Book Addiction Tag
What is the longest amount of time you can comfortably go without picking up a book? - Well, in the not too distant past, I went a whole week. That's not usual. Usually, I at least read a couple of pages every day.
How many books do you carry on your person, physical or device, at all times? - Usually not more than one. Unless I'm going to be gone for longer than I think my book will last. Then I might bring a second book.
Do you keep every book you buy (or receive) or are you happy to make room for more? - If I don't absolutely love it or don't think I'll re-read it, I'm happy to pass it on to another reader. This is why I have one bookshelf for my "Read" books and four bookshelves that hold my "To Be Read" books. There are 320 books on those shelves.
How long would you spend in a bookshop on a standard visit? - Maybe an hour these days. My hips and knees start to hurt from standing, and the bookstores have removed all of their seating except in the cafes. I would sit on the floor, but I'm not entirely sure I could get back up again. Of course, I haven't seen the inside of a bookstore in I don't even know how long. At least March. Maybe before that. That's what I miss most from the "Before Times".
How much time do you spend a day reading? - It depends on the book. I could read for hours if it's a really awesome book. When I'm feeling distracted, or the book isn't grabbing me, I'll try to read, but I won't last longer than an hour or so. My phone will ding, or a dog will climb on me, or a family member will talk to me and I will lose my focus.
Where does the task, "picking up a book" land on your to-do list? - It's not really on any to-do lists, usually, unless I just need to pad one out. It's pretty much just a given that I will pick up a book every day.
How many books to do reckon you own in total? - Just me? Probably around 600, including all the award nomination books I've got from publishers this year. My husband probably has another 300 or so on his shelves. He doesn't even read!
How often do you bring up books in conversation? - So, with some people, I don't bother. But most of my friends work for the library, so it comes up naturally in the course of conversation. If I know my conversant is a reader, I may ask if they've read a certain book.
What's the longest book you've ever read? - Uhhh, well I've read a few. The Count of Monte Cristo, War and Peace. Let me look into the longest one. Looks like War and Peace has it beat by about 150 pages.
Is there a book you HAD to get your hands on against all odds? - Probably, but as is the way with all things, once I had it, I forgot all about the intensity I felt in needing it.
Is there a book you struggled to finish because you refuse to DNF? - Ugh, yes. Many. I use to think of DNF as failure. Now I know that the failure isn't mine. It's the book's, or the spot's in the time/space continuum.
What are some of your main book goals for next year? - I want to read more of the books I've had on my shelves for way too long. Some books have been hanging out here for 6 years. I realize that with my award reading, I won't get too many read, but maybe a few. That would be nice.
Have you ever had the privilege of converting someone into a reader? - Ha! I practically forced my oldest friend into being a reader. She lived next door growing up and I taught her to read so we could read together. Poor kid was probably 4 years old. Now she's a teaching coach. She coaches other teachers. She reads plenty, now.
Describe what books mean to you in five words? - Escape, information, validation, identity, relaxation.