Category: Book Blogger Hop Page 1 of 5

Man, it’s been too long since I’ve done one of these. Time to get back in the swing of things, I generally have fun with these.

This prompt was submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver’s Review:

Do you post Happy Publication Day posts for books you read?

Not as such, no. I do see plenty of people tweeting that kind of thing—or posting to Facebook, etc., etc. But I rarely do that.

I try to do a blog post on the release day for books I receive an advanced copy of—hopefully a repost of my already written thoughts on a book or I’ll sometimes get a post up on the day itself if I didn’t have my act together in time.

I also make a practice of noting the release of books that I’m interested in or am excited to read in my Saturday Miscellany posts.

I’ve thought about moving that to Tuesdays, but that seems like too much work, and just one more thing for me to keep track of.

If you do, how do you commemorate publication day for books?

(authors need not reply, we all know you’re obsessively clicking refresh to see sales numbers)

Man, it’s been too long since I’ve done one of these. Time to get back in the swing of things, I generally have fun with these.

This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:

How many books are on your “to be read” list?

It’s Schrödinger’s List…there are too many and not nearly enough at the same time.

Technically, right now it’s:

	Audio	E-book	Physical	Goodreads Want-to-Read	NetGalley Shelf
	6	49	68	155	5

So…283, I guess. Blech. I need to work on that. I should be at 279 or less by the end of the month.

(unless of course, I add something between now and then)

How healthy (however you want to define it) is your list?

This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:

What review rating system do you employ?

I’m just copying and pasting my About My Ratings page for this answer—why reinvent the wheel? I did take the opportunity to rephrase a couple of things a little, correct a typo or two (and I’m trying really hard not to think about how many years those typos existed without me seeing them), and generally brush it up for this answer and on the page. So, I’m glad this question made me look at the page.

I will talk about my love for Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin books at any excuse I get. As an alternative to the ubiquitous 5-Star schema, I’ve thought about adopting Wolfe’s Rating System (or Archie’s take on it). From Plot It Yourself:

I divide the books Nero Wolfe reads into four grades: A, B, C, and D. If, when he comes down to the office from the plant rooms at six o’clock, he picks up his current book and opens to his place before he rings for beer, and if his place was marked with a thin strip of gold, five inches long and an inch wide, which was presented to him some years ago by a grateful client, the book is an A. If he picks up the book before he rings, but his place was marked with a piece of paper, it is a B. If he rings and then picks up the book, and he had dog-eared a page to mark his place, it is a C. If he waits until Fritz has brought the beer and he has poured to pick up the book, and his place was dog-eared, it’s a D. I haven’t kept score, but I would say that of the two hundred or so books he reads in a year not more than five or six get an A.

If I knew how to portray that graphically, I still might adopt it. Seriously, if anyone reading this has any ideas—I’m open.

Actually, I’m of a mixed-mind about rating books, it seems demeaning (and pretty subjective) to grade them like this. But it’s also handy to be able to tell at a glance what someone thinks of a book. So, here’s my approach. For now, I’ll stick to the seemingly standard star ratings, but I regularly think about replacing it.

= Grade: A. I loved it. Blew me away. Knocked my socks off. The stuff that dreams are made of. Get thee to a bookstore/library and put this on the top of your TBR pile!

= Grade: B. Highly recommended. Very entertaining (where applicable), well-written, and whatnot. More than worth the time to read.

= Grade: C. I liked it. It’s good. It gets the job done—entertains/educates/keeps your interest/whatever the job is. The book as a whole might not be dazzling, but it’s worth your time. I’d continue the series/reading books by the author. Recommended. I want to stress this word here: Recommended. I suggest you read this book.

= Grade: D. Don’t bother. It’s not bad per se, it’s just not good.

= Grade: F. This is not a book to be lightly tossed aside. It should be thrown with great force.

I also use half-stars for something that’s almost the next whole number, but I can’t quite justify it for this space (but will round up for places like Goodreads/Amazon/NetGalley).

Comments, quibbles, suggestions?

This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:

What questions would you ask any author if you had the chance?

This question got me going in a few different directions—if we defined “any author” as a particular one: what would I ask? Like what do I want to ask Jim Butcher about? What would I ask Lisa Lutz?, and so on (although we do know what I’d ask Nick Kowlakowsi, K.R.R. Lockhaven, Noelle Holten, etc.). Or are these generic questions you’d ask any author you found yourself talking to?

Then I started thinking—is this for publication or for my own benefit? (in other words—can I get into spoilers and further details?)

I think if I started coming up with fantasy questions for a particular author, this post would be too long to finish (for you or me). Once I got past the Chris Farley stage with Seanan McGuire, for example (You remember that time that Toby got stabbed in Rosemary and Rue? That was cool…Remember that time Toby got stabbed in [virtually any other title]?…) I could go on for hours with her.

So let’s go with the questions I find myself asking just about everyone—because I like hearing the variety of answers (not because I’m lazy*). I know authors get tired of answering, “Where do you get your ideas?”, even if most of them don’t react as antagonistically as Rachel Wallace does, so I ask, “What was it about the idea behind [insert title here] that made you want to spend X months with it?” I also like hearing answers to, “What challenges did you experience in writing [insert title here], and are those particular to this book, or is it the same stuff you struggle with all the time?” I borrowed those notions from Anton Strout’s podcast, the answers he got from those were some of the more interesting in the interviews. Honestly, at the end of the day, just sitting down and talking to an author about any/all parts of the process would be rewarding. I’ve done it once outside of the Q&As I do for the blog and had a great time.

* Well, I am…but it’s not applicable here.

I’m not sure I actually answered this week’s prompt, but I talked around it a lot. Good ’nuff.

What would you ask an author?

This prompt was submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver’s Reviews:

When you write your reviews which do you discuss more – the plot or the characters?

I’d liked to say it’s about 50/50—and perhaps overall it is.

My initial reaction to this question was, “It depends on the book.” There are some books where the plot is the star—because of the inventiveness, the intricacy, the unexpected X + Y of the ingredients, the hook, or whatever. When it comes to other books, it’s all about the character—the protagonist, the antagonist, or best friend/sidekick are what’s captured my imagination.

But after a little reflection,* I think I typically talk about character more than plot. There are two reasons for that—first, it’s easier to be spoiler-free when talking about characters. But the second reason is the big one—it’s characters more than story, setting, magic, science-y fiction bits, gross murders, or whatever that we connect to. We want people we can connect with, relate to, and live vicariously through—and it’s those characters that draw a reader to a book. Obviously, we all want great plots and the rest—don’t give me a P.I. novel without any action or plot, or a fantasy novel without some sword-play or spell-casting or whatever. But give me people I care about doing those things. I think most readers are the same way, so that’s what I write toward.

* Not much, because I have the feeling if I think about this too much, I’m going to spend 3 hours doing an audit of 10 years worth of posts and be able to give hard numbers.

Do the scales balance in your reviews?

This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:

Do you still enjoy reading children’s books?

I have relatives that would consider 90+% of what I read to be childish, but that’s probably not the same thing.

Even before the new feature I started this year, Grandpappy’s Corner, I’ve always gladly accepted requests from Children’s and Picture Book Authors to talk about their books–and I’ve even bought a few for myself over the last couple of years. There’s something about them that just sparks joy (also, it’s pretty low investment of time and energy in return for that spark).

Some of my favorite books over the last few years have been written for kids–and several of my favorite books ever fit have been, too.

There’s that oft-quoted line from C.S. Lewis

I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children’s story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children’s story.

I’d absolutely agree with that.

I think a better question is why wouldn’t you like children’s books?

When I started this, I thought it was going to be a longer piece. But, eh…who needs that?

Do you still read children’s books?

This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:

What would the title of your autobiography be?

This is a tough one, beyond thinking that I’d ever write an autobiography. Still, I enjoyed trying to come up with something fitting. Here are a few scattered ideas that I’ve gathered over the last few days:

The Irresponsible Reader—hey, I’ve got a brand (of sorts), lean into it, right?
…That Reminds Me of Something I Read—I’ve started noticing how often I can derail a conversation into being about something I read, something I remember my conversation partner mentioning reading lately, some book I’ve seen on a blog somewhere that the conversation reminds me of. If I were to write an autobiography, it’d end up being filled with these kinds of things. It’s probably the best title I can think of.
A Life In Books—it feels a bit pretentious and would be better for a librarian, bookseller, or prolific writer.
Pax, Amor, et Lepos in Iocando—this is a reference to one of my favorite children’s books, the name of my little-used personal blog, and what I hope I focus on
I Can’t Imagine Anyone Wants to Read this, But… —self-deprecation may be the kiss of death in an Autobiography title, but it’s honest.

What would you call your life story?

This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:

Have you ever been told that you have an excessive number of books? If so, what was your reaction?

Just about any time someone sees my collection—or asks how many books I own. And those people don’t even see my ebooks or audiobooks!! I should probably print up a graphic representation of those just so they really know what they’re commenting on.

My wife used to say that frequently—especially when she’d think about downsizing, or wondered where I’d put the next shelf. In the last couple of years, she hasn’t said anything like that. She’s either given up on me or accepted who I am. Becoming empty nesters probably helped with that, as my books aren’t competing with the kids for space anymore. She even got me a nice “It’s not hoarding if it’s books” sign for my office door.

When someone says that to me I generally agree, because it’s true—I have an unreasonable number of books for someone who isn’t Belle’s Beast. But then I’ll go on to say that I still need more. Because that’s also true. I may add something about how many books I currently have ordered and am waiting to arrive, just to elicit an eye-roll or sad shake of the head over my incorrigibility for my own amusement.

Yes, it will be a burden on my children (or whoever they hire) to go through them all when I’m bereft of life and resting in peace. But that’s not really my problem, is it?*

* That took a dark turn there, didn’t it? That’s what I get for going for stream-of-conscious responses on these posts.

How do you react to comments about your library size?

This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:

Do you spend your lunchtime reading?

I have three primary reading sessions a day–before work (assuming I can stay awake), during lunch, and in the evening (although I try to squeeze in a few others). I talked about my lunchtime routine in the past, back when I worked in an office. Now, I primarily work from home–and my lunchtime reading is so much better*.

Why? Because after I grab a bite, my book and I settle down and am joined by my dog. This is what the rest of the hour looks like:

Can’t get any better than that, can it?

* Okay, most things are.

Do you eat your lunch with a side of book?

My sister’s 2¢ arrived after I posted this, but I didn’t want to leave her out (I left her out of enough things when we were kids, I need to stop that*).

* That’s a joke obviously—my little sister was the cool one, I was the one with the books.

This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:

Are books a must-have in your home?

This seemed like a no-brainer of a question to answer, but I was fairly certain that whatever I ended up saying would sound a lot like something I’ve said before, so I decided to crowdsource the answer and reached out to family and friends asking them to respond to, “Are books a must-have in my home?” Here are their responses:

Steve
I’ve heard of a Chinese proverb, something like “never ask a fish about water.”

I would suppose that’s because a fish doesn’t know how important water is until it’s removed from it.

I pray you never have to be removed from printed words and their life-giving nourishment.

Steve’s known me longer than anyone who doesn’t share my last name or DNA, he knows whereof he speaks

Rosemarie
My first inclination is to go full Sicilian with my answer. I’ll be polite though and ask you, “Che cavolo dici?”

Must-have…are we talking defined as an essential or highly desirable item? Let me ask you these questions in return. Does Stephanie Plum need Janet Evanovich? Is Charles Portis essential for Reuben J. Cogburn? How about Atticus, Jem, and Scout? Was Harper Lee essential to them? Would Mr. Darcy be desirable if not for Jane Austen? Would Lucy and Mr. Tumnus ever meet if not Lewis? What would H.C. have named his children if not for the books in his home?

Yes, I would say books are essential in H.C.’s home. But then I have always had a flair for the obvious.

Victor
Home? I thought he lived in a library branch!

Nicole
Initial reaction to this question

Paul
“Are books a must-have in your home?” Does a fish need water? Car need gas….or electricity?? A camel need a hump? Or 2?? Peanut butter need jelly?? Elvis need Pike? Spenser need Hawk?? Quinn need Lily?? Rebus need Shiv?? A house of yours without books would be like the vacuum of space, nothingness hurtling at the speed of light in all directions, nothingness in chaos with nothingness…utter senselessness, utterly!!

Nisha
Yes!!

(I really hoped to have a paragraph or two, especially since I like to poke fun and be rotten. However, time and creativity escaped me!)

I was hoping for something more, honestly, but so were they. Figured Nisha would bring the funny, as they rarely pass up the chance to be rotten to their uncle–but I’ve been there, time and creativity are harsh and finicky mistresses. And, hey, “Yes!!” is accurate.

Carleigh, my daughter

I’m sensing a theme.

Owen, my oldest
He just sent me this FB screenshot from when we were preparing to move a couple of years ago:

A long day of work and being the family IT tech got the better of him, and he had to go with a practical answer.

My Sister
Are marshmallows a must-have for s’mores?
Is water a must-have for fish?
Is a flame a must-have for a fire?
Is oxygen a must-have to breathe?

I’m no expert on any of these things except s’mores and maybe breathing. But, I’m pretty sure books are as essential in H.C.’s home as any of these!

I would say they go together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong.

Be grateful that I’m not a BookTuber or a podcaster, no one wants to hear what that would’ve sounded like.)

My Dad
Q: Are books a must-have in H.C.’s home?

A: Absolutely! Yes, unless H.C. can totally reinvent himself and his home, family, and life. What kind of book? Probably doesn’t matter that much.

My Wife
That’s like asking if food, water, and clothing are must-haves.

My Mom (who goes last because she got serious and earnest about it)

H.C. has never lived without books in his home. He was read to and told stories from the time he was born.

At age 3 his readers weren’t always able to read to him when he wanted so he began reading on his own. He proved that he was truly reading, not just reciting books that had been read to him, when he began reading the local newspaper to himself. His appetite for books has continually grown. As his mother, I learned that I needed to read whatever books he was reading at the time so I could continue to talk to him about topics that were important and interesting to him. I ended up reading different genres (is that the right word?) of books than I would have on my own and found interesting topics and styles of writing. He outgrew me in High School with reading and requiring books to keep exploring and learning and enjoying. Fortunately, he had access to libraries since there were only so many places to shelve books in his home. He reads and re-reads books because he enjoyed them so much the first time. He remembers who wrote what book/s. He remembers the content of books he read yesterday, last month, and 30 years ago. He knows what books to recommend to or give to family members based on their interests. He treats books and their authors with respect and awe. He sees books as friends, as pathways to learning, and as entertainment. He shares books and his love of books with people he cares about as well as with people he doesn’t know. He thrives on books challenging him. The question of books being a must-have in H.C.’s home is not even a question. Makes as much sense as asking if H.C.’s body needs air, water, and food.

Oh, look, another theme.

What about you—is a house a home without a book?