Friday Five: On Books

This week's theme suggested by Sally.

1. Fiction what kind, detective novels, historical stuff, thrillers, romance????
   I do enjoy what's often described as genre fiction: sci-fi, mysteries, etc. I don't care for historical fiction that much.
   I also enjoy genre books that serve dollops of factual information along with their story. My understanding of the Four Corners area, and the traditions of the people indigenous to that region, have been greatly enriched by Tony Hillerman's books. I've gathered a wealth of arcane information on Roman Catholic beliefs and traditions from mysteries by Fr. Andrew Greeley and William Kienzle.


2. When you get a really good book do you read it all in one chunk or savour it slowly?
   Most of the time, I stick with a good book until it's done. It's rare that I read a book in a single sitting; but that has more to do with how I budget my time than with the book in question.


3. Is there a book you keep returning to and why?
   I've re-read Mr. God, This Is Anna several times. For me, it's just a feel-good. This may be partly nostalgic, because Padre introduced the book to me. So, regardless of the book's merits, it inspires fond memories of Padre.


4. Apart from the Bible which non-fiction book has influenced you the most?
   This Is It by Alan Watts; an invaluable introduction to Zen philosophy distilled by an enthusiastic popularizer.


5. Describe a perfect place to read. ( could be anywhere!!!)
   The place I get the most reading done, per capita, is Brother Dave's living room. The house is still. Texas Hills hold vigil to the west. Deeply meditative. I can't seem to duplicate the experience anywhere else, though a local monastery came close.