SunnyShadows

My mum and I decided to get rid of our TV since we barely watched it, and then it was only for repeats of Columbo and Diagnosis Murder. I do like to watch shows now and then, but I'm the sort of person who has to be doing something, like writing or crafts, whilst I watch (my mum is the same), so it ended up just being used as background noise. We're thinking of maybe getting Netflix or something like that, since I think I'm right in thinking they update the site with new shows all the time. I do have a few favourite shows I watch over and over, though, so I might just end up buying them on DVD when I can.

I use the name SunnyShadows because I think I can be quite contradictory at times. I get quite down sometimes, and I think very deeply about things, but at the same time, I'm a very cheerful person. I also suffer with some social anxiety, but people always say I'm very chatty and confident, and I've even sung karaoke in public. So, I thought a 'Sunny Shadow' described me quite well. Not to mention when reviewing a book, I like to take various viewpoints, and give both the 'Sunny' (good side) and the 'Shadows' (bad side). I also just wanted to use the word 'Shadow' in it. XD

I really liked the original trilogy, but I'm also unsure of how I feel about this. I couldn't imagine anyone else other than Larsson writing the series, but I've never been the biggest fan of change. I would like the story to be continued, though I felt the ending of the third book actually ended it on quite a nice note.

I like to read a lot, but I've never really found one author I really love. I tend to mostly buy books here and there from charity shops and book sales, so I never usually have a specific book in mind. I do enjoy the books of the Bronte sisters, and I love Shakespeare. But I've only read three of each respectively. When I was a child I loved Roald Dahl, J.K Rowling and Lemony Snicket. I also really loved a series called The Lady Grace Mysteries, but I don't remember who wrote them.

I used to get nervous at Birthdays and Christmas because I was kinda nervous about my presents. I was always really grateful for what people got me, but being a teenager, I used to feel embarressed about my interests and things I liked (nerdy stuff like manga and video games), so I used to feel anxious about opening them in front of my parents, even though I knew they'd never say anything. I found out a few years ago that I have OCD and Anxiety, and have since been able to work these kinds of worries mostly out, even if they bother me now and again. The thing I found most helpful with worries about reactions to gifts and stuff, was to be polite, but just let myself feel embarrassed. It did feel very awkward, but I didn't try to fight it. After a while those feelings started to fade. I think sometimes it's good to ask for specific presents. That way people know they're getting you something you will use and really love.

I think it depends on the book. When I really enjoy a book I look up the author on the internet, I suppose to understand more of the context of the book. I usually read a lot of the classics, so they usually have a good, long introduction, which can be helpful. (I always wait until I've finished the book first to read it, though.XD) I tend not to read too deeply into books that don't seem to have any symbolism in them, but when I do notice some parallels or symbolism, I like to think about it, and how well it contributes to the overall feel of a book. I think symbolism has to be used sparingly and thoughtfully to maintain impact. Repetition of the symbol or having the character's relationships stand as symbolism are the most interesting ways of using symbolism in my view. I think an overuse of symbolism can make a book contrived, so the amount I look into it also depends on the quality of the symbolism itself. I like books that are left completely to interpretation in theory, but usually when I read them, they drive me crazy! XD

I like to spend a good while reading a book, since I find if I read a lot at once, I get sick of reading and don't go back for ages. XD I generally read for maybe about an hour or so a day, but it varies on what I feel like. I also think it depends on the book. Looking at that list, it took me longer to read The Great Gatsby than The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. That was probably because I wasn't a big fan of Gatsby, and therefore took longer breaks when reading it.

Hi, everyone! I came across this forum a little while back and thought I'd join! I read all kinds of books, not really of any particular genre. My favourite book is probably either Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, The Woman In White by Wilkie Collins, or, from modern fiction, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. I love plays by Ibsen and Shakespeare as well. It's amazing how well Shakespeare still holds up! I'm also a big fan of manga, Japanese comics. Naoki Urasawa's Monster proves to be one of the most exciting thrillers of all time for me! As for me myself, I love writing and Japanese, and I'm a bit of a klutz! XP Anyway, it's nice to meet you all!