I don’t why, but I was absolutely convinced that I had already done this tag and posted it here. This tag was created by GirlReading last year, and it consists of a bunch of questions about a variety of reading preferences. I was reminded of it not too long ago, when I saw it on IceBreaker’s blog (here), which is actually what prompted me to finally go back through my own archives and check whether I’d answered these questions before. And since I always forget to tag people — if you haven’t done this tag yet but would like to, consider yourself tagged!
E-Book or Physical Book?
Definitely physical books. I have a lot of trouble reading books off a screen, for some reason. Whenever I read anything on a screen, I have a tendency to skim through it way too fast and not actually read properly.
Paperback or Hardback?
I’m on the fence with this one. Hardbacks are so expensive, but they are usually much more durable. Paperbacks are lighter and easier to take with me when travelling (not that I travel so much), and usually pretty inexpensive but they bother me when the spines crack. In a way, it depends on the book. For most books, I don’t mind paperbacks, but for longer books I prefer hardbacks so they don’t break.
Online or In-Store Book Shopping?
If the question is what I do more often, then definitely online. The nearest bookstore is about half an hour away by bus and the books can be kind of pricey so I don’t shop there very often, although I love to browse! I actually don’t buy books too often in general since I use my library a lot, but when I do I often order them online.
Trilogies or Series?
It is complete dependent on how they are done. I don’t mind longer series if the books are good and there is enough going on to actually justify multiple books in the series. The only drawback I find sometimes with longer series is that I sometimes get bored reading all of the books in a row since it feels like too much of the same world. That’s more down to my reading habits than the books themselves though, since I could just alternate books from the series with something else.
Heroes or Villains?
I love a good complex villain, but there aren’t too many books that I know of that seem to have them. I also like reading about heroes as long as they aren’t the “almost perfect in every way” kind. A lot of hero protagonists can get pretty generic.
A book you want everyone to read?
I always have a hard time with these kinds of questions because it’s impossible to pick something that would be to everyone’s taste. The one that keeps coming to mind is The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult, which is by far the best book set during the Holocaust that I’ve ever read.
Recommend an underrated book?
I’ve mentioned this one before, but Enter Title Here by Rahul Kanakia. The main character is obnoxious and some people might have trouble with the book because of that, but it is one of the most unique YA stories I’ve read and the synopsis really does not do it justice.
The last book you finished?
This may be slightly embarrassing, but Rules by Cynthia Lord. I also finished off The Wind in the Willows for the first time yesterday.
The Last Book You Bought?
I bought 18 books through BookOutlet, so I think that’s a bit too much to list although my Instagram photo can be found here. The last book I received was Blood Sisters, which arrived yesterday, that I got for free from a Goodreads giveaway!
Weirdest Thing You’ve Used as a Bookmark?
I usually just use regular bookmarks, but I’ve probably used scraps of paper or a pen before too if I didn’t have a bookmark available.
Used Books: Yes or No?
I prefer to get my books new if at all possible, but in reality I end up getting most of them used. I tend to prioritize buying my favourites brand new if I can, and everything else can be used as long as it is in good condition.
Top Three Favourite Genres?
Contemporary, fantasy and psychological thrillers
Borrow or Buy?
I usually borrow since I have a great public library nearby, but if I read something I really love, I’ll buy a copy.
Characters or Plot?
Both are important, but I’m more likely to get frustrated by poorly developed characters than I am by a mediocre plot. So I’d have to go with character.
Long or Short Books?
Medium, really. I find short books tend not to develop the characters/plot as much as I would like, but long books tend to lose my attention (with some exceptions). If I had to pick, I would pick longer books so it would have more time to develop.
Long or Short Chapters?
Depends how they are done. In general, shorter chapters because it’s easier to find a suitable place to stop if needed.
Name The First Three Books You Think Of…
- Harry Potter (of course, lol)
- The Raven Boys
- Me Before You
Books That Makes You Laugh or Cry?
This might seem a bit weird, but it is much easier for a book to make me cry than it is to make me laugh. I love funny books, but I prefer books that have a strong emotional impact. Those that make me cry tend to be more memorable.
Our World or Fictional Worlds?
Depends on my mood. I’m not always in the mood to read very descriptive chapters about what a world looks like, although I do enjoy reading about their social structure. On the other hand, fictional worlds can be fascinating when they are well done. When the book is set in the real world, the focus can be on the characters and story immediately, which can be good if I just want to jump straight in.
Audiobooks: Yes or No?
I very rarely listen to audiobooks, and when I do it is usually because I’m having trouble getting through the physical book. The one audiobook that I really loved was Jeremy Irons narrating Lolita, but aside from that, I generally prefer physical books.
Do You Ever Judge a Book by its Cover?
I wouldn’t say judge, but I do notice covers. I have been intrigued by books on Goodreads because of the cover art, but I’ll always check if the synopsis is something that interests me before I add it to my TBR. Cover art doesn’t put me off reading something unless it is really scary or disgusting.
Book to Movie or Book to TV Adaptations?
Book to movie, just because I don’t watch a lot of TV and don’t always have the time to devote to series. I think TV adaptations have potential to be more faithful to the book, but because they have to go on for longer, there is also a lot of room for the story to diverge from the books and that can be good or bad depending on how it is done. Book to movie adaptations tend to frustrate me when they skip over or change a lot of the story, but it’s usually a good way to capture the spirit of the story.
A Movie or TV-Show You Preferred to its Book?
Definitely The DUFF! I hated the book, but the movie was great. Also, I wasn’t a fan of The Devil Wears Prada book, but I love the movie.
Series or Standalones?
Up until recently, I would have said standalones hands-down, but I’ve read so many great series over the past year that I may need to change my mind. Series are more of a time commitment though, so I still read predominantly standalones.
Abyssal Librarian 