Book Meme

I don't remember where I came across this "book meme"... but I thought the questions were fun! Feel free to copy it to your blog and add your own answers. Let me know if you do. I'd love to know what you think!

Hardback or trade paperback or mass market paperback?

Paperback... the trade paperbacks are nicer, but the mass market paperbacks are easier to take along! I usually prefer paperbacks because they take up less room on the shelf... thus leaving room for more books!

Bookmark or dog-ear?

As a long-time dog-earer I'm trying to break that habit and use bookmarks. I've started collecting free bookmarks so that I usually have plenty around... because if one is not handy, then yep, I'll dog-ear the page!

Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random?

Definitely not random... but my system is not strictly alphabetical either. I group similar books together. All my Sonlight books are in one bookcase arranged by level, then by subject, then in alphabetical order by title-- in other words, they are organized in the same order they appear in the Sonlight catalog. My vintage readers are arranged by series, then by grade level. My vintage Stratemyer Syndicate (and other juvenile series) books are arranged by series, then by book number. Picture books are more loosely organized, grouped by author, but arranged more by size than in alphabetical order. My novels are arranged by subject (historical, chick-lit, fantasy, thriller, etc.) with series together.

Keep, throw away or sell?

I rarely throw a book away-- only if it's in really bad shape or if it was too horrid for anyone to read. I keep way more than I should... but most often, I give books away. I have book giveaways here and on my homeschooling blog. If I come across a book I know someone in my family will enjoy, I'll save it for them. And sometimes I swap books on Paperback Swap.

Keep dust jacket or toss it?

Definitely keep the dust jacket. Especially if the cover under it is plain.

Last book you bought?

Homeschooling at the Speed of Life

Last book someone bought for you?

I can't even remember. I seem to manage to keep myself so well-supplied with books that usually other people don't buy them for me.

What are some of the books on your to-buy list?

I currently have so many books in my "to be read" stack that I don't have a to-buy list right now.

Collection (short stories, same author) or anthology (short stories, different authors)?

I enjoy both.

Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket, or the velvety embrace of Death?

I think Harry Potter was over-rated. Lemony Snicket is just a little funny, but mostly depressing. And I'm not familiar with "the velvety embrace of Death."

Morning reading, afternoon reading, or nighttime reading?

I am most likely to read at night... though I'm not opposed to reading any time!

The books you need to go with other books on your shelves?

I'm currently collecting vintage school readers and vintage juvenile series, so I'm on the look-out for more of those.

Do you read anywhere and anytime you can or do you have a set reading time and/or place?

Anywhere, anytime, of course!

Do you have seasonal reading habits?

If it's nice outside and I have time to relax for a bit in the afternoon, I'll take a book out to the "porch swing."

Do you read one book at a time or do you have two or more books going at once?

I always have several going at once.

What are your pet peeves about the way people treat books?

My biggest pet peeve is if I recommend a book I know a particular person would really like and they never get around to reading it.

Name one book you surprised yourself by liking.

I can't think of one. I don't typically read books I think I won't like. I often get into a book and realize I don't like it... but I don't pick up a book I think I won't like and then end up liking it.

How often do you read a book and not review it on your blog? What are your reasons for not blogging about a book?

I read almost all the books I receive to review... but a lot of times I don't get it read before the blog tour date, so I just post the provided description or first chapter. I usually don't come back and post a review after I read it later.