What was the last book you bought? A couple, actually: Domino: The Book of Decorating and Moon Handbooks Michigan. (It seems random, but I'll fill you in on the story of the travel book later this week. Meet me here on Friday.)
Name a book you have read MORE than once: The Devil Wears Prada
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it? Call me a bandwagon jumper, but Eat, Pray, Love truly moved me. I even attempted to meditate halfway through the book. I carefully select what I read, so I'd like to think that every book I encounter contributes to my life in a positive way, although I've run into a couple of disappointing reads in the last month. Live, laugh, learn.
How do you choose a book? Yep, I'm a cover judger! I follow reviews and bestseller lists, but not regularly. I love recommendations, especially from those who know my literary tastes, and I'll also move outside my comfort zone--case in point, Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. I'll also often follow the recommendations of my favorite magazines, although I have trouble remembering titles once I'm at the bookstore or library!
Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction? A year ago, I would have said fiction, but my tastes are changing. Several of the books I've recently purchased have been non-fiction, and I can attribute that to a thirst to better both my writing and my career.
What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot? Because I'm a writer, I'll give the slight edge to beautiful writing. I've been truly moved by the creation of sentences and a delicate selection of words. The book that immediately comes to mind is The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, one of my all-time favorites. His sentence structure is mind-blowingly genius.
Most loved/memorable character (character/book) Jemima of Jemima J by Jane Green. She's the ultimate fat ugly duckling turned slim stunning sensation and travels across the pond for an LA romance that ends with a surprising--and ironic--twist. She's inspired me many a time, and I've sometimes wished that she would step out of the pages and join me for coffee.
Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment? Casino Royale, The Glory Of It All, The Devil in the White City, Domino: The Book of Decorating.
What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it? The Friday Night Knitting Club, and I finished it last Friday night. Har, har.
Have you ever given up on a book half way in? Yes -- Toby Young's How to Lose Friends and Alienate People was a massive disappointment. I found his philosophical and socialogical commentary of the history of both England and America odd and almost irrelevant to his shenanigans as the least productive contributing editor in Vanity Fair's history. Toby and I parted about two-thirds of the way in, and my only question is how he landed both a book and movie deal out of his misadventures.
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