The Answerman Reading Interview

Recently, on of my former bloggers requested my help answering a few questions. Check out his blog, because you may be able to use this idea for one of your own posts. Here's the interview:

Throughout your lifetime, what books spoke to you the most? Why?

This is a tough question, because so many books resonate with me in entirely different ways. I like Poe for his powerful short stories rooted in tragedy, terror, and fear. There are books on spirituality that help me to understand God and my place in the world. The Bible is a book I read on a daily basis. It's sort of like air--I need keep breathing it in to stay alive. :) Other than that, I really enjoy the book King Dork because it's hilarious, and the book The Things They Carry has a few parts that cut me right to the heart. I'm not sure why, but that book just crawled up inside my brain, and I can't shake it. I appreciate a book that shakes me up, leaves me disturbed--books that leave me changed from how I was when I began.

When you were a child, was reading a positive experience?

Reading was definitely a positive experience when I was a kid. My mom would read to me all the time, so much that I would actually memorize some of the books. I think that's what helped me to read the most--one day I was quoting the pages from memory, and then the letters and sounds started to make sense.

What motivates you to read?

It depends. Some books help me escape. It's almost like watching a good movie. I don't have to think about whatever is stressing me out at the time. I just sit down, and let myself get swallowed up by a world other than my own.

But I also read to understand, and I read to become better at what I do. I'm constantly rotating the books I read between these categories: literature (I'm an English teacher, after all), books related to education practice or education policy, books related to spirituality and the Bible, and books related to strength and conditioning. Then I'll through in a few "escape the world" books that I can just enjoy for the heck of it.

Has there been a book that you did not enjoy? Why?

Sure. Some books I hate because I think the ideas or the premises are so asinine, I can't believe they were ever published. Some are still fun to read BECAUSE they're so terrible. The Twilight Series is a group of books that I thought were sort of terrible, but I actually enjoyed them. Then there are those books that are simply boring or tough to get through. I have a problem with trying to finish every book I read, even if I don't like it. Maybe I should just learn to let go.

What genres of books do you enjoy?

I mentioned some of them above, but I also enjoy fantasy novels (Lord of the Rings, books by C.S. Lewis, the new series by Patrick Rothfuss). I like books that take a unique approach to a familiar topic, like World War Z. Zombies and history? That has to be one of my favorite books of the last few years.

Has there been a book that was better than the movie you saw? Why was the book better?

Lots of books are better than the movie, just because the big screen is subject to limitations that don't affect words on a page. However, I'm not one of those people who think you have to pick one or the other. One of my favorite things to do is read a book, and then see how it's adapted to the big screen. Lord of the Rings was well done. Hunger Games was just ok. Fight Club was a great book and movie. I like to think of movies as complimentary to the book. They should be enjoyed together, but the book should come first. Otherwise you'll have all the images from the movie contaminating your own imagination while you read.

When you get stuck on a part of the book, what helps you refocus?

If I'm daydreaming, then I might reread. But if I'm just having trouble focusing, what I usually do is keep a pen in hand and mark up the text. I note things I like, things that are funny, things that are ridiculous, and things I might be able to use if I ever get stuck in a conversation about the topic. Talking back to the author helps me stay focused.

How do you choose a book?

Well I already told you about the categories I try to rotate through. Other than that, sometimes I get recommendations from Amazon based on the books I buy. Sometimes I'll read books I see my students reading, and sometimes I get recommendations from my brothers, sisters, or other teachers. I also like to wander through old book stores (or new ones) and make lists of books I'd like to read.

Do you read frequently? How often do you read?

I read every day. I try to read around 30 books each year, but obviously that depends on the type of books I'm reading, and the demands of my schedule. Plus I'm always reading blogs, magazines, and whatever else happens to be lying around.

Where and when do you read? Do you enjoy reading with others or alone?

I don't really enjoy reading with others, unless it's some sort of read-aloud with my students. I usually read my Bible early in the morning before I go to the gym, and I enjoy reading while I'm eating (if I'm eating alone). Then I usually read for about 1/2 hour or so before I go to bed.  And I read a bit to my kids before they go to bed.