A propos of my previous post, because it has taken me all week to read Three Seconds by Roslund and Hellstrom (a three-hour, never mind second, reading blitz this afternoon, Saturday, has put it to bed but the review has yet to be written), I am a bit short of subject-matter for this blog's usual daily post right now. Never fear, Jose Ignacio, whose excellent blog is called The Game's Afoot, has come to the rescue with a meme that I think I may be able to do, called Eight Questions. I am currently a refugee from the X-Factor, banished from the room I was quietly reading in earlier, so I will have a go at answering the octet:
1. If you could have any superpower, what would you have? Why?
I would like a pair of boots with an engine that would let me fly. Or, just to be able to fly without the boots, if we are talking superpowers.
2. Who is your style icon?
Is this a person whose style I admire? Hmmm.....J. K. Rowling. She's intelligent, successful, kind, talented, individual, has thought-through (processed) opinions and is "unspun". And, of course, she is a mother.
3. What is your favourite quote?
It is a tie.
John Lennon: Life is what happens while you are making other plans.
Kenny Dalgliesh: This is as good as it gets.
4. What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
I am always surprised and delighted when people at work pay me compliments of various kinds. I also very much value people who compliment my book reviews and/or blog posts, by their kind comments. Occasionally I hear a compliment from one of my daughters and I think these rare treats probably mean the most.
5. What playlist/cd is in your CD player right now?
None. But I seem to be listening to a lot of other people's Muse just at the moment, not unrelated to their recent gig.
6. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
I have to be a morning person whether I like it or not. But if I did not have to be, I'd be a night owl.
7. Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Cats, though I cannot have one because of others in the house who are allergic to animal hairs. This is a great pity as I am very fond of cats and admire the species and its values.
8. What is the meaning behind your blog name.
A female version of "Patronus", from J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. (Though the eagle-eyed will spot a typo.) A Patronus is one's mystical alter-ego. Harry's was, of course, a stag.
Maxine - Oh, I love your answers!! I'm so happy you responded to these questions :-). And I don't think you need a superpower; aren't you already Wonder Woman, with your excellent reviews, the way you co-ordinate the Crime and Mystery Fiction "room," and everything else you do? By the way, that John Lennon quote is a favourite of mine, too.
Posted by: Margot Kinberg | 18 September 2010 at 21:14
You do have super-powers; tha fact that you can read so much, then keep this website, write such incisive analytical reviews of books, twitter and keep up with so many blogs--and goodness knows what else--is awesome. I think of John Lennon's quote often; it is true. And I agree on cats, had them until I developed allergies, which I abhor, but enjoy friends' cats and the photos on Eurocrime and Lesa's Book Critiques and You Tube videos--but dogs are fun, too.
Posted by: [email protected] | 19 September 2010 at 08:09
Maxine, great answers. By the way if you drive through Teignmouth, as I did twice last Monday, you will hear a lot of other people's Muse.
Posted by: Norm | 19 September 2010 at 09:40
This is as good as it gets!
I will try to remember that one, and it is an excellent way of summing up your wonderful reviews.
Posted by: Dorte H | 19 September 2010 at 15:37