I found this meme on Intlxpatr's blog, Here There and Everywhere. Most meme's don't interest me, but this one's about books, and I don't see any questions I a loathe to answer (heck, I'd just skip them anyway).
Hardback or paperback: Usually paperback. They are just lighter and easier to read when you're lying on your back in bed. Also, since I often give loved books away, they are cheaper and more portable.
Amazon or brick and mortar: Amazon. I'll hear an interview with an interesting author or read a review I like, and just get online. I even got Amazon Prime so I don't have to wait until I have the required amount for free shipping. Instant gratification. It feels that way, though obviously it would be more instant to go to a book store.
Barnes and Noble or Border's: Either, neither. I rarely go into the big stores unless I'm looking for something specific, or it's approaching the holidays. The big box book stores seem kind of sterile to me. For browsing, I'll go to my favorite second-had bookstore, Black Sheep Books or the library.
Bookmark or dog-ear: Almost always bookmark. Unless the book is in rough shape to begin with. I'll tear up scraps of old receipts, newspaper, whatever and tuck it between the pages.
Alphabetize by author, alphabetize by subject, or random: Sort of organized random. I don't alphabetize at all, but will sort of keep genre's together. Most of my humor is around the same shelves, history, biography the same. Sort of. And I do keep one author's books together.
Keep, throw away or sell: I tend to give books away if I enjoy them. Then I forget to whom I gave them. If they are just OK, I try to resell them at Black Sheep Books. I never throw books away. I may give them to a library sale or to Goodwill.
Keep the dust jacket or toss it: Always keep it. A collectible book is much more valuable if it has its dust jacket. Not that most of mine are that way, but they may get to be so over the years. Always keep the dust jacket. I usually take it off while I'm reading the book, and it kind of gets in the way and can get torn easily, then put it back on the book when it leaves the side of the bed and goes back on the shelf.
Short story or novel: Novel. I read few short stories.
Collection (same author) or anthology (different authors): I guess collection, because if I like an author, I will keep reading other books by them. Anthologies don't do much for me.
Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket: I've read almost all of Harry Potter, none of Lemony Snicket.
Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks: At chapter breaks, definitely. I've been know to fight drifting off to sleep to finish a chapter.
"It was a dark and storm night" or "once upon a time?" Either, if it's good. I tend not to read horror much any more (though when my husband was alive, I'd cross that line).
Buy or borrow: I guess with Amazon in my life, I tend to buy. In my family, we pass books around quite a bit as well, so I guess I borrow, and I do use the library. I probably should go to the library more, as I have way more books than I realistically have room for, and some wind up in boxes in the closet.
New or used: Doesn't matter. I guess used if possible. Books are so expensive, and you can buy more books for the same money if you get used. Also, I like the idea of recycling books.
Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations or browse: Any and all. Any means that will turn me on to a good book.
Tidy endings or cliffhangers: either, if it's done well. Though as a rule, I guess I like closure. Give me a tidy ending (preferably the one I want).
Morning reading, afternoon reading, or nighttime reading: Any and all, though I read when I go to bed before sleeping. It's a nice transition from the real world.
Stand-alone or series: Both. I can get caught up in a good series, and can't wait for the next book, but I read many books that aren't part of a series.
Favorite series: Like intlxpatr, I enjoyed Dorothy Dunnett's House of Niccolo series (all 8 tomes of it). My sister turned me on to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, and I loved Sharon Kay Penman's series of British historical novels (I like the novels much more than the mysteries).
And, inevitably, TAG, you're it. If you like this topic, please do this meme and link back here so we can all enjoy your answers. I'd like to see Scholiast, Shawn, Joan and Lisa take up the gauntlet.
So many books. So little time.
[Image via Edward Gorey T-shirts and Totes]
Well I took up the challenge! You can find my contribution at http://zenmischief.blogspot.com/2007/02/so-many-books-so-little-time.html
Posted by: Keith Marshall | February 24, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Oh, I'm so glad I did this meme, too, for I've found yet another new blog to visit! And, it's a very cool one at that (love the way you post the book list on the side, for one thing). :D
Going to go exploring some more now... :waves: :hugs:
Posted by: The Pear Lady | February 24, 2007 at 09:43 PM
I was just thinking "I might steal this", and then I was tagged, so I guess I should say thank you :) Just give me a little time ;)
Posted by: Scholiast | February 25, 2007 at 04:13 PM
Yep! I also loved the Outlander series and Sharon Kay Penman's books. Right now on a Phillipa Gregory kick, and of course I am always watching for what Barbara Kinsolver does next. Rianna, I wish you lived next door!
Posted by: Intlxpatr | March 03, 2007 at 12:26 AM
There. It took a little time, but I've done it too now :) Let's see it I can find the link... Here: http://xrisimopoio.blogspot.com/2007/03/book-meme.html
Posted by: Scholiast | March 16, 2007 at 07:02 AM