Book Review: Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Unending Devotion

By Jody Hedlund

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance

_____________________________________

Set in 1883 in a Michigan lumber town, Unending Devotion paints a picture of what the lumber era was like around the turn of the century, a time when it was a booming industry fraught with danger and immorality. The danger was in the very nature of the profession. Immorality was encouraged by the plethora of saloons and brothels that set up shop in the lumber towns. These vices provide the backdrop of the love story belonging to headstrong Lily Young and complacent Connell McCormick. As the two discover each other they also discover that they have some growing to do as individuals before their love can fully bloom. What makes the tale even more compelling is knowing that some of the characters were inspired by true events.

The opening scene in Unending Devotion thrusts the reader directly into action as Lily rescues an unwilling participant from a brothel in the early hours of the morning just before sunrise. Soon after, Oren, the father figure in Lily’s life, is introduced as he whisks the women off to certain safety.

Orphaned a young age, Oren is the closest thing to a father Lily has ever known, even though they have only known one another for about a year, introduced when Lily was hired to be the caretaker of his wife while she was dying so that he could take care of his photography business without worrying about his wife’s safety. They grew close while she was living in their home so it seemed natural after his wife died for Oren to take Lily with him as his assistant in the lumber camps. Lily uses the opportunity to look for her missing sister whom she is certain also needs to be rescued from a life of prostitution.

It is evident how much Oren thinks of her like family when he steps in to protect Lily from Connell, and it is during this comedic meet-cute scene that Lily’s impulsive courage is on full display as she stomps on the foot of the man who had held her captive in his grip. When Connell comes to assist the inn owner, who has her spoon ready to hit someone on behalf of Lily, Lily and Connell somehow end up tripping. They tumble over one another until they get caught in the clothesline where the men hung their wet socks. All tangled in the line, the two fall onto a chair with Lily landing in his lap. Oren busts in the room just in time to see the compromising situation his “daughter” appears to be in and threatens Connell by holding the rifle to his head. As it turns out, though, Lily does not need protection from him but rather the other lusty shanty boys that fill the room. Nonetheless, Oren watches over their impending courtship the way that a father would protect his daughter’s honor.

As the story unfolds both Lily and Connell must learn how to control their weaknesses, use them to their benefit, and grow spiritually. Lily, whose identity has always been wrapped up in her sister’s, must also find out who she is on her own. And Connell discovers that although he likes the self-identity he has found within his family business, he can also leave his own mark on it with his ideas and aspirations for making not only his family business better but also the entire industry.

With the help of some friends from town, the two of them also face their toughest adversary. He just so happens to be the owner of the stockade up on Deadman’s Hill, aptly named for the violence used to control both his patriots and the women who worked for him. Lily dares to fight him any way she can after she discovers that he is luring women to work for him by promising them jobs as respectable hotel maidens and instead subjecting them to a life of prostitution. It doesn’t take long for them to learn that he is an enemy they did not want to make. Nonetheless, at the end of this battle of good versus evil, good prevails.

My Rating:

Unending Devotion is very well written, and I consider it one of the better books I've read. Stylistically, it is easy to follow. However, it does offer opposing character points of view in the same chapter. This is not necessarily a bad thing, except that I personally found that it detracted from the overall experience in a couple of passages. This is because those passages did not have any separation or break between switching from one point of view to another.

On a better note, I love that the book features such strong characters, especially the female characters involved in Lily’s personal life. Hedlund does an excellent job with character growth. They subtly learn from one another in order to become the person that they are meant to be, making them easy to relate to.

Lastly, Hedlund includes important notes about her research for this story at the end of her novel. It is quite interesting to learn of the little-known history of life during the lumber boom. It’s also a little disheartening to know that such evil as that on Deadman’s Hill really did exist. Thank goodness Hedlund is able to also show the hopeful side of life. She leaves the reader with an ending that is not only satisfying but inspiring as well.

A Chat with Maria Jordan

If you’ve ever read anything by Maria Jordan you know that kindness emanates from just about every word she utters. In my experience, that’s just who she is. But Maria is more than kindness and compassion. She is a nursing instructor, a wife, and a friend, among many other roles. She is also the survivor of a traumatic workplace hostage situation. Rather than allow her close call with death to make her bitter and withdrawn she became a stronger champion for kindness and compassion. Each new day she practices what she preaches as she teaches nursing students how to be the best caregiver they can be.

Her writings are further proof of her kind spirit, reflecting her wisdom about the importance of life, self-care, and care for others. They are for anyone, young or old, who may need a gentle reminder to be compassionate with yourself as well as the people around you. In fact, her answers to these interview questions further attest to her big heart.

Author Basics:

1. How would you describe your writing style?

With both fiction and non-fiction, I strive for an authentic, credible, thought-provoking and inspirational style.

2. Who or what inspires you to write?

I started writing beyond my journals in 2011 - a healing mechanism, honoring the wisdom and inspiration my Mother passed on to me. Today, life, family, friends and my nursing students inspire me.

3. What is your favorite genre to write about?

Depending on my muse's timeframe, memoir or essay. A Toolbox For Nurses - From A to Z combine both styles. This was the end product - not necessarily the intention.

4. Is there a genre that you are unable to write about?

While I believe I am able to write most any genre of books, graphic (criminal or sexual) fiction is not my cup of tea. If I don't choose to read it, I'd be just as unlikely to write about it.

5. Do you believe in writer's block?

No. However, I believe in the "not enough time in the day" syndrome...!

6. What is your personal writing process?

I am typically slower in the planning/organizing of my thoughts than in the writing (book, post, paper). I do create a (very) flexible outline of the entire project. It's difficult for me to forge ahead without an overall plan/plot. I carve out a daily time block and try to honor it - allowing for life events that find a way of foiling the best-laid plans. I write my first draft with wild abandon - getting on the "proverbial roll". I have learned not to get mired down in details when writing. I will likely have _______s or paragraphs with (insert ____here) in my initial draft(s). I know myself and honor the way I'm feeling. Some days I will write with broad strokes, while other days I'm wired to research and reflect on those areas that need elaboration.

7. How often do you edit? How many drafts before you publish?

I edit/revise my writing no less than three times. I allow a few days to pass between edits and I take full advantage of my early morning eagle eyes. I also have one or two sets of additional / trusted eyes edit along the way.

8. What does literary success look like to you?

A heartfelt book review. When someone gifts or recommends one of my books. Receiving a handwritten note or email telling me that my writing has been of help or is inspirational.

9. How often do you people watch?

Whenever my eyes are open and people are around me. People watching is in my blood!

Reader Questions:

1. What are you reading right now?

She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb. A fascinating read about a girl, written by a man.

2. What is your all-time favorite book and why?

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. I'll never be too old to read the magic, wonder, and love written in this book for children of all ages. The following exchange says it all...

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." 

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. 

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.

3. What is your favorite genre?

Classic or Realistic Fiction.

4. If you could be any literary character, who would it be and why?

Jo March in Little Women - I love that Jo never settled. She was true to herself, courageous and very loyal to her family.

5. What literary location would be the ideal place for you to live and why?

An English countryside cottage - both inspirational and off-the-grid

6. What was the best book series that you’ve ever read?

The Wicked Years by Gregory Maguire - As a kid, I connected more with the Wicked Witch than Dorothy. In Wicked, I grew to love Elphaba.

7. Who is your favorite author?

Maya Angelou.

8. What genre will you not be caught dead reading?

Graphic (criminal or sexual) fiction.

9. Do you hoard your books?

Yes, I call that "collecting" books!

10. What makes you love a book?

I need to get hooked by the end of the book's first chapter. I especially appreciate credible character development.

Just for Fun:

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Cruelty, meanness, rude behavior of any kind to man or beast.

2. How would you describe your favorite color to someone who is blind?

Combining the softness of a cloud with the refreshing clarity of the ocean. (Powder blue is the color).

3. If your childhood had a smell, what would it be?

Balsam pine and lilacs.

4. Name one thing you would NEVER do again. Why?

Work as a manager ... life is way more important than this type of work.

5. What TV channel does not exist but should?

Although there seems to be way too many channels as it is, how about a news channel for the good and inspirational things that are happening around us?

6. What is the title of the current chapter of your life?

"Teach Your Children Well"

7. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you would unlearn if you could?

No. Even mistakes and hurtful times have served a purpose for me in some manner.

8. If life is a game, what are the rules?

Play/practice the "Golden Rule" at all times.

9. What funny quirks do you have?

I will spontaneously burst into song at the least expected times - usually to cut the tension.

10. If your life were made into a move what actress would play the role of Maria?

Meryl Streep - if she had the time ...

A Chat with William D. Holland

Bill Holland, otherwise known as William D. Holland, is a man of many talents. He shares his wisdom about writing in his weekly Mailbag series on Hubpages, his thoughts and lessons about life via his Artistry with Words blog, and even manages to channel some of the darker truths about life into more meaningful life lessons that bring hope to humanity. His talent as a writer is put to good use creating life-affirming novels, such as Resurrecting Tobias, as well as in his smaller novelas. Even through the minds of some of the most infamous characters imaginable, Bill has a grip on both the good and the bad of worldly reality. If you have not yet read one of his works, I highly recommend that you do. You will not be disappointed.

In the meantime, however, you can get to know this author by reading his responses below. And if you are lucky enough to already know him, you will no doubt still enjoy a further glimpse into this author’s mind.

First Things First

1. Most of us who already know you and your work call you Bill. However, your books list the author as William D. Holland. Why is that?

I thought it sounded more formal and business-like, Shannon. It was one of those random decisions we all make along the way which probably don’t affect a darned thing.

Author Basics

1. Why do you write? Yes, I know that this question can go off on so many tangents. What are yours?

It’s a way for me to express myself. I’m an introvert with a desire to be heard and noticed, and writing gives me a platform where I can accomplish that.

2. How would you describe your writing style?

Conversational and introspective! How’s that for succinct?

3. Where is your favorite place to write?

In my office. It’s the only place I write. I’m a creature of habit.

4. Do you follow a certain routine when writing? Can you walk us through your creative process?

The creative process is a tough thing to describe. It is so individualistic, isn’t it? My creativity comes from so many sources, and ideas rarely come to me when I’m trying to be creative. Ideas come to me from songs, from tv shows I watch, or from nature walks. I never know when an idea is going to pop into my head, and I’m always surprised when it does.

5. What is your worst writing habit?

I’m not sure I have one. I used to allow writing to take over my life, but I’ve curtailed my writing over the past couple of years, so now my obsession isn’t so consuming.

6. Do your books ever require research? If so, how much and what kind?

Hardly ever, and that’s because I’m basically a lazy researcher. I write about things I know about and places I’ve visited or lived in. That way I don’t need to do research.

7. Do you remember what it felt like to publish your very first novel? Please share. And does that feeling still hit every time you publish something new?

Oh my God, I was excited about that first novel. I don’t think any novel after that first one can compare. Sure, it’s nice to finish others, but that first one dispelled all self-doubt about whether I could do it or not. It established, in my mind, that I might have what it takes to be a writer.

8. What is your favorite piece of writing - authored by yourself, of course?

My favorite novel is “Resurrecting Tobias.” It is an introspective character study and there is a lot of my life in that book. It was therapeutic to write. As far as short stories go, or reflective pieces, I’m not sure I have a favorite. I did a short story about a little girl named “Hope,” which was important to me, so maybe since that’s the first one I thought of, it is my favorite.

9. Does inspiration strike anywhere at any time or does your muse have discipline?

My muse has zero discipline and she keeps very odd hours. I have no idea where inspiration will come from, or when it will arrive. All I know is I’m very happy with my muse. She’s done a fine job.

10. Does your muse have a name?

No, that would be a bit scary if she did….I’m afraid someone would suggest a padded cell for me if I start naming imaginary people. LOL

11. Do you have any secrets for overcoming writers block?

I’ve never had it, so any advice I would give would be a bit silly . . . but I do think it’s important to just keep writing. Sooner or later the wall will come down.

12.  In general, as a writer, do you think you see the world differently than others?

I think writers have a keener sense of the world, and I think they interpret what they experience in a different way. Most people see something and that is what they interpret, the actual physical thing they saw. I see something and I interpret it with a metaphor or simile. It’s not that we experience more deeply than others, but rather we express that experience in a different way….artists do the same thing, I think.

13. What author would you love to be compared to and why?

Two, actually….Harper Lee and James Lee Burke. Harper Lee because of her simplistic storytelling talent, and James Lee Burke for his ability to describe a scene in stunning detail.

14. If a movie were made to tell your life story, what actor would portray you?

The first person I thought of was Tom Hanks, so I’ll go with him. If he was unavailable it would be Matt Damon.

15. Is there a writing type or genre that you cannot do even to save your life?

Romance novels…it will never happen for this boy!

16. What is the most cliche opening line that you can think of?

“It was a dark and stormy night!” Shoot me if I ever write such doo-doo!

17. If you could go back and time and tell writing self something just before writing your first novel, what would it be?

I would go back thirty years instead of ten and tell that idiot to start writing sooner. Time’s a’waistin’, Billy Boy, and you have too much to say and not enough time to say it!

Reader Questions

1. Do you prefer a tangible book in your hand or an ebook online somehow?

I’m a tangible book guy. Hate may be too strong a word, but I dislike ebooks intensely.

2. What is your favorite place to read?

Anywhere that’s quiet!

3. What genre will you never read?

Romance novels!

4. What is your favorite genre to read?

Mysteries!

5. What is your all-time favorite book?

“To Kill A Mockingbird.”

6. Do you have a favorite author?

Harper Lee…first time out of the gate, she wrote one of the greatest books ever . . . pretty cool!

7. If you could be any literary character in the world, who would you be?

Atticus Finch from Mockingbird…it would be cool to have that much wisdom for a little while.

Just For Fun

1. You’re standing at the edge of a cliff, ocean below. Do you jump?

If I’m drunk, yes; otherwise, no friggin’ way!

2. If you could live in any time era, which one and why?

1840’s and 1850’s, wagon trains moving west into the Great Unknown. I would have done that. The chance to see a new land, start over somewhere never seen before…that is attractive to

me.

3. Sum up your life story in one sentence.

“Trip, stumble, and fall, but always moving forward in love.”

4. If you had the chance to meet any historical person who would it be and why?

Abraham Lincoln . . . again, wisdom . . . and strength of character . . . he strikes me as our most human President in history.

5. How would you describe your favorite color to someone who is blind?

A combination of several other colors, borrowed, mixed together, creating a pleasurable experience like walking through a field of wild lavender.

6. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

A St. Bernard . . . slow but reliable!

7. What is your all-time favorite memory?

Playing catch with my dad on a warm summer evening.

8. What is your most annoying habit to yourself and to others?

To others, my inflexibility about my daily schedule, and my insistence to follow my routines. To myself…my inability to ignore stupidity and rudeness. I wish I could just let it be, but it annoys me that some people are so stupidly rude.

9. What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?

What the hell????? I came up blank on this one . . . sorry!

10. Name one thing you think everyone should do at least once in their lifetime.

Go to Yellowstone National Park! A random answer for sure, but it’s one of my all-time favorite experiences, a rare opportunity to see wild animals in a natural environment, where humans are the guests, a place we have not managed to ruin yet.

Book Review: The Cabin by Natasha Preston

The Cabin

By Natasha Preston

Genres: Thriller, Mystery,  Suspense, Young Adult

_____________________________________

To paraphrase a summary on Goodreads, only one person is guilty of murder, but none of them are innocent.

The Cabin is about five teenagers who get together for a weekend trip sometime following the death of two of the group’s closest friends in an automobile accident of which they were all in. Thanks to the synopsis on the back of the book, it’s no secret that the meat of this story starts when two of the five at the cabin turn up dead. The police believe one of them is the killer and lets the group know from the start that it’s only a matter of which one.

Unable to believe the killer can possibly be anyone she knows and desperate to clear their names, the plot unfolds in first person point of view as Makenzie tries to figure out who killed her friends. Along the way, she learns that she did not know her friends as well as she thought she did. Every one of them, including herself, has secrets that could very well have been a motive for murder. She eventually has to accept that one of them is indeed a murderer. It is a book that keeps you guessing until the end.

My Rating: 

In general, The Cabin reads as more of a mystery than as a suspense or thriller story. The strong point of the book is that as the story progresses, it is revealed that each person at the cabin had a motive to kill Courtney or Josh. However, there is not a lot of action involved that would provide more suspense along with the mystery. Instead, there is a detective on the case who seems more concerned with playing cat and mouse with the suspects while revealing as little information as possible about his findings. As a result, Makenzie decides to enlist the help of Blake to do her own investigation. She learns various secrets from each of her friends, but still, there is little action because, thinking she is being a good friend, Makenzie is reluctant to share the potentially incriminating information with the detective about her friends.

There is also an insta-romance between Makenzie and Blake that is a distraction from the main focus of the book. Blake is the brother of Josh, who is a person no one but Courtney liked. In addition, Blake is not a part of the circle of friends who went to the cabin. He was a last minute addition, claiming he decided to come along to spend more time with his brother. At first, it seems most likely that Blake is the murderer, given that he is an outsider and the rest of the group grew up knowing one another fairly well. The romance between Makenzie and Blake reveals early on that he too has a possible motive to want his brother dead, but other than that, it does not do a lot to move the mystery forward. In fact, it somewhat weakens the plot, thanks to the distraction from the action it provides.

In the end, the detective was of no use and neither was Makenzie’s investigation. There’s a bit of a plot twist just before a major plot twist at the conclusion. That is where most of the action occurs. It’s a shame since there was ample opportunity to insert more action or more suspense in the main part of the story. Even the plot twist was not as much of a surprise as it could have been. As far as murder mysteries go, it’s a little cliche, but not enough that it is abundantly obvious who the killer is all along.

Though it is not the best book I have ever read and I would not say that I love it, I would recommend the book for anyone looking for a decent book to relax with. It is geared toward young adults, however, and I do feel that they would be more likely to be engrossed in the plotline as it is, distraction and all.

One last word of advice: if you do not like cliffhanger endings, do not read this book.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

55 Questions for Readers

This particular questionnaire came from The Literary Lollipop website. Readers are invited to post the answers to the questions on their own blogs. As far as the very first post goes, I thought it sounded like fun to share a little about who I am as a reader.



1. Favorite childhood book: I read several books from The Boxcar Children series. I also remember reading classics like Little Women and The Black Stallion. As a young teen, I was into reading thrillers like Fear Street by R.L. Stine and books by Christopher Pike. Then my interest turned to books my grandma would read and pass on to me. Most of them by an author named Gilbert Morris. He had a series that followed the family tree of the Winslow family line from Europe before the establishment of the United States through World War !!.

2. What are you reading right now? I am not reading anything at the moment. I just finished reading The Cabin and am about to write a book review on it. I haven’t decided what my next book will be yet, but one will soon follow. I’ve got plenty of on-hand reading material to choose from.

3. What books do you have on request at the library? I have no books on request at the library because I am actually unable to check out any books from my local library right now. I moved and have yet to update my address on my ID card. Until I do that I cannot check out any books or have a library membership. The local library is ridiculously strict. A temporary card won’t even allow me to do much other than use the computers.

4. Bad book habit: I take my books places most people won’t, like the bathtub. I used to fold the cover backward when I read paperback books so that I could easily hold the book with one hand when I was a teen, until I decided I didn’t want to break the spine doing that anymore

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library? No books checked out due to the same reason I can’t put any on special request. Hopefully soon.

6. Do you have an e-reader? I resisted for years on end, but then one day I bought a phone with the Kindle app on it. I now use it frequently, though I still prefer a traditional book in hand.

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once? I’ve been known to read more than one at a time, but I don’t prefer it that way.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? No. My reading habits vary, anyway. Though this is my first post of this particular blog, I do have another one that has never stopped me from reading when I want to.

9. Least favorite book you read this year: Well, seeing how this is January and I’ve only read two books thus far this year, my least favorite is a book called Delivered By Christmas containing three shorter stories. It’s not bad, but I didn’t care for one of the stories for some reason. (Yes, I know, I’m still reading Christmas books well past the season. Don’t be surprised if I do a review of one mid-summer.)

10. Favorite book I’ve read this year: The only other book I’ve read this year is The Cabin and although it is not my favorite thriller, it did keep me guessing.

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? I’m not sure I have a comfort zone when it comes to reading. I don’t particularly care for heated political articles, but I read them on occasion. I don’t like reading highly technical books, and I do that infrequently.

12. What is your reading comfort zone? Again, not sure that I have a particular comfort zone. If by comfort zone you mean favorite genre, then I enjoy reading Christian fiction novels, some romance novels (nothing heavily erotic, historical fiction, thrillers, and mysteries. There are probably genres that I left out. My reading tastes are all over the map.

13. Can you read on the bus? Sometimes. Other times I cannot read in a moving vehicle without becoming nauseated.

14. Favorite place to read: I love to read in bed. Also while taking a hot bubble bath. It’s so relaxing!

15. What’s your policy on book lending? I don’t usually lend my books. If I let others read something, it’s usually because I just passed the book on as a gift.

16. Do you dog-ear your books? Never. I only did that with college textbooks.

17. Do you write notes in the margins of your books? I’ve done that in my Bible and in textbooks, but never in a regular book.

18. Do you break/crack the spine of your books? Not intentionally. I try to be careful with them.

19. What is your favorite language to read? English. I don’t speak any other language fluently enough. I can, however, read some Spanish.

20. What makes you love a book? Oh, gosh. That’s hard to say. I love a book that makes me feel something as I read it. If I can connect to the characters on such a personal level that I feel what they are feeling I know that I am reading some excellent writing. Of course, I can do that to various degrees, and some books that cause me to feel are not books I necessarily love. But that is a huge criteria for me. Another reason I may love a book is if it inspires me to think more deeply about what it is that I am reading or about the themes contained within the pages.

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book? If I love a book, I’ll definitely recommend it to others. Sometimes I recommend a book to specific people because I feel those people will like that particular book.

22. Favorite genre: I touched on that when I described my comfort zone, but probably historical fiction is my favorite.

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did): I am starting to read more thrillers than I have since I was a teenager. I guess you could say I am trying to make that wish come true. I think I”d also like to read more biographies. Talk about a rare genre for me. That’s it.

24. Favorite Biography: Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I read a biography. But one of the most powerful biographies I have ever read is Convicted in the Womb by Carl Upchurch.

25. Have you ever read a self-help book? (And, was it actually helpful?) I read self-help books on occasion. Whether or not they are actually helpful depends on how well I relate to particular advise offered or to the reason for the advise.

26. Favorite Cookbook: Wow. Let me put it this way: I love to collect recipes, but I don’t cook as often as I wish I did and I don’t usually use recipes when I do cook. So when it comes to cookbooks, I haven’t used one in years. I usually look up a new recipe online if I need one. Even when I need one, I usually end up altering it some way or another.

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction): I really should have answered these particular questions in December! I’ve yet to read an inspirational book this year.

28. Favorite reading snack: I don’t usually eat when I’m reading. I don’t like food to get on my books.

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience: I can’t think of one. I try to read a book before watching its film adaptation, if it has one, but sometimes movie hype can spoil a book. Seeing a movie before reading the book most definitely can ruin the reading experience, depending on the genre. Suspense, for instance. There isn’t much suspense if you know what comes next. I can’t think of any particular instance right off hand, though, where that has been the case for me. I usually avoid reading book reviews if there is hype about a book because I don’t want to risk reading any spoilers.

30. How often do you agree with the critics about about a book? Oh, I don’t know. I rarely give the critics much thought before reading a book.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? When I do a review, even short ones for sites like Amazon, I give an honest review. I feel like that should be considered a common courtesy. There’s no need to be snarky or nasty about it, just honest.

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose? Spanish. I can read some Spanish, but I’d love to be able to both speak and read Spanish as fluently as a native speaker.

33. Most intimidating book I’ve read: Hmmmm…..Maybe Sula by Toni Morrison. Probably because I was in high school when I had to read it for an advanced reading class assignment. I remember it as gritty and extremely graphic. In fact, my parents had to sign a permission slip for me to be allowed to read it due to the content.

34. Most intimidating book I’m too nervous to begin: I don’t have one like that.

35. Favorite Poet: Maya Angelou.

36. How many books do you usually have checked out from the library at any given time? When I’m allowed to check out books from my local library, I usually check out as many books as they allow at one time.

37. How often do you return books to the library unread? Not often. If I haven’t had the chance to read something I will renew it.

38. Favorite fictional character: I never like this question because I don’t have a set answer. In fact, I’m drawing a complete blank right now. I really like so many of them, but there isn’t one that jumps straight out at me.

39. Favorite fictional villain: I don’t know. My answer of the moment is Maleficent from the Disney movie of the same name because she is a villain that can be empathized with. That doesn’t happen often.

40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation: Whatever I happen to be reading at the time or that I want to read.

41. The longest I’ve gone without reading: Unfortunately, I can say that the answer to that question is probably a couple years. I don’t make a habit out of lapses that long, though.

42. Name a book you could/would not finish: I can’t think of one that I haven’t finished on purpose.

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading? Not much if I’m truly intent on what I’m reading. However, my kids have a way of being a major distraction to just about any activity.

44. A favorite film adaptation of a novel: There are several that I have not seen yet but want to. Of the ones that I have seen, I think Gone with the Wind is near the top my list for favorite film adaptations.

45. Most disappointing film adaptation: I’m not sure. One of the most recent disappointments is the 2013 version of Great Gatsby. I also wasn’t thrilled with the film adaptation of Left Behind.

46. Most money I’ve ever spent in a bookstore at one time: I have no idea. . .

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it? Not very often. I usually read the synopsis and then dive right in. If I skim, it’s just to see how many chapters there are.

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through? Pure boredom. Complete and total lack of interest of the storyline. The last book I stopped reading pretty early on was filled with typos.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized? I used to keep them organized by author and number in a series. Now they’re all just on my shelf in no particular order. That may change if I ever get more room to store them.

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once they’ve been read? I tend to keep them, but I do give them away if I know for sure someone else will enjoy them. If it’s a personal favorite, I buy a new one to give away.

51. Are there any books that you’ve been avoiding? None in particular. To avoid a book, I’d have to have a reason to need to read it in the first place. Otherwise, if it’s something I don’t want to read, I just don’t.

52. Name a book that made you angry: Last year I made the mistake of reading Beyond Reach by Karin Slaughter. The book itself was a real page turner and I enjoyed it immensely - right up until the end. Then I got hit over the head by a surprise ending that did not sit well with me. I immediately went looking for answers online as to why the author would do that. As it turns out, that book is the sixth in a series. It read just fine as a stand-alone, though, and I don’t think reading the others first would have made a lick of difference in how much I resented the ending. Supposedly, the ending set the author up for a spinoff series, though. She said she considered whether or not to drop that bomb on readers for quite a long time before deciding it was necessary. I haven’t read them yet.

53. A book I didn’t expect to like but did: Growing up, I most often heard people talk about how boring The Great Gatsby is and I assumed that I would not like it either. Much to my surprise, when it became an assignment for a high school reading class I did enjoy it.

54. A book I expected to like but didn’t: I can’t think of one . .Doesn’t happen often.

55. Favorite guilt-free guilty pleasure reading: Why feel guilty for reading what I like? Therefore, I don’t have any guilt-free guilty pleasure reading material.