I've just returned from a meeting in Cambridge so I'm posting this late here in the UK (it is 3:45pm).. because I took the opportunity of a free afternoon in Cambridge's wonderful book shops... I only bought a few- and they were on sale- very restrained for me!!!
So with my head full of books I've seen and a long wish list in my mind, I bring you a Friday Five on books!!!
1. Fiction what kind, detective novels, historical stuff, thrillers, romance????
I guess I like a bit of suspense from a novel, but not a thriller and definitely not detective fiction. I also enjoy more random post-modern stuff especially Douglas Coupland- Hey Nostradamus and Eleanor Rigby were great novels, I enjoy the inter-weaving of thoughts and personalities he writes so well!
2. When you get a really good book do you read it all in one chunk or savour it slowly?
I used to take great chunks of time to read, I remember one holiday when I was 11, spending all day curled in a chair reading- it was beautiful outside but I found the book utterly captivating...
These days I read in small bites and have to savour stuff slowly, even bedtime reading tends to be short as I fall asleep! Ah well one day me a chair and a book!
3. Is there a book you keep returning to and why?
Non Fiction: Mike gave me a copy of Nicola Slee's Praying like a woman last year, I have returned to that again and again, he posted a prayer in response to a post I wrote about Chris and it really resonated with me, her prayers do that, they seem to capture my thoughts and feelings well....if I have no words ( unusual it is true) then I will read her prayers, I suspect I will return to that book again and again!
Poetry- a collection by R.S.Thomas
4. Apart from the Bible which non-fiction book has influenced you the most?
No contest, John Drane's What is the New Age still saying to the Church?; when I was asked to be involved in ministry to spiritual seekers my initial response was quite negative, but I was encouraged to hear and read some of John's work and I was hooked. I now minister regularly in the New Age/ spiritual seeker arena through workshops and exhibitions and I love the work.... a role that was made for me in many ways !
5. Describe a perfect place to read. ( could be anywhere!!!)
On my own in a quiet house, sitting in my favourite chair, with a good cup of tea and uninterrupted time, I enjoy reading like this the best, but any time will do, I'm not a sunbathing reader, if I'm out doors I'm probably walking, though I occasionally read in the garden in summer! I do get frustrated at lack of time for reading.... ah well!
