The Ultimate Book Tag

I bookmarked this a while ago because it looked really intriguing, and I think it’s about time I gave it a go. I saw this over at Witty and Sarcastic Bookclub, which is a truly fantastic book blog, so definitely go check it out!

Do you get sick while reading in the car? 
I don’t, usually, and I count myself very lucky for that. I will admit, I struggle to read if the road is overly bumpy, or if I’m feeling a little sick already, but reading doesn’t make me sick.

Which author’s writing style is completely unique to you and why?
I feel like there are a lot of authors out there who have fairly unique writing styles, but it’s something that kind of gradually sneaks up on you after you’ve read a few of their books. At the moment, I’m leaning towards R.F. Kuang – I’ve only read The Poppy War and Babel, but her work itself feels unique, and her style matches so perfectly with the kind of themes she explores in her work.

Do you carry a book bag? If so, what’s in it? 
I don’t carry a specific book bag, but I always carry a bag – whether it’s a handbag or backpack – and the bag usually has a book or my Kindle in it, no matter where I’m going. Along with that is usually my purse, an umbrella (the unpredictability of Welsh weather makes that a necessity!), likely a notebook and pen, and some other bits and bobs if I think they might be needed.

Do you smell your books? 
Sometimes, yes!

Books with or without illustrations? 
Both! It depends on the book and genre but overall I think illustrations can, when used well, really enhance the reading experience.

What book did you love while reading, but discovered later didn’t have quality writing?
I wouldn’t say I discovered later it had poor writing, I recognised it straight away, but I really enjoyed The Vampire Diaries. They’re just fun, enjoyable, easy to read, even if on the poorly written side.

Do you have any funny stories from your childhood involving books?
Just that I used to get quizzed on what I was reading because I was reading too much at the same time – I’d read a chapter, put it down, and pick up the next book, read a chapter from that, and so on. I still can’t only have one book on the go at a time, but at least now I’m not carrying five books around with me everywhere!

What is the thinnest book on your shelf? 
Which shelf? Honestly I have so many bookshelves with books currently jammed in…right now, if I turn around, the thinnest book on the bookshelves behind me is Joanne Askew’s Sloth, which is a fantastic little Sci-Fi novella about two women trying to survive when Britain gets overtaken by the disease Sloth.

What is the thickest book you own?
We definitely have a copy of Stephen King’s The Stand around here somewhere.

Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself becoming an author in the future?
I do write! I have a couple of published short stories out there and am currently in the query trenches with a novel!

When did you first get into reading? 
I couldn’t even tell you! I’ve always read a lot, right from when I was a little kid. At school I used to try and finish my work asap so I’d be allowed to just sit and read.

What is your favorite classic book?
Dracula. It’s just one that’s always remained a firm favourite, though I did really love Pride and Prejudice too.

If you were given a book as a present that you’ve already read and hated, what would you do?
Politely thank the person, because a gift is a gift and is always appreciated! And then…maybe see if I could either exchange it somewhere for another book, or pass it on to someone I think would like it. Many, many years ago, when a certain vampire franchise was first around, my brother was getting Christmas gifts and saw a t-shirt for said franchise – and I knew exactly what his thinking was. “My sister loves vampires. This is The Big Vampire Thing right now. Ah! Perfect!” Problem was, I’d read the book, seen the film, and hated both! He was very lovely about it though and gave me the receipt to get it exchanged.

What is a lesser known book you know of that is similar to the Hunger Games series? 
This is quite a hard one, because it’s hard finding books now that are “lesser known” as such, rather than ones I’m aware of because they have been popular, especially in the years following the success of the Hunger Games! It also depends if you’re looking for the dystopia vibe or the Sci-Fi elements or the love triangle, or the strong heroine who goes against a corrupt government, sort of. It’s not ‘lesser known’, as it’s the sequel to one of the most popular books ever, but The Testaments had some strong Hunger Games type vibes. The Stranded is a more recent release that in some ways feels familiar to Hunger Games. And I think if you liked the Hunger Games in general, you’d enjoy Cinderella is Dead.

What is a bad writing habit you have? 
I should probably plot out/plan more!

What is your favorite word?
Weirdly…I don’t have one. Really! Likely because my brain can’t retain all the amazing words I see constantly. There are words I overuse, for sure, but I wouldn’t be able to list them!

Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb?
A nerd, I think. I know there’s some differences between the three but that feels based off vibes – I’d say, though, I’m probably slightly more geek than nerd.

Vampires or faeries? Why?
Vampires. I like fairies and fae, but I have an endearing love for vampires, one that has never really gone away. I mean…my favourite classic is Dracula, and I scream-squealed over the recent Interview With The Vampire trailer. I’ll pretty much read/watch anything if there’s vampires involved…unless it’s Twilight.

Shapeshifters or angels? Why? 
Shapeshifters. I admit, I haven’t read much fiction featuring angels compared to shapeshifters. But shifters are so much fun, with an appeal across various genres. They sit well right alongside vampires, to me.

Spirits or werewolves? 
Werewolves. They are really compelling, for similar reasons to the shifters and vampires. And I feel like they haven’t been as explored as vampires, and there’s so much more that can be done with them! The total angst of the split self, or more creepy narratives with a werewolf killer, or just plain old werewolf romances, there’s so many possibilities.

Zombies or vampires? Why?
Vampires! Okay, I do like zombies, but it really feels like there’s less you can do with them than vampires, and for some reason “apocalypse” is the default for zombies. Give me vampires instead – at least they don’t need the total world destroyed in order to function.

Love triangles or forbidden love?
Forbidden love! I actually don’t mind love triangles, but I definitely adore a well-written, well executed forbidden love story. Just something about the pure longing that I absolutely adore.

Full-on romance books or action-filled books with a little romance? 
Romance. I’m happy with either, and I enjoy books with no romance at all, too, but if I had to choose, I think I’m more likely to pick up a romance heavy book!

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So there are my answers! If you have a go at this please do let me know, I love reading other people’s answers to these tags!