#FictionFriday Has Some Novel Suggestions

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 Esther Dobbs, our Print Room Assistant with a background in Creative Writing and an appreciation for a good coffee and a well written read. Esther says that Hufflepuff would be her Hogwarts house, because it sounds like fun!

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

 "The Babysitters Club books, I absolutely LOVED these books! Mary Anne was always my favourite - she was quiet and sensible."

What is your favourite book of all time?

" 'American Wife' by Curtis Sittenfeld. It's loosely based on JFK and the US political scene. It has everything - her writing is always fantastic."

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

" ' Jane Eyre' (by Charlotte Bronte). What is the obsession? She's such a drip!" 

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

"I have absolutely no idea, but if I could choose one to be, it would definitely be Nancy Drew! I've always secretly wanted to be a detective."

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

" ' Little Women' (by Louisa May Alcott).One of the first classics I remember reading when I was younger. It was the first book that made me cry and the first book that I loved. I didn't like the BBC adaptation much at Christmas unfortunately - the 90's one with Winona Ryder is much better."

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

"James Bond - who wouldn't?!"

What's the most over-rated book?

"Again, it would be Jane Eyre - I had to study this several times throughout my education and disliked it every single time."

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

" 'One Day' (by David Nicholls) - oddly I watched the film before I read the book and was not disappointed by either."

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

"Mostly yes, as usually the book comes first and is therefore the 'true' telling of the story, but not always (see above!). 

 Who is the best villain in a novel?

"Cruella De Vil."

What's your favourite children's book?

" 'The Jolly Postman.' (My parents gave this to me when I got my first school report when I was five!!!)"

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

" I would recommend 'I Let You Go' by Clare Mackintosh - I like a good psychological thriller and this does not disappoint. The twist halfway through is absolute genius. Her background in the police makes the small details incredibly interesting; it's a brilliant read."

 Who's your favourite cartoon character?

"Ummm... I don't really like cartoons, but based on what's on most in my house.... Marshall from 'Paw Patrol'!" 

 Who would play you in a film of your life?

"Clare Bowen (who plays Scarlett O'Connor in the US hit series "Nashville"), who is nothing like me but I love her acting and her voice!"

If you were to describe yourself as a type of cake, what would it be?

 "Coffee and walnut cake without a doubt."

Where is your favourite place to read?

"On my snuggler chair in our lounge (once the children are in bed!)."

Thanks Esther! If you also loved the Babysitters Club, can recommend a good psychological thriller 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!