I Love Books

 

Of course I do. I became a writer because I love reading. I always have a book on the go and I read even more when I’m on holiday. I’ve signed up for the Good Reads challenge and I’m three books ahead.

As you may already know I keep another blog about books I recommend. Each month I nominate the book I’ve enjoyed the most as my recommended read.

Ask me today what’s the best book ever and I’ll say one thing; I’ll probably say something totally different another day.

So, I thought I might try and analyse which sort of books I’ve enjoyed reading and try and work out why.

I read a lot of children’s book, but I particularly enjoy reading ones written for young adults and teen and for fairly fluent readers at the top end of primary school. I used to be a high school teaches so I guess that makes sense of the teen and YA books, and of course I’ve written a few for them. I like owning picture books because they usually look so gorgeous and are often so tactile. Having an MA in Writing for Children and being a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and CWIG (Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group – within the Society of Authors) means I’ve become quite knowledgeable about children’s books.

I enjoy historical novels, especially those set around World War II. Again, I write about that period and I’m not afraid to address the Holocaust.

Some classic appeal to me, and two years ago on holiday I read a lot of John Steinbeck. I also like Charles Dickens.

I’m a member of a reading group and this means I often read some newish releases, most of which I enjoy.

I’ve always been a fan of Maeve Binchy.  We were fortunate enough to holiday in her home village one year.  I could live there and write, I’m sure. Binchy is neither literary nor genre. Her stories are usually about women but they’re not quite the sort of story you see in women’s magazines. Will I ever be as well received as she is?

I’m also quite keen on Margaret Attwood.

I quite like memoir as long at the person who is writing is interesting enough.

I’m not too know-it-all; I still enjoy reading books on writers’ craft.  

I like to support my writing friends and people I’ve published. Generally, if they let me know about a publication I’ll buy it and read it.     

Some thrillers and detective stories are fine.

I’m a real sucker for a good Christmas story and will even read Chick-lit for this season. However, I can’t take too much Chick-lit.

I’m interested as well in book about physics – as long as they’re easy enough to understand.  

I’ll dip into the Booker short list though sometimes I’ve found them a little demanding. Then again, even though I enjoy a really relaxing book I also like to be challenged.

Philosophy appeals as well – I like to be invited to think.

I like writing and reading about near futures.

Occasionally I read in other languages- French, German or Spanish.       

Take a look at my Recommended Reads https://gillsrecommendedreads.blogspot.com/