This one looks good!
What was the last book you bought?
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (I caved!)
Name a book you have read MORE than once.
I’ve read a lot of books more than once. A Separate Peace and To Kill a Mockingbird are just a couple in a long list of re-reads.
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
Yes. I would have to say that after reading A Separate Peace, I was more in tune with human nature and all of the flaws that go with it. It is a book that has stayed with me.
How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews.
I’ll be the first to admit that cover design plays a huge role in my book selection process. Especially when I vi st the bookstore. The covers that stand out are the ones that I pick up and flip through. If the book jacket summary grabs me, then it usually ends up coming home with me.
Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Fiction, but I am appreciating non-fiction more and more each day.
What’s more important in a novel – beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
I would have to say plot first…then beautiful writing. If there is no plot then all the beautiful writing in the world is not going to keep me from getting ticked off at the plot.
Most loved/memorable character (character/book).
I am going way back here but Nancy Drew, to this day, is the most loved in my eyes. Those books got me through a lot of tough summers. If I had to name someone from a recent read, I would say Matilda from Mister Pip.
Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
I’m using the term nightstand loosely here, but I am currently reading Tethered, In the Woods and Infidel. On my actual nightstand is an L.L. Bean catalog.
What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
The Meaning of Night: A Confession, by Michael Cox. You can read my review here. I loved it!
Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
If a book is not working for me I usually give up before the half way mark but there were two that I can remember where I waited a bit longer to toss them. One was The Life of Pi and the other was The Historian.
Book Chatter 
Good list. I loved The Meaning of Night, too! I would love to read another one like that soon.
I loved To Kill a Mockingbird so much. I’ve only read it once but I can definitely see reading it again and again. Oh, memories of Nancy Drew. I hadn’t even thought of it until you mentioned it but she got me through my teen years too.Yikes, I have both of the books you gave up on still to read some day. lol.
I love a good cover, too. I was beginning to think I was the only person who didn’t like Life of Pi. I stuck it out to the end, though.
Separate Peace and Mockingbird are two terrific reads.
I finished Tethered today. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but I really liked it. Although I have a question about the end, and I need someone to talk to!!
Now you have me curious about A Separate Peace, Ti.
I only read about *Tethered* this week, and then found out that the author will be in town for a *Festival of Authors* later this month … yahoo! another book to buy and read … quickly!I’m right with you about plot being key. I wrote very similar thoughts, that all the beautiful writing in the world can’t save a poor plot!