christianreader | The survey that's going around

Reading something frivolous? Or something serious?
I think "serious frivolity", like Lizzi said. I try not to read too much fluffy chick-lit or trashy romance novels, but I'm sure somewhere out there someone is judging me for reading too much romantic suspense fiction and not enough serious literature. :-P

Paperbacks? Or hardcovers?
Paperbacks are nicer for reading, but I love the way hardcovers look on the shelves. If I really love a book I usually buy it in both so I can read one and keep one looking pretty!

Fiction? Or Nonfiction?
Fiction...the only nonfiction I like usually has to do with cooking.

Poetry? Or Prose?
Prose. I just don't get the appeal of poetry.

Biographies? Or Autobiographies?
Autobiography -- I'd rather read someone's own version of events than an outsider's views.

History? Or Historical Fiction?
Historical fiction is okay as long as it's not too anachronistic. There are tons of historical romances I want to love but can't because the characters are just modern people playing dress-up.

Series? Or Stand-alones?
Stand-alone. I don't mind a series if I love the characters enough, but in general I don't finish a good book and then think, "Oh the author should write more about this!" If you can tell the story in one book, then just allow it to stand on it's own.

Classics? Or best-sellers?
A mix of both, with a bias toward classics.

Lurid, fruity prose? Or straight-forward, basic prose?
Again a mix of both, with a bias toward the second. I love authors like Mary Stewart who don't use more words than are necessary but still make the story come to life.

Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness?
Plot. I'm not a fan of meandering narration.

Long books? Or Short?
Definitely depends on the book. I do love long books I can really sink into, but the longer they are the more amazing they have to be. <-- What Lizzi said.

Illustrated? Or Non-illustrated?
I prefer non-illustrated unless it's a children's book, for the same reason that I'm reluctant to embrace movies based on books I love. I want to see characters how I see them, not how someone else interpreted them.

Borrowed? Or Owned?
Owned, definitely. I hate the "hurry up and read this so you can give it back!" feeling of a borrowed book.

New? Or Used?
Either. If I'm going to spend full price for it then I want the nicest, prettiest new copy available, but I also love the already-worn-in way that used books feel in your hands.