Another reader interview.

This time it's Geoff turn to be interviewed!

Since I first read 2001: A Space Odyssey back in 1967 I’ve read books, they have pretty well been my constant companion.  As a family we have always been readers, I think this is why Sophie has become a writer.  She was writing stories from the age of about 4 or 5 and hasn’t stopped since.

I’m an IT consultant.  I run my own business in Cheshire and supply my services to any company, but I tend to be most attractive to banks and large IT services companies.  I used to be proud of working for banks, but nowadays I tell people that I work in a gay bar selling my body for money, as it doesn’t carry such a social stigma.

1.What genre do you prefer to read?

I’ve become more drawn into non-fiction of late.  Whether this is Kindle related, I’m really not sure.  Also, I tend to be led by authors at the moment.  The authors on Goodreads continue to attract me to their work as well.

2.Is there a favourite book you’ve read more than a few times because you found the story so engrossing?

Dean Coontz Lightning is one of my regular reads.  It has a great plot and the author is so much better than Stephen King.  The other book I have read a few times is Stephen Coonts Minotaur.  This is a great techno-thriller that really works.  There is one section covering 2-3 pages where the writer describes a test aircraft that ‘departs’ in mid air.  The moment by moment description is electric.

3.Do you read paperbacks or ebooks more?

I like to think that I can read either, but I’ve read 3-4 ebooks whilst trying to read Ian Rankin’s The Falls in paperback.  It is just so much easier to read the Kindle.

4.If you have an ereader has your reading increased or changed in any way?

I’ve always been an avid reader.  My wife has always said I’d read anything anywhere.

5.Have you ever thought of penning a book yourself?

I’m currently writing a fictional book called Bump.  It’s a contemporary thriller.  Whether it will ever see the light of day is anyone’s guess, but we’ll see.  I’m also writing a short piece about my medical experience a few years ago called Good Morning Dr Horner.  Mind you, I think I’ll leave the glory to my daughter Sophie.  Her book, A Hole in the World is brilliant.  She is a much better writer than I’ll ever be.

6.What makes a book an absolute must read in your eyes? Is it characterisation or plot that’s more important?

I need a good synopsis

7.In the ebook world what do you consider is the best way to grab a readers attention?

I think it has to be reviews.  If there is one or more genuine positive reviews this gets my attention every time.

8.Name 6 authors you’d invite to dinner.

Marc Levinson, author of “The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger.”

Sophie Robbins, author of “A Hole in the World.”

Stephen Coonts , author of “The Minotaur”.

Sameem Ali, author of “Belonging”.

Chris Petersen, author of “Tear in Time”.

David Simon, author of Homicide: A Year on the Killing Street and creator of The Wire.

9.If you were stranded on a desert island what three items would you take with you?

Linda and Sophie.  I know these aren’t items, but I just love their company and it would make any desert island tolerable.  My third item?  My laptop with an internet connection.