Are you a finicky reader?
(A quiz to be completed with all the seriousness of a pig dressed in a tutu)
Do you read in different genres (i.e. mystery, romance, fantasy)?
a) Never. I don’t read commercial fiction.
b) Sometimes
c) Always
d) What are genres, again?
If you were bored and had a three hour wait in a room with two books in genres you’ve never tried would you…
a) Mutter about the lack of appropriate reading material then read the book you brought with you?
b) Survey the cover and back to see what they’re about?
c) Try them because you have nothing else to do?
d) You wouldn’t be bored. You always carry your iPod.
How often do you try a new author?
a) Once a year
b) Every few months
c) As often as I can
d) Another author? Who has the time?
What would tempt you to try a new author?
a) Careful analysis of the author’s background, a selection of reviews, cover quotes and full survey of the publication company which is producing the book
b) A friend recommends him/her to me
c) A nice cover and an interesting story
d) If the book is free
To you the definition of a good book is…
a) An exquisitely crafted work that deals with theme in an extraordinary manner.
b) A story that makes me feel good
c) Anything that can keep my attention
d) A book everyone talks about, but nobody reads.
You buy books when they come out in…
a) Hardcover. I like the weight, feel and prestige.
b) Trade paperback.
c) Mass market paperback.
d) Any form as long as it says 50% off.
How many favorite authors do you have?
a) Ten. Seven of them are dead.
b) About ten to twenty.
c) I couldn’t choose. There are so many authors I enjoy.
d) Do magazine writers count?
Do you quickly toss a book aside that doesn’t instantly grab you?
a) Always. I have a five page maximum.
b) Sometimes. I like to give an author a chance.
c) Never.
d) You can toss books? I should try that sometime.
Quiz results.
Mostly A’s You’re definitely a finicky reader. You have established tastes and qualifications in the fiction you read. Your shelves are filled with pristine hardbacks and your tables decorated with expensive coffee table books. You wish everyone had your highly developed standards of taste.
Mostly B’s You’re a cautious reader. You’re willing to experiment sometimes, but rarely. You prefer to stick with your favorites whether it is a certain genre or author. You venture out of your comfort zone only if you’re almost certain you’ll enjoy the risk.
Mostly C’s You’re an adventurous reader. You don’t care what form or genre the book is as long as you’re promised an interesting story.
Mostly D’s You already know what you are. No one needs to tell you.
So what kind of reader are you? You don’t have to use these arbitrary definitions. Feel free to come up with your own (Seat of the pants reader, book junkie reader, harlequin addicted reader) . I truly don’t care what kind of reader you are as long as you keep the art of reading alive. I salute you.
