BOOKS: Goodreads Tags

If there's one resolution for 2014 that I've been pleased with it's outcome already is refinding my love for reading - some books out of my normal comfort zone - a couple of science ones, a memoir and some fiction I wouldn't normally have picked up without winning them through Goodreads. So when I saw this Goodreads based tag upon Sarah's blog, while I'm not necessarily all over tags, I'm somewhat all over books. So let's jump into the deep end!

1. What was the last book you marked as 'read'?

Last week I finally finished reading Carl Sagan's book Cosmos - a book which originally accompanied a TV show here in the US back in the 1980's. I'll be the first to admit I wouldn't of picked this book up without meeting Joe and knowing that Sagan was one of his favorite scientists but it's nice to try something different for a change. Broadly speaking the book narrates how science and civilisation grew up together and therefore how we can explore the planets, space and ultimately the future of our own planet (there'll be a full review come March in my February book round up).

2. What are you currently reading?

Speaking of books I wouldn't necessarily reach for prior to to 2014, Mermaid the memoir of Eileen Cronin who was born without legs after her mother took thalidomide during the 1960's. It's a heartfelt and heartbreaking read. 

3. What was the last book you marked as 'to be read'?

The Hollow Ground by Natalie Harnett which is inspired by the true events of Pennsylvania underground fires in coal county (Centralia and Carbondale). An 11 year old girl whose family is forced to seek refuge with estranged grandparents after the underground fires ravaged the town formerly known as home. Even today, fifty years later the fires still burn away. 

4. What book do you plan on reading next?

Hard decision - I have a couple of books on the American independence and the role of pirates and George Washington biographies, it'll probably end up being one of those but I can never tell until I put the book I'm reading down.

 

5. Do you use the star rating system?

Yeah, but it's hard at times, especially without half stars - then it's always a dilemma - do you round up or round down?! I mean a book might be good, but was it that good - or even that bad?!

6. Are you doing a 2014 Reading Challenge?

That I am, I challenged myself to reading 30 books, apparently I'm already 4 books ahead.

7. Do you have a wish list?

All the books that I don't already own in my to read pile i'd say were on my wishlist. I certainly wouldn't turn a book down.

8. What book do you plan to buy next?

I don't often buy books in the sense of going to a bookstore and/or a website and treating myself - mainly because i'm really tight with books and I always grew up buying second hand ones from charity shops. These days I'll pick up a couple each week at an estate sale or two but you can never tell what you might find or come across which is half the fun.

9. Do you have any favorite quotes, would you like to share a few?

I don't really "do" quotes.

10. Who are your favourite authors?

Too many to name and in no particular order - Melvin Burgess, Daphne du Maurier, Charlotte Bronte, Christian Wolmar, H. G. Wells I guess they would always be at the top of my list.

11. Have you joined any groups?

Nope, I spend too much time online to feel the need to be drawn into anything else. 

12. Are there any questions you'd like to add?

Not really - but anyone can feel free to ask me any book related questions if they'd like.

I'd love to hear how you'd answer any of these questions!

On Goodreads? Add me.