Speaking about Books and Reading

Speaking about books, I think everyone should have at least one they truly love.

Do you like reading?

Yes, I enjoy reading. It’s a great way to relax, learn new things, and escape into different worlds.

How important are books to you?

Books are very important to me. They help me relax after a busy day and allow me to learn new things. I also think reading books improves my vocabulary and helps me see the world from different points of view.

What kind of books do you usually read?

Speaking about books, it’s fascinating how much we can learn from different authors and cultures. I enjoy a variety of genres, but I particularly like fantasy novels, historical fiction, and biographies. I also enjoy non-fiction books about science, history, and self-improvement.

When do you usually read?

I try to read every day, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. I usually read in the evening before going to bed.

What kinds of books do you like?

I enjoy many types of books, but my favourites are adventure novels and crime stories. I also like self-development books because they help me improve myself. Sometimes, I read fantasy when I want something light and fun.

How have your reading habits changed over time?

When I was younger, I used to read a lot of fiction, especially adventure stories. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more interested in non-fiction and books with a deeper meaning.

Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books?

I prefer physical books because I enjoy the feel of the paper and the smell of the book. However, e-books are convenient for traveling.

What do you think of the idea of e-books?

I think e-books are a great invention because they are very practical. You can carry hundreds of books on one device, which is useful for traveling. However, I still prefer reading paper books when I am at home because they feel more special.

What would life be like without books?

Life without books would be quite boring, I think. People would lose a great source of knowledge and imagination. Books give us the chance to escape reality and explore other cultures or time periods. Without them, we would miss out on a lot of inspiration.

Do you prefer paperbacks or hardbacks?

I prefer paperbacks because they are lighter and easier to carry. Hardbacks look nicer on the shelf, but they are usually more expensive and heavier to hold when reading in bed.

If you wrote a book, what would you write about?

If I wrote a book, it would probably be about my travels. I love exploring new places and learning about other cultures, so I would write about my experiences and funny situations I had in different countries.

If you could only have one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

I think I would choose Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It’s a book I can read many times without getting bored. The characters are very interesting and the language is beautiful, so I could always find something new in it.

Do you think the Internet will make books disappear?

No, I don’t think so. The Internet is useful for information, but books give a different feeling. Many people still love holding a book and reading without a screen. Books might change formats, but I don’t believe they will disappear.

What book would you recommend for children?

I would recommend Harry Potter because it’s exciting and teaches good values like friendship and courage. It also helps children love reading because the story is so interesting.

How many books have you read in English?

I’m not sure of the exact number, but I think I’ve read more than twenty books in English. I try to read in English regularly to improve my skills and to enjoy stories in the original language.

Do you think people will read more or less in the future?

That’s a difficult question. On the one hand, there are so many other forms of entertainment available now, like streaming services and video games, which might draw people away from reading. On the other hand, books offer a unique experience, and there’s a growing appreciation for the benefits of reading, like improving vocabulary and imagination. I think it will depend on how effectively we encourage people to read and how accessible books remain.

What are the benefits of reading books?

Speaking about books, they can transport you to completely different worlds without leaving your room. Reading has numerous benefits. It helps improve vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. It also enhances imagination, critical thinking, and empathy. Furthermore, reading can be a great way to relax, learn about new cultures and ideas, and escape from the stresses of daily life.

What is the difference between reading a book and watching a movie based on the book?

Reading a book allows you to use your own imagination to visualize the characters and settings. It’s a more active and immersive experience. Watching a movie is more passive, and the visual interpretation is already decided for you. A movie can also be a great way to experience the story, but it often leaves out details and nuances that are present in the book.”

Do you think reading is important? Why?

I think reading is very important. It helps people develop their imagination, learn new knowledge, and understand different cultures. Reading also improves language skills and critical thinking. Without reading, it’s hard to grow personally or professionally.

Do you think young people are reading enough?

In my opinion, many young people don’t read enough nowadays. They spend more time on their phones or watching videos. Of course, some young people still love reading, but in general, it’s becoming less popular because of social media and games.

How can we encourage more people to read?

I think we can encourage more people to read by making reading fun and interesting. Schools could introduce more modern and exciting books, not just old classics. Also, book clubs and reading challenges could motivate people. Parents also play a big role by reading with their children from a young age.

What role does literature play in society?

Literature plays a very important role in society. It helps people understand history, culture, and human emotions. Books can teach important lessons about life and make people more open-minded. Literature also brings people together, because everyone can find a story that touches their heart.

What do you think of Google’s idea to put all the world’s books on the Internet, accessible for free?

I think Google’s idea to put all the world’s books on the Internet for free is both exciting and a little complicated. On one hand, it’s amazing because it would give everyone easy access to knowledge, no matter where they live or how much money they have. It could help people learn and discover new things much faster.

However, I also understand why some writers and publishers don’t like it. They work hard to create books, and they deserve to earn money for their work. If everything is free, it might be harder for authors to make a living.

In my opinion, it would be great to have more books online for free, especially educational books, but it should be done in a fair way that respects writers’ rights.

Why doesn’t everybody enjoy reading?

I think not everyone enjoys reading because people have different interests and habits. Some people find reading boring or too slow, especially if they prefer more active or visual activities like sports or movies. Others might have difficulties with reading, maybe because of problems with concentration or because they didn’t have a good experience with books at school.

Also, nowadays many people are used to fast entertainment, like short videos or social media, so it can be harder for them to enjoy long stories. I believe if people find the right book for their interests, they might enjoy reading more.

What attracts you to a book (cover, blurb, recommendation)?

Usually, the blurb attracts me the most. I like to read the short description on the back of the book to see if the story sounds interesting. The cover is also important because a beautiful design makes me curious. Sometimes, I read books based on a friend’s recommendation, especially if we have similar tastes.

Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction?

I enjoy both, but I probably prefer fiction. Fiction helps me relax and escape from daily life. I like interesting characters and exciting plots. Speaking about books, I’m always surprised by how much I can learn from fiction, not just nonfiction. But I also read non-fiction when I want to learn something new or improve my skills.

What are some books you would recommend to others?

I would recommend To Kill a Mockingbird because it teaches important lessons about justice and kindness. For people who enjoy fantasy, Harry Potter is always a good choice. For non-fiction, I recommend Atomic Habits because it’s very practical and easy to understand.

Do you have a favorite character from a book?

Speaking about books, some stories stay with you forever. One of my favorite characters is Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. She is clever, strong, and always speaks her mind. I like how she is independent and doesn’t care about what others think too much.

If you could write a book, what would it be about?

If I wrote a book, it would be about traveling and meeting people from different cultures. I think it would be a mix of funny stories and interesting facts about traditions around the world.

Do you think books make good gifts?

I think books are excellent gifts. A good book can make someone happy, teach them something useful, or inspire them. Books are also personal, especially if you choose a book that matches someone’s personality.

Can you describe a book that made you laugh or cry?

The Little Prince made me both laugh and cry. Some parts are funny and sweet, but the ending is very emotional. It’s a simple story, but it teaches deep lessons about life and friendship.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a timeless tale that speaks to both children and adults. First published in 1943, it combines simple storytelling with deep philosophical reflections on life, love, and human nature.

The story follows a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting strange grown-ups along the way. Through his eyes, readers are reminded how adults can sometimes forget the most important things in life: imagination, kindness, and friendship. The narrator, a pilot stranded in the desert, learns from the prince about love and loss, especially through the prince’s relationship with a single, unique rose.

Saint-Exupéry’s writing is poetic and gentle, filled with memorable quotes like, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” The illustrations, drawn by the author himself, add a childlike charm to the book.

Though short and easy to read, The Little Prince leaves a lasting impression. It encourages readers to look beyond appearances, cherish relationships, and not lose sight of the wonder and innocence of childhood. It is a beautiful, thought-provoking classic that remains relevant for all ages.

Describe a book you recently read and enjoyed.

Speaking about books, I always find it hard to pick just one favorite.

What it is:
I recently read … (book title) by … (author). It’s a … (genre) novel /story that tells the story of … (briefly describe the plot and setting).

When you read it:
I read it over the past week, mostly in the evenings and on the weekends.

How it influenced you:
This book really made me think about … (mention a theme or idea the book explores). It also made me appreciate … (mention something the book made you appreciate, like the importance of family, friendship or perseverance).

Why you liked it:
I enjoyed the book because … (mention specific reasons, e.g., the well-developed characters, the exciting/thrilling plot, the thought-provoking themes).