Sally over at RGBP says:
I've just returned from a meeting in Cambridge so I'm posting this late here in the UK (it is 3:45pm).. because I took the opportunity of a free afternoon in Cambridge's wonderful book shops... I only bought a few- and they were on sale- very restrained for me!!!
So with my head full of books I've seen and a long wish list in my mind, I bring you a Friday Five on books!!!
1. Fiction: what kind, detective novels, historical stuff, thrillers, romance????
ooh, all kinds. Though I have a weakness for cheesy novels about kings and queens (ie titles like "the Constant Princess" and "the Other Boleyn Girl", etc). In other words, books with young women in pretty Elizabethan garb on the cover. I also enjoy a good mystery novel, and have been drawn to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency for a quick read in the bookstore now and then. But my shelves at home are filled with a wide variety from classics to Gregory Maguire (author of Wicked...and then some others), from serious to frivolous, and including the occasional disappointment.2. When you get a really good book do you read it all in one chunk or savour it slowly?
Usually I can't put it down--I get so immersed in the world of the book that I forget other things, that I crunch my schedule so I can read more at the most inopportune times, etc.3. Is there a book you keep returning to and why?
There are a few--like good comfort foods. The macaroni-and-cheeses, the mashed potatoes and green bean casseroles of books: The Princess Bride, for a good laugh and a relatively feel-good story, Pride and Prejudice, the best of the period novels, Good Omens and Lamb, for irreverence when I need a break from "religious life" (whatever that is), Blue Like Jazz when I need a reminder that faith and organized presbyterian church are not synonymous...(plus I just love the sexy carrot cartoon sequence!)4. Apart from the Bible which non-fiction book has influenced you the most?
Ever? umm...good question. I'm not a big reader of non-fiction, so I'm not sure. Maybe Girl Meets God which helped me think about the ideas of "conversion" and "evangelism" and "church" and many other things...maybe The Dance of Anger which taught me how to get out of unhealthy relationship patterns...are you sure I can't say the bible, seriously?5. Describe a perfect place to read. (could be anywhere!!!)
Where isn't the perfect place to read? Inside or out (as long as I have sunglasses and sunscreen!), all I need is a place where I can choose whether to curl up or stretch out. A nice chaise is perfect. The location of said chaise is irrelevant, since I'll be busy roaming around someone else's world anyway!
my bonus: What are you reading right now?
At home I'm reading Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles. True to form, I'm almost done though I only started the 866 page novel on Monday. At church I'm reading Contemplative Youth Ministry and The Male-Female Church Staff. What are you reading?
(12.30 update: finished the last 100 pages of Mary Queen of Scotland and am now, for real, writing a sermon for the wedding tomorrow...seriously, I swear. No more books or blogs til it's done.)
(2.17 update: sermon finished too. many blogs read. do I start my Harry Potter re-read now, knowing I need to leave in an hour, or do I mindlessly watch the Food Network, milking my last two weeks of cable, instead?)
Good Omens is REALLY FUNNY! I totally forgot to mention the Alexander McCall Smith books in my play, and they're so comfortable! And I love the Princess Bride-- the parenthetical remarks are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteAwesome play.
Wonderful play! I so agree with your #1 answer. Did you know there's another book in that cheesy Tudor series: The Boleyn Inheritance--about Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard?
ReplyDeleteOMG - I LOVE both Good Omens and Lamb. And I can usually tell if I'm going to get along with someone by their reactions to those books. :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Hedwyg
I need to make a list of all these books so many people love so I can read them too.
ReplyDeleteOH my - I read Girl Meets God this spring and it too helped me thing about "conversion" and faith and human development...and I read my first Alexander McCall Smith book(Dream Angus)a couple of weeks ago. And I like to read COOKBOOKS - currently Passionat Vegetarian by Crescent Dragonwagon - creative but HUGE book! Sadly, am pretty much in books for my D. Ed.Min. class until mid-July
ReplyDeleteReally good play. Me thinks thou might want to live in the Elizabethean age or not. I like your bonus also.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about the Dance of Anger.
I've been so busy I almost couldn't do a post! I loved Pride and Prejudice. Can't believe I didn't think of it. Great! And I liked your bonus question too. Just started reading: three cups of tea.
ReplyDeleteReading "The Good Life" by Charles Colson - and about 6 other books in various stages before I get sidetracked by Paul Deen cooking something delicious. I think I'd milk the 2 weeks... and dream of what'd it be like to cook well.
ReplyDeletePaul Deen? whoaaa - Paula Deen - southern, hefty, she knows her stuff!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, The Dance of Anger. I have my cpe supervisor to thank for recommending that one to me a few years back.
ReplyDeleteI've got a few books in process -"Christianity for the Rest of Us", Craddocks' "Preaching," "Craddock Stories," and "Good News from North Haven."
Definitely go for the 2 weeks of the Food Network! I almost never miss Paula Deen and Alton Brown.
I've just started The Sunday Philosophy Club by McCall Smith, from his other series. Next will be something called The Thirteenth Tale, which looks like it might be a real page turner.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention how much I like Victorian novels, particularly Trollope. Hard to get through one of those these days.
excellent play- and you have added to my wish list.... ah well!
ReplyDeleteI love mysteries, too. (But never thought it was a great thing to say when the PNC asked what I was reading..."I've been reading a mystery novel, engrossed, and am completely neglecting my miinister duties")
ReplyDeleteHey, I've tagged you. Mostly out of desperation...see my blog.