Reading

What's the first book you remember reading? 

I remember being exposed to those ‘inappropriate’ books about the Adventures of Noddy by Enid Blyton!! 

Are you a dog-ear page folder or fancy bookmarker kinda reader? 

I do both. Prefer a bookmark but will fold the corner if I don’t have one.

What are you reading right now? 

Nothing for pleasure.

What was the last book you read? 

Adam Voigt – Restoring Teaching

What book will you read next? 

No idea

Self-help books – food for the soul or vomit-worthy? 

I have read a few ‘positive thinking’ type books over the years but prefer to read about inspirationally successful human beings.

Ever stolen a book? Tell us…… 

Yes, kept a book when I had to move out of an Air bnb at Christmas because I hadn’t finished it. I made sure it went back to a second-hand library.

Can you even be bothered to read anymore now you have a smart phone? Why? 

Absolutely, I use a screen way more than I want to for work, so books are an awesome break. I hate reading books on a screen.

Have you read a book more than once? 

Yes

What is the longest book you’ve read? 

Not sure – Maybe Lord of the Rings…

Did you ever visit a city or place just because you read about it in a book you loved? 

I don’t think so.

Is there a snack or drink you indulge yourself in during reading sessions? 

Cups of tea!!

Do you enjoy reading for pleasure? 

Yes. It’s what I look forward to in the summer holidays!!

Books versus e-books – got an opinion? 

Haven’t read e-books.

Audiobooks – love ‘em or loath ‘em? 

Never listened to one. I’m sure they have their place, though. I’ve always thought they would be good on a long car trip.

Biggest library fine you’ve ever received? 

Haven’t received one.

Best library you’ve visited? 

The State Library in Melbourne never fails to impress me.

What was your high school library like? 

A standard school library… The librarian was a champ, though. Mrs Campbell, she was a lovely lady who took a real interest in students and their families. You could go in and have a great old chat, particularly in the senior years of school.

Fiction or non-fiction? 

Prefer the escapism of fiction.

What is your favourite or least favourite genre? 

Hate Science fiction.

Did you enjoy reading in high school? 

Some English texts were a chore, particularly Shakespeare!!

Do schools even need a school library now? 

Absolutely!! Everyone should be exposed to non-algorithmic choice for reading.

Book clubs – Fun or Hideous? 

I’ve never been involved in one. Maybe when I retire…

 Do you ever annotate books?  Scribble? Post-it notes? Highlighters? 

Yes. Usually, resource or reference type books. Or if there is a great life quote that I might use in my classes!! Then I usually tag the page.

Phone/Newspapers/magazines/comics…what’s your morning brekkie read? 

Newspaper.

Is there a book you just couldn’t finish? 

Last Christmas, I just couldn’t finish a book about Hudson Fysh, a Gallipoli veteran and WWI Flying Corp gunner who founded Qantas. I enjoyed the majority of the book, it was only the very last part of the book which was recent history; I had too many other books that were waiting to be read!

Which version first? Book before movie or movie before book? 

Book before movie, preferably.

Can you name a book that kept you up at night?

 Heaps, in recent years The Hunger Games.

If you could only take one book to a deserted island… 

a notebook.

Ever tried to read a book in a different language? 

Yes, in French, it was hopeless.

Your High School library – a safe refuge or to be avoided at all costs? 

Neither

Ever wanted to eat/cook something after reading about it in a book? 

Yes, many times.

Hardcover or soft? 

Either

Big fonts…..are we there yet? (no judgement here…)😉 

Not there yet!! But glasses help!!

Librarians…..devils in disguise or helpful? 

Very helpful.

Are you a dog ear page folder or fancy bookmarker kinda reader?

I love using my bookmarks that my girls have made for me over the years (I will send you a photo of some of them). 

What was the last book you read?

The Rugmaker of Mazar-E-Sharif, which is Zoe's Year 10 text. I really enjoyed it as I love autobiography's and found his journey extraordinary.

Can you even be bothered to read anymore now you have a smart phone? Why?

I don't enjoy reading off devices and would much rather read a book when I have the time. Reading a book is way more enjoyable and productive than mindless scrolling.......and your book doesn't flip from landscape to panorama when you change positions. So annoying!!

Fiction or non fiction?

I like fiction but don't seem to find a lot of time to read so I am always keen to get a good recommendation, such as Gone Girl or The Dry. I have always enjoyed books related to war stories for some reason so did enjoy The Zookeepers Wife. Autobiographies do seem to be my favorite so enjoyed reading The Happiest Man on Earth, Mao's Last Dancer, I am Malala and Wild.