Laurel County Public Library discussion

No I’m terrible at guessing a twist. I can typically guess certain things leading up to the twist.

186. Have any stories genuinely shocked you?

.
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House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski had parts that shocked me, but not the book as a whole.

If I think of another book, I will list it.

He Started It by Samantha Downing was actually quite shocking to me.
It's such a weird book, but I loved it.

187. Think about your favorite genre. To you, which author is the master of that genre?

My favorite genre is Historical Fiction.

The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish is an incredible Jewish historical fiction novel. I haven't read anything else by her though. I'm hoping she'll write something new.

If I'm reading a cozy mystery I can usually guess what's coming. However, if I'm reading a thriller I usually don't see it coming at all.

188. In general, do you think books are better or worse now than they used to be?

I wouldn't say one is better than the other. The only difference that I see/hear about is that books written years ago didn't really have boundaries. They were more offensive to people. Everything little detail in a book is critiqued now. You also see more diversity in books today rather than one written 10+ years ago.

189. Do you like to display your books on a bookshelf or keep them in a virtual library?

I prefer my books on a bookshelf. A virtual library is nice for travel.

190. Do you write book reviews? If so, what's your process?

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. It really depends. If I really loved the book, I try to write a good review. There are times it can take me a few days to even write a review. I generally don’t write reviews for kid books.

Krystyna wrote: "187. Think about your favorite genre. To you, which author is the master of that genre?"

My two favorite genres are horror and nonfiction.

Stephen King has obviously mastered horror. But there are a few good ones out there too like Ania Ahlborn and Thomas Olde Heuvelt.

For nonfiction, I’d go with Bill Bryson and Mary Roach. They are fun and easy to read.

Krystyna wrote: "186. Have any stories genuinely shocked you?"

The only story I can think of that made me think “Oh snap!” is Roman Fever by Edith Wharton. I loved the ending. You can find it free in pdf format.

Krystyna wrote: "190. Do you write book reviews? If so, what's your process?"

Not usually. I might write a little bit if a book is exceptionally good or unusual. Also, if if a book has violence or animal abuse, I will warn readers.

Krystyna wrote: "189. Do you like to display your books on a bookshelf or keep them in a virtual library?"

I actually like to do a little bit of both. For books that I really like I will keep on an actual bookshelf. However, the virtual library is nice to keep track of every book that you have read.

191. What is your rating system for book ratings? (1-5 stars & what do each represent?)

1 star: I didn't like the book at all. There was nothing good about it.
2 stars: Boring. I could barely push through it.
3 stars: It was fine. There was nothing terrible about the book, but it wasn't my favorite.
4 stars: The book was really good! I only had a few issues with it that I couldn't justify giving it 5 stars.
5 stars: A new favorite book! I loved every second of it.

They were just talking about ratings on Litsy.

Explain ratings: generally if I do not finish a book, I do not rate it unless it was so bad I feel the need to explain why I’ll never finish it.

1 Star - Finished Book - beyond bad - no redeeming quality - bad grammar (I despise bad editing)
2 Stars - Did not like the book, but finished it
3 Stars - Decent book.
4 Stars - Really enjoyed the book. Beyond good.
5 Stars - Amazeballs - Desert island book - would/have even reread it

I am usually pretty stingy with stars. It really depends on the book and the author.

My rating works like this:

All books start with 3 stars.
Then
1 star = this book never should have been published
2 stars = I would not recommend this book to anyone
3 stars = good, interesting
4 stars = really liked this book
5 stars = outstanding, something stands out about this book

DNF, I do not rate

192. What is a favorite quote about books or from a book?

I have so many favorite quotes from books.

"Of all that we're asked to give others in this life, the most difficult to offer may be forgiveness." - This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

"Never underestimate the passion of a lonely mind." - The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish

"A good day's journey is like baking soda: use it well, and the cake will rise up to meet you." - Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

"So many books, so little time.” - Frank Zappa

"Not all those who wander are lost" - J.R.R. Tolkien

“People like you must create. If you don't create, Bernadette, you will become a menace to society.”
― Maria Semple, Where'd You Go, Bernadette

193. Are you participating in The Reading Rush readathon that is starting today? It is taking place from July 20-26. It is so much fun. This is my second year participating. If you're interested check out the website, if you want to participate. www.thereadingrush.com

I’m most definitely participating! I started with Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.

194. How do you decide what to check out from the library? (Examples: displays, new release bookshelf, browsing, you already know what you're wanting to pick up, etc.)

I always have a list when I go to the library. This list is made up of group reads, challenges, or various sources from Goodreads. Also, when I am in the library, I will take a quick look at displays and new books. Occasionally, I pick from there.

I just keep an eye on new releases, and I keep a tbr on Goodreads where I pick and choose from. I'll also decide to check something out if I need it for a readathon or book club.

I’m usually looking for a book I’m reading with a friend. My go to section is nonfiction. I do take a look at new releases when I come in, but I rarely know any of them.

195. How often do you just pick a book up on a whim to try?

My gosh. All the time!

196. When you read do you see images or a movie going on inside your head? Do you visualize/imagine what you're reading or just read the words on the page?

Visualize, always.

Krystyna wrote: "195. How often do you just pick a book up on a whim to try?"

Most of my books are picked up on a whim.

Krystyna wrote: "196. When you read do you see images or a movie going on inside your head? Do you visualize/imagine what you're reading or just read the words on the page?"

It really depends. Sometimes I visualize and sometimes I don’t.

I always loved J.K. Rowling's description of the pensieve because it reminds me of the way I visualize when I read a book. I'll usually start out consciously reading the words, but in just a few moments I've fallen into the story and I'm watching events unfold before me.

197. Do you keep dearly loved but severely battered copies of books on your shelves or do you replace them with new ones?

Keep severely battered copies. Those are hugs and kisses all over the battered copies.

I don't really have any books that are like that, yet. I would keep them if I loved them.

I keep them. I did buy a used copy of Scarlett that was in better condition than my original copy because my sister and I read that original copy so many times it is on the verge of falling apart. They are on my bookshelf side by side.

Jolena wrote: "I keep them. I did buy a used copy of Scarlett that was in better condition than my original copy because my sister and I read that original copy so many times it is on the verge of falling apart. ..."

That is awesome. I feel like the originally read copies always have more sentimental value.

198. When did you last visit a library?

March 2020, for inside visit. When the drop off opened back up, I drove through and dropped off my books.

I work at the library, but it's been a LONG time since I've properly visited a library and looked for books.

199. Do you have a reading routine? (Example: If you set aside time to read do you have a certain setup that you enjoy while reading? Do you have certain reading essentials with you? Cozy blankets, pillows, pets, drinks, snacks, background music, etc?)

No I don't have a reading routine. I just sit down and read. Sometimes I'll have something to drink or snack on. If I read on the couch, then my dog will usually sleep next to me.

No reading routine for me either.

Krystyna wrote: "198. When did you last visit a library?"

I was there last week.