BBAW Interview

I’m participating in this year’s Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW). As a new blogger, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I figured I’d dive right in and sign up for the BBAW Interview Swap. I was paired up with the great Annabel over at Gaskella. After reading her answers, I think you'll agree that I was fortunate to be partnered up with her!

What would (or does!) your perfect reading spot look like?
Although I do a lot of my reading in bed, both before going to sleep and after waking up, my perfect reading spot would be sunny afternoon on a comfy sofa where I can tuck my feet up and read without interruptions and too many distractions. The radio might be on a talk channel in the background though, and a big mug of tea by my side is a must.

The Sisters Brothers

What type of cover is likely to make you pick up a book?

I’m always drawn to good graphic design – my favourite in recent times is The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt. It’s bright, stands out, and has layers of meaning in it.  I also love the new Penguin Modern Classics – understated with a great font. I dislike ‘fluffy’ soft focus covers and headless women.

If you had the chance to give a book to the political representative of your choice, with a guarantee that they’d read it, what book would it be, and why?

That’s a really tough question!  It’d have to be something dystopian – to illustrate what could happen if it all goes wrong. Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban is set in the future in an England that has reverted to the iron age after ‘the big one’ – Can I have lots of copies to give to leaders of nuclear powers, or those who still want to be. [You can have as many copies as you'd like! - MJ]

If your life was going to be used as the inspiration for a work of fiction, who would you want the author to be, and why?

It would have to be Nick Hornby.  I tend to strongly identify with his characters, especially Annie in Juliet, naked, but also my geeky side with Rob in Hi Fidelity too. He is sympathetic to his characters but doesn’t let them get away with things, and he turns fairly ordinary lives into extraordinary novels.

As you move forward, what is one blogging goal that you have?

I’d like to read more on a whim and less to order, and I hope that’ll be reflected in better and more insightful writing on my blog. I’ve always read voraciously, but not studied English since school, but I’ve found that since starting my blog, writing reviews has really helped to improve my critical thinking and writing.
~~~

Now I want to read Nick Hornby! Also, I had tried to get a copy of The Sisters Brothers (it’s been longlisted for this year’s Man Booker prize) but my library didn’t have it. I’ll have to keep an eye out of it, because that cover is great, and it looks like a fun story.

I hope you enjoyed learning about Annabel. Make sure to check out her blog, where I answered her questions!