NS September 3rd, 2009
I mentioned before that I was intrigued with the idea of Bibliotherapy, offered by the School of Life here in London. In my post, from January of this year, I said that it was something I’d like for my birthday, which is in late June. My sister, being the amazing sibling that she is, remembered this and bought a session for me as a gift for my 30th. Does she rock, or what?!
However, being a busy person and mother of two little people who command my attention for 14 hours a day, I only just got around to emailing them about it this week. The lady who wrote back asked me to fill out a questionnaire before we proceeded and I, being the blogger always on the lookout for blog fodder that I am, couldn’t help but notice that it woud make a great meme. So, stolen directly from the School of Life, I give you a little Bibliotherapy Q&A:
Q. How would you describe your current reading habits?
A. I read a lot of news, blogs and zines online and am also always in the middle of at least one or two non-fiction books and one novel
Q. In a bookshop, do you tend to find yourself in the fiction or the non-fiction department?
A. Usually both but probably a little bit more in the non-fiction
Q. What novels and authors have you loved in the past?
A. Margaret Atwood, John Irving, Bill Bryson, Dave Eggers, Doris Lessing, Janet Fitch, Alex Garland
Q. Did books feature largely in your childhood?
A. Absolutely
Q. Where do you read?
A. In bed, on the sofa, outside, in coffee shops
Q. Why do you read?
A. To learn, to escape, to feel or imagine something I’ve never felt or imagined before
Q. What do you most hope to get out of a novel?
A. To have been so absorbed in it, so attuned with it that I feel either great joy or grief upon finishing it
Q. Do you like the challenge of a big fat tome or do you prefer something slim?
A. I don’t particularly like either a massive tome or a very slim book, just something in between.
Q. Do you always finish the books you start?
A. Always, even if I’m not that taken with it. In fact, even if I downright hate it (case in point: Empire Falls)
Q. If there were such a thing as a perfect novel for you, what would it be like?
A. It would incorporate history, fantasy, philosophy and culture into a societal commentary that makes me think, laugh, cry and dream of worlds or ideas I hadn’t thought possible. It would be full of wonderful, unique prose and devoid of literary cliches.
ABOUT YOU
Q. How old are you?
A. 30
Q. Are you single, co-habiting, married, divorced? Do you have kids?
A. Married with two young children (3 and 1)
Q. What do you do for a living?
A. I look after my children at home where I do part-time doing freelance work for an online news website. I am also a feminist blogger and advocate for mothers’ issues
Q. What is preoccupying you at the moment?
A. I’m researching my first book (non-fiction)
Q. Are there any personal dramas currently occurring in your life?
A. Not really. Just the daily drama of being responsible for two small children all day and being a bit cash-strapped
Q. What are your passions?
A. Writing, reading, photography, film, horses and wine
Q. What is missing from your life?
A. The time to pursue my passions and nurture my talents
Q. Where would you like to be in your life in 10 years’ time?
A. I would like to be an established writer and be happy with the balance between my responsibilities to my family and being my true self
I tag anyone who loves to read and/or could use a little free therapy.