My name is Toryssa, this is where I keep track of what I am/have been reading and my thoughts about it.

You can support my habit, and possibly buy a little piece of my love, here, or here.

You can email fancytoryssa at gmail.com and I will be the one to respond. I welcome conversation about anything I’ve read, or any great books you might like to suggest.

I love books. All books.

I am a voracious reader of just about anything I can get my hands on. I have read and loved everything from classic literature to graphic novels. From trashy historical romance to autobiographies.

I buy books compulsively.

I prefer paperbacks to hard.  They are more comfortable to read, and fit better in my bag.

I always have a book in my bag.  Sometimes two, if I think that there is a chance that I might finish one- I wouldn’t want to be left with nothing to read.

I often judge a book by it’s cover.

I rarely get rid of books.

I am not a writer, but I am fascinated by great writers.

If I were a Queen, I would have a storyteller rather than a jester.

I hate to lend my books. I feel a bit guilty about this, and people think that I am insane when they ask if they can borrow one and I immediately say, “NO!”. I’m just very protective.

I find it hard not to judge people by what they read. Or, especially, what they don’t read.

I like literature, but I don’t always like the type of people that also like literature. One can analyze and project meaning until they pass out, but in the end, it’s the story itself that is the most important.

Once I start a book, I always finish it. There is one exception. The Confederacy of Dunces. I have tried, two or three times to read that novel, and I haven’t finished it yet. I will, eventually.

I like to be read to.

I sometimes read while I’m driving. Some people apply makeup, some people talk on the phone, I read.

I love the smell of books and bookstores.

I hold a special affinity for used books, especially ones that have been “well loved.”

Yet, I cringe when I see people folding books in half while reading, or laying them face down to keep their spot. Well loved is entirely different than completely abused.

The bathtub is one of my favorite places to read.

I have a copy of John Irving’s latest novel on the table by my bed. It’s been there since it was released. I have no intention of reading it until he comes out with a new book. I’m worried that he’ll die, or stop writing, and I’ll never read John for the first time again.

You can read more at my blog.