This is a challenge set by Malu on Books...

Question:

What is your favourite genre?

Answer:
I absolutley LOVE books, i'll give any genre a try as long as the plot sounds interesting. My absolute favourite genre is historical, I like to learn something whilst i read. I also like fictional books as long as theyre based around true historical facts, the most recent book i have read like this is, Alexander Cordell's, 'Rape of the Fair Conutry,' which is about the devestation that the steel mines placed in the South Wales Valleys and the effect it had on its contryside and most important its people. Books about this time in the valleys are of great interest to me as it is the area that i am from and so will read anything that crosses my path that could unlock cerain secrets of my heritage.

John bryne's 'Boy in the Striped pyjamas,' is a perfect example of my prefferred genre.

I also enjoyed Jung Chan's, 'Wild Swans,' with is a true story about three generations of women within a chinese family, i love an intsight into other cultures.

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Q:
Do you read the classics, i.e., the great authors of the 18th and 19th century?

A:
I loved Oscar Wilde's, 'Picture of Dorian Grey,' which was dark and very exciting, on the back of this i read Marlowes, 'Dr Faustus' and i would recommend you read both in succession as they compliment each other beautifully. I have also seen Wildes, 'Imporatnce of Being Ernest,' on stage.

Being a Welshy i like reading Dylan Thomas, 'Under Milk wood,' the play, being favourite.

I also liked Tess of the d'urbavilles, and various Charles dickens novels. I read Chaucer's Canterbury tales, which i didn't really enjoy but could fully apprieciate.

When i was in school i read quite a bit of Shakespere, which i enjoyed: Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and King Lear. Im very interested in the theatre and have seen all of these in various adaptations over the years.
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Q:
Are you interested in thrillers?

A:
Um not really, i prefer true crime. The only book withn this genre are the physeudo-thrillers by Malcon Pryce, who has written a four-part book series set in Aberystwyth, ie Dont Cry for my Aberystwyth. I went to Aberystwyth University and so these books are a delight.

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Q:
What about horror stories?

A:
Im a bit of a scaredy-cat i love reading about ghosts and Gouls although i scare myself to death and so Ive had to stop reading these at bedtime.

I enjoyed Mary shelley's 'Frankenstien,' that was truelly grumsome and horific. I also liked, 'The Ressurectionist,' By James bradley, that was about the things that surgeon in Georgian London had to do to further their knowledge of the human body.

Ive also read true horror novels such as, 'Not without my sisters,' in which many adults recounted the horrors in which they faced after being born into a religious sex cult.

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Q:
Do you read science fiction?

A:
No i like fantasy novels such as the Chronices of Narnia, and those about ghots and ghouls but not space travel, sorry.

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Q:
How many Harry Potter books have you read?

A:
In short, none! I tried reading the first one but as a tru fan of Tolkien, I felt his style was bein copied, however I have watched the films and enjoyed them- maybe i'll give them a try one day.


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Q:
Have you ever read and enjoyed biographies or autobiographies?

A:
Im fascinated by the world of others, especally the stars; i dont mean semi-celebs like Jade Goody and Coleen. What i love is books about old time Hollywood, Ginger Rogers, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor and my all-time favourite: Marilyn Monroe. I also love music biographies, my particular interest is in the History of Mowtown Records, specifically The Supremes.


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Q:
Do you remember any of the books you read and loved as a child?

A:
I loved all of Roald Dahl's books, favourite included, 'The twits,' 'Fantastic Mr Fox,' and of course 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' From i child i realised tha i loved very descriptive books whicch captavate you.

As a pre-teen i loved all the books released by Jaqueline Wilson, which were so poigniant for that time time of my life.

From then on, i couldnt stop reading, i loved 'The Ousiders,' by Susan Eloise Hinton, at this time i also got into acting and read a lot of plays, a favourite of mine that remains is Willy Russells, 'Blood brothers.'

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Q:
Have you reread these books as a grown-up?

A:
I was read, The Hobitt by J. R. Tolkein by my father as a child and absolutly loved how adventurous and detailed it was. I have re-read this many times, and it will always remian a favourite.

Ive passed on quite a few a of my childhood books, which i regret but know they were going to be loved by someone else.
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Q:
Is there a book of which you can say it has influenced you?

A:
Im on the search for that book that will change my life- havnt found iit yet. However, there are books that have influenced me, 'Ps I love you,' by Cecilia Ahern reminded me that life is for living and it is so important that you make the most of it as did 'The Notebook,' by Nicolas Sparks. 'The diving bell and the butterfly,' by Jean-Dominique Bauby is remarkable ( he wrote this whilst comletely paralysed apart from his left eye).
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Q:
Which are your favourite authors?

A:
Um i dont have definative favourites as i like to read books from a whole spectrum of authors, If im in a chick-lit mood I look out fron Cecila Ahern because her books arent the usual generic rromantic rubbish, they have something specail about them. Other than that give me a book regardless of Author and ill give it a go.

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Q:
Which book would you take with you on a desert island?

A:
Oohh this is a toughy- can i only take one??? Something inspiring, uplifting and encouraging; or something by Bear Grylls so i can survive.

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Q:
What is your attitude towards translations?

A:
I love reading books from other lands; translations give you and insight into the culture and secrets of the language. i read a lot of Welsh books and have a recent interest in books from china.
'The diving bell and the butterfly,' is a good one as is 'Love in the time of Cholera.'
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Q:
Do you buy your books/ get them from the library/borrow them from friends/steal them?

A:
All of the above- i prefer or buy books, whether theyre n ew or from a charity shop. I always intend on keeping my favourites to read again, but i will usually pass them on to a friend or my mother and vice versa. I do love library books, theres a certain charm about the smell of old books which i love.

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Q:
When you buy books, do you prefer hardcover editions or pocket books?

A:
I would love to have beautiful hardback books and display them on my shelves. However, i travel quite a lot and it would be impractable to lg heavy books around so i tend to buy the cheaper, lighter version, which are usuallly dog eared, crumpled and discolured from being dropped in the bath a few times.
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Q:
Have you ever tried Audio Books?

A:
I have Disney classics such as te Lion King on Audio Book- does that count? No, i prefer o sit in silence get out a book and fall deep into the world im reading about. I have a short attention span so i think i would get distracted by something else if i put an audio book on. Although i know many people love them, such as my grandfather who has quite a few in his collection.

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Q:
Last, book you bought/read?

A:
A catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger- havnet finished yet, its a bit odd but im persevering!
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"This challenge was originally set by MALU, please join in, read other people's entries and pass the challenge on to another bookworm!


Thank you for reading this review and i would be very greatful if you culd recommend any books you think i might like.
Thanks xxx