Alexandra's 5 Questions

@alexandra_writes_

Five questions answered by the BookshelfTracker community

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1.) Did someone read to you when you were a child (who, what, when, where, why)?
If my memories are correct, whoever was in the room when I went to bed read me the story about ‘Fanfan et la chèvre blanche’ (Fanfan and the White Goat) in French. It’s the story of Fanfan, a young boy looking after a herd of sheep and goats in the Alps with his cat, Caprice, Tim the rabbit, and his dog, Poum. Together, they walk from one location to another in search of fresh grass for their animals. One day, Aline, a headstrong goat, escapes from the herd, prompting the group to embark on a quest to find her. Their journey is fraught with challenges, including encounters with fierce eagles, timid yet friendly marmots, and perilous avalanches. As they navigate treacherous mountain storms, not everything goes according to plan. As a child, one of my favorite parts is when Caprice (the cat) tumbles into a giant pot of cheese while fleeing from a large Saint Bernard dog. It is a beautiful book about adventure and friendship. When I think about it, I grew up to be the Aline of the family, straying away from the herd, but I’m sure that’s just the irony of fate. :)

2.) What's the first book you remember reading that had a lasting effect on you?
For sure that will be the book ‘The Song of Troy’ by Colleen Mccullough. It had a lasting effect because I discovered how much I love epic stories. This was in 1999, well before studying literature at university. Looking back, I can see how it laid the foundation for my passion for grand narratives. The tales of freedom, love, friendship, conflict, destiny, and, above all...hope continues to resonate with me, moving me with each book I read. Especially the ideas of not giving up, believing, and looking for hope.

3.) What genre(s) do you love?
Unsurprisingly, my favorite genre is historical fiction. However, over the past year, I have developed a newfound interest in non-fiction. Matthew McConaughey's 'Greenlights' has been particularly inspiring for my ongoing career journey, offering valuable insights on resilience and the importance of focusing on the bigger picture. Additionally, Brené Brown's 'Braving the Wilderness' introduced me to the concept of ‘True Belonging,’ teaching me to stand tall and embrace my individuality with courage. Finally, I have to admit there are two fantasy sagas that I have devoured over the last months: Red Rising (Pierce Brown) and Green Bones (Fonda Lee). They are incredibly tough and fragile stories, but they are worth your time.

4.) Has a book ever changed your life?
Books have always been a door or gate to discover new worlds and understand better how people think. Jon Krakauer’s 'Into the Wild' profoundly transformed my perspective on society, its limitations, and the essence of personal freedom. Furthermore, how can I honestly answer this question without mentioning poetry, specifically by John Keats?! The power of poetry, touching our emotions and deepest thoughts, is, for me, one of humanity’s greatest inventions. Each time I read 'A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever,' a new door opens, refreshing winds sweep away my sorrows, and I am transported to a realm where beauty and words reign supreme.

5.) What attracts you to a book? The cover? Podcast? Recommendation from others?
I tend to be the type of reader who, when a book gains widespread acclaim, will resist its allure for a while, waiting for the hype to die down before giving it a chance. I don’t like being told what to read; I am a bit of “the stubborn goat.” Aline persists. I choose books based on the story, and I always read the first three pages to see if I like the writing style.

*BookshelfTracker is an app that lets you organize the books you own, track who you lend them to, and more. Learn more on our website bookshelftracker.com