#FictionFriday: Fan of Green Gables

Welcome to  #FictionFriday, where we ask Yeovil College staff to share their thoughts, opinions and just plain random tastes in books.
Each staff member selects questions to answer from a finely honed and crafted selection, designed to entertain and educate us about their reading lives.



Today we're talking to Natasha Ely, who is a Work Based Learner Functional Skills Lecturer for Maths and English. Natasha has chosen Ravenclaw as her Hogwarts House; considering they prize "wit, learning and wisdom" we think this is the perfect choice. 

What's the first book you remember reading, or being read?

"Read to me - Rudyard Kipling's "Just So Stories. Reading myself - "The Church Mice" by Graham Oakley."
 

What is your favourite book of all time?

"This is so tough as I have about 30 that I reread regularly, but as I can only choose one, it's "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery.

Name one book or author that you really can't stand

"Nicholas Sparks - I find his writing too "syrupy.""

 Which character in a book do you think is most like you?

"Anne of Green Gables. I often find myself reflected in small ways in different characters."

Which book would you love to be in or live inside its world?

"Depends on the day - and my role within it.
1) Prince Edward Island - Anne of Green Gables.
2) Harry Potter - who wouldn't love this to be true?"

Which literary character would you want to date, and why?


"Gilbert Blythe was my childhood crush. He was kind, teasing and liked strong, independent women. Now - Valek Icefaren from "Poison Study"(by Maria V. Snyder) - dark, loyal and dangerous to bad people."

What's the most over-rated book?


"50 Shades of Grey - too similar to the film "9 1/2 Weeks". "

 What's your favourite book adaptation in film or TV?

 "The Christmas Carol - I read this every year Because Charles Dickens is so funny, dry and fabulous to read. Then I watch a variety of film adaptations because I love the feel-good factor in each."

Would you read the book before watching an adaptation, and does it matter?

"I always read the book first. The film is somebody else's interpretation; I need to experience my take on it first."

 Who is the best villain in a novel?

"Jean-Baptiste Grenouille (from the novel "Perfume" by Patrick Susskind) - a true villain. He provokes sympathy for his life, but his untempered desire to possess, irrespective of everyone else, moves him from victim to villain."

What's your favourite children's book?

"The Bewitching of Alison Albright by Alan Davidson - I love the dark, captivating tale of a girl bewitched by a life she feels she is missing out on. Childlike wonder coupled with dangerous undertones."

What book would you recommend to someone else, and why?

"The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss - a fantasy tale written beautifully. The language is exquisite and the story is exciting, dark and fascinating. Characters are believable and likeable. Best book I've read in a long time."

Who's your favourite cartoon character?

"Jessica Rabbit - sassy, sexy and totally devoted."

Where is your favourite place to read?

"Anywhere with a book! It depends on my mood. I have books in every room around the house, I keep them in the car (at least one), one in my bag too.

I love sitting under a tree in the woods on my own, snuggled on the sofa under a blanket, on a train, especially on a long journey, in the garden in the shade and anywhere else that takes my fancy.


I get so lost in the book that I am transported to the place - so where I am reading is less important than what I am reading!"

Thanks Natasha! We'd happily join you on Prince Edward Island to read a book by the Lake of Shining Waters. If you wish to defend Nicholas Sparks from the charge of "syrupy" writing, want to enthuse about The Name of The Wind or you'd like to comment (nicely) below, log in with your Google account and join the conversation.
Alternatively, you can always tweet us at @YC_Reading using the hashtag #FictionFriday with what you think of choices!