This evening I welcome fellow blogger and Geordie Sheila Howes to my blog to talk about A Life in Books.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m Sheila, I’m 36 and I’m a housewife in Newcastle upon Tyne! I love to read mysteries and thrillers and occasionally branch out to other genres such as non-fiction and YA. When I’m not reading, I like to travel, eat out and I’m a cinema buff too!
What was you favourite book from childhood?
I don’t remember having a specific favourite book as such, but Enid Blyton was my favourite author. My favourite series were The Faraway Tree and the St Claires school series.
What type of books did you read as a teenager?
I discovered a passion for crime in my teenage years. I mostly remember reading Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express is still one of my favourites.
When you were at school what was your favourite book you studied?
I actually wasn’t all that keen on the books that we studied at school. The one I remember reading and enjoying the most was actually a play – The Crucible, by Arthur Miller.
What is your favourite classic book?
I’ve never really been a reader of classics – apart from what we were forced to read at school. The only potential classic I can remember reading and enjoying was A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
What would you consider to be one of the best books you have had over the last 5 
years?
I’ve only been keeping a record for about 3 years! Whilst I only gave it a 4* review, I would say the one that keeps coming back to me is The End of Mr Y by Scarlett Thomas. It’s not the type of book I would normally read, but I really identified with most of the characters. It does have some big philosophical ideas though, which I struggled with.
What book do you think you should read but never get round to?
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. People rave about it, and it’s still sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. I’m slightly bothered it will take me forever to read. As I said earlier, I’m not particularly literary outside crime fiction!
What is your favourite book?
I have two – Murder on the Orient Express and Harry Potter (again the entire series, not one particular).
Is there a book that you have started but been unable to finish?
I very rarely do not finish books, but there have been one or two I haven’t finished. The last one which stands out was Alex by Pierre Lemaitre. I was meant to be reading it with my book groups but it was far too gory for me – more horror than crime!
If you were stranded on a desert Island which 2 books would you want to have with 
you
Am I allowed my two favourites? If not, I would choose two books that I haven’t yet read as they have only recently come out – Wolves in the Dark by Gunnar Staakesen and The Shadow District by Arnaldur Indriðason.
Kindle or Book?
I do prefer books. Having something solid in your hands, something the author can sign. However, since taking up blogging I’ve started to use my Kindle a lot more.
You can read Sheila’s re views on her blog www.thequietgeordie.wordpress.com
Twitter @thequietgeordie
Facebook Sheila Howes