WOULD YOU RATHER? | BOOK TAG

I just came across this fun set of bookish questions on my friend Katrin’s blog (though I think it originally came from This Girl Reads A Lot) and I just had to post my own answers!

1. Rather read only a series or stand-alone books?
I rarely read series, and when I do, I often get frustrated with how much time I have to spend to find out what happens. There are exceptions to this (notably Harry Potter, of course, and detective series, though they tend to be nearly stand-alone except featuring a character from a previous book, so I don’t know if they really count), but in general I like to dive into a world, and finish it one book later. So, if pressed, I’d choose stand-alone books.

2. Rather read a book whose main character is male or female?
I don’t really have a preference – it’s more about the individual. I like a protagonist who’s honest and has a good sense of humour. Gender really makes no difference to me!

3. Rather only shop at Barnes and Noble (or other bookstore) or Amazon?
I suppose this question is getting at whether we shop online or patronize community bookstores. Though nothing beats hanging out in a real live bookstore, I do almost all of my book shopping online. Occasionally from Amazon, but usually from Book Outlet, AbeBooks, Chapters and Book Depository (wherever the books I’m looking for are cheapest). I’m all about more books for my buck! I particularly like using Book Finder because it allows me to compare prices at several online retailers in one fell swoop. It doesn’t have Chapters, so I’ll usually check there before purchasing, but it’s so much easier than having to check four or five online retailers individually.

4. Rather all books become movies or TV shows?
Hmmm. This is a tough one. It very much depends on the quality of the production. Of course there are some books that lend themselves more easily to a movie, and others that have series potential. But assuming a well-done adaptation and decent production value, I’d probably go for TV show because I can always stop watching if it sucks, but if it doesn’t… well, then I can keep watching indefinitely, and I’m always looking for some good TV to watch!

5. Rather read five pages per day or five books per week?
I don’t think you’ll find many of us bookish folks opting for five pages per day. That’s… nothing. I’d have trouble fitting five books into my weekly schedule at the moment, but assuming I could magically find the time, I’d love to get that much reading done!

6. Rather be a professional book reviewer or author?
While I’d love to say author, I honestly don’t think I’ve got the talent or discipline for it. Reviewing, however, would be wonderful. I’d be able to spend my working hours reading books, which is basically a dream come true. I mean, I read and review books in my spare time around a full time job – that’s how much I love doing it. So to make it my work? No brainer. Sold.

7. Rather only read 20 of the same books over and over or get to read a new book every six months?
I’m not sure what this means… does it mean I’d only get to read two books a year? If so, then that really sucks. But to only get to read the same 20 books forever? Well, that’s not okay, is it? I really don’t think I’m okay with either of these options, though if I was allowed to keep all the new books and re-read them, then I’d take the two a year, because at least after a few years I’d have some books to re-read in between new ones!

8. Rather be a librarian or own a bookstore?
Oh man, either one of these would be wonderful! But if I have to pick…. bookstore. I’ve always fantasized about this. I’d love to spend my time between customers reading behind the counter, to help people who come in find new books to love, and it would be great to be able to buy as many new books as I wanted, live with them for a while, but ultimately let them find new homes. I’d also enjoy making my store unique – I’d have book club meetings, social media, mystery books (as in books wrapped in plain packaging featuring a short description so you’d buy it not knowing what it was – like a present every time you go to the bookstore!), a bar and Harry Potter slumber parties. Karen and I have it all planned out. It would be wonderful.

9. Rather only read your favorite genre or your favorite author?
Genre. Definitely. I mean, I’d still get to read books by my favourite authors that way, but I wouldn’t be as restricted.

10. Rather only read physical books or eBooks?
Physical books, because I absolutely love the act of holding a book and flipping pages. I’d have a hard time when I was out and about (I’ve got a bad back, so e-books mean I can carry a light e-reader or load them on my phone, which saves me a world of hurt), but I’d deal with that somehow!

Alright, that’s it for me – but I’d love to read your answers! If you write a post (or if you’ve already joined in on this tag), share the link in the comments!