Discussion Time: Do you prefer reading a book blind?

The majority of my reading is now done on my Kindle. I love my Kindle. I love the easy access, the lightness of it, the way it is stuffed full of so many books. I'm never without a book and that is such a cool feeling.

The only thing I don't like about reading off my kindle is that it's not as easy to flip to the cover or read the book description. When I read a paperback, I'll often pause to re-look at the cover or I'll flick to the back to re-read the description. I like knowing where a book is going.

But now... I don't really do that anymore. In fact, I'm actually getting into the habit of reading a book blind - meaning I'll launch into a book without knowing anything about it.

I bought a book the other day, because I liked the cover and it was written by someone in my writing group. I knew it was set around the water, because it's called Head Above Water, but that's all I knew. I've started reading it (am really enjoying it too) and it's kinda cool not knowing anything about the story. It's a total blank page for me. I can't make any of my own predictions, because I have no idea where the story is going. The further I get into the book, I'm sure I'll be able to get a better idea. It's just fun starting out knowing nothing.

So how about you?
Do you like knowing where a book is headed or do you prefer to go in blind?
I used to like to know, but I'm learning to love the mystery of the unknown as well.

So - if you've never tried it before, I dare you to give it a go. A risk free way of doing this is to head to the FREE listings on Amazon. Scroll through and pic a cover that intrigues you. Download the book and start reading. You'll know within the first 5 chapters whether it's a good read or not. If it's not, you've wasted less than an hour of your time...or you might be pleasantly surprised :)

Friday Favourites - Places to Read

There have been many discussions about whether people prefer to read an actual book or an e-reader. I like both and I like the variety of both. There's nothing cooler than the smell of a book, and being able to turn the pages is delicious, but I love the fact I can have a stack of books at my disposal all on one little device. Now I wouldn't be without either. I love seeing my bookshelf stuffed with books and I love having my kindle in the drawer beside my bed or in my bag.

The reason I am starting with an e-reader/book discussion is because depending on where I am, depends on what I like to read.

For example, if I'm lying in bed (one of my favourite places to read), I want my kindle. It's light, easy to hold and I love just being able to press one button and voila! I have a new page.

 However, if I'm anywhere with one of those delicious satellite chairs (we call them nixie chairs) that you just sink into and never, ever want to get out of, then I want a book. I want to hold it in my hand and turn the pages as I half-sit, half-lie in blissful comfort. Oh yeah - and did I mention the chair needs to be in a quiet room that is bright and sunny?

Where's your favourite place to read?
Do you need quiet or can you tune out noise?
Do you prefer snuggling under blankets or basking in the sunshine?

Ahhhh - just talking about it makes me want to hide away and read. Maybe if I tap my heels together and say, "There's no place like nixie." I'll transport myself there.