I was tagged by my friend Karina. You can read her reader confessions here.

1. Have you ever damaged a book?

I once had a much-loved edition of Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell that I pushed onto several people, insisting that they absolutely had to read it. It went to Japan and England and eventually came back with its cover torn off.

It has now disappeared completely, because I can’t remember who borrowed it last. But it was fate, because I spotted a copy at the Food Barn in Noordhoek that turned out to be signed.

2. Have you ever damaged a borrowed book?

Probably, and felt guilty and bought the owner a new one. I can’t remember who or what the book was, but I’m sure this has happened. It’s also one of the reasons I don’t like lending books out.

3. How long does it take you to read a book?

If a book grabs me, I have to force myself to read slower or else I’ll devour it within an hour or two. I raced through The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah and The Girls by Emma Cline – books so good you can’t turn the page fast enough.

Sadly, other books I adored took a little longer (months), like Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. They were too wonderful not to finish and I refused to give up on them.

4. Books you haven’t finished?

Too many to mention. Life is too short for bad fiction. One book that stands out is Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett. It didn’t feel like it was written in his voice. In retrospect I should have finished it. He was one of my absolutely favourite authors and his books got me through high school.

5. Hyped/Popular books you didn’t like?

The 50 Shades series. I haven’t read any of the Game of Thrones books yet.

6. Is there a book you wouldn’t tell anyone you were reading?

It depends. I’m a young adult writer so 90% of my bookshelf is made up of teen books. I have at least one book in my handbag with a neon pink cover at the moment.

7. How many books do you own?

I only keep books I love and can’t live without. The rest I donate to Nazareth House or libraries. I have a large bookshelf that is arranged according to colour and features my favourite pop figures and Harry Potter stuff. It makes me happy whenever I look at it.

8. Are you a fast/slow reader?

I’m just going to copy and paste Karina’s answer here – Fast, unless slow is required.

9. Do you like to buddy read?

Does this mean reading a book at the same time as a friend? I did this with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and ended up giving the twist away before she had finished.

10. Do you read better in your head/out loud?

In my head. I’m terrible at voices. Since the topic is reader confessions I’m going to admit my love of hearing other people read – writers like Liam Kruger and Joanne Hichens. They have a gift, and it’s a joy to listen to them.

On the same note, I’m starting to incorporate audio books into my down time. There’s nothing better than relaxing while Stephen Fry reads Harry Potter to you. Now that is a man who can do voices, especially Hermione and Luna.

11. If you were only allowed to own one book, what would it be and why?

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. This is my ultimate comfort read and the only book I’ve re-read about sixty times. That’s not an exaggeration.