Ben

Perhaps unusually for someone that reads on a regular basis - although sadly never as often as I'd like nowadays - I always struggle to think of an author whose body of work I've made a significant dent in. The only one that does spring to mind is probably Lee Child. I binged a bit on his books at one stage and got through a fair few of the Jack Reacher novels. Perfect popcorn for the mind. I'm still young, however, so there's plenty of time to explore certain authors more comprehensively - Stephen King and Ernest Hemingway, amongst others, are near the top of my list.

Mine should be pretty self-explanatory... Although I believe I used to have it as Enthusiast back on the old boards. I imagine it was because I've always been rather enthusiastic about what I do - whether it's learning something new, or on-going hobbies (like reading books, of course!).

Loved the first part of the finale... so much more to it than I first realised. Reveal was obvious but it wasn't about that; it was the build up, the playful nature and prodding at the show itself. Can't wait to see what Moffat does with Saturday's final episode. I'm sure it'll be wonderful and explosive at that.

Pretty much just work for me, but I have been getting to shoehorn some reading in before bed on a night. I'm also meeting the girlfriend for our usual Wednesday lunch later so that's always nice.

It looks ace. I'm such a child.

To be fair, the few trick-or-treaters we did get were all young kids dressed up in the spirit of things and it's nice to see. I don't necessarily agree with the principle of it, but don't mind answering the door to those that made an effort at least.

Great pictures again, Kay! It's good to 'see' you too. Unfortunately, not much chance to read as yet as I was too busy working last night, but the girlfriend is coming over today and we've got The Walking Dead on series record. That counts as a Halloween-related thing to do, even if it's not reading right? What did you think of The Halloween Tree? I downloaded it per Steve's recommendation (like many others) and I'm hoping to get around to it while it's still during the read-a-thon. Dug out a Dean Koontz book called The Good Guy too which looks suitably creepy, so there's always that. *shrugs*

Just caught the first half of Liverpool vs Newcastle and it was bloody awful. Worst game of the season by far.

Have you seen the 1972 version? Much, much better.

Blimey muggles, 60?! I think we had perhaps a handful, and that was more than enough. Can't imagine living in a neighbourhood where it's that common (although of course it's much different over in the US to here).

It depends on if you like your coffee strong? (PS. You're supposed to use a word from the previous person's question, poppy.)

I definitely subscribe to the 'right place, right mood, right time' argument. I abandoned Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment more times than I care to remember even though I was convinced that I would love it if it was given my full attention. Alas, I finally did and it now resides high up on my favourites list.

First of December at the earliest, and I refuse to waver.

I'd just like to thank you Steve for the review of The Halloween Tree. Recently read Fahrenheit 451 and loved his writing style. Just downloaded THT for tonight on your recommendation--sounds perfect for a little Halloween treat.

ACE picture, Kay. Sadly I'm too busy working this evening to get properly involved with the read-a-thon, but I do have a lot of Stephen King novels on my Kindle that have been waiting since, oh I don't know... forever. Might make a start on one of them later if I have time (or even something else--haven't really decided yet).

Checked the synopsis out for this and thought it sounded pretty good, so gave it a cheeky download--thanks, Michelle.

As the nights are drawing in, I've been leaning towards my winter playlists (if not quite Christmas songs just yet). Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago falls perfectly into this category for me.

I definitely don't do this with literature, but what I will say is that I do vary my music-listening habits by season--particularly as winter rolls around.

Oof, that would take some doing... I've been described as a fast reader by others, but haven't really ever taken the time to do a words-per-minute count or anything like that. I suppose, like others, it depends on the difficulty of the text I'm reading and how much time I have to commit to it. I think tests like this are a fairly interesting experiment, but that the most important thing is enjoyment.

Some of these really are fantastic, Emelee, keep them coming.

Reading threads like this always remind me of the fact that Stephen King is probably the main 'should have read his books, but haven't' author, for me. I've only read Cell, Blaze and 11/22/63--the latter of which I thought was great, but I know I'm missing out having not read his earlier novels. Hmph.

Sunday Morning by Maroon 5.

I'm currently listening to Bombay Bicycle Club's latest album So Long, See You Tomorrow.

Well that's definitely good enough for me. It's good to 'see' you too, Chrissy. Hope you're keeping well.

Do you take sugar in your tea?