TURNED TO CHURN BY MALU - A LITERATURE CHALLENGE OP THINGY (Top Ten Non Fiction Books)

Member Name: marandina

Product:	Top Ten Non Fiction Books
Date:	04/11/03 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lordy only knows

Disadvantages: Ditto

Well, having moved house with all that entails, I thought I'd slip back onto Dooyoo in a deft like manner with a genteel review of Tooyoo/T2. However, within seconds (well, minutes then), I'd been hunted down like the wild animal I am. MALU had propositioned me to write about my favourite writers etc so at the risk of being a churner (I will return all reads, promise) and torn to shreds by an Ikk for mentioning another writer in the title (sorry, Kate), here's ma contribution:

---What is your favourite genre?---

Most people I've read seem a little shy at coming forward on this one but for me both fantasy and horror often merge into one. I often get told that I have a vivid imagination (for a right(eous) banker but I do love to be transported away into fantasylands with mythical creatures. Horror is a wonderful vehicle for the imagination and some of the best stories come from macabre machinations.

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

I've read a few authors that I would put in this category. Reading both Stoker (Dracula) and Mary Shelly (Frankenstein) were wonderful experiences in their own right but there are other writers from this time I've enjoyed. I suppose it depends who you put in this category although, strangely, I can't say that I've ever read any Dickens. I've always had a real penchant for Conan Doyle and adore the Sherlock Holmes stories. SH along with sidekick (they weren't gay!), Dr Watson were the king of cool in their day.

---Are you interested in thrillers?---

Not in terms of literature. I much prefer to watch the movie equivalents but, otherwise, I've never really given writers like Clancy et al a chance. I don't know why but they don't really appeal in terms of a book.

---What about horror stories?---

This is the genre that seems to get me going more than others. I've
read so many from the Holy Trinity of horror writers. I remember reading "The Fog" by James Herbert when I was at school and from then on was hooked. I distinctly recall struggling to read some of the pages. One particular incident with a pair of shears and a man's...erm...that's enough of that. Anyway, other horror writers I admire a great deal include: Stephen King's earlier works; Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles; Dean Koontz; Graham Masterton; Edgar Allan Poe and possibly my favourite - the ephemeral Clive Barker.

---Do you read science fiction?---

Oh yes, big time! Loads of special writers in the SF cat include:Issac Assimov, Arthur C Clarke and the like. I honestly believe that the latter is one of the greatest visionaries the world has ever seen (the modern day equivalent of HG Wells). The 2001 series is a very special sequence of books being a testimony to the genius of the Sri Lankan loving genius.


---How many harry potter books have you read?---

Only one and that was from curiosity. My daughter loves 'em along with millions across the world although it's fashionable to knock JK Rowling these days, somewhat unfairly really. She's simply blended a number of influences to concoct a heady mix of children's adventure that appeals to young and old alike.

I read "Goblet of Fire", which I enjoyed as a change from some mundane stuff I was reading at the time. I did briefly consider buying the audio version of the "Order of the Pheonix" but prices seem prohibitive so I've given up on that idea for now. I did try The Hobbit by Tolkien a few years ago but this man simply is not a good writer. The style was dull, the story boring and so it was I gave up on the writer more people seem to bang on about than anyone else.


---Have you ever read and enjoyed biographies or autobiographies?---

I can't say that I've read any biogr
aphies at all. Actually, that's not true come to think of it. I read Paul Merson's story a while back which was a fascinating story of addiction. You kind of empathised with the high profile footballer but getting hooked on booze, gambling and drugs did seem a bit much.

Otherwise, stories about people's lives doesn't really grab me. I mean, the Paul Merson book was borrowed from my brother. I think I'd be tempted to read the Frank Skinner story but only if it meant me not buying the book myself.

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

Aye Carumba! Now we are going back a while. I always loved reading as a kid and recall books like "The Far Away Tree" (I think) and, of course, the obligatory Roald Dahl. "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" was one among many that the shed dwelling, story writing genius would produce that kept kiddies like me rapt throughout. I always though "The Great Glass Elevator" was a bit of a let down in comparison but it tended to me that kind of fantasy story, even back then, that got me going.

---Have you re-read these books as a grown-up?---

Not really. The books I read as a kid don't compare to the books I read now. I am interested in seeing what my daughter devours although it's mainly Tracey Beaker etc that she adores along with the Sleepover Club tales.

---Is there a book of which you can say it has influenced you?---

Book are powerful influences in their own right. Several have captured my imagination but the Orwellian tales of "Animal Farm" and "1984" stand out the most. In particular, the cold war implications of "1984" created powerful images that resonate still today. There are a number of phrases from the book that have made it into general language whilst it seems uncanny that George Orwell's greatest work happened to be his last. I read "1984
" at school and was blown away by the socio-political workings of what was a compelling story anyway. If there's one book that everyone should read, it's "1984"

---Which are your favourite authors?---

Virtually impossible to answer but Clive Barker, James Herbert etc would be amongst them.

---Which book would you take with you on a desert island?---

I'm not sure that just one book would keep you going for too long but maybe my Viz annuals to keep my sense of humour in tact. Otherwise, I really don't know and probably wouldn't care if the desert island was over Mauritius way.


---What is your attitude towards translations?---

Quite topical, really, given the publicity surrounding David Beckham's "My Side" being translated into Chinese along with the inclusion of some Chinese phrases to make the book more palatable to the indigenous population. Otherwise, I don't really see what the problem is with translations as long as it's a reasonably accurate representation as a written piece of work should be preserved as a piece of art to all intents and purposes.


---Do you buy your books/get them from the library/borrow them from friends/steal them?--

I generally buy books. I've tried lending from the library but the deadlines are often too tight (usually 21 days) and I'd only end up paying a load of fines as I wouldn't get time to renew them. It seems to take me an age to get through a book these days with everything else that goes on. I only borrow occasionally from my brother who loves to read although he has somewhat different tastes to me. He tried to get me into Raymond Feist once but I found that dungeons and dragons stuff a bit dull whilst my sister-in-law bet money I'd like Terry Pratchett with my sense of humour. Sadly, I hated the book I started and gave up a few chapters in.

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

I'd only really buy a hard back from a book club or something. Otherwise, I think they are a lot of money for what they are. I tend to buy paperbacks. Having moved house, last weekend, we've got boxes of books (both paperbacks and hardbacks from my wifee's book clubs) which we don't know what to do with and that's having given a load away to charity already!

---Have you ever tried Audio Books?---

I listened to a Jack Higgins story only recently which I've had added as a category to review. I'm struggling for inspiration in terms of serious reviews (i.e. movies/books) so when I get my writing head back, I will review it along with a number of excellent movies I've seen recently (watch "Catch Me If You Can" - Superb!)

Oh well, back to work tomorrow having been away for a while so I hope this opinion holds some interest. I do love reading and am always on the look out for inspiration as to what to read next. Sorry Tooyoo/T2 review, I've probably killed a lot of reads (well, one or two) posting this so soon *sigh*

Thanks for reading

Marandina
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If you want to participate in this challenge, choose one of the Top 10 categories you're sure you'll never want to write in, or indeed, this category. Use the title of this opinion, then copy the questions and fill in your answers. I'm assuming the new cat will be sorted by the guides involved....

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