Booking Through Thursday

I’ve seen this series of questions floating around the ‘net the last few days, and thought it looked like a good one for us!

What was the last book you bought?
The last book I personally bought was Brisingr by Christopher Paolini, but my mum bought me a lovely copy of Mrs Dalloway after seeing me in the corner of the shop drooloing on it!

Name a book you have read MORE than once
Just one book?! The Gift by Alison Croggon. I could read it again and again and again!

Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallmann, taught me that one can find hope even in the face of great adversary, even heartbreaking tragedy. And you are never to old to seize the life you want!

How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews .
When I worked in the shop, I would hear about upcoming books months in advance, which was nice! Now I rely on reviews and notices posted in shops, in the press and on websites such as Amazon. Lately though, recommendations are rapidly becoming the main way I hear about books..mostly due to the blogging world!

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
I prefer fiction, probably because I spent so many years reading non-fiction at university. But I like to have both on the go at any one time.

What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
That's a tough one! I think both, neither are more important. I have enjoyed books with little plot because of the writing, but must admit I get a lot more sucked in to books that are really gripping. When you get both..perfection!

Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
So so many..but off the top of my head..Mr Rochester from Jane Eyre, Cadvan from Alison Croggon's Pellinor series and...Sirius Black...fraid I have a bit of a crush. ;) I also love Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next characters..all of them!

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Smoke and Mirrors are still on my nightstand! But so is The Master and the Margarita and Rebecca..hopefully my next books!

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini, finished two days ago and loved it!

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Yes..The English Patient. I'd like to try again one day, but found it so utterly confusing that it gave me a headache!!