For the Love of Books

When Paris tagged me on a meme about books, it was something that I gladly jumped upon, because the love of reading is something very close to my heart.


Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?

My parents bought me my very first Enid Blyton story book on my seventh birthday, and I was hooked. I can't recall the exact title of the book; I think it was the Orange Story Book. Before then, I've never read anything by Enid Blyton. I had those very thin fairy tale books, like The Magic Porridge Pot and Rumpelstiltskin, but got over those because I finished reading them too quickly. I loved that book, and that also started the habit of re-reading story books, because I read that book over and over, until the hard cover fell off. It was then that I fell in love with reading.

My dad doesn't believe in buying me toys; he thought those were a waste of money (unless it's LEGO). But he never said no when I wanted to buy a book. Better yet if the books were encyclopedias. Imagine his shock when I asked him to buy me a book by Amanda Quick called "Seduction" when I was 15.

"Why on earth are you reading about seduction haaaa???!!!"

He still got me that book in the end. It was rubbish, but it still holds fond memories of that day with my father.


What are some books you read as a child?

Books by Enid Blyton were a godsend. I've read almost all of her books (there were a few Famous Five books which I missed). I loved her Secret Island series, and even more, the school stories. I wanted to be Darrell from Malory Towers who studied at a boarding school and had all sorts of crazy adventures. When I was 11, I was introduced to Sweet Valley Twins and Sweet Valley High when I was 12. I loved those books (I'm not ashamed to admit it now). I remembered begging my mum to get Sweet Valley Twins books for me for my 12th birthday, and she did. I remembered being naughty once, and she took those books away from me. I cried for days. When I was 13, I moved on to Judith Mcnaught, Barbara Cartland and Georgette Heyer. What a huge jump, huh?



What is your favourite genre?

I don't exactly have a favourite genre, because I read anything that piques my interest. Romance, thrillers, chick lit, etc. Although it is easier to read chick lit these days. I feel that you don't need to use so much of your brain then :p I really enjoy thrillers too. Sidney Sheldon, Tess Gerritson and Ben Elton are a few of my favourite authors in that genre.

I also have my own genre of books - "Books That Make Me Cry" and "Books That Make Me Smile When I Reach The End". I have a lot of those. Cecelia Ahern's PS I Love You and Where Rainbow's End would fit right into those categories.


Do you have a favourite novel?

I don't have a specific favourite novel, but I simply adore any book by Sophie Kinsella. I have all her books.


Where do you usually read?

In bed. Thus the sky-rocketing power of my glasses.


When do you usually read?

At night before I sleep. I tend to sleep better after reading a chapter or two of anything. Oh, the loo too. I think a book's read at its best on the throne :P


Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?

This was a habit which I would not have condoned years ago, but now, yeah, I do have more than a book which I'd be reading at a time. When something else sparks my curiosity, I'd delve into it. I have several books with bookmarks still in them because I haven't even finished reading them yet.


Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?

In a way, I do. When reading fiction, I tend to glance over some words, because you get the gist of the story anyway. In non-fiction books, especially autobiographies, I read into the words more. This also means that I take a lot longer to finish a non-fiction book compared to fiction novels.


Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?

I mostly buy my books. I'm utterly addicted to the smell of new books (hence my immense attraction to Borders), and love bringing one home and introducing it to my shelf. I also borrow books from the library, especially the thick and heavy ones, like reference books, cookbooks, etc. Mostly the ones which are too expensive for me to buy.


Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?

I keep them. My books are like treasures to me. I have enough to start my own library. For those books who, unfortunately, get the chop (and it breaks my heart to have to do so), I donate them to charity shops.



If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?

Definitely Enid Blyton books. I kept a lot of them in good condition, in a dark and cool place, so that should last for quite a while. None of 'em Harry Potter crap. I like the Harry Potter books, don't get me wrong, and I think they make great reading. But I want my children to also experience the wonderful world Enid Blyton's books can bring one to. Not just wizarding stuff. It's sad that a lot of bookstores do not even sell Enid Blyton books anymore. The Borders bookstore in Queensbay Mall, Penang, has only one side of a small shelf with Enid Blyton books. It's sad, really.


What are you reading now?

Air Kisses by Zoe Foster.


Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?

Not really, unless it's a book that I'm waiting to be published.


What’s next?

I just bought Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult (another excellent author) over the weekend. Can't wait to delve into that one.


What books would you like to reread?

I can't remember the number of times I've re-read the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. Tim finds me very odd on that one, because I can still laugh over the same jokes I've read over and over. There's also this book which I read many times over, which is Of Comb, Powder and Rouge by Yeap Joo Kim. Excellent book, which never fails to make me cry.


Who are your favourite authors?

All those that I mentioned in the questions before this one :)



What are your thoughts on reading?
Rinnah
Kamigoroshi
Kimmy
Constant Drama