It’s been over a year since I’ve done any tags. I love doing them (they’re so much fun), but early last year life got real busy and so many tags piled up on top of other blog posts that I decided to pass on all of them. But recently I was tagged by one of my favorite authors, John A. Heldt, and I simply couldn’t resist.

John, the author of critically acclaimed Northwest Passage and American Journey series, is a longtime friend, and I always look forward to reading his books. He blogs quite regularly, so if you have a few minutes, do check out his blog and books.

Q & A

What book has been on your shelf the longest?

The Shinning by Stephen King. I’m a big Stephen King fan, but for some reason, I never got around to reading this masterpiece by him. I bought the book 2 years back but still haven’t got around to reading it.

What is your current read, your last read, and the book you’ll read next?

Currently, I’m reading Hanna’s Moon by John A. Heldt. My last read was The Beekeeper’s Daughter and my next read is going to be Under The Dome by Stephen King

What book did everyone like but you hated?

Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling. I won’t say I hated the book, but I was simply not able to get into it in spite of most of my friends loving it.

What book do you keep telling yourself you’ll read but you probably won’t?

Fifty Shades Of Grey by E.L. James and 77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz. Both are horrific reads, first one figuratively and the second one literally.

What book are you saving for retirement?

Life’s too short to wait to read a book, but I do plan on re-reading several books after my “retirement” – ASOIF Series, HP Series, etc.

Last page: Read it first or save until the end?

Always save it until the end. Who the hell reads the last page anyway. If won’t make any sense, to say the least, and it would just end up revealing the end. Two big no-nos for me.

Acknowledgement: Waste of paper and ink or interesting aside?

Being a writer myself, I know how much hard work goes into a book and that is why I love reading acknowledgments page of every single book I read. It makes me feel more connected to the author and the people involved in the making of the book.

Which book character would you switch places with?

Arya Stark of ASOIAF series. It would be hard, but I’d do it anyway.

Do you have a book that reminds you of something specific in your life?

Game Of Thrones (ASOIAF #1)  by George R.R. Martin. I won’t go into the details but Ned Stark reminds me of my father a lot and the things that happened to him do too.

Name a book that you acquired in an interesting way.

I almost always buy my own books, so the most interesting way was getting 3 to 4 books delivered by my library at my doorstep every month for an entire year while I was a member. I’m not a member anymore as I realized that libraries are not for me as I hate returning books I love. So I buy them now.

Have you ever given a book away for a special reason to a special person?

Yes. I’ve given the first copy of my debut novel to my husband. And will keep on giving him the first copy of all my novels.

Which book has been with you most places?

The World’s Best Fairytales by Reader’s Digest Association. It is a big book of fairy tales passed on to me by my grandfather. I’ve had it for as long as I can remember.

Any required reading that you hated in high school that wasn’t so bad two years later? 

I’ve not yet read any of Shakespear’s plays because I never enjoyed them in high school.

Used or brand new?

Brand new only. I like my books to be mine and mine alone.

Have you ever read a Dan Brown book?

Yes, I’ve read three of his books: The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol, and Inferno.

Have you ever seen a movie you liked more than the book?

Not better than the book, but equally good – The Hobbit (all three movies.)

Have you ever read a book that’s made you hungry, cookbooks included?

I love cooking (baking to be specific) and I bought The Chocolate And Coffee Bible a few years back. It has some amazing chocolate and coffee recipes and it still makes me hungry every time I flip through its pages.

Who is the person whose book advice you’ll always take?

My blogging book friend Kim.

Is there a book outside your comfort zone you ended up loving?

None so far.

Okay, now for tagging others…

Kim at By Hook Or By Book

Phoenix at Phoenix Grey

Galit at Coffee n’ Notes

Kate M. Colby at her Fiction Blog

If anyone other than the above mentions wants to do this tag then feel free to consider yourself tagged.

Hope you all having a great start to your week!