Sunday, September 02, 2007

Reading Meme

Dumb Ox Academy has an open invitation Reading Meme.

I love books and I love to hear about the books others are reading. So, please feel free to tag yourself and undertake this Reading Meme.

What are you reading right now?
Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict XVI. Actually, Gerry and I are both reading so I will only get to catch up on this reading on weekend. Lots of good quotes, and ideas to ponder.
Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs - found this one on the bookshelf the other day. Thought I'd read all her books to date, but I hadn't. Forensic anthropology and a little detective story thrown in.
Northern Lights - Phillip Pullman. A science fiction/fantasy for older children. I just can't get into the story. It pauses. It fails to grip.
Weight Watchers magazines. Enough said.
Homeschooling With Gentleness: A Catholic Discovers Unschooling. Suzie Andres. Perhaps the third time I've read this and am enjoying re-visiting her thoughts and arguments, her booklists.

Do you have any idea what you’ll read when you’re done with that?
Definitely the new Kathy Reichs novel.
Mary Griffiths' latest book, Viral Homeschooling. I've pre-ordered it, a reflection on the homeschooling life.
I'm coveting L. L. Cool J.'s workout book.
And, really, who knows what will grab me, what someone will recommend, what book will call me?

What magazines do you have in your bathroom right now?
None. Eew. I hate that sort of thing!

What’s the worst thing you were ever forced to read?
Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'urbervilles. Apologies to Hardy fans. I found the story depressing and the character of Tess irritating.

What’s the one book you always recommend to just about everyone?
Not one book, but several - all by Rumer Godden. An Episode of Sparrows, In This House of Brede, Five for Sorrow Ten for Joy, Black Narcissus.Love the story telling, the spirituality, the way Godden's writing haunts me after reading..

Admit it, the librarians at your library know you on a first name basis, don’t they?
In Adelaide and in Perth, yes. Here in Sydney - no, We hardly ever go, the selections are just not that great and the fines are too hefty. I'd rather buy the books!

Is there a book you absolutely love, but for some reason, people never think it sounds interesting, or maybe they read it and don’t like it at all?
Hmm. I don't think so. Although I am always surprised when people aren't enveloped by the homeschooling story of Better Than School by Nancy Wallace. Or when other Catholics find Black Narcissus to be too dark.

Do you read books while you eat? Of course! While you bathe? I have, on occasion...While you watch movies or TV? Definitely - why do only one thing at a time!! While you listen to music? All the time.While you’re on the computer? Occasionally - if I get enthralled while looking for a quote, or if a nearby book catches my eye.While you’re having sex? Umm. No. I am otherwise occupied... While you’re driving? I admit it - there have been a few times I've read a can't-put-it-down book while sitting in traffic jams.

When you were little, did other children tease you about your reading habits?
No, everyone knew I was a bookworm. Plain and simple.

What’s the last thing you stayed up half the night reading because it was so good you couldn’t put it down?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I was dying to finish it, to return it to its owner, to discuss the book with others!

Anyone else game to tag themselves?

4 comments:

The Bookworm said...

Tess of the D'Urbevilles is well up my list of literary dislikes too.

Leonie said...

Thank heavens I am not the only one who dislikes Tess!

Anonymous said...

Hey Leonie,

Now you make me want to read more Rumer Godden. I have only read In This House of Brede, Two Under the Indian Sun (written with her sister) and Holly and Ivy. I am going to have to put her on my must read list this winter.

I went through a period in college where I loved Hardy, but now I can't reread him at all.

Leonie said...

Poor Hardy - he always elicits such emtotive responses!!