Reader Habits: Chatting with Jane Gooch

Just a quick visit to say, 'hi!' - I'm excited to introduce my lovely friend Jane, who is a senior lecturer, but would be a brilliant stand-up comedian! She's kindly offered some insight into her experiences and reading habits. Thank you so much, Jane! You are such a star!

What books do you normally read and how many do you read per month?

I tend to read crime and psychological thrillers, 18th century classics and Haruki Murakami.. I try to read a book a month (work allowing!) and I’ve set myself a challenge of 30 books this year as I tend to read a lot on holidays. I don’t mind easy chick lit either, by the pool.

What genre do you read and why do you think this genre appeals to you?

I think I was a multilingual detective/pathologist in a previous life which is why I’m drawn to this crime and mysteries. I try to solve it as I go along and work out who is the perpetrator. I love being surprised by a denouement. I recently read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie, and actually shouted ‘NO WAY’ towards the end!!!

What do you think is next for this genre?

I suppose as technology changes, the style of investigative narrative will adapt, perhaps fantasy will come into it, but I’m not sure that appeals to me.

Do you judge a book by its cover? Why?

Yes I do. I’m a visual learner, and maybe that’s why I am drawn to visually appealing books. Even when I buy digital books it’s usually because I’ve read a review of the book, but was drawn to it by the photo of the cover! My phone has lots of photos of book covers on it.

What do you want from the books you read?

I want to get involved in a book, feel like I’m living it and relate to the characters. I don’t enjoy books where you can predict the end when you’re only a few chapters in, I feel like I’ve been cheated! I have read books and been convinced it’s real life, which is quite amusing.

Have you a reading spot? Are you a paper book or ebook reader or both?

I’ve just bought a new house so I’m creating a corner where I can read and be comfy! I do love my kindle paperwhite as it is brilliant for holidays, but I do love a paper book, and being able to fold the corners down. You can’t fill a bookcase with digital receipts!

Thanks so much, Jane!

TTFN!