The ULTIMATE blog tag!

I’ve been seeing this tag around a lot and have enjoyed reading responses. I saw it last on Steph’s fab blog at A Little But a Lot and she tagged anyone who wants to give it a go, so I’m giving it a go!

1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?

I used to be able to read in the car but, unfortunately, no longer.  Even looking at my phone in the car makes me feel sick!  Luckily, I have no such problems with reading on trains and planes!  I’m off to Florida in August and am looking forward to having many hours of reading on the flight.

2. Which author’s writing style is completely unique to you and why?

I love Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s style.  It is lyrical, and draws me in from the opening.  I’ve read both her young adult and middle grade books, and am so pleased she’s writing more middle grade!

3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give three points to defend your answers.

This is an easy one for me.  I couldn’t get into the Twilight Saga, but adored Harry Potter.  I waited until all the books were released and then read them all over a couple of weeks in the summer.  I loved the wizardry, school setting and friendships.

4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what’s in it (besides books…)?

I only carry a book bag if I’m going somewhere by train.  My husband bought me a gorgeous one, that just completely appealed to my booklover self!  I don’t carry very much in my bag:  my review notebook, pen, purse, phone and lippie!

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5. Do you smell your books?

No!

6. Books with or without little illustrations?

I read a lot of middle-grade, so I read a lot of books with illustrations.  I don’t mind whether books have them or not.

7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn’t quality writing?

If I’m enjoying a book, then the quality of the writing appeals to me, so I don’t tend to worry if others thought it wasn’t quality!  To me, reading is a very personal activity and what appeals to one may not appeal to others – and that’s ok!

8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!

Not funny, but I was definitely the typical book-loving child who hid a book under my pillow when lights were switched off, and then sneaked on my torch to read some more!  I’m surprised I didn’t fall asleep in class.

9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?

The thinnest, and smallest, book I currently have on my bookshelf is Katherine Rundell’s ‘Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise’.  I’m already a convert but am keen to read her views.

10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?

The thickest book I have on my shelf is ‘City of Heavenly Fire’ by Cassandra Clare.  This is the sixth, and final, book in The Mortal Instruments, a series which I absolutely loved.  It has 638 pages.

11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?

I am a primary school teacher with an English degree, and one of my favourite parts of my job is writing for, and with, my class.  They’ve even clapped my efforts!  I have a great deal of admiration for writers, and would love to write a book one day.  I even have an idea, sitting in a folder on my laptop! 

12. When did you get into reading?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t enjoy books.  I remember my Dad reading to my siblings and I from a young age.  I remember my Headmaster allowing me to read from his library shelf, full of Greek and Norse myths and legends.  I remember devouring books from the library bus that used to visit our village once a month.  I am, however, the only one of my siblings (there are 6 of us!) who was hooked on books.  I read lots as a child and into my teens and twenties.  I took a long break from reading during a large part of my teaching career as it kinda took over my life!  But I’m back now, and loving reading again.

13. What is your favourite classic book?

I adored Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.  It’s probably the book I’ve read most often. 

14. In school what was your best subject?

Definitely English.  I did both English Language and Literature.

15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated… what would you do?

I would thank the person – and not mention it again! 

16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or The Hunger Games?

Can’t think of any!

17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while filming?

I do not vlog – scary!.  If I did, I’d definitely say ‘ok’ way too much! Ok!

18. What is your favourite word?

I’ve got to go for a phrase which we used lots growing up in Ireland:  have a titter of wit! 

19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?

I’m not sure I’m any of these, but maybe a nerd with all the positive connotations of course!

20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?

Vampires – I blame Anne Rice and Charlaine Harris! 

21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?

Shapeshifters because I love the idea of being able to change into something else.

22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?

Spirits as I love a good spooky mystery.  And I have a ghost story from my uni days!

23. Zombies or vampires? Why?

Vampires mainly because of the two authors I’ve mentioned – they are responsible for feeding my romantic notion of them!  I’ve never read a book with zombies, although I love watching The Walking Dead.

24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love?

Forbidden Love every time.

25. Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?

I read a lot of middle-grade so not much scope for romance!  But I do love an underlying thread of romance in a YA book.

I tag anyone who wants to have a go.