Booklovers' Quiz

I found this in my memories today and decided to devote a few minutes to a self assessment. 

Prior to commencing I visited the compiler's website and discovered that she is an American author.

I'm typing out the questions so, I invite YOU, my bookaholic friends to copy them and play along. Please let me know if you do.

Here's my self-assessment

1. Read the first chapter of a book in a bookstore

More than once.

2. Bought a book in a bookstore

Getting out without buying a book is a challenge.

3. Stayed up all night to finish a book

Not as often as I did when I was younger.

4. Bought a book you already owned

In the olden days, yes. Now I check Goodreads or Librarything accounts to make sure I haven't read it.

5. Keep track of the books you've read

Goodreads or Librarything.

6. Read more than 20 hours per week

Yes, when I am home. Sometimes travelling gets in the way of my reading habit.

7. Used a receipt as a bookmark

Tickets, Tissues, Receipts, Brochures - whatever is at hand.

8. Follow more than ten authors on social media

Nope.

9. A dog-eared book page makes you cringe

Yes, I can always find a bookmark.

10. Own more than 300 books

Too frightened to count

11. Sniffed a new book before reading

Part of the reading ritual, one of my fave smells

12. Bought a new book without reading the description

Rarely judge a book by its cover.

13.  Cried due to the death of a fictional character

I'm a hard nut but have been driven to tears.

14. Would rather read than go to a party

Depends on the party.

15. Own a piece of clothing declaring your love of reading

Nope.

Truanting

I played hookey from the conference this morning to tour the Norfolk Island home of late Australian Author Colleen McCullough. It differed dramatically from what I expected to see. Colleen was quite the collector. Unfortunately interior pics weren't allowed.

While the house looks traditional from the outside the interior is another story. It has to be seen to be believed!!!

Windows in the dining room were specially commissioned

The Bookshop is decorated according to Colleen's taste

Not a "Must See Site"

Just around the corner from the pub where we had lunch was a former residence of the Dickens family. We stopped in for a visit.

We found a clean, well maintained property that would have provided a comfortable home for Charles and his family. While it had several interesting artefacts and I didn't regret the visit I wouldn't put this site on my list of "don't miss while in London attractions. "

We walked in (for a fee)

Vanity dinnerware?

Whodunnits in Scotland

I came across a new female detective whose antics kept me amused last night.

I'm always on the lookout for some light reading with a mystery attached so I was pleased to meet Marion Todd's creation, Detective Inspector Clare Mackay, as she chased a serial killer in the area near St Andrews in Scotland. The plot was simple, the characters well drawn and I didn't work out who the likely culprit was until a couple of pages before it was revealed. I liked Clare who had been unlucky in love and lived alone with  her dog. The relationship Clare had with her dog and co-workers added some touches of humour to the story. The book's descriptions of the dismal Scottish winter made me realise that my one experience of that season in Scotland was enough, all other visits have been between May and September.

Unfortunately the title I read,  What they knew, was the fourth book in this series, I prefer to read series in order. I chose this as it was the only one by the author immediately available for loan as an eBook from a local library and I didn't realise that it was part of a series. I presume that this series is popular as the other titles had to be placed on hold. I have now placed a hold on the first book, See them run, and will proceed with reading the series in order. I look forward to solving more mysteries and meeting some of Clare's former love interests. 

Vale Margaret May

One of my favourite children's authors when I worked in school libraries was Margaret Mahy.

This report on her memorial service comes from the Christchurch Library blog.

Celebrating Margaret Mahy’s life | Christchurch City Libraries Blog