book meme, via abishag and f4f3

One book that changed your life?

Richard's Encyclopedia, a red 1950-something edition, with colour plates of imagined environments on other planets painted by Chesley Bonestell. Those 14 volumes were my childhood companions and windows into other worlds.

One book you have read more than once?

Most everything I've bought has been read at least twice. _Sunshine_ by Robin McKinley has been my comfort re-read the last couple of years.

One book you would want on a desert island?

A survivalist's guide of some sort seems advisable!

One book that made you laugh?

Danny Sugarman's _Wonderland Avenue_ had people looking at me strangely at Bury bus station the day I bought it.

One book that made you cry?

Most recently, _World Before_ by Karen Traviss

One book you wish had been written?

I always want a sequel, if I've enjoyed the book, but they so often disappoint.

One book you wish had never been written?

Any hate literature, but it's the writers I would prefer not to have existed.

One book you are currently reading?

Just started _The Dying Days_ by Shannon Patrick Sullivan.

One book you have been meaning to read?

_Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell_ by Susanna Clarke.

A really obscure book you have read

Umm. Loads of arcane texts in my time - I was the only borrower of too many old books at the university library. How about Treble & Vallins _ABC of English Usage_ but neither for a course nor work?

Which book do you most frequently recommend to friends?

I've recommended Iain Banks' work before a number of times.