Friday Five: Books, books, books...

Sally sez:

I've just returned from a meeting in Cambridge so I'm posting this late here in the UK (it is 3:45pm).. because I took the opportunity of a free afternoon in Cambridge's wonderful book shops... I only bought a few- and they were on sale- very restrained for me!!!

So with my head full of books I've seen and a long wish list in my mind, I bring you a Friday Five on books!!!

1. Fiction what kind, detective novels, historical stuff, thrillers, romance????

I love lots of different stuff, and I tend to read in cycles: first some sci-fi, then a good mystery, perhaps historic fiction, now fantasy or something different. Favorite authors include Stephen King, Orson Scott Card, Robert Jordan, Ray Bradbury, C.S. Lewis, Douglas Adams and many others, though I will read far and wide depending on my palate at the given moment.

2. When you get a really good book do you read it all in one chunk or savour it slowly?

Must. Devour. Good. Book. NOW. When The Deathly Hallows comes out next month I'll probably take a day off from work to get it all down - I did the same thing with The Dark Tower. I usually pick up more the second time through a good book (and yes, I do re-read my favorites).

3. Is there a book you keep returning to and why?

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. Simply put, Tolkien didn't just write a ripping good epic: he created a history and a mythology of indescribable beauty, wisdom and depth. Like many Ringers, I was terrified when I heard that the Rings movies were going into production; I couldn't see how they would ever make a movie that would capture the tale. Thanks goodness everyone involved committed themselves to doing work that would honor the breadth and beauty of Tolkien's vision.

4. Apart from the Bible which non-fiction book has influenced you the most?

Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Aside from being the inspiration for the name of this blog, Bonhoeffer's vision of what it means to follow Christ challenges and comforts me every time I read it.

5. Describe a perfect place to read. ( could be anywhere!!!)

We took a shot honeymoon on the north shore of Lake Superior just after we were married in 2004, staying at a resort south of Grand Marais, MN. We've returned to the resort twice now, and every time I find myself on the front deck in a rocking adirondack chair with a cup of coffee and a good book, reading and watching the sun rise over the lake. That's time I treasure, especially with a newborn who now rules our early morning hours - I can't wait to get back sometime this year (hopefully).