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Habitual Reader Profiles - Page 2
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Name: Vicki Delany |
| City & Country: Oakville, Ontario, Canada | |
| Vocation / Avocation: Writer/Reader | |
| Website: www.vickidelany.com |
Why I'm a Habitual Reader:
I am giving myself a retirement and moving party and I've asked everyone to give me a copy of their favourite book. Along with a note explaining why it is their favourite and why they think I'll like it. I can't wait to see what I'll be getting!
Why am I a habitual reader? Because I read habitually? My worst nightmare is to be trapped on an airplane or in a train with nothing to read. Do you remember last summer when for a few days the airlines were not allowing anything to be carried on the plane. Not even a book! I simply cannot imagine being on a crowded little plane with nothing to read but the in-flight magazine. Maybe for 7 or 8 hours. They'd carry me off, kicking and screaming. I read mysteries, almost exclusively, although I will read a non-mystery if it is recommended to me. I am also a writer of mysteries, and have had 2 books published (and a new one due out in October 2007). In my free time I am either writing or I am reading. I don't go to movies (maybe about one a year) and I don't watch TV or rent movies. I read. Reading makes me happy. I am retiring from my job at the end of March - can't wait for all the reading time that will be available to me!
My List of Ten: LifeTime Favourites (so far!)
1. To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
It has been described as the perfect book, and I agree. My father first read
it to me when I was young, so I probably have a sentimental attachment to it,
but I know he was reading it because of the message, and because he loved it
as well.
2. Lord of the Rings
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
I've probably read the three LOTR books 20 or more times. One of the first
things I'm going to do in my retirement is read it all again. I love the language,
yes it's stiff and formal, but so well done. Funny enough I don't read any
other fantasy books.
3. An Instance of the Fingerpost
Author: Iain Pears
My favourite mystery. It's just layered and layered with meaning, and the reader
burrows through until coming across nothing less than a discussion of the meaning
of divinity. Perfection. I am not generally a lover of historical mysteries.
Funny how two of my top three books are a genre I don't normally read.
4. Dream of Scipio
Author: Iain Pears
Not a mystery, but another wonderful book by Pears. The interweaving of three
time periods to come up with universal truths is exceptionally well done.
5. Wuthering Heights
Author: Emily Bronte
I could have also mentioned Jane Eyre by Emily's sister Charlotte. Just good
writing.
6. Keeping Watch
Author: Laurie R. King
A truly powerful book about damaged people putting themselves back together.
King's description of the Vietnam War years is heartbreaking.
7. Pure in Heart
Author: Susan Hill
Exactly what I want in a mystery - in which the life and mind of the protaganist
is more important to the plot than the crime he's trying to solve.
8. Daughter of Time
Author: Josephine Tey
A perfect mystery novel. The detective doesn't even get out of bed, but solves
an age-old mystery.
9. The Lorax
Author: Dr. Seuss
I read this book to my children many, many times. A good way of talking to
children about environmental issues.
10. The early books of
Author: Sara Paretsky
The V.I. Warshaski books turned me on to mysteries, largely because they showed
that women can be mystery heroes also.
Have you read any of these titles? Review one now.
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