Ruth

I don't think reading is a waste of time at all, but one of the women I work with is always telling me that it is. It annoys me, because I always think that if she doesn't want to read, well that's fine, but don't have a go at me, because I love to read. She tells me that she doesn't have the time to read (and has never read a book in her life)! and says that she doesn't know how I find the time to read so much. But whereas she watches loads of soap operas (which I am not knocking at all), I never watch any, and I really don't watch much tv. Bottom line for me is - I find reading relaxing and stimulating, and I have learnt a lot from some of my books. And anything that gives me all that can never be a waste of time.

I read pretty quickly, but I never skim read. I have to read every single word, and sometimes go back to the beginning of a paragraph or sentence if I don't think I've taken it in.

I'm not a huge fan of non-fiction, but I have almost 900 books, and there are a few non-fiction in there. But, it's a pretty eclectic collection - I love all kinds of genres, and there's a bit of everything in there.

Funny - we were talking about this at work yesterday; specifically the Sony ereader. I love curling up with a good book in my favourite armchair, and I don't believe that an electronic screen could ever evoke the same feeling of contentment. Crazy as it sounds, I love looking at my books, I love the feeling of starting a new book, and I don't think I'm alone in that. I suppose if people are pushed for space (for example if they want to take a load of books on holiday, or don't have the room for many bookshelves), there could be advantages - the ereader holds about 160 books I believe....but for me, there is no substitute for the real thing!

Like Kell, this was the first Jane Austen book I ever read, and remains my least favourite. I didn't hate it though, and neither did I hate the character of Emma, although she was exasperating. I felt she had her heart was in the right place, but her nose was constantly poking where it shouldn't be! I adored Mr Knightly though. The Eltons were horrible people, although I suspect that they were quite realistic characters for the time. I must try and find my original review on this - it's been a few years since I read it.

I hadn't read Dracula either Molly - maybe I would have enjoyed the middle part of The Historian more if I had done:lol: Actually, I doubt I would have bothered with it, if I hadn't spotted it for a pound in a charity shop (in excellent condition too).

I read this last year. I enjoyed the first and last parts, but felt it dragged a little in the middle. Well written though, and obviously well researched.

I will look out for this - it sounds interesting. I have previously read Something Beginning With... by Sarah Salway, and I really enjoyed that.

The new series of Californication.

I'd end up in one of those colonies with you! I have The Handmaid's Tale on my pile to be read, and I have heard lots of good things about it. We share a fear of clowns - I get freaked out by them. We're in good company though - Johnny Depp is scared of them too!

Fabulous book - and I agree, very disturbing.

I'd probably have to say American Psycho. However, it is also one of my all time favourite books, so I have no idea what that says about me!

My hubby loves to read, but we have very different tastes in books, although there are a few which we have both enjoyed. He prefers non-fiction, whereas I definitely prefer fiction. One of our spare rooms has been converted into 'my' room, where I have about half of my books (the other half are in our living room on a huge bookshelf), and all of my DVDs. However, he was talking about converting our garage into a proper library for me!

Ooh I bought Shadow of the Wind last week, and now I am really looking forward to reading it:)

I have this one on my tbr - I have read Esme Lennox and My Lover's Lover, and really enjoyed both of them.

Ooh I forgot The Shape of Snakes. That's another great one.

I never borrow books (I have far too many of my own to get through), but on the occasions in the past when I have done, I have always returned them in the condition they came to me in - it's just courtesy. I'm also very careful with hardbacks, but with regard to my own paperbacks, I don't mind if they end up looking a bit battered (or well read, as I prefer to call it)! But certainly with regard to borrowed books - or anything borrowed - I will always take extra care with other people's belongings and make sure they are returned in the condition they started in. When buying books in a bookshop though, I always like a pristine cover!

I really like Ben Elton. Dead Famous is one of my favourites of his, and I would also second Kell's recommendation for Chart Throb - I read it a couple of months ago, and really enjoyed it.

In Forrest Gump, by Winston Groom...(I'm going to spoiler this for anyone who hasn't read it yet)

Acid Row was my favourite too. Another great one was The Sculptress.

That sounds AMAZING!! I'm very jealous. Have a wonderful time:)

The Princess Bride, by William Goldman.

I have this at home but haven't read it yet. The author works (or worked) at the Merry Hill Centre, which is very near to where I live, and I am a frequent visitor there.

I'm definitely attracted by nice covers. But if the blurb on the back doesn't appeal to me, then I won't get the book.

other half:)