The Random Number Survey

I first saw this challenge in Ruth’s blog, and I decided to participate in the survey originally created by Harley Bear Book Blog.  

How to participate:

1. Pick a number.  (I picked two, as it is always my favorite number—my birthday is in February)

2. Go to your bookshelf and count that many books until you reach your number.  Answer the first question with that book.

3. Count the same number of books from where you left off and answer the next question.

4. Repeat until you finish the survey

(If you land on a book you haven't read yet pick the closest book to the left that you have read and then count on from there for the next question.) 

Here are the questions and my answers:

1. What do you think of the cover?

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

There are so many edition of The Great Gatsby, but I picked this one (Penguin Classics edition—hardback) because of its cover, I love it! Its ivory colour and bronze motif are so ‘Gatsby’ (if you know what I mean!)

2.  Write a review in 140 characters or less.

Skipping Christmas

by John Grisham

A family skipped Christmas feeling that it gets too hedonistic, only to find that the real Christmas is about the spirit, not the attributes.

3.  How or where did you get this book?

The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde

I bought this copy from The Book Depository

4.  Who's your favorite character in this book, and why?

Black Beauty

by Anna Sewell

Jerry Baker, Black Beauty best master. He is a man with principles, always regards others (human and animals) as his equals on earth, and so, always does what he can to protect and serve them. And Black Beauty loves him too! 

5.  Recommend this book to a fellow blogger you think would like it.

La Bête Humaine

by Émile Zola

I think I’ll recommend this, one of my favorite books from my favorite author, to Bzee. She said she always love to read ‘unusual’ books and seems to love deep penetrating stories. I believe La Bête Humaine will mesmerize her as much as it did me!

6.  How long ago did you read this book?

The Masterpiece

by Émile Zola

I read this book for my own event: Zoladdiction, back in April, so it’s already six months ago.

7.  Name a favorite scene from this book (no spoilers).

The Man in the Iron Mask

by Alexandre Dumas

I have read this more than a year ago, but one scene that is still fresh in my mind is when Louis XIV was scolding D’Artagnan with a renewed confidence and dignity (something that he lacked before). I love his speech (you can find it here). D’Artagnan was so surprised by this change, and—quoted from the book—“(He) remained lost in mute bewilderment, and, for the first time in his life, was unable to come to a decision. He had at last found an adversary worthy of his steel. He recognized that this was no longer cunning, but the calculated foresight of a master mind; no longer violence, but strength; in place of petulance and empty boasting, he found determination and method.”

8.  Open to page 87 of this book and pick a random quote to share (no spoilers).

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

by Charles Dickens

“Look here, dear old boy. Ask Mr. Landless to dinner on Christmas Eve (the better the day the better the deed), and let there be only we three, and let us shake hands all round there and then, and say no more about it.” – It’s part of Edwin Drood’s letter to his uncle Jack, and that Christmas Eve would be the last time we’d see him, at least until the end of this unfinished book by Dickens. And the mystery remains a mystery….

9.  How did you hear about or discover this book?

The Old Curiosity Shop

by Charles Dickens

When I was not yet Dickens’ fan, my knowledge about his books was just on his few masterpieces. I knew this one from Astrid, who was reading it for a Dickens event I was hosting back then (more than 2 years ago) together with Melisa. I thought the title was unique and it tickled my curiosity immediately. So, I borrowed the book from Astrid, and found it really enjoyable. I think this book was the pinpoint where I became a Dickensian!

10.  If you could redesign this cover, what would you do?

Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens

This book is one of Penguin English Library editions, and so was designed to be minimalist. But I think the motif could contain at least two objects instead of only the chandelier. The chandelier represents Miss Havisham, but what about Pip? Maybe a hat or a cane would be good for representing a gentleman? So, I’d perhaps combine the chandelier and a hat if I’d be the cover designer. 

11.  Name your least favorite character in this book, and why.

Little Dorrit

by Charles Dickens

Mr. William Dorrit (Little Dorrit’s father), because he is so selfish and hypocrite, always pretending to be humble and proud of his poverty, while in fact he hates it. The way he is beging money from Arthur Clennam is just disgusting. William Dorrit is not a gentleman. He’s just a pathetic man trying to look as a gentleman. 

12.  If you like (fill in the blank) then you should try (your book).

Beloved

By Toni Morrison

If you like social injustice (especially combined with racism), you should try this book. Or if you like books about women’s struggle under men’s domination, this book also covers that theme. But in general, if you are looking for an extraordinary book that can deeply shake your soul, this'll be the one! 

13.  Name one cool thing about this book.

The Mill on the Floss

By George Elliot

Hmm…overall I don’t find this book ‘cool’, but I think the description of the nature (especially the floss) is quite cool.

14.  Where is it set, and would you ever want to visit that world or place?

Vivaldi’s Virgins

by Barbara Quick

In Venice, Italy, the most romantic city in Italy (so people say), and yes, of course I would love to go there! If I could only visit two cities in Italy, it would be Rome and Venice.

15.  Who is it dedicated to?

The Confession

by John Grisham

Unfortunately Grisham didn’t dedicate this book to anyone.