I Hereby Resolve...

Booking Through Thursday

Any New Year's Reading Resolutions? A certain number of books you want to read in 2007? Certain genres? Something from your TBR pile? Classics to read? Authors to try? Anything at all??

Holiday Reading

1. Any favorite holiday books or stories that you like to read and reread this time of year? And if so, why? What makes it so special to you? Favorites from your childhood? (This is a perfectly good time of year for picture books--it's like watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Adults can "do" cartoons in December.)
2. (Psst. You can talk about favorite movies or tv specials, too, if you want, even though they're not about reading. You know, just this once.)

Can You Hear Me Now?

Audio Books. Yes or No?

Location, Location, Location

Do you like to keep your books nearby? Do you collect them? Pile, stack, shelve, hoard them? Or do you get rid of them, send them back to the library, give them away, once you've read them?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <em>Do you like to keep your books nearby? Do you collect them? Pile, stack, shelve, hoard them? Or do you get rid of them, send them back to the library, give them away, once you've read them? </em>Reply here

Nursery Rhymes

1. They say that books read as a child make more of an impact on a person than books read at any other time in life. Are there any books that you particularly loved, that shaped the way you think when you were little? I'm not asking if you believed in fairies then but don't any more. I'm asking about patterns of thought, morality--something that made an impact.
2. And, of course, examples, please!
3. Also, did you read this book/these books more than once? Many times? Even if that's not a usual habit of yours?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<br /><a href="http://not-a-real-namespace/http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>They say that books read as a child make more of an impact on a person than books read at any other time in life. Are there any books that you particularly loved, that shaped the way you think when you were little? I'm not asking if you believed in fairies then but don't any more. I'm asking about patterns of thought, morality--something that made an impact. </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>And, of course, examples, please! </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Also, did you read this book/these books more than once? Many times? Even if that's not a usual habit of yours? </em>Reply here</li></ol>

Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving here in the U.S. of A., and so we're taking this Thursday off . . . or at least, not asking about books.

But if you'd like to share what you're most thankful for this year, we'd be glad to hear it!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Reading Lists, Part Two

1. So, last week we asked you if you kept a list of books that you're interested in, wanting to read, wanting to buy, etc. This week, we want to know--do you keep a list of the books you've READ?
2. If so, how? In a journal? A notebook? On the computer?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<br /><a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com/"></a><br /><p><br /><ol><br /><li><em>So, last week we asked you if you kept a list of books that you're interested in, wanting to read, wanting to buy, etc. This week, we want to know--do you keep a list of the books you've READ? </em>Reply here</li><br /><li><em>If so, how? In a journal? A notebook? On the computer? </em>Reply here</li><br /></ol>

Reading list

Mary wants to know...

1. Do you keep a list of books to read?
2. Where do you keep your list (computer, PDA, paper, etc.)?
3. How often do you refer to your list? Every time you go for a new book to read? When book shopping? Or?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <a href="http://ltuande.blogspot.com/">Mary</a> wants to know... <ol> <li><em>Do you keep a list of books to read? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Where do you keep your list (computer, PDA, paper, etc.)? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>How often do you refer to your list? Every time you go for a new book to read? When book shopping? Or? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

NaNoWriMo

1. Yesterday, November 1st, began the annual NaNoWriMo challenge--where lots of marginally crazy people try to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. What do you think about that idea? Crazy? Inspired? Challenging?
2. Would you/Have you tried it yourself? In other years? (Or this one, in which case, shouldn't you be writing and not reading blogs?)
3. If you took away the time pressure, would you/have you tried writing a novel of your own?

(Hey, and for you knitters--there's a copy-cat, sweater version, too! NaNoSweMo. After the Knitting Olympics, knitting a sweater in a month doesn't sound so crazy.)

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol><li><em>Yesterday, November 1st, began the annual NaNoWriMo challenge--where lots of marginally crazy people try to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. What do you think about that idea? Crazy? Inspired? Challenging? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Would you/Have you tried it yourself? In other years? (Or this one, in which case, shouldn't you be writing and not reading blogs?) </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If you took away the time pressure, would you/have you tried writing a novel of your own? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Writing in books

Christine wants to know...

1. Do you make notes in books as you read them?
2. Why or why not?
3. If you do, do you make notes only in certain kinds of books or all of them?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p><a href="http://xinef.livejournal.com/">Christine</a> wants to know... <ol> <li><em>Do you make notes in books as you read them? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Why or why not? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If you do, do you make notes only in certain kinds of books or all of them? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Reading in bed

1. Do you read in bed? For how long? Do you fall asleep reading? Will a good book keep you up all night?
2. Where do you keep your nighttime reading? Do you have a special table next to the bed? Are there many books there? Do you keep books there that you aren't reading (finished or unread)?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>Do you read in bed? For how long? Do you fall asleep reading? Will a good book keep you up all night? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Where do you keep your nighttime reading? Do you have a special table next to the bed? Are there many books there? Do you keep books there that you aren't reading (finished or unread)? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Short stories

This week's questions were suggested by Xine, who no longer seems to have an account on Blogger, and I don't know where she went.

1. Do you read short stories?
2. Why or why not?
3. What do you like and dislike about short stories?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>Do you read short stories? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Why or why not? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What do you like and dislike about short stories? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Surprise Endings

1. Tell us about a book that you had to read, but didn't want to, but that you ended up liking. Something for school, perhaps? A book from your Mom for Christmas that she insisted on you reading? Something from a bookclub? But ultimately, a book that--against all expectation--you ended up liking, respecting, loving....
2. And, of course, why? What made this book resonate with you?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li>Tell us about a book that you had to read, but didn't want to, but that you ended up liking. Something for school, perhaps? A book from your Mom for Christmas that she insisted on you reading? Something from a bookclub? But ultimately, a book that--against all expectation--you ended up liking, respecting, loving.... </li> <li>And, of course, why? What made this book resonate with you?</li> </ol>

Bookends

1. Do you own any bookends? If so, how many sets? If not, do you need or want any?
2. Which are your favorites? How long have you had them?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>Do you own any bookends? If so, how many sets? If not, do you need or want any? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Which are your favorites? How long have you had them? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

But, Enough About Books....

But, enough about books. . . what else do you read?? Magazines? Newspapers? Professional journals? Cereal boxes? Phone books? Purchase invoices? Homework? (Please be specific. There may be a test later.)

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> But, enough about books. . . what else do you read?? Magazines? Newspapers? Professional journals? Cereal boxes? Phone books? Purchase invoices? Homework? (Please be specific. There may be a test later.)

Men and Women

1. Do you tend to read more books written by one gender over the other? If so, which one? Men? Or women?
2. Is this a deliberate choice? Or just something that kind of happened?
3. And (without wanting to get too personal), is this your gender?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>Do you tend to read more books written by one gender over the other? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If so, which one? Men? Or women? Is this a deliberate choice? Or just something that kind of happened? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>And (without wanting to get too personal), is this <em>your</em> gender? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Comfort Zone or Not?

1. We asked last week about what draws you to your favorite kind/genre of book. This week, we want to know--how often do you depart from that comfort zone? If you love mysteries, do you ever read fantasy? If you primarily read cookbooks, do you ever read a good romance?
2. How MUCH variety is there in your reading? Do you mostly stick to one type, with just the occasional toe-dip into a different style? Or do you generally read a variety of things, just, maybe more of your favorite style than anything else?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>We asked last week about what draws you to your favorite kind/genre of book. This week, we want to know--how often do you depart from that comfort zone? If you love mysteries, do you ever read fantasy? If you primarily read cookbooks, do you ever read a good romance? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>How MUCH variety is there in your reading? Do you mostly stick to one type, with just the occasional toe-dip into a different style? Or do you generally read a variety of things, just, maybe more of your favorite style than anything else? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Motivation

1. What is your favorite kind of reading? Novels? Biographies? Mathematical textbooks?
2. What do you like best about your favorite kind of reading? What keeps you coming back to that kind of book? Following a gripping story? Watching characters develop? Being educated about things and places you didn't know about? Letting your mind relax into someplace completely different?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>What is your favorite kind of reading? Novels? Biographies? Mathematical textbooks? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What do you like <em>best</em> about your favorite kind of reading? What keeps you coming back to that kind of book? Following a gripping story? Watching characters develop? Being educated about things and places you didn't know about? Letting your mind relax into someplace completely different?</em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Reading Geography

So, last week, we asked if you ever feel compelled to cook or eat the kinds of food described in the books you read.

This week, the question is about the locations of the books.

1. Have you ever wanted to travel to a place described in a book?
2. Have you ever ACTUALLY travelled to a place because of the way it was described in a book?
3. And if so, did it live up to the expectations, feelings, emotions you expected from the book? Did you feel like Anne was going to come romping around the corner of Green Gables? Was it as if Jo was upstairs at Orchard House, scribbling on a story? Or was it just a museum, or just a city street? Like Abbey Road without the Beatles?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>Have you ever wanted to travel to a place described in a book? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Have you ever ACTUALLY travelled to a place because of the way it was described in a book? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>And if so, did it live up to the expectations, feelings, emotions you expected from the book? Did you feel like Anne was going to come romping around the corner of Green Gables? Was it as if Jo was upstairs at Orchard House, scribbling on a story? Or was it just a museum, or just a city street? Like Abbey Road without the Beatles? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Eating your way through fiction

This week's questions were inspired by Caroline. She can't read The Joy Luck Club without thinking of potstickers and wontons... And no, we're not talking about cookbooks here. Please leave those out of this discussion. ;-)

1. Do you enjoy books that have cooking or eating scenes in them?
2. Have you made or eaten anything that was inspired by a recipe or scene in a book?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p>This week's questions were inspired by <a href="http://karolineknits.blogspot.com/">Caroline</a>. She can't read <em>The Joy Luck Club</em> without thinking of potstickers and wontons... And no, we're not talking about cookbooks here. Please leave those out of this discussion. ;-) <ol> <li><em>Do you enjoy books that have cooking or eating scenes in them? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Have you made or eaten anything that was inspired by a recipe or scene in a non-cooking book? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Planning Ahead

1. Do you plan ahead for your reading? Work off of a to-be-read pile? A reading list? Or do you wing it, choose whatever you're in the mood for?
2. If you do plan ahead, how far ahead? Do you have two or three books waiting in queue? Or are you backed up by dozens of volumes waiting their turn?
3. If you do not plan ahead . . . well, never? What about if you're reading a series? Or someone gives you a book for a present?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>Do you plan ahead for your reading? Work off of a to-be-read pile? A reading list? Or do you wing it, chooe whatever you're in the mood for? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If you do plan ahead, how far ahead? Do you have two or three books waiting in queue? Or are you backed up by dozens of volumes waiting their turn? </em>Reply here</li> <li>If you do not plan ahead . . . well, <span style="font-style:italic;">never</span>? What about if you're reading a series? Or someone gives you a book for a present?</li> </ol>

Summer Reading

1. Do your reading habits change for the summer months?
2. If so, how?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>Do your reading habits change for the summer months? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If so, how? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Ringing?

We noticed last week what a disproportionate number of participants had Tolkien's Lord of the Rings either in their list of "most tattered" books or featured in the photos. So . . .

1. Have you read Lord of the Rings?
2. If so, how many times have you read it? Just once? Or so many you can't count?
3. If not, why not? Not your cup of tea?
4. And, while we're on the subject, did you see the Oscar-winning movie(s)? What did you think?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<br /><a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com/">Booking Through Thursday</a><br /><p><br /> <ol><br /><li><em>Have you read Lord of the Rings? </em>Reply here</li><br /> <li><em>If so, how many times have you read it? Just once? Or so many you can't count? </em>Reply here</li><br /> <li><em>If not, why not? Not your cup of tea? </em>Reply here</li><br /> <li><em>And, while we're on the subject, did you see the Oscar-winning movie(s)? What did you think? </em>Reply here</li><br /> </ol>

Imperfection

1. What is most battered book in your collection? The one with loose pages, tattered corners, and page edges so soft that there's not even a risk of paper cuts anymore?
2. Why is this book so tattered? Is it that you love it so much that you've read it a zillion times? Is it a reference book you've used every day for the last seven years? Something your new puppy teethed on when you weren't looking?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <ol> <li><em>What is most battered book in your collection? The one with loose pages, tattered corners, and page edges so soft that there's not even a risk of paper cuts anymore? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Why is this book so tattered? Is it that you love it so much that you've read it a zillion times? Is it a reference book you've used every day for the last seven years? Something your new puppy teethed on when you weren't looking? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Perfection

Okay, here goes . . . my first set of questions. (Is stage fright normal for this kind of thing?)

1. What is the most pristine, perfect book in your collection? The one that looks like it's never been opened (and in fact may never have been)? Whose binding is uncracked, the corners still perfect?
2. Why is that book so perfect? Was it a gift? Is it a coffee table book too beautiful to use? Something you simply have no interest in and haven't bothered to open?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>What is the most pristine, perfect book in your collection? The one that looks like it's never been opened (and in fact may never have been)? Whose binding is uncracked, the corners still perfect?</em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Why is that book so perfect? Was it a gift? Is it a coffee table book too beautiful to use? Something you simply have no interest in and haven't bothered to open? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Happenings

Deb has graciously agreed to help me out here in this meme by coming up with questions for you all to answer this week and in the future. Yippee! Not only is Deb a book junkie—as evidenced by her library of 2,760 books—but she is also a superb knitter, and mom to her sweet dog, Chappy. Make sure you check out her blog, especially if you're into lace knitting. Wow!

Thank you, Deb!!

Non-fiction

This week's questions were suggested by Christine.

1. Do you read non-fiction books for pleasure, not counting books required for courses or for work?
2. If so, what areas of non-fiction interest you the most? If not, why not?
3. What are some of your favorite books from those areas?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> This week's questions were suggested by <a href="http://xinef.livejournal.com/">Christine</a>. <ol> <li><em>Do you read non-fiction books for pleasure, not counting books required for courses or for work?</em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If so, what areas of non-fiction interest you the most? If not, why not? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What are some of your favorite (or least favorite) books from those areas? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Rereading

Wait! It's Thursday. Wholly cow. For being physically present, I've been emotionally elsewhere of late. Sorry this is late, but at this point I'm lucky to have remembered it at all. Gads.

This week's questions were suggested by Marie.

1. Do you ever reread your books?
2. If so, which ones? If not, why not?
3. Do you read the books the whole way through or pick through for favorite scenes?
4. What qualifies a book for the reread pile?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p>This week's questions were suggested by <a href="http://knittale.blogspot.com/">Marie</a>. <ol> <li><em>Do you ever reread your books? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If so, which ones? If not, why not? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Do you read the books the whole way through or pick through for favorite scenes? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What qualifies a book for the reread pile? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Abridged it?

We haven't talked about abridged stories for a while. These questions were suggested by Xine.

1. Are abridgements a good introduction to long, boring classics, or a blight on literature?
2. If abridgements have their place, what is it?
3. Have you read any abridgements, or will you read any? Why or why not?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> We haven't talked about abridged stories for a while. These questions were suggested by <a href="http://xinef.livejournal.com/">Xine</a>. <ol> <li><em>Are abridgements a good introduction to long, boring classics, or a blight on literature? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If abridgements have their place, what is it? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Have you read any abridgements, or will you read any? Why or why not? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Characters

This week's questions were suggested by Mary.

Which book character(s) would you...

1. Like to have dinner with?
2. Believe would be the best to help you out in a crisis?
3. Like to ask for an autograph?
4. Most identify with personally?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> This week's questions were suggested by <a href="http://ltuande.blogspot.com/">Mary</a>. <p> Which book character(s) would you...<ol> <li><em>Like to have dinner with? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Believe would be the best to help you out in a crisis? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Like to ask for an autograph? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Most identify with personally? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Skipping another week

I'm not going to be in town this week, so I'm going to have to skip another week. Sorry, folks. I got some bad news about my dad last night, and have to go do family stuff. I hope to be posting here again on the fifteenth.

Best sellers from 1956

Jeanne came across this list of previous years' best sellers, and thought it might be fun to base some of our questions on them. I thought I'd start with 1956, the year my parents got married.

1. In 1956, these were the top ten best sellers for the year. Have you read any of them?
   1. Don't Go Near the Water, William Brinkley
   2. The Last Hurrah, Edwin O'Connor
   3. Peyton Place, Grace Metalious
   4. Auntie Mame, Patrick Dennis
   5. Eloise, Kay Thompson
   6. Andersonville, MacKinlay Kantor
   7. A Certain Smile, Françoise Sagan
   8. The Tribe That Lost Its Head, Nicholas Monsarrat
   9. The Mandarins, Simone de Beauvoir
   10. Boon Island, Kenneth Roberts
2. Which ones have you read? Did you like them?
3. If you're like me and haven't read a single one, which ones have you heard of?
4. Will you be putting any of these books in your reading list?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <a href="http://mathomhouse.typepad.com/bluestocking/">Jeanne</a> came across this list of <a href="http://www.caderbooks.com/bestintro.html">previous years' best sellers</a>, and thought it might be fun to base some of our questions on them. <ol> <li><em>In 1956, these were the top ten best sellers for the year. Have you read any of them?</em> <ol> <li><I>Don't Go Near the Water, </I>William Brinkley <li><I>The Last Hurrah, </I>Edwin O'Connor <li><I>Peyton Place, </I>Grace Metalious <li><I>Auntie Mame, </I>Patrick Dennis <li><I>Eloise, </I>Kay Thompson <li><I>Andersonville, </I>MacKinlay Kantor <li><I>A Certain Smile, </I>Françoise Sagan <li><I>The Tribe That Lost Its Head, </I>Nicholas Monsarrat <li><I>The Mandarins, </I>Simone de Beauvoir <li><I>Boon Island, </I>Kenneth Roberts </ol> Reply here </li> <li><em>Which ones have you read? Did you like them?</em> Reply here</li> <li><em>If you're like me and haven't read a single one, which ones have you heard of? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Will you be putting any of these books in your reading list?</em> Reply here</li> </ol>

Recent finishes

We haven't done anything like this for a while, so here goes...

1. What are the last five books that you finished reading?
2. How long did it take you to read them?
3. Did you enjoy reading these books? Why or why not?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>What are the last five books that you finished reading? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>How long did it take you to read them? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Did you enjoy reading these books? Why or why not? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Meeting authors

This week's questions were suggested by Cate.

Have you ever stumbled on a reading and found the author so charming you started reading their books? Or, have you ever met a formerly favorite author and stopped reading their works because of how they treated their fans?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> This week's questions were suggested by <a href="http://regency-cate.livejournal.com/">Cate</a>. <blockquote> Have you ever stumbled on a reading and found the author so charming you started reading their books? Or, have you ever met a formerly favorite author and stopped reading their works because of how they treated their fans? </blockquote>

Six degrees round robin

Jeanne suggested that we do this again, round robin style. I think it sounds like fun. It'll be interesting to see the book selections. I won't be here next week (see my blog for details, if you're so inclined), so see if you can keep this going for a couple of weeks. Here's what to do:

I'll start with a book, then the first person who comments uses my book as inspiration. Each person after that uses the book of the person above as their inspiration. There will be times when there's an overlap, with two or more people using the same book as their inspiration. When that happens, the next person will have their choice.

I hope that all make sense. If you need it said a little differently, see Jeanne's comment. Also, not required, but it would be nice if you link to the blog that inspired your book choice.

Since this one needs to go for a couple of weeks, feel free to play more than once!

The first book

I don't read classics as often as I should, but when I do I usually love them. One of my favorites is Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. My husband has a nice collection of leather-bound books, and it's his special edition of this book that I first read. It made the experience just that much more enjoyable for me. The smell of the leather, the fine gilt-edged pages, the beauty of the prose, the eerie feeling of the tale, all made my first sojourn into this wonderful story that much more special.

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <a href="http://mathomhouse.typepad.com/bluestocking/">Jeanne</a> suggested that we do this again, round robin style. I think it sounds like fun. It'll be interesting to see the book selections. I won't be here next week (see <a href="http://laruaanne.blogspot.com">my blog</a> for details, if you're so inclined), so see if you can keep this going for a couple of weeks. Here's what to do: <blockquote>I'll start with a book, then the first person who comments uses my book as inspiration. Each person after that uses the book of the person above as their inspiration. There will be times when there's an overlap, with two or more people using the same book as their inspiration. When that happens, the next person will have their choice. </blockquote>

Six degrees of booking

This was suggested by Mary. If you need to, check out Mary's post to see what she did. Mary, since you already did this one, I think you should do it again with a new group of books. :-) I love this one. Great idea!

Connect any six books in your library to each other by any way you want. One book will remind you of another because the author's name is similar, a fictional character shows up in someone else's book, another author is talked about by characters in a book, maybe the same friend recommended both books, or whatever. Your list should be at least six books long. Books from a series count as one entry in your list.

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p>This was suggested by <a href="http://ltuande.blogspot.com/2006/04/six-degrees-of-booking.html">Mary</a>. <p> Connect any six books in your library to each other by any way you want. One book will remind you of another because the author's name is similar, a fictional character shows up in someone else's book, another author is talked about by characters in a book, maybe the same friend recommended both books, or whatever. Books from a series count as one entry in your list.

Something nearby

I'm a day late. Sorry folks. Yesterday was just insane. We haven't done this one for a while, and last time it was rather fun.

Reach out a hand, and grab the book that is closest to you. Turn to page 231, or pick a page at random if the book isn't that long. Locate the first sentence of the last paragraph on that page.

1. Type the sentence here:
2. Does the sentence make sense out of context?
3. Does reading the sentence make you want to read the rest of the book? Why or why not?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> Reach out a hand, and grab the book that is closest to you. Turn to page 231, or pick a page at random if the book isn't that long. Locate the first sentence of the last paragraph on that page. <ol> <li><em>Type the sentence here: </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Does the sentence make sense out of context? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Does reading the sentence make you want to read the rest of the book? Why or why not? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

An interesting character

This week's questions were suggested by Kim.

1. Do you have a favorite character(s)?
2. What book/author is he/she/it from?
3. Why do you like this person--what is it about the way he/she was written that drew you to them?
4. Is there something more you would like the author to tell you about them?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> This week's questions were suggested by <a href="http://knitterinprogress.blogspot.com/">Kim</a>. <ol> <li><em>Do you have a favorite character(s)? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What book/author is he/she/it from? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Why do you like this person--what is it about the way he/she was written that drew you to them? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Is there something more you would like the author to tell you about them? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

A favorite author

Pick one of your favorite authors.

1. What are some of your favorite books by this author?
2. Why do you like this author?
3. Have you read everything by this author? Why or why not?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p>Pick one of your favorite authors. <ol> <li><em>What are some of your favorite books by this author? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Why do you like this author? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Have you read everything by this author? Why or why not? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

New authors

Today's questions were suggested by Christine.

1. How do you decide to read a book by an author you haven't read before?
2. What sort of recommendations count most highly in making that decision?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p>Today's questions were suggested by <a href="http://xinef.livejournal.com/">Christine</a>. <ol> <li><em>How do you decide to read a book by an author you haven't read before? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What sort of recommendations count most highly in making that decision? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

This week's questions about self-help books are from Nicki.

1. Have you ever read a self-help book?
2. What do you think about self-help books in general?
3. Would you ever recommend a self-help book?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> This week's questions about self-help books are from <a href="http://plushcat.blogspot.com/">Nicki</a>. <ol> <li><em>Have you ever read a self-help book? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What do you think about self-help books in general? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Would you ever recommend a self-help book? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Autographs

This week's questions are from Cate.

1. Do you have any books that are signed by the author?
2. Do you have a story behind the autograph?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> This week's questions are from <a href="http://regency-cate.livejournal.com/">Cate</a>. <ol> <li><em>Do you have any books that are signed by the author? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Do you have a story behind the autograph? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Finishing

Today's questions are from Marie, who's a relatively new blogger. Thank you!

1. Do you finish every book you start, no matter how bad it gets? Why?
2. Do you ever sneak-read the ending before you finish the book? If so, what about the book tends to cause you to do so?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> Today's questions are from <a href="http://knittale.blogspot.com/">Marie</a>. Thank you! <ol> <li><em>Do you finish every book you start, no matter how bad it gets? Why? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Do you ever sneak-read the ending before you finish the book? If so, what about the book tends to cause you to do so? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Collecting authors

Today's questions were suggested by Cate.

1. Are you currently collecting any authors? Why?
2. Do you have all of their books? If not, why not?
3. Did you buy all the books in the collection at the same time, or did you buy a book here, a book there?
4. Have you actually read all the collection? If not, why not?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>Are you currently collecting any authors? Why? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Do you have all of their books? If not, why not? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Did you buy all the books in the collection at the same time, or did you buy a book here, a book there? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Have you read the whole collection? If not, why not? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Beautiful books

This week's question, suggested by Jeanne, is here by popular demand. Thank you, ladies!

1. What is the most beautiful book you own?
2. In what way is it beautiful? Is it the illustrations, the binding, a combination of these, or something else?
3. How often do you look at it, browse through it, read it?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> This week's question, suggested by <a href="http://mathomhouse.typepad.com/bluestocking/">Jeanne</a>, is here by popular demand. Thank you, ladies! <ol> <li><em>What is the most beautiful book you own? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>In what way is it beautiful? Is it the illustrations, the binding, a combination of these, or something else? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>How often do you look at it, browse through it, read it? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Vacation reading

1. How many books do you usually take with you on vacation? Too many? Too few? Do you still have room to pack clothes?
2. What kind of books do you read on vacation?
3. Do you read the same kind of books when you're on vacation as when you're at home?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>How many books do you usually take with you on vacation? Too many? Too few? Do you still have room to pack clothes? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What kind of books do you read on vacation? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Do you read the same kind of books when you're on vacation as when you're at home? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Lending

This week's questions brought to you by Deb, reader extraordinaire. Thank you, Deb.

1. Do you lend your books to other people?
2. If so, do you get them back?
3. What do you do if they're not returned? Send the police? Stop speaking to the borrower? Storm the house and take them back?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> This week's questions brought to you by <a href="http://chappysmom.typepad.com/">Deb</a>, reader extraordinaire. Thank you, Deb.<ol> <li><em>Do you lend your books to other people? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If so, do you get them back? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What do you do if they're not returned? Send the police? Stop speaking to the borrower? Storm the house and take them back? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Multi-volume stories

I'm thinking here of any story that is split into more than one volume, stories such as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Rowling's Harry Potter volumes, Eddings' Belgariad, to name just a few. Christie's Hercule Perot stories do not count, nor do Gardner's Sherlock Holmes stories, as the reader can consume them in any order. Savvy?

1. Do you enjoy reading multi-volume stories?
2. Do you prefer the shorter stories that are done in two or three volumes, or do you willingly go for longer tales?
3. What do you like/dislike about these long tales?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> I'm thinking here of any story that is split into more than one volume, stories such as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Rowling's Harry Potter volumes, Eddings' Belgariad, to name just a few. Christie's Hercule Perot stories do not count, nor do Gardner's Sherlock Holmes stories, as the reader can consume them in any order. Savvy? <ol> <li><em>Do you enjoy reading multi-volume stories? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Do you prefer the shorter stories that are done in two or three volumes, or do you willingly go for longer tales? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What do you like/dislike about these long tales? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Reading report

We're just wrapping up the third week of January. Wow. Already. Time to check in with your reading report.

1. Have you finished any books yet?
2. If you have, how many, what were they, how did you like them?
3. If not, why not? Are you currently reading anything that you just haven't finished yet?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> We're just wrapping up the third week of January. Wow. Already. Time to check in with your reading report. <ol> <li><em>Have you finished any books yet? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If you have, how many, what were they, how did you like them? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If not, why not? Are you currently reading anything that you just haven't finished yet? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>

Celebrity books

Here's a little something Nicki came up with. I don't think we've done this one before... Thanks, gf!

1. What do you think of celebrities who write biographies when they're only twenty-something?
2. Have you read any?
3. What about novels by people such as politicians? Are they just cashing in on their fame?
4. Should ghost-writing be allowed or should the true writer get the credit?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>What do you think of celebrities who write biographies when they're only twenty-something? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Have you read any? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>What about novels by people such as politicians? Are they just cashing in on their fame? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>Should ghost-writing be allowed or should the true writer get the credit?</em>Reply here</li> </ol>

A new year

OMG. I completely forgot that yesterday was Thursday! Eek. Well, here's a little something to get you started... A day late.

1. Do you have a reading plan for the new year? Why or why not?
2. If you do, what is it?

If you want, highlight the stuff in the box, then copy it to your blog.

<a href="http://bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com">Booking Through Thursday</a> <p> <ol> <li><em>Do you have a reading plan for the new year? Why or why not? </em>Reply here</li> <li><em>If you do, what is it? </em>Reply here</li> </ol>