A-Z Blogger book survey

I noticed this on Conrad Kinch's splendid blog.  So here are my answers:

Author you've read the most books from:

I have read the whole Bond series several times.  They are a delight - well written and very atmospheric.  Many of mine  - all paperbacks - were originally owned by my father's father so are pretty damn old!

Best sequel ever:

Currently reading:

Drink of choice whilst reading:
Tea (plenty of milk - no sugar), wine (white, red, rose in order of preference)

E-reader or physical book:
Real book!  That said, I do have a Kindle app on my iPad.

Fictional character you would probably have dated in high school:
Sorry - dating a fictional character never crossed my mind!

Glad you gave this book a chance:

Don't need a whole book on the Versailles treaty?  Neither did I- but it's a damn good read.
Hidden book gem:

Bought on the spur of the moment a couple of years ago.  As the cover note says: "The restless ruler of an obscure Central European state plots a coup against himself and escapes to Venice in search of 'real' experience.  There he falls in with a team of con-men and ends up, to his own surprise, impersonating himself."

Important moment in your book life:

 AWG was (quite literally) a game changer for me.  The first evidence I had that cocking about with toys wasn't just for kids.  It is pleasing to see this book available again - complete with contributions from me!

Just finished:

Kind of book you won't read:
I really don't get on with goblins and/or spacemen type 'fantasy'.

Longest book you've read:
Not sure - probably Lord Bored of the Rings.  I found it mostly pretty tedious.

Major book hangover because of disappointing endings: 

I tried a few of Douglas Reeman's novels but found them rather formulaic and predictable.

Number of bookcases you own:

Nine - mostly beefy 2-metre tall types.

One book you've read multiple times:

 I even have one of these:

As with all of these categories, I've avoided nominating reference type books - of which I have rather a lot!

Preferred place to read:
Bed/armchair/sofa.  Even sometimes in my car (when parked!)

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you've read:
"Worry is a dividend paid to disaster before it is due."  James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

Reading regret:
Not having time to read more!
Series you started and need to finish:
See 'Z' below....

Three of your all-time favourite books:

If you only read one WW2 book this should be it!

Many of Sharpe's characters were based on real staff at what is now Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.  Some of whom were still there when I was a student....

I've not actually re-read this for a few years now as my copies (of this and The King's War) are falling apart!

Unapologetic fanboy for:
Alistair Horne.

Very excited for this release:

Caesar's Heirs: Wolves in the Forum by John Bassett.   Due out in March 2014.

Worst bookish habit:
Er, buying books?

X marks the spot - Start at the top left of your bookshelf and pick the 27th book: 

I had to randomly choose (using dice of course!) a bookcase.

Your latest book purchase:

Zzz snatcher book (the last book that kept you up waaay too late:)