gax23

I'm a big crime fiction fan but only just got round to reading this. The first few chapters were tricky as I don't tend to fall so easily into plots which involve corporate revenge and know very little about Sweden and its geography and customs. However, all worries soon faded away and I must say I loved it. I became very attached to the characters and have already bought the next two novels and have obtained all three films.

Paul Merson's autobiography was very insightful, as was Barry Fry's as a lot of it took place in my home town

Mc

I very rarely buy hardback books but when I do I remove the dust jacket and store it in a plastic wallet in a ring binder with the others. The book looks much better on the shelf without the dust jacket and I always end up creasing or tearing them while reading (but never damage a paperback or 'unclothed' hardback!) so I paradoxically have a better condition book by removing the protection.

This straddles the border between fiction and non-fiction but I really enjoyed The Damned United. An intriguing insight into the mind of Brian Clough - even if it's not necessarily deemed accurate.

Grrr. I typed up a massive post, hit the wrong button and lost it, so please forgive the inelegant summarisation here... I don't mind a pre-owned book as long as it's not pre-read. I don't sell books as it'd be like throwing away old photographs. The book is a reminder of the connection I had with it and what I've learnt from it. I buy 'new' books, yes, but they're generally three or four pound (my netbook won't let me use a pound sign...) paperback novels from Amazon so I don't tend to break the bank. Thanks for all your input, everyone. Very insightful.

Sorry to break the stream, but I've added a lot of these books to my TBR list on your recommendations

I don't, although I did when I was much younger. I live in the sticks and the nearest library of note is some distance away so that doesn't help. I love the thrill of owning a book - and owning it from new. I couldn't possibly bear to put one into a charity bag, either. When my grandmother died a couple of years ago my grandfather sold his house and moved in with us. As we helped him clear out his old house, I noticed some books in the skip. I almost flew into a rage but kept my cool, took them out and gave them a loving home on my bookshelf

I must admit I've not tried to read any of the Sherlock Holmes 'sequels'. As a Holmes fan I've always been sceptical about the spin-off novels. Do you find they're an addition to the experience or a bit of a disappointment?

I bought Wilbur Smith's first book, When The Lion Feeds, recently. It was fantastic. Something a bit different and might be worth a shot.

I think it was probably The Day of the Jackal. I don't watch many films but I love this one.

I finished Diary of a Nobody last night. It's not terribly long, and I started it the night before. Very much enjoyed it. I think I'm going to try Wolf Hall again next.

This is an interesting one for me and one I've often thought about. Does anyone else have a problem buying second-hand books? For me, books are a very personal experience. To feel that someone else has been there before you and read the book is almost akin to your girlfriend telling you about her previous sexual partners in great detail. I don't even like borrowing a book which may have only been read once from a friend. The only exception I make is when I see beautiful old editions in bookshops (I found a book on English prose in a local bookshop recently - named inside with the previous owner's name, and marked 'Cambridge University, October 1912' - how can you refuse that?). I find the whole pleasure to be in owning the book and it being a part of my collection - and mine only. What are your thoughts?

I'm divided on this one. I have given up on many books; usually non-fiction books as I am the sort of person who flits from one hobby or interest to another and as a result I have usually gone off the subject by the time I've got half-way through the book! I find it much easier to stick with fiction and have recently given myself a rule not to give up on any book.

As often as possible and for as long as possible before I get itchy feet and have to do something else. I can't spend too long doing one thing (which is why I have more hobbies and interests than time) and my brain is always moving on to the next activity. I have to find ways to overcome this and settle my mind down and really get into the book. I find the best way to do this is to read slowly (although I can skim read and get through a book very quickly, but am more likely to lose concentration this way) and to visualise absolutely everything as if I'm watching a televised adaptation in my mind. This way, my brain power is completely used up on the book and isn't wandering off thinking of other things. It's really quite strange as I've always been a big reader and was always miles ahead of my class at school in terms of reading and writing *head swelling* and have had a book constantly glued to me since I could open my eyes, so I assume my concentration issue isn't something I'll ever grow out of!