Saturday, October 11, 2008

Book Meme and my trip to Colorado

This is from this week's Booking through Thursday. Yes, I am aware that it is Saturday, and I really should be writing reviews of the last 2 books I finished, but this seems more fun right now!

Book Meme
from Booking Through Thursday by --Deb

I’ve seen this series of questions floating around the ‘net the last few days, and thought it looked like a good one for us!

What was the last book you bought?
Bedlam South by Mark Grisham and David Donaldson

Name a book you have read MORE than once
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
There have been several books that have made me really think about how I view certain topics, but no book has actually changed the way I see life.

How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews
These days, I am choosing more and more based on reviews and recommendations. I still will just randomly pick up a book at a bookstore and if I like the cover and summary on the back, I will sometimes buy and read it. So--all of the above!

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
I prefer fiction, but I have read more non-fiction this year than any other year, and I really have enjoyed it. I am definitely less scared of non-fiction that I used to be!

What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Hmmm...I'm going to have to say a gripping plot, to choose between the two, but the characters are the most important to me. If there is beautiful writing, but no interesting characters or gripping plot, I probably won't enjoy the book.

Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
A tie between Laura Ingalls Wilder, Jo March (Little Women)--I don't know if either woman can be considered a "character" since Laura was a real person and Jo is based on a real person.

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
Ride The Wind, a book about Cynthia Ann Parker, who was kidnapped and raised by Comanches--I'm reading it for a book club
Bedlam South--I just purchased this book a few days ago, and the authors are going to be stopping in my town, so I'm excited about having my book signed!

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
Sweetsmoke--I finished it about a week ago. I really liked it, but I haven't been in a review-writing mood lately, so I'm procrastinating.

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
About a year ago, I stopped reading The Road, but I recently read the entire book, and I'm really glad I did. I also stopped reading Catch-22 last year, and I'm not sure if I'll try reading it again or not. I generally keep reading a book, even if I don't like it very much. I feel really guilty if I give up in the middle.

Last weekend, I visited my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew in Colorado. The weather was PERFECT, and the fall leaves were beautiful! As I am training for a half marathon in early November, I went running with my sister several times, and that was really fun, even though the higher altitude made breathing while running a little more difficult than usual. Here are some pictures of my visit:






9 Comments:

Literary Feline said...

Isn't Colorado beautiful? I am glad you had a nice visit with your family, Laura. Thank you for sharing the photos!

Ana S. said...

Such nice pictures! I'm glad you had a good time, Laura :)

I finally got myself a copy of Little Women today. I look forward to finally meeting Jo and the rest of the March family.

Bookfool said...

As a child, I wanted to live in Colorado. I have no idea how I ended up going the opposite direction. Adorable baby. I'm glad you had a good time and, man, I'm nervous. The character development in Bedlam South is just a tad weak. I loved it, anyway. I hope you do, too. :)

Darlene said...

Laura, glad you had a good time in Colorado. Thanks so much for sharing the pics-they are so great!

I never even thought of Laura Ingalls as a memorable character but you're right-she was for me too. I've got to start Little Women-it's sitting right here-now who's procrastinating. lol.

ps-check out my giveaways this week and have a great Sunday!

Tiffany Norris said...

Cute pictures and cool answers!

Melody said...

I love autumn, although we don't have four seasons here!! ;)

Thanks for sharing the pics. Your nephew is adorable! :)

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

Little David looks so precious in that picture (with the pumpkins). I like this BTT this week and enjoyed reading your answers. Yay for not being as scared of non-fiction! I think the key is finding the right kind...for my anyway!

Maw Books said...

Your nephew looks adorable. Wow, a half marathon. I hate running and admire everybody who does it. It's so not me.

Anonymous said...

such a cute baby :-)

really cute :) and sweet :)

what a really cute blog :-)
==

I am here to remind you about the Read-a-thon taking place on Oct 18th. It just 2 days away, and I really hope that you ready... and are all ready to get -reading :)!

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