Honesty BTT!

Suggested by JM:

I receive a lot of review books, but I have never once told lies about the book just because I got a free copy of it. However, some authors seem to feel that if they send you a copy of their book for free, you should give it a positive review.

Do you think reviewers are obligated to put up a good review of a book, even if they don’t like it? Have we come to a point where reviewers *need* to put up disclaimers to (hopefully) save themselves from being harassed by unhappy authors who get negative reviews?

should we look like this???

It IS sad that we have come to disclaimers! I wrote an entire post on this subject just last week: Are you polite? Honest? Both? Let's talk. Is being polite more valued than honesty? I would say you can speak with honesty...and be polite at the same time. As critics, we book bloggers need to be able to take the heat for our reviews, but there is also a fine line where we need to be respected, and our opinions negative or positive should be fine with any author, publicist or family member of any of the before mentioned. Life it tough, get over the criticism, move on, grow from it! Sugar coated reviews are a thing of loathing, no one who writes reviews should say they liked something when they didn't, it would be completely unfair to their readership! I do understand that you can point out things that you liked about the book, but do not neglect to mention the things that bugged you...be HONEST your readers will appreciate it.

BTT: WHY BUY??

some of my books :)

I’ve asked, in the past, about whether you more often buy your books, or get them from libraries. What I want to know today, is, WHY BUY?

Even if you are a die-hard fan of the public library system, I’m betting you have at least ONE permanent resident of your bookshelves in your house. I’m betting that no real book-lover can go through life without owning at least one book. So … why that one? What made you buy the books that you actually own, even though your usual preference is to borrow and return them?

If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?

Oh I own most of them!! I love going to goodwill, and checking out their books. We live in a university town (GO BEAVES!!!) and so when the students are done with their books, and too lazy to go to sell them back they donate them to goodwill! Yay, tons of good novels, good reads and books are there for about $2.99 each!! Who could pass that up??

I love the library, but there is something about owning the book. However I use the library for tons of stuff, the kids can figure out which books they really like, and then we can buy them, they are into "Don't Let the Pigeon drive the Bus!!!!!" and "Harry the Dirty Dog" if we hadn't gone and checked them out at the lib, we wouldn't have known. I use it too for book club, we are blessed with the most amazing library...tons of new books! And they have book club bags. You can check out a bag with 10 books in it! I know that many of you proably have those too...but I'm just sayin', that is COOL!

However in all honesty since I started reviewing books on here I have bought very few of my own, and I NEVER buy new. I know...never say never and it is true because probably tomorrow I will decide I HAVE to have a book and buy it. Anyway, with so many review copies coming in, and the fun giveaways you all have....I am pretty overloaded right now. Even spending money on a book makes my stomach sick. I can't do it right now, I need to read what I have.

Anyway...KEEP READING that is all that really matters :)
Have a perfect Thursday.

Presents!!!

What, if any, memorable or special book have you ever gotten as a present? Birthday or otherwise. What made it so notable? The person who gave it? The book itself? The “gift aura?”

When I lived in Spain, my grandma would send us tons of presents every year for christmas. I think because she thought we felt bad about living so far away from "the goods", as Spain was not so into consumerisim (back then).
Of all the expensive stuff we got, I had a favourite, one year my grandpa (not my grandma) made a special trip out to the store to find a book for me. My mom had mentioned that I was really into reading. He picked out Call of the Wild/ White Fang combo book, and wrapped it himself. I loved getting it, and reading it and that he had picked it for me. My grandma loved to shop, so she always bought everything for us, I was so pleased he got to choose something for me that he thought I would like. I loved it, still do.

conditions

Mariel suggested this week’s question.

Are you a spine breaker? Or a dog-earer? Do you expect to keep your books in pristine condition even after you have read them? Does watching other readers bend the cover all the way round make you flinch or squeal in pain?

I used to underline, make notes and do all of the above. Now I dog ear when I like a quote, and yes I am a spine breaker. I'll break yours too if you aren't careful!! hahaha...no, I would never do that! Oh, but I can bend the cover around and it is fine, because I am being gentle, but if my hubby (B) does it...yes I do flinch. Talk about a double standard!

BTT: Couples

Monica suggested this one:

Got this idea from Literary Feline during her recent contest:

“Name a favorite literary couple and tell me why they are a favorite. If you cannot choose just one, that is okay too. Name as many as you like–sometimes narrowing down a list can be extremely difficult and painful. Or maybe that’s just me.”

I will pick a few, and to me couple just means two, not a romantic couple:

Franny and Zooey in Franny and Zooey by Salinger- they are stunning! eccentric, confused, confusing and still both are written with such beauty.

Hazel and Fiver in Watership Down- A true portrayal of friendships ups and downs, trust, courage and love all shown by two rabbits...amazing.

The Wednesday sisters- yep them all...how could I take two away from the rest!?! This will be on my top five books this year, I just finished it and can't get over the emotion, the love, and the closeness that grows through pain to tie the bonds tighter.

peer pressure- btt

This week’s Booking Through Thursday question is:

Suggested by JM:

I was looking through books yesterday at the shops and saw all the Twilight books, which I know basically nothing about. What I do know is that I’m beginning to feel like I’m the *only* person who knows nothing about them.

Despite being almost broke and trying to save money, I almost bought the expensive book (Australian book prices are often completely nutty) just because I felt the need to be ‘up’ on what everyone else was reading.

Have you ever felt pressured to read something because ‘everyone else’ was reading it? Have you ever given in and read the book(s) in question or do you resist? If you are a reviewer, etc, do you feel it’s your duty to keep up on current trends?

Me? Nope, not usually. I just had one such incident with The Gargoyle, everyone loves it....to me it is overworked yuk. I thought I might go back after the book bloggie peeps said how great it was, but I didn't feel any great need to.

The answer to the question is that if something that everyone likes is good I have no problem liking it, but if it isn't I have no problem letting people know that I did not like it at all.

I do read things that I would not usually read, but more because I am exposed to them. Book bloggies get me out of my general rut and on to new things. Most of the time I end up enjoying the books for sure :)

What about you?? Do you feel the pressure!?

ps, I got my picture above, and some good info on peer pressure here.

BTT: stories!

If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite reasons to read is for the story. Not for the character development and interaction. Not because of the descriptive, emotive powers of the writer. Not because of deep, literary meaning hidden beneath layers of metaphor. (Even though those are all good things.) No … it’s because you want to know what happens next?

Or, um, is it just me?

Nope, for sure that is meeeeeeeee too. all the way. I enjoy beauty, but mostly I like to entertained, and carried away into a world not close (not that I don't want to be where I am...but a vacation is always nice!) to where I am physically. Yes and what drives me in a book, is fo sho what happens next. no doubt. haha!

Character development comes in second, tied with beautiful writing.

What do you think?

other worlds

Q:Are there any particular worlds in books where you’d like to live?

A:Oh, I would love to live in many of the worlds, even many of them that seem dangerous or too unknown for comfort. I currently have been reading a lot about Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and India. And while these nations are not where I would move my family right now, there is a pull for me to them, no matter how unsafe I still crave a visit at least. I know for sure since I am fluent in Spanish, that any Spanish speaking nation would be a dream to visit for sure.

I have also been very enticed by mystical worlds, worlds not altogether true, but very true when you read them. Places such as Hobbiton, in The Lord Of The Rings books are so fantastic that I actually dreamed several times that I was living there.

Q:Or where you certainly would NOT want to live?

A:I can honestly say that there is no place that if I was given a ticket to that I would not go. I promise. I love travel, I love to see and enjoy a place for the first time. And although, as I mention above some places are in more difficult situations and the journey would not be carefree, but I believe it would always be worth it. There is too much to learn from other places, other peoples, and cultures.

Q: What about authors? If you were a character, who would you trust to write your life?

A: Oh, If I were a character I would...well I have no idea. I have never thought of authors in combo with me. I think that that is a hard question. I don't have any idea. I think my main problem is that I read mainly fiction, and my story would be non-fiction if it were my story, and I don't have any idea at all.

Make sure you enter my GIVEAWAY for BELONGING, the book of poetry is incredible!!!

doomsday + 2 GIVEAWAYS!

One of my favorite bookstores burned down last weekend, and while I only got to visit there while I was on vacation, it made me stop and think.

What would you do if, all of a sudden, your favorite source of books was unavailable?

Whether it’s a local book shop, your town library, or an internet shop … what would you do if, suddenly, they were out of business? Devastatingly, and with no warning? Where would you go for books instead? What would you do? If it was a local business you would try to help out the owners? Would you just calmly start buying from some other store? Visit the library in the next town instead? Would it be devastating? Or just a blip in your reading habit?

oh, what would I do? I would read the books that I have, I probably have enough to keep my busy for some time...years and years. So, maybe that would be what I would do. I read books mainly from the lib, and ones that I find at goodwill or the local arc (used store) or the Book Bin. I head up to Powell's every once in a while....but they are too expensive when I am used to getting bargains. I only go there if I want an outing, and really want a specific book.

So, what would I do....I guess find another source or read what I have!!! I really should read what I have anyway....

Oh, and I am having a GIVEAWAY!!!!! Make sure you comment here(Did I Expect Angels?) and here (The Heartbreak Diet) to enter, plus blog about it and you'll get two more entries!!!

btt: a reader

Q:What, in your opinion, is the definition of a “reader.” A person who indiscriminately reads everything in sight? A person who reads BOOKS? A person who reads, period, no matter what it is? … Or, more specific? Like the specific person who’s reading something you wrote?

A:Well, to me a reader is a person who on a consistent basis enjoys reading books in their spare time. There is obliviously the definition of reader for anyone who can read, and that is understandable too, as in for little kids and such. But, for me I would assume that we are already talking about adults, and those who are literate...so in that case a reader is someone who enjoys the act of reading, and not just a certain series, and then never again, but someone who is consistent with their pleasure in reading, and someone who seeks it out (ei little kid who can never check out enough books at the lib, or adults who enjoy a good book with their evening tea or on the porch). Reading does not need to be snobby, and I think the snobbery of exclusion has lasted long enough...reading is a joy and a reader will know that feeling of blis in picking up a book to read. To me a reader is unlike a knowledge-grabber who is on the constant drive to know more, so they can blast you away with all the titles, all the really boring books, and all the facts....to me readers tend to not feel the need to brag about their books, since their joy of reading comes from within, and not from an external praise they would receive. Don't get me wrong we all need encouragement, but I am talking about reading for show,or for what others would assume of us for having read so much, to me that is not a true reader since their pleasure comes not from books but from the glory. (we all like to brag a little though right!?) :)

What do you think? What is a reader to you? Are you a reader? Have you always been a reader, or did something trigger it later on in your life?

ps. all of us bookie bloggers would definitely be considered readers!! We are readers over breathers, hhahaha!!! :) If we aren't readers...than no one is!

BTT: FLAVOR

Think about your favorite authors, your favorite books . . . what is it about them that makes you love them above all the other authors you’ve read? The stories? The characters? The way they appear to relish the taste of words on the tongue? The way they’re unafraid to show the nitty-gritty of life? How they sweep you off to a new, distant place? What is it about those books and authors that makes them resonate with you in ways that other, perfectly good books and authors do not?

When I enjoy a book, I really enjoy a book it has taken me somewhere. I have hopped on a plane weather the place be real of fictional and have "really been" there throughout the reading process of the entire book. If a book fails to deliver, it has failed to make me believe that I have really "been" anywhere but my own imagination.

The places I most like to be are different from my own, I would love to travel, constantly in real life and visit people and places. But since my husband has a job, and we have two little boys (2 and 4) I travel in my books. However for me, my literary traveling goes much deeper than just being somewhere else...I feel that when I go there I am learning about what the culture eats, some of their special customs, some of the things that are struggles for that country, and what unites me with them. People are the same everywhere in the world, and yet very different as well...depending on what they have gone through (war, famine, complacency, overeating....) but, there is a common human bond, a thread of life by which I feel tied to all the peoples of the world.

Having said that, there are peoples lives that I am not interested in. I find them generaly in classiscs, as most classics are writen about afluent wealthy people who live big and hurt even bigger. I know not all classics fit into this category and there are books that are not classics that would (so don't freak!). The ones I am talking about are where there is a wealthy american/european couple/family/individual and they trample everything around them, their servants, eachother's lives, pretty much any part of the world that they come into contact with and then in the end realize: "there was no point in that". AHHHHH! It drives me crazy. I guess mainly books like Portrait of a Lady and Anna Karenina, and that is where I have stopped counting. I know many of you don't feel this way about the classics...and since I am about to begin my reading for the Classics Challenge I should not be feeling this way either. So do you know of any classics that I could read for the Classics Challenge that wouldn't fit into the conquer and devour section of my library? I have read classics such as To Kill A Mockingbird, and Uncle Tom's Cabin and LOVE them...are there any more like that that you could recommend?? And what about you, what books really take you somewhere that you love and want to go?

HAPPY BTT everyone!

BTT: warning, who cares!

Have your book-tastes changed over the years? More fiction? Less? Books that are darker and more serious? Lighter and more frivolous? Challenging? Easy? How-to books over novels? Mysteries over Romance?

Oh, wow are you sure you want to ask me that!!?!?!?! Well, I am sure! I have developed a security in my reading choices over my (short) years. Especially when starting out at Oregon State University as a lit. major, it was easy to get caught up in the mentality- if it isn't absolutely, insanely boring and horrid to get though you are not punishing yourself enough by reading it, and you should go to the lib. and grab one that will bore you to tears in order for it to be a proper lit read!!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Now I read what I want, I am secure in my choices and I go by no one elses standards, only my own. I have developed a security that a good book is something you do have to read, but not something that you earn by reading the stupid (sorry) 800 pages until you arrive at. Yes, this is still a common feeling between English majors especially- not so much in my major Spanish Lit. since that is more focused on magical realism and diversity, and immigration and the value of all human beings.
The feelings of insufficiency creep in every once in a while when I am asked (by my book club) to read books such as Anna Karenina, or what we are supposed to have read by this Saturday Portrait of a Lady by Henry James....My insecurities creep under my pillow at night and I feel that if I were a true reader I would EARN my stripes, in a self punishment type of way. However deep down I have learned that I need not punish myself for reading, I will read what I enjoy and have developed the security to back that up! No more do I have the need to it-would-look-good, or then-you-would-have-read-that-classic! I do enjoy some classics, and if I enjoy them, I read them....if not...I have realized in my life I have no one to please, not need to match up, and I can even read chick lit and not feel brainless. I read what I choose, not what will make me look good.

Sorry to load emotion to this answer...but it was there, asking to be spoken for.
How do you feel, why do you read a book, do you secretly hope that someone sees the cover and thinks of you in a certain way, or are you embarrassed to read a brainless book because then you could be considered an average reader??

compilcated? nope.

Suggested by: Thisisnotabookclub

Q:What is reading, anyway? Novels, comics, graphic novels, manga, e-books, audiobooks — which of these is reading these days? Are they all reading? Only some of them? What are your personal qualifications for something to be “reading” — why? If something isn’t reading, why not? Does it matter? Does it impact your desire to sample a source if you find out a premise you liked the sound of is in a format you don’t consider to be reading? Share your personal definition of reading, and how you came to have that stance.

(Two weeks late for Reading is Fundamental week, but, well…)

A: I don't think even I can go long winded on this one, reading is simply the act of following the letters on a page, while trying to comprehend what is being said by the words. Kids can do it, I can do it...it really is pretty simple. I am not into classifications, and hoops to jump through, yes cereal box reading is reading too!!! I am not exclusive, but inclusive when it comes to most things, why not let everybody in?!
Do you feel differently, the same?

manuals-shmanuals

Following up last week’s question about reading writing/grammar guides, this week, we’re expanding the question….

Scenario: You’ve just bought some complicated gadget home . . . do you read the accompanying documentation? Or not?

Do you ever read manuals?

Yes, almost always actually. I read instructions for putting bookshelves together, and that way I get it right on the first try. I don't have the time or patience to waste on figuring things out. If it is something like a TV or a DVD player or a computer...I don't. Those are easy to figure out for me.

How-to books?

yes, right now I am reading one on chickens, actually two. I have "Living With Chickens" and another one too. I enjoy knowing about things that I am interested in, but when I move on to something else then I will read about that until I am sick of it too.

Self-help guides?

not so much.

Anything at all?

well, I am not one of those people who will read anything that is before them, just to be reading....nope. I sit and think mostly, especially while eating breakfast. It is too early for my eyes, and for sure for my mind!

That is the way I am! What do you do?

BTT: what would YOU do?

Question: Quick! It’s an emergency! You just got an urgent call about a family emergency and had to rush to the airport with barely time to grab your wallet and your passport. But now, you’re stuck at the airport with nothing to read. What do you do??

And, no, you did NOT have time to grab your bookbag, or the book next to your bed. You were . . . grocery shopping when you got the call and have nothing with you but your wallet and your passport (which you fortuitously brought with you in case they asked for ID in the ethnic food aisle). This is hypothetical, remember….

Honestly I would just sit...probably wander, and people watch. I am a blatant people observer, and the pickin's are especially rich at the airport. I always think it is funny that people actually dress up to fly! I am the opposite, but to me comfort is more important than the appearance I will display when I arrive at my destination. I know, i know sometimes business people fly and need to look nice, but there are tons of people who are not going to a meeting when they land and it seems they still look uncomfortable.

Anyway, yes...I people watch, and in this situation that is what I would do too. I am not lost without books, at least not for short intervals...and that is not all I think about. Huh, I guess I could head over to the duty-free shop for some chocolate.

vocabulary!!

Suggested by Nithin:

Q: I’ve always wondered what other people do when they come across a word/phrase that they’ve never heard before. I mean, do they jot it down on paper so they can look it up later, or do they stop reading to look it up on the dictionary/google it or do they just continue reading and forget about the word?

A: Uhm, yes I am the breeze-right-through-it person. I try to figure it out by context, but I am too lazy to look words up in a dictionary! I tend to not really even think twice about it if I don't get it, then I don't get it...no worries.

I actually know someone who does sit there with a dictionary and he literally stops every couple of pages even if he knows what the word means, but it interested in the dictionary definition of it!!! That is my hubby, not me. I am the opposite.

BTT: Writing Challenge

Q:

• Pick up the nearest book. (I’m sure you must have one nearby.)
• Turn to page 123.
• What is the first sentence on the page?
• The last sentence on the page?
• Now . . . connect them together….
  (And no, you may not transcribe the entire page of the book–that’s cheating!)

A: The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
first: I went to the kitchen and washed my glass.
last: "He's got nothing to do with me. He can become a diet member or an astronaut, for all I care."

So for all of you BTT readers out there....I am going to connect the sentences together by writing my own story, yes , this is not part of the book (only the bold is on the actual p 123 of the book) Check it out!



I went to the Kitchen and washed my glass. While doing this chore I could hear her in the background. I am amazed by her unceasing. I raised my eyebrows to myself, and smiled a sad, sad smile. It isn't that she only did it at times, it was a continuous flow of jabber that I soon would not be able to bear even with my newly installed flesh-tone earplugs. Life has changed, it was not this way when we were married, we used to lust after one another with our eyes fixed, we used to take turns, we used to care. I remember thinking, "how did I know to choose so well? How did she?" Now she is unceasing and I am constantly waiting, just only for one thing: that she would cease. That she would give up and let me say only one word. I know, that may not last me forever, but it would buy me some good time.

I don't think she even believes that I am still here, I am uncertain as to where I would go, but I am sure she has come up with many exciting ideas, ideas much better than our current reality. Maybe she doesn't even think of me anymore. Life should be better. I will just say what I want to, so that she cannot forget that I am here, I will be here, I have chosen to belong to her and her to me until death do us part, right? Well the death has not yet taken place, so I must exist here with her. This is what I am thinking when I burst into my wives unceasing conversation with herself only to say: "He's got nothing to do with me. He can become a diet member or an astronaut, for all I care." And then I wonder why that is what I waited so long to say.

BTT: LIT-RA-CHUR!

• When somebody mentions “literature,” what’s the first thing you think of? (Dickens? Tolstoy? Shakespeare?)

Answer: To me literature is much more than the very famous, sometimes hard to read classics. Tolstoy, Dickens and Shakespeare are definitely literature, but I would refer to them as classic literature not just lit in general. Lit-ra-chur to me is the written word, it is as much from European kings and queens as it is of the slaves and peasants. I believe literature are those that move you, change you. Lit is not for the wealthy to call their own, or books written about the wealthy (as in many of the classics), to me it is worldwide and classwide and encompasses much more.

Here is wikipedia's answer:

The word "literature" has different meanings depending on who is using it and in what context. It could be applied broadly to mean any symbolic record, encompassing everything from images and sculptures to letters. In a more narrow sense the term could mean only text composed of letters, or other examples of symbolic written language (Egyptian hieroglyphs, for example). An even more narrow interpretation is that text have a physical form, such as on paper or some other portable form, to the exclusion of inscriptions or digital media. The Muslim scholar and philosopher Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (702-765 AD) defined Literature as follows: "Literature is the garment which one puts on what he says or writes so that it may appear more attractive."^[2] Panghilito Luigi added that literature is a slice of life that has been given direction and meaning, an artistic interpretation of the world according to the percipient's point of views. Frequently, the texts that make up literature crossed over these boundaries. Illustrated stories, hypertexts, cave paintings and inscribed monuments have all at one time or another pushed the boundaries of "literature."

I agree with this definition, it encompasses much more than we seem to give it credit for, this is my favourite quote that I found when looking into this topic, it is by philosopher Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (702-765 AD) who defined Literature as follows: "Literature is the garment which one puts on what he says or writes so that it may appear more attractive."

This is my main ramble:

It could even be said that the title"literature" is actually taken from worthy subjects to elevate others to a more valued and reverenced place. Literature is the voice of the people, weather told in the oral tradition of passing down through generations, or in the written form and so on. I believe westerners, and those brought up in a western education system need to be careful to not exclude all things unknown, or those not originating from high-class Europe or the US, that is to be an elitist...and that is no good. There is so much amazing literature worldwide! That is what I have to say about that. (sorry, I think this struck a deep place in my heart...)

• Do you read “literature” (however you define it) for pleasure? Or is it something that you read only when you must?

So, since my definition is very broad for literature...I do read literature all the time. I read it every day, and I love reading it, I love submitting myself to the author and entering new places, and far-away lands.

BTT: I choose books by their covers!

Q:While acknowledging that we can’t judge books by their covers, how much does the design of a book affect your reading enjoyment? Hardcover vs. softcover? Trade paperback vs. mass market paperback? Font? Illustrations? Etc.?

A: Well, honestly I do pick up books for their cover. I am won over by a well designed cover. This mainly has to do with my interest in aesthetics...and my value of graphic design and art...but also if a book looks really boring...I'll leave it be. Covers are important in picking up a book, but once i am into the book I don't even think about it. So, I guess it is more advertising to me...a good book has a good cover right!?

Softcover...DEFINITELY...with a matte finish for sure!

I am not sure I understand the difference between a trade paperback and mass market. I think the trade paperback is done on better quality stuff, and if that is the case trade paperback...mass market seems like it is the glossy cheap-o cover, but that is just what I am guessing. Am I right?

Font- I haven't ever even noticed a difference in fonts...what is wrong with me?
Illustrations- this is a hard one...if I am reading kids books to my two little ones illustrations are a HUGE part, because they are too young to read, but for me illustrations must be done right or they should just be left out. I don't like the silly little drawings that are in some books...they lower the quality...but if an illustration is stunning, well, then I am all for it!

What did you think...sorry I got this up so late!!!!

Q:You’ve just reached the end of a book . . . what do you do now? Savor and muse over the book? Dive right into the next one? Go take the dog for a walk, the kids to the park, before even thinking about the next book you’re going to read? What?

(Obviously, there can be more than one answer, here–a book with a cliff-hanger is going to engender different reactions than a serene, stand-alone, but you get the idea!)

A: For me, this answer is definitely as said above, based on each individual book. I just finished a book that was only 97 pages, but the book was so intense and filled with poetry-like writing so as to let me chew on the cud for much longer. For me it depends on subject matter, and time and much else. I don't know that I can answer this one straight up, bummer.

In the last week I have finished three books, there's a (slight) chance I might be going to hell, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and I'Jaam (which I will review later today, and is a book filled with little morsels of tid-bits to taste and re-taste when you begin to think about it again). The others, the chick-lit...with that you don't need to think when it is over, you have done enough while it was being read, it goes no deeper than surface value, nothing to ponder. That is fine, that is why I "took a break" to read it.

So my answer: it depends fully on the book, my mood, my emotions, and how much it impacted me.

What about you!?