Which children’s book are you currently reading?
Jane Doe and the Cradle of All Worlds
Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?
Quoting straight from the publisher’s blurb (because I know how much time and effort goes into writing these!):
‘When a fierce quake strikes the remote island of Bluehaven, and her father disappears, Jane Doe is thrown headfirst into an epic quest to bring him home. But this ain’t no ordinary rescue mission — her father is lost in a place between worlds; a dangerous labyrinth of shifting rooms, infernal booby traps and secret gateways.’
How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?
I’m thoroughly enjoying it! It’s fast-paced, well-written and keeps me needing to read ‘just one more chapter’.
What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?
My daughter. She finished it last week and told me I had to read it. And that I also had to make a note to get her the next one in the series as soon as it comes out … sigh …
What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?
I’ve just finished Michelle Obama’s Becoming (can’t recommend it highly enough) and next up will be Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton.
How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?
Personal choice.
Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?
I read just about anything and everything — no favourites. I usually have a mix of fiction and non-fiction, kids, YA and adult waiting for me. And my to-be-read pile never seems to grow smaller! However, I do have times when some genres appeal more than others. For example, when I’m at my busiest and staring down the barrel of multiple deadlines, I devour thrillers. I find they’re the best way for me to switch off and stop thinking about work.
Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.
I read printed books plus eBooks on my Kindle. When we moved countries just over a year ago, I donated several thousand books to the local university, and while I’m thrilled they went to a good home, it was heartbreaking parting with them. But we simply couldn’t have shipped them all to our new home.
That experience has made me very aware of piling up books on shelves so I now read about 70 per cent of the adult fiction and non-fiction that I buy as eBooks and keep the printed form for those where I particularly love the design or format. (I only borrow printed books from the library, and kids’ books are always in printed form too whether bought or borrowed.) I’ve noticed though that I seem to be developing a habit where, if I especially love a book I’ve read in ebook form, I then have to buy the printed version. Weird but true!
www.ekbooks.org
www.anouskajones.com
