- Have you ever damaged a book?
Minor damage only. During the week I usually only read in bed and if I give up on a book it can end up thrown across the bedroom. If they hit the wardrobe at an angle, they usually glance off, but if it’s a direct spine-on hit, the damage is visible.
- Have you ever damaged a borrowed book?
Never that I remember. Someone must really like a book to recommend it, let alone lend it, so that would be unforgiveable, as would damaging a library book.
- How long does it take you to read a book?
It depends on the book and on where I am and what I am doing. Earlier in the year I took 6 weeks to finish a book, while when I was holiday I was reading one a day or every two days.
- Books you haven’t finished?
Too many to mention. Life is too short. I always give a book a fair chance though. And the important thing to remember, as in any relationship, it could be me, it could be the book, or it could be a combination.
- Hyped/Popular books you didn’t like?
By the time I read books they are usually well past their hyper period – my to-be-read shelves are groaning, especially after the Edinburgh Book Festival.
- Is there a book you wouldn’t tell anyone you were reading?
I can’t imagine one.
- How many books do you own?
Most of the shelves in the flat are double-lined with books, the ones in the rear alphabetically ordered, the ones in front piled up in ‘when-bought’ stacks.
- Are you a fast/slow reader?
Fast. I spent some time in hospital when I was young and started reading a book a day. My parents could not quite believe it.
- Do you like to buddy read?
I am not sure what that means but I do like talking about books with others.
- Do you read better in your head/out loud?
I do not often read out loud. I did take part in Iraq Out Loud though, where the Chilcot report was read out 24/7 (iraqoutloud.com). That was a fascinating experience.
- If you were only allowed to own one book, what would it be and why?
None rather than one. If you are going to be extreme, go all the way.
simonsalento 