Whew… Can’t believe the day is nearly over and I’m just now getting to this week’s BTT! This week’s selection is a meme, which probably isn’t nearly as interesting for the readers as it is for the writer, but I hate to pass up a BTT! So, forgive me if this seems a bit self-indulgent — and feel free to leave your own answers below in the comments!
What was the last book you bought?
Well, that would be Home by Marilynne Robinson — but I bought this in order to create a kit for a customer so it might not count. Honestly, I cannot remember the last book I bought simply for the pure pleasure of reading it! I’m all about the library and free ARC (advanced reader’s copies from publishers) — thankfully, since I’m averaging about 2-3 books a week right now!
Name a book you have read MORE than once
Hmmm… Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, September (by Rosamunde Pilcher), and probably many more…
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
Well, I think most of the great literature I have read has done this. In fact, I hope this becomes a future BTT topic — I would love to think about this topic further and then read what others think, too!
How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews
Never by cover — I usually read books that are getting the most jibber jabber by the critics. However, I do not read the reviews, or plot summaries, until I have read the book myself. So, I usually order titles that keep coming up again and again, without really knowing why. Not surprisingly, I do not always enjoy these books 
I also tend to read everything an author has written if I’ve enjoyed one of his/her titles.
Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Definitely both — preferably at the same time… Gotta love balance!
What’s more important in a novel – beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Definitely beautiful writing! I can read just about anything if it’s well-written, but a gripping plot is nothing when imprisoned in poor writing…
Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
Elizabeth Bennet?
Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
there is no me without you (nonfiction and phenomenal), Capote in Kansas (for TLC book tours), and The Book Thief (finally… for my book club).
What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
Hannah’s Dreams — finished it last Saturday and loved it. Review and free giveaway coming soon!
Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Many, many times… check out the 50 page rule if you’re interested in why…
So, there are my answers — feel free to choose just one or answer them all!
Looking forward to your thoughts on Hannah’s Dream.
“a gripping plot is nothing when imprisoned in poor writing…”
Perfect statement. I think the art of is in getting the plot down in such a way that it is a joy to read, not thinking up a story.
Thank you, Tina! Nice to find a like mind…:)
Thanks for stopping by, Yasmin — I so loved Hannah’s Dream… I look forward to giving it to someone else to love!
I like the 50 page rule. Come see my answers.
http://bookcritiques.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Bennett — of course!! My first choice, too.
I would love to see a BTT about how books change your perspective also. I’ve always thought that every thing we read has some effect on our thoughts.
Yes! I wonder how we can recommend subjects for BTT? Anyone know?
Yes, I love the 50-page rule. I find I’m not tough enough to follow sometimes, I keep giving a “bad” book another chance (another few pages), then another, then another, then I’m too far into it to let it go, wondering how it ends ….
Yes! I have the same problem… especially if the book is a fairly quick read or has a lot of positive press! But there are just so many great books out there…