In my ongoing series of readers talking about reading we have Christina from Canada giving her perspective. Many thanks, Christina.
Please tell us a little about yourself: for example, background, age range, country, general book reading habits. Christina, 41, Canada. I try to read a novel a week.
In your opinion, what is the power of fiction? It can take you to a different time and place. It can make you feel like you know the characters and that you are part of a story. It pulls on your emotions.
What kind of stories are you drawn to? Any you steer clear of? I love historical fiction, thrillers and biographies. I also like a variety of fiction that are fun and humorous to add some variety to my reading.
What aspects of an author’s writing make you feel like you’re ‘immersed in the novel’s world’ and/or ‘transported in time and place’. The way people and places are described. When you can picture being there, being with the characters. When you fully get to know the characters. When you miss them after the story is done.
Which books read in the past year or so stand out for you and why? A Man Called Ove [by Fredrik Backman], Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine [by Gail Honeyman], Before We Were Yours [by Lisa Wingate] and I Liked My Life [by Abby Fabiaschi]. I felt like I knew the characters. That I was cheering for them, crying with them, that my heart ached for them at times.
How do you decide what books to buy? What influences your book purchases? I follow authors I like on Goodreads. I am part of the Bloom with Tall Poppy writers group on Facebook. I am a member of Audible. I also follow recommendations from Indigo. I also love a great cover. It can stop my in my tracks. I love real books. Physically holding a book. Turning the pages. I also follow many publishing companies on Instagram.
Is there anything about where you live or your particular background that influences your fiction choices? No. I don’t think so.
If there is anything else about reading fiction, the kind of books available today, or the way reading is changing that you’d like to comment on, please do so. I love physical books I hope we never get to a e-book only society. There is something about holding an actual book. I love telling people about books I love and getting them to read them so we can discuss how great they are!
Many thanks, Christina. A novel a week is quite the objective. I’ve checked out the books you mentioned and can see some great ideas for future reads. P.S. Delighted to hear you enjoy historical fiction!
FOR MORE ON READING & WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION FOLLOW A WRITER OF HISTORY (using the widget on the left sidebar)
M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel, TIME AND REGRET was published by Lake Union. Mary’s other novels, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads or on her website www.mktod.com.
2 Responses
Christina,
Thank you for three things: rooting for reading fiction, reading a book a week, and having loved reading Ove!
I was astounded in recent times to discover (among my writer-friends) how many do not read fiction. Period. Yes, an audible gasp is appropriate. They’re obviously unaware of CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien’s take on the importance of fiction and stories in our adult lives. The poor souls, they’re missing out—there’s science to confirm that.
Yes, what can be more rewarding and wonderful to get lost in a book (fiction or memoir) … lose track of time and place and even person … for a while and a half.
Thanks for having her, Mary!
You’re welcome, Danie! Interesting comment you make about writers not reading fiction – and yes, a gasp on my part. I learn so much from reading fiction – what to do and what not to do!!