Shelves of books!
Another book meme, from meltintall3. A long time in the writing!
1. GREED What is your most expensive book? What is your least expensive book?
My most expensive book(s) would be any one of the fancily-bound G.A. Henty collection I've accrued over the years. Those not purchased at sale prices were $22 apiece.
As for the cheapest book - when I was younger the kids' summer reading program at the local library gave each of us a free book at the end of the summer. The one I still have is Twenty and Ten, by Claire Huchet Bishop, a sweet little historical-fiction based on a true story.
2. WRATH-What author do you have a love/hate relationship with?
Agatha Christy. Her mysteries tend to have a depressingly sordid element. Realistic, yes, but compared to Dorothy Sayers' handling of similar topics, Christy's stories often have a slightly nasty feel. Otherwise her mysteries are generally quite good and she certainly wrote enough of them. So I often go on a sort of Christy-kick, reading several in a month.
3. GLUTTONY-What book have you deliciously devoured over and over with no shame whatsoever?
I haven't really done that with any book. But. I often find myself pulling The Lantern Bearers, The King of Attolia, and The Sil off my shelves to reread favorite passages.
4. SLOTH-What book have you neglected reading due to laziness?
I'm in the middle of The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. For the most part it is quite interesting, and I learned a lot of behind-the-scenes information on LotR and The Sil. But occasionally it does get a bit sloggish. I bogged down in the last third, put it on the shelf, and haven't got around to picking it up again.
5. PRIDE-What book do you most talk about in order to sound like a very intellectual reader?
I don't really talk about reading much, except online, where I stick mostly to what I've read recently. But if I did "Drop titles", I would mention that I read LotR before I was twelve. Oh, and my sibs are quite impressed with my attachment to Charles Dickens, none of them being nearly as interested in great classics. That's the best I've got. : P
6. ADMIRATION-What attributes do you find most attractive in male or female characters?
I like my female characters to be at least somewhat ladylike but willing to go great lengths for those they love or the cause they fight for. Male characters should be tough and mostly no-nonsense, but with a good heart. In general, honesty and respect towards others.
7. ENVY-What books would you most like to receive as a gift?
Birthmarked, Little Dorrit, Catching Fire (to complete my Hunger Games trilogy), and, impossibly speaking, the next Queen's Thief book!
8. Is there a book in your collection you are ashamed of?
*goes to look* W-ell. Not ashamed, exactly, but I have a rather old (ish - 1920), handsomly bound edition of Gulliver's Travels, picked up on a whim. It's strange, rather boring, and surprisingly... adult, in places. I've never done more than flip through it.
9. What 5 books would accompany you to a desert island (no 5 series, actual single books)
The Bible
The Silmarillion
The King of Attolia
A pertinent edible plants book (unless it is a literal desert island, in which case surprise me with a classic I haven't read)
A non-fic about arctic/antarctic explorers. To keep things in perspective.
10. What books are you going to read next and why?
I want to read more of my WWII TimeLife books, and if I can get it, Promised, by Caragh M. O'Brien. It's just out!
11. What a reading goal you have set for yourself?
I want to read the Italian translantion of Prince Caspian that we have. Step one: learn Italian. Am working on that. : P
12. What is the first book you remember from childhood?
Hilda Needs Help, by Richard Scarry. : )
13. Do you owe an e-reader?/ would you like one?
I borrowed a Kindle from the library and found it extremely useful for reading while knitting, sewing, etc. - you don't have to hold it open and just a quick tap to turn pages! I don't know whether I want to own one, though. I'll never give up my physical books!
14. A book that truly changed your life:
The Bible. I wouldn't be who I am without it, or if I'd never read it.
15. A book you hated to read:
I don't know about hate, but The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, which had a great premise and some stunning descriptive passages, was ultimately dark and disturbing. It oppressed my spirits.
16. A book you would recommend to me:
Between Shades of Gray (recent hist-fic of quality), Entwined (gothic fairytale retelling), Birthmarked (dystopian), The Watch that Ends the Night (free verse from the POV of various persons onboard the Titanic. Different and very good).