Read Street: Which writer do you drink like? - A blog for a community of readers, in Baltimore and beyond.

It's no secret that many of the world's most famous authors were drinkers with a writing problem. Authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dorothy Parker, James Joyce and O. Henry were all celebrated scribes who were helped, and more often hindered, by the bottle. And while alcoholism is no joke, I find no fault occasionally indulging in a tipple or two.

So that got me wondering: Which author would I most like to go drinking with? Ernest Hemingway would have amazing stories to tell; Oscar Wilde would make a great people-watching companion; and H.L. Mencken could introduce me to the who's who of American society, even if he didn't like them that much.

And so, a little quiz: Which famous author do you most drink like? ~~Answers will be revealed tomorrow, but feel free to make your predictions now~~ Answers are up now!

1. What's your idea of the perfect afternoon?

A) Exploring exciting new places, preferably with a gun.
B) Catching up with friends and family, in person or via e-mail.
C) Checking out the latest scene, dazzling everyone with your wit.
D) Blogging about celebrities, politicians and people who annoy you.
E) Hanging out with your little cousin.

2. When it comes to school

A) Academics and athletics -- you did it all!
B) You learned life's most important lessons at home.
C) The other kids were never really nice to you.
D) You'd rather be working.
E) There's more to life than studies! Like gambling!

3. Your relationship with your family is best describe as:

A) You look forward to your seasonal hunting, fishing or boating trips.
B) You can always count on each other for anything.
C) Your wild ways have alienated most of your relations.
D) You tend to rebel, but not too much.
E) You're a little too close to your extended family.

4. How would you describe yourself?

A) Rugged, tough and larger-than-life.
B) You appreciate a good laugh, but are quick to point out the world's serious flaws.
C) Your joie de vivre is misunderstood and underappreciated.
D) Unflinchingly honest, courageous and often insensitive.
E) Mysterious, with a touch of the macabre about you.

5. In matters of the heart, you:

A) Love many, and often.
B) Tend to keep quiet about your love life.
C) Are the subject of gossip and/or scandal with your escapades.
D) Fell in love once, seemingly against your will.
E) Love deeply, and perhaps a bit too fanatically.

6. Whom do you admire most?

A) Yourself, clearly.
B) Your family.
C) People are too flawed to be looked up to.
D) Mark Twain.
E) Your lost love.

7. Soon after your arrival at the party, you:

A) Head straight to the wet bar and dare your buddies to keep up with you.
B) Dance the night away.
C) Make sure everyone noticed your entrance.
D) Get your more musically inclined friends to strike up the band.
E) Don't really party much. (Not since college, anyway.)

8. Which of the following statements describes your legacy to the world?

A) You'll give new meaning to the word "macho."
B) Women everywhere will admire you, while most men will simply be perplexed.
C) Your unmistakeable talent will far outlast any unsavory reputation.
D) It'll be a mixed bag: You'll be remembered as much for the good as the bad.
E) Your work is so admired, strangers will be pouring one out for you years after your death.

(Photo by melodi2 at stock.xchng)