I’m sorry, but sometimes you just need a prompt. So, takin’ things back and tagging myself in this challenge because I figure, it might also be time for a little reading habits check-in. (And I haven’t done a book tag questions list in a while!)
1) How many books are too many for a series?
Maybe this is a cop-out, but as long as each book feels substantial in its own right, it can stay. If it is filler, goodbye! I think the whole trilogy era, while satisfying, left me with too many unremarkable and unmemorable book twos. You can just tell when the second book is just a bridge between the first and third, which is why I do adore duologies — they just feel honest, ya know? I respect that the author is willing to Get This Thing Done.
Don’t get me wrong, there are obviously some fabulous trilogies that warrant each and every word, but there are definitely a few authors out there who a) signed the multi-book deal before they had an ending planned and b) have enough of a name that their editors just give them free reign. (I think we all know who I am talking about in that last part — those Shadowhunter books are lucrative, I’m sure, so don’t know if I can blame her, but those suckers definitely could have been condensed into like half their size.)
2) How do you feel about cliffhangers?
If the whole series is already out and I can read the whole thing in one sitting if needed, then absolutely dangle me off that edge, baby. I fondly remember the anticipation of waiting for the next installment when I was younger and more patient, but now that I’m a little older I don’t really feel the need to voluntarily torture myself like that anymore.
3) Hardcover or paperback?
I think the people who answer “hardback” to this question are lying. The benefits of paperback are numerous and self-explanatory.
4) Favorite book?
Funny question! I actually have a whole page dedicated to this, because there is never just one answer. Does the person who wrote these questions even read?
5) Least favorite book?
The first that comes to mind is A Study in Charlotte. Actually, if you read my original 2018 review, I wasn’t too critical. No, this was more of a slow-growing dislike.
6) Love triangles, yes or no?
Ugh. Love to hate. Acceptable if written before 2012.
7) The most recent book you couldn’t finish?
Big Girl, Small Town. I was just. So. Bored.
8) A book you’re currently reading?
Audio: All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle
Physical: You Feel It Just Below the Ribs by Jeffrey Cranor & Janina Matthewson
Back-burner: Raceless by Georgia Lawton
9) Last book you recommended to someone?
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. My boyfriend’s parents gave me this one, and it is one of the most beautiful books I own. Would highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
10) Oldest book you’ve read by publication date?
Difficult question for a girl who studied both English and Latin in school. Probably the Aeneid, right?
11) Newest book you’ve read by publication date?
Is it cheating if I pick an upcoming release? Currently in the middle of You Feel It Just Below the Ribs (and loving it), which comes out in November 2021.
12) Favorite author?
Ridiculous question. Leigh Bardugo. Next.
13) Buying books or borrowing books?
Ideally, buying books, but being broke and a bit nomadic nowadays, borrowing from the library is usually my choice.
14) A book you dislike that everyone seems to love?
Throne of Glass. I would say anything Sarah J Maas just because I have some issues with her in general, but technically I only everread this one and part of the sequel— they were both objectively bad. I know, though, that there is a pretty substantial group of readers out there who agree with me, so maybe this isn’t the hot take I could have given.
15) Bookmarks or dog ears?
Both! And we’re defining bookmarks as literally anything that can fit between the pages. Books are meant to be loved and worn. (Exceptions: no dog ears in borrowed books or hardback copies.)
16) A book you can always re-read?
I am very bad at re-reading, but probably gonna say City of Bones or Shadow & Bone, because I have a somewhat sentimental relationship with both.
17) Can you read while listening to music?
I used to be able to listen to any kind of music while reading, but nowadays it has to be strictly lyric-less.
18) One POV or multiple?
I like one POV for the ease, but getting through multiple POVs (when done right) is often worth it, too.
19) Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?
I rarely read a physical book in one sitting now because I get uncomfortable, but I’ve sure blazed through more than a few audiobooks that way.
20) Who do you tag?
I mean as a self-tagger I’d feel a little silly answering this (also I’ll be frank, I don’t know how one tags another person on the Internet Wilds), so if you want to do it, you should go for it.
Love,
I love your answers, and I definitely agree with so many second books just being a filler. It’s so disappoint when that happens because I love trilogies when they’re done right.