The Bookworm Tag

Nancy at Readerbuzz tagged her followers with 'The Bookworm Tag'. Very simple rules:

-answer the questions

-make up new ones

-tag people

Here are her questions:

1. If you had to pick one book that has most influenced your life in a positive way (other than a religious book), what would it be?

A very difficult question. Maybe I would choose A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, even if I read it recently, and can't really say that it has influenced my life. But, what I took with me with the book, was Rostov's positive outlook on life. To accept the way life treated him and make the best of it. I think this is a rare feature in general. However, I have always tried interesting things that turned up in my life. I usually say that I jumped on the train when it passed by. Even if I did not exactly know where it was heading.

2. What is the wisest book you have read?

I would probably go for most books by Paulo Coelho. I love his books and the wisdom he provides.

3. Would you rather read a million books quickly or a few books slowly?

Probably read a million books quickly. Sometimes when I read reviews, see new books, I panic a little bit, since I know I will not have time to read them all.

4. How many books do you read in a year?

Around 100, give or take.

5. Do you have a favorite poem?

Yes, I have a few. Here is first and last paragraph from An Arundel Tomb by Philip Larkin.

Side by side, their faces blurred,

The earl and countess lie in stone,

Their proper habits vaguely shown

As jointed armour, stiffened pleat,

And that faint hint of the absurd—

The little dogs under their feet.

...

Time has transfigured them into

Untruth. The stone fidelity

They hardly meant has come to be

Their final blazon, and to prove

Our almost-instinct almost true:

What will survive of us is love.

6. What's your favorite classic? How were you introduced to it?

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I did read it when I was rather young, but got more into it, when joining the Brontë Reading Group in Brussels. There it was analysed and I saw it in a different light. Still my favourite though.

7. Was there a time in your life when you were not a reader? If so, what changed?

Yes, when I got my son. Half a year later I moved to another country, new job, another language, new family, new house (renovation object) with a big garden. It took some years before I had time to read again.

8. The average person in America reads less than one book a year. Do you have ideas about how we can reach the un-booked?

A quick look at the statistics for Sweden (inhabitants around 11 millions) reveals that around 74% of the grownups read a book at least once a year, while 20% listen to a book. Maybe this is the answer. I think a lot of people find it easier to listen to a book than reading one. Many people are commuting every day and it might be a good time to listen to a book? Maybe this is the way to go?

9. What book did you read that you thought you'd hate, but ended up loving?

I can't really think of any.

10. What books led you to become a reader?

I can't think of any one especially. My reading came gradually. I liked very much the Angelique book series by Sergeant Golon when I was younger. It is historical fiction and maybe this is why I still love this genre. It made me interested in history and the Sun king, and led me to r eading also nonfiction. I still have the first 13 books on my shelves. I think they have written a few more. Maybe, I should have a look.

My questions