Pixie

I have heard that the difference between Europeans and Americans when it comes to reading is that Americans read books, but Europeans read authors. I guess that makes me a European then, because if I like an author, I will read everything of his or hers I can get my hands on. Some examples are Ray Bradbury, John Crowley, Patricia McKillip, Vladimir Nabakov, and Charles Dickens. There are some exceptions, where I have loved one book by an author, but not any of their other works. So what are you? American or European?

Welcome, Rick. Would you like a cookie?

Hello, Vicky and welcome. Why is your cat an idiot?

I am too scary! I'm ferocious. GRRRRR.... Well, alright, my cookies are scary though.

Welcome, Caribsa. Have some cookies.

It doesn't matter who gets to it first. As long as one of you tells me your thoughts. I finished The Solitudes, which was excellent, and I am now starting on Love And Sleep, the second volume of the Aegypt Cycle by John Crowley.

I would love to hear you what you think and I hope you will be intrigued enough to read the rest of the series. I sometimes tend to read obscure authors, and then don't get a chance to share their books with others, because no one else is interested. If you are familiar with Little, Big (my favorite fantasy book), I found the The Solitudes an easier read, but no less thought-provoking and with some similar themes.

temple

I can think of quite a few you might like. I am not a fan of Dean Koontz or Stephen King, by the way. Some of their stuff is just okay for me. Here are some classics: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Brabury The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson Hell House by Richard Matheson The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty Newer, less known, but still excellent: Ghost Writer by John Harwood Ghost Story by Peter Straub The Girl in a Swing by Richard Adams Neverland by Douglas Clegg

Rock

Good point, poppy. But in my experience, there are just as many, if not more, that loathe the series.

Is it really "unpopular" opinion when I see a lot of people that don't like the Twilight series? On this board, perhaps it would be unpopular to say you do love the series.

1. Age (<18, 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55+) 35-44 2. Gender Female 3. What do you read on a daily basis? (blogs, newspapers, books, etc.) Books, blogs 4. How often do you read for fun in a week? Every day, if I am able 5. What time of day do you like to read? Mostly at night, when I am relaxed and ready for bed 6. Where do you read? Bedroom 7. How many books have you read in the last 6 months? Probably somewhere between 50 to 75 8. What type/genre do you enjoy reading most? Fantasy, sci-fi, gothic 9. Why do you read? (entertainment, relaxation, learning, etc.) All of the above 10. What barriers prevent you from reading more? Work and other responsibilites 11. Do you think reading for fun is important? Yes, if you enjoy it. 12. Do you fold page corners or use a bookmark? Folding pages is taboo. I use a bookmark. 13. Do you prefer to read to music or in silence? In silence 14. Do you discuss books with your friends? Yes, I do. 15. Do you borrow books from the library? Not usually 16. Do you borrow/loan books from/to friends? Yes, sometimes.

I am getting towards the end of The Solitudes by John Crowley. For those interested, it is the first book in a 4 book series called The Aegypt Cycle, and it has so many interesting elements. Alternate histories involving magic, myths and stories that effect the past, present, and future, references to other authors (real and unreal), secret codes within the texts of books, Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, and elegant, philosophical prose. If you are a fan of fantasy and/or alternate history, I think you would enjoy this series. The writing may seem a bit dense at first, but if you can get through the first few chapters, you will pick up the rhythm and be gently pulled into the story. That's what happened for me, anyway.

I finished Nightmare House by Douglas Clegg. It was just the right amount of creepy without all the needless gore that I see in a lot of horror fiction. I LOVE this writer. His style has a pinch of Lovecraft, and yet is much more readable, with a soft flow to it. Plus, I am a sucker for the haunted house with the hidden rooms, passageways, and dark family secrets to be found within. He has more books involving the Harrow house, too! Back to The Solitudes by John Crowley now.

A 1997 Honda Accord. It used to be my dad's and only has about 60,000 miles under it's belt. I hate the color, which is dark green, but it's a very reliable car, which is what matters to me.

I guess authors must love me. I will only buy second-hand if that is my only option. I am nit-picky about the condition of my books. I don't like spine-creasing unless it's from my multiple readings of a book. And I always do my best to keep a book looking new for as long as possible.

These by John Irving would suit your request, I believe. The Water-Method Man The 158-Pound Marriage The World According to Garp

I just picked up The House of Lost Souls by F.G. Cottam with a store credit at the local bookstore. It looked intriguing and I didn't have to pay for it, so I figured why not. Has anyone read this? If so, what did you think.

You are not helping, Kylie. You are supposed to narrow my choices.

Good to hear you are enjoying If on a Winter's Night a Traveller, Kylie. It's in my TBR pile. I received Nightmare House and The Halloween Man, both by Douglas Clegg, in the mail today. Now I'm torn. I am really enjoying the book I am reading, but Douglas Clegg is a new author for me. I loved Neverland, and I am in the mood for something creepy. What to read? Which do I choose? So much time, so few books. Ooops, as Willy Wonka would say: Strike that. Reverse it.

There were angels in the glass, two four six many of them, each one shuffling to his place in line like an alderman at the Lord Mayor's show. The Solitudes by John Crowley