Rob’s Reader of the Week: Katy Burdock

Rob’s Intro: So it’s Christmas week (yay!) and I wanted to do something a little different for this edition of Reader of the Week. I had phoned up Santa to see if he’d like to participate but he gave me some excuse about being too busy (something about toys and reindeers and stuff )), so I had to rack my brain to think of someone else. Then it hit me like a bolt of lightening! What about featuring someone a little closer to home i.e. my very own daughter? She certainly fills the requirements for someone really special for Christmas week, because it doesn’t get much more special to me than featuring one of my daughters, so that’s what I’ve decided to do.

So it’s with great delight, and not a little pride that I bring to you Katy, a 14 year old up-and-coming bibliophile, and one of only two teens I’m proud to call my daughter (well most of the time, when she’s not evangelising hardcore rock bands that is )). So without further ado, and a lot of shouting to grab her attention over that infernal racket she calls music, here’s Katy:

Hello I’m Katy. I’m 14 and am currently studying in 3rd year at high school. I enjoy art, music and especially reading. I have been reading from a young age with encouragement from my parents and it has helped me a lot in life. I think reading is important and it makes you a more intelligent person. I think people should read as there is something out there for everyone

1. Favourite Genre? I like a quite a mixture of genres, but usually nothing too far-fetched with a few exceptions (Twilight and Wolf Brother)

2. Favourite Book? I have quite a few, they would probably be The Road, Twilight series and The Curious Incident Of the Dog In the Night-Time.

3. Why do you love reading so much? My Dad has inspired me a lot but I probably read most for escapism, because it lets you experience a different world to your own. I also love how reading increases your vocabulary and knowledge.

4. Favourite reading place? In my bed before I sleep because it helps me to relax.

5. How BIG is your reading addiction? I don’t think I have an addiction. I read every day for at least an hour, but if it is a book i’m really enjoying I would read it for hours on end.

6. How do you normally add books to your collection? Buying them in Waterstones, going to charity shops or book swapping sites.

7. How do you decide what to read? Mainly through my Dad but also through booksites or recommendations from trusted sites. I wouldn’t read books just because they are mainstream though; they usually aren’t very good.

8. Ebooks – love or hate? I like how easy it is to read ebooks online but personally I like having physical books because I like to have a collection. I think E-Readers are a good idea for portability, though.

9. Has reading inspired you to do any serious writing yourself? Yes it has, some authors have amazing talent which I wish I could have. But I think a lot of authors are pretentious which puts me off.

10. What single piece of advice (or tip) would you give to fellow readers? Don’t just read the mainstream books authors churn out every month, as sometimes these people are more interested in the money than their passion for writing.

Katy, thanks for interrupting your lounging around (;o)) to speak to your Dad’s readers. Now, while you’re here – is there any chance you can turn that music down?