a book that i THOUGHT was a good drama/thriller but which by chapter 2 was so filthy with erotica and swear words I had to return it to the library). I also shortly after becoming a Christian and away at college, was convicted to stop reading horror books (stephen king, V C andrews).
I look forward to reading your answers.
This is fun!
Bookmarks…always!
No book accessories
It depends on the book whether or not I am a slow or fast reader. If it’s theology and such, I take it slow so I can absorb. When it’s a novel that is really holding my attention…especially when it’s a page turner, I’m a fast reader!
Yes, I have written to an author…Michele Phoenix…because of how deeply her books affected me.
I’ve not met an author in person.
Right at this moment I can’t think of a favorite supporting character in a book.
I know it’s hard to believe, but I do not have any bookish goods! I’m thinking of fixing that though. I visited Roseanna White’s “store” the other day and she has some pretty neat stuff at reasonable prices!
My favorite books from childhood came from the Golden Books collection…especially any that were illustrated by Eloise Wilkin.
I usually have two books going at a time…one that deals with exhortation regarding faith and a novel.
Christian fiction and biographies are my favorite genres…especially when the biographies of great Christians.
I do not care for scary books…I don’t mind mysteries, but I don’t like for them to be scary. 🙂
I think I may be the odd person out when it comes to the Jane Austen books turned into movies, but my favorite is Emma. I could watch that over and over again.
This was so much fun, Barbara! Thanks for doing it!
There are two versions of Emma that I love–one with Gwyneth Paltrow and one with Romola Garai. But Jeremy Northam is the ideal Mr. Knightly.
Enjoyed reading your answers to this. You can find mine here: Wendy’s Waffle: Read then Write – 14/5/26
Thanks for participating! I enjoyed your answers.
Hey Thanks Bunches for the shout out! I’m so happy you did a fun bookish post too.
1. Bookmarks or dog-ears? Bookmarks ALWAYS, or receipts or torn pieces of paper. NEVER dog-ears.
2. Book accessories? Yes. I have the kindle app on my tablet, and the App for my PC. Magnetic & paper bookmarks, For non fiction colored pans and highlighters. Does my Kindle Unlimited Subscription count?
3. Are you a fast or slow reader? It depends sometimes it takes me a bit of time to get into a story, or it may move slow for me. Other times it like I can’t go to bed until I’ve read “one more chapter”.
4. Have you ever written to an author? No
5. Have you ever met an author in person? No
6. Do you have a favorite character who is not the main character? No
7. Do you have any bookish merchandise? Yes. A few tote bags, A books read this year Sign I can write on, A miniature set I haven put together yet. A few bookish tee shirts.
8. Favorite book from childhood? Most of the Little Golden Books.
9. Do you read one book at a time, or several? I used to read only one book at a time. But lately I’ve been reading several at a time.
10. Favorite genre? WWII Historical Fiction.
11. Genres you don’t care for? Horror, Mystic, Sexy or smutty, or if there’s swearing or cussing.
12. Best movie based on a book? Worst? Actually I enjoyed watching the Agatha Christie’s Poirot Mysteries based on her books on PBS.
This was really fun. Thank You for this.
Visiting today from Talking About It Tuesday.
Thanks for participating! I’ve done that with a really good book–where I want to read fast to see what happens next, but I want to slow down so it doesn’t go by so quickly.
What a totally fun post! It’s been a while since I’ve seen a meme like this one. My mom is a big reader, though a slow one. I asked if she wanted any bookmarks. She held up her sticky note and said, “Naah. These never fall out or get lost.”
Love your pen holder and all the bookish stuff.
Ages and ages ago, I happened to be in a bookstore and noticed that Ray Bradbury was sitting at a table all by himself. I was totally tongue-tied and (not having bought any books) just came by to say how I liked one of his books. He looked a bit non-plussed.
I’m in total alignment with you on LOTR, PP, and SS. So many lines right out of the books.
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