What book(s) are you reading?
I am usually in the middle of reading several books, placed in different parts of the house. I'm not a fast reader so I'll often rediscover one I'd completely forgotten about and have another go.
My current projects are Slam! by Nick Hornby; Chart Throb, Ben Elton; Sea-wreck Stranger, Anna MacKenzie; and On Trying to Keep Still, Jenny Diski.
What's good about them?
I like books that are humorous and thought-provoking. On Trying to Keep Still by Jenny Diski is definitely that. It is "a book on travelling and keeping still".
A book of rambling thoughts and the author's attempts at stopping them. It's great!
When do you read?
Late at night when everyone has gone to bed.
Do you ever abandon a book you don't like? Why?
Absolutely and all the time. Life's too short and I'm too slow a reader to keep going with something that doesn't work for me.
Reading is supposed to be a pleasure and a joy, not a punishment and a chore. Although, having said that, sometimes a little hard work can pay off.
What book should everyone read?
I don't think anyone should read anything but Jenny Diski is certainly worth a try!
Is there a book you've been meaning to read?
All the books I've bought at the Regent Book Sale. Also, all the books written by my author friends.
How do you choose what you're going to read next?
I believe in "serendipity". The book that finds its way into your life is probably the book you most need to read.
- Dunedin author Sandy McKay's most recent book is Me and Jason Ballinger, published by Puffin as part of its Kiwi bites series.
