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>

Ug

Sorry, everyone. Off this week, too. I'm miserably sick with the flu. As soon as I can breathe again, I'm off to bed, where I belong...

Please hang with me. Have a great New Year's celebration, and I'll see you next year. :-)