Weekly check-in
Another week’s flown by which means it’s time for my book blog and life-in-general check-in.
What I read
I started the week with Stephen King’s Finders Keepers and managed to read it in a night while still staying at my mother’s. This meant I had to read in bed as she doesn’t have a bathtub. I survived the ordeal (of reading in bed) and enjoyed King’s latest offering. I do think (however) I would have appreciated it more if I’d first read Mr Mercedes—its predecessor.
Charlie, Presumed Dead arrived out of the blue. Unless a book really appeals I often ignore unsolicited offerings; however I’d read someone else’s review and was surprisingly tempted. I *may* have thrown the book across the bathroom when I finished, but you can read more about that in my review.
And I finally (yes, finally) got to The Long Hot Summer. I was a bit worried the book was too saga-ish for me, but surprised myself by hanging in there… even though it took me three baths nights to read it.
What I wrote
I’ve cut back (at lot) on my navel-gazing posts in recent times. As I’ve started freelancing I’m conscious that potential clients may visit this blog and I’d like them to think I’m a vaguely sane and evolved human being. 🙂 Hence the lack of woe-is-me type posts. I did however share some thoughts following online reading about anger, self-forgiveness and their role in addiction (food addiction in my case).
I also posted my reviews of Finders Keepers and Charlie, Presumed Dead.
Other stuff I got up to
I did a little more on the freelancing and work front this week. I put in for my first freelancing gigs (regular paid writing for other sites) I’d seen advertised on various sites. I’m not expecting to be selected but it’s a start. Sadly I’m yet to work on another article to pitch since my first big effort, so I really really really need to do that this week.
What I plan on reading
I wanted to share a couple of the books I’ve received but may not read. They’re not really my thing, but I’m conscious that they’ll certainly appeal to others (who don’t dislike non-fiction). I, Justine and In Real Life are available in Australia via Simon & Schuster.
On my list for this week are: Confessions of a Once Fashionable Mum by Georgia Madden. As a non-mother I’m not sure how I’ll relate to this one.
Next will be Killing Monica by Candace Bushnell (am loath to say ‘of SATC-fame’, although it’s true). I’ve not read any of her books before but continue to try to broaden my horizons. 😉
Hush Little Bird by Nicole Trope is a book I’m looking forward to reading and if I have time I’ll also read In My House by Alex Hourston.
Confessions… is already out but the other three are released later this month. Thankfully none of the electronic books I have awaiting me in NetGalley are due for publication for a month or two as I always try to read a book before it’s released if possible.
And that’s it for this week.
What’s on your agenda?
As usual I’m linking up with Kimberley for the Sunday Post and Sheila for “It’s Monday!”
Discover more from Debbish
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Stormi D Johnson
June 14, 2015Great week, I kind of want to read Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers but I haven’t found any interesting SK books in a while so now I am skittish…lol. Enjoy your reads!
Stormi
Week in Review
Debbish
June 14, 2015I think I’ve been very much like you Stormi when it comes to books by King (of course his On Writing non-fiction book is one of my favourites!!!) and this seems to be a bit of a change in direction.
Kathryn
June 14, 2015You are really well organised with your review books. I just went over to Goodreads to read the synopsis of Hush, Little Bird. Sounds good although might be hard reading. Will look forward to your review on that one.
Debbish
June 14, 2015Am looking forward to it… It sounds very intriguing!
Pinky Poinker
June 14, 2015I love Mr King but I’m not sure if I’d like his latest and I haven’t read Mr Mercedes. My favourite if his is 11/22/63.
Debbish
June 14, 2015I haven’t even heard of that Michelle!
laurelrainsnow
June 14, 2015I’ve been eyeing Hush, Little Bird, but it is not available here yet. Enjoy your books and your freelance work! And thanks for visiting my blog.
Debbish
June 14, 2015Thanks Laurel. Am determined to be more productive on the freelance front this week!
kimbacaffeinate
June 14, 2015In my House and Hush Little Bird both look really good. I listened to King’s Finder’s Keepers and enjoyed it. Deb you would have looked like a prune if you read that entire book in the bathtub…lol Enjoy your week!
Debbish
June 14, 2015Ha! I have been known to have 3hr long baths (and replenish the hot water part way through!). I’m really not exactly sure when and how I got into the habit of bathtime reading but I’ve been doing it since 1998 or so. And I think perhaps when I was younger and at Uni. I remember lying in the bath and reading Agatha Christies (a whole one in a sitting) when home from Uni at Christmas etc.
Jess
June 14, 2015Do you enjoy non fiction if it is crime related? Or just not at all? I love all genres relating to crime so I was just curious. Good luck with your freelance pitch. Taking he leap is sometimes so much harder than actually doing the job for some reason!
Debbish
June 14, 2015I don’t even enjoy non-fiction if it’s crime-related Jess. Obviously I’ve read the occasional self-help type book etc… but I even struggle with those.
Greg
June 14, 2015OK throwing a book across the room got me curious, so I checked out your review of Charlie. Sounds fun and quirky and yes, I can see where a story like that might be frustrating if it doesn’t end just so. 🙂 Good when a book sticks with you though…
Good luck with the freelance stuff… and have a nice weekend.
Debbish
June 14, 2015Hee hee. As I said in the review, I was sure if I was solely frustrated in the way it ended or that it felt a bit like I’d wasted a lot of effort on something which didn’t ultimately satisfy me. Who knows… And thanks.
Deb
Christy
June 14, 2015Oh no, reading in a bed! lol. I used to read in the bath, but now I’m afraid I’ll drop my kindle in it. 😀 Hmmm … I, Justine sounds familiar. Isn’t she a Youtuber? I’ll have to look into that one. Oh, and now I need to know why you threw that book. 😉
Debbish
June 14, 2015Yes, I think both I, Justine and In Real Life are about popular social media figures. Although perhaps Justine was also an actress. (I did google her!)
Red Iza
June 14, 2015A weird question popped up in my mind while reading your post : when the water gets cold in your bath, do you stop reading ? I know, silly question, but I had tea instead of coffee this morning, this may be the cause 🙂 I enjoy reading in my bath but am always afraid i’ll drop the book/tablet in the water ! Enjoy your new books 😉
Debbish
June 14, 2015No, I actually top it up with hot water when it’s getting cold. I was far more careful when we had water restrictions but less so now. It’s very wasteful though! 🙂
Angelica
June 14, 2015I’m liking the sound of “Once fashionable mum” as I just became a Mother so this will certainly appeal to me LOL
My Sunday Post
Debbish
June 14, 2015I actually thought I’d struggle with it as I”m not a mother, but I’m halfway through and very much enjoying it Angelica.
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
June 14, 2015I think I am going to read Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers – They aren’t my usual reads but I am interested becasue I have heard good things. I can’t wait to hear what you think of Killing Monica. I haven’t read any of her other books either but everytime I see that cover I am intrigued – Have a great week!
Debbish
June 14, 2015I was a SATC fan, but not sure how much of that came from Bushnell herself. It certainly sounds intriguing!
fangswandsfairy(alt)
June 14, 2015My husband loves Stephen King, but I had to stop reading him because his stuff gave me night[and day]mares.
Debbish
June 14, 2015Oh yes I can understand that. I haven’t watched some movies based on his books for that reason. The visual is far worse than the words somehow. At least these latest aren’t scary like that!
shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
June 14, 2015I’m looking forward to reading Hush little Bird, and love the cover of In My House, I’ll have to check that one out.
Have a great week Deb and good luck with those articles
Debbish
June 14, 2015Thanks Shelleyrae. I’ll have to report in on the article-writing next week to keep myself accountable!
Heather Duff (@hross42)
June 14, 2015Some good books there, I received Charlie, Presumed Dead last week so am looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
Have a great week!
Heather @ Random Redheaded Ramblings
Debbish
June 14, 2015Oh yes… keen to hear what you think of Charlie…
Catherine @ Book Club Librarian
June 14, 2015Good reading week for you, and good-looking books lined up for the coming week. I hadn’t realized Candace Bushnell had another book. Hope you enjoy it and the others.
My Sunday recap: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/06/weekly-book-recap-107.html
Debbish
June 15, 2015Thanks Catherine.
GraceMyBookSnack
June 15, 2015I just read your post about anger and self forgiveness. I feel for what you’re going through and wish you all the best on your journey!
Debbish
June 15, 2015Oh thanks Grace, that’s very kind of you. x
Lauren
June 15, 2015Charlie, Presumed Dead looks interesting. I too saw it on a review site I follow. Can’t wait for your review.
Debbish
June 15, 2015I posted the review a couple of days ago Lauren. My thoughts on Charlie, Presumed Dead were mixed…. 😉
Rita @ View From My Home
June 15, 2015I read your review of Charlie, Presumed Dead and I don’t read much YA but you do have me curious about the ending now 🙂 I may pass on Finders Keepers since I didn’t read the one before it, Mr. Mercedes.
I like that you enjoy reading books in the tub. I don’t know why that makes me smile but it reminds me of Doris Day movies where she would lie in a bubble bath with a martini glass, a book and tons of bubbles!
I enjoy reading your reviews and your weekly post and wish you much luck with your free-lancing!
Debbish
June 15, 2015Maybe that’s where my love of baths came from Rita as I LOVED Doris Day movies as a kid. My mother had been a fan and in our small town we had limited TV options and every Sunday afternoon I’d be glued to the ‘old movies’. I was a huge fan of anything involving Doris, Rock Hudson, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, (Mickey Rooney to a lesser extent), Debbie Reynolds et al.
Terri M., the Director
June 15, 2015I have only read one Stephen King book all the way through. It was The Green Mile. I’m just not a fan of horror, but I know a lot of people who are.
Terri M., the Director
Second Run Reviews
Debbish
June 15, 2015You might enjoy this one then Terri as it’s most definitely not horror. I think when its predecessor came out a lot of his usual fans were upset at the change in direction.
Lola
June 15, 2015Do you always read in bath? I usually read in bed. I haven’t read any of Stephen King his books yet, they never really appealed to me. I am assuming you didn’t like something that happened in Charlie presumed Dead that you threw it across the bathroom, I wonder if the book survived that. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction books as I prefer to read fiction. I hope you’ll have a great week.
Debbish
June 15, 2015For some reason I really only read in the bath nowadays – so there’s a set time each night Lola. I remember years ago I used to read in bed (during the day) and couldn’t imagine reading ‘sitting up’. Now it’s the opposite.
And as for the flinging… I actually just flung it into the carpeted hallway near the bath so it survived. My ensuite bathroom is a long weird shape. If I flung it to the other end it could end up in the loo. And that would not be pretty. #eek
Because reading :) (@Limabean74)
June 15, 2015You read some good stuff this week and you grab some great ones as well!
Have a great week, Deb! Happy Reading in the bath! 🙂
Debbish
June 15, 2015I should mention I have a waterproof cover for my iPad. JUST IN CASE! 🙂
Angelized1st
June 15, 2015I’ve been wanting t read Mr. Mercedes for some time, but haven’t read any Stephen King in probably a decade. Great post! Hope you have a good week!
Debbish
June 15, 2015I was exactly the same – would suggest Mr Mercedes first if you get the chance. I didn’t engage much with the characters who appeared mid-novel (in Finders Keepers) but gather they were very much the focus in Mr Mercedes.
brandileigh2003
June 15, 2015Confessions sounds good. Hope you have a great weekend and happy reading.
Debbish
June 15, 2015Yes it is so far. Some of the characters are a bit OTT – the poor lead character’s just attended a dinner party at someone’s place from her mother’s group and it involved eating placenta. I’m hoping people don’t really do that!
danielaark
June 15, 2015Glad to hear you put in for your first freelancing gigs! Good Luck! Loved the review of finders keepers
Debbish
June 15, 2015Thanks. I need to be more proactive on the freelancing front. This is the week I’ve decided… And I’ll get onto it as soon as I’ve done some blog reading and commenting! 😉
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
June 15, 2015Confessions of a Once Fashionable Mum sounds hilarious, Deb! And I’m curious as to what you’ll think of it as well… I still remember days when I hardly had time for a shower when my kids were babies 😀
Good luck on your freelancing gigs! I hope something exciting will come to fruition.
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
Debbish
June 15, 2015Thanks Lexxie. I’m enjoying Confessions of a Once Fashionable Mum. I thought I might struggle as a non-mum but it hasn’t been the case. I love the lead character and it is very witty.
Char
June 15, 2015Honestly I think you should be paid to do your reviews.You treat it like a job and work hard at it. It’s a pity that you don’t get some financial reward for your efforts.
Debbish
June 15, 2015It would be nice to get paid for something I so love. I get paid for the monthly post I’m doing at Styling You and last week I submitted an application (type-thing) to a place which was advertising for feature writers. I suggested they needed a regular book reviewer. (I’m not expecting big things, but you never know.)
yvonne473
June 15, 2015Killing Monica looks really good. I need to catch up on my Stephen King reading. I haven’t read any of his in awhile.
Have a great week!
Debbish
June 15, 2015I was the same Yvonne but then heard a lot of people talking about King’s Mr Mercedes, so HAD meant to read it, then Finders Keepers came up!
Sharons Book Nook!
June 15, 2015I’ve never been one to read in the bath and I think it’s because I’m afraid that I’ll drop my book/kindle in it, gah!
You have some interesting reads this week. I hope you enjoy them.
Sharon @ Sharon’s Book Nook!
Debbish
June 15, 2015Fortunately I have a waterproof cover on my iPad, though the edges are coming loose… #eek
Jan @ Notes from a Readerholic
June 15, 2015Good luck on the freelancing. I hope that works out well. And so glad you liked the Stephen King book (having to read it in bed instead of the bath!) I don’t like horror, but have lots of friends who love his books. It’s always great to find a book that keeps you reading late into the night. I hope you have a great week.
Debbish
June 15, 2015Thanks Jan. I’m not really a fan of horror either which is why I decided to try King’s latest work. (Although I did once read most of his work!)
Michelle (@BookBriefs)
June 15, 2015HA! you threw Charlie presumed dead across the room. The ending was crazy! I can’t wait to see your thoughts in your review. And I can’t wait to see what you think of the two youtubers books. I have been interested in those myself.
Thanks for stopping by my post 🙂
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Debbish
June 15, 2015My review of Charlie, Presumed Dead is up Michelle. I looked at Goodreads later (when I was posting my review) and the comments there were very mixed, but I was pleased to see my reaction wasn’t all that unusual.
I don’t think I’m going to read the two non-fiction books. Am contemplating where I can donate them locally where they may be appreciated.
Lillian @ Mom With a Reading Problem
June 15, 2015You’ve got some great books this week!
I’m new to Stephen King (I know how can anyone be new to King, but I am 😉 ). All of his I’ve read is Under the Dome, but I’ve got The Stand on my kindle ready to read!
Hope you have a great week!
Debbish
June 15, 2015I think I would have enjoyed Under The Dome Lillian but I’ve seen some of the TV series now and then (accidentally) read a spoiler on what the dome (etc) really is…
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
June 15, 2015I’m really wanting to try Stephen King soon! I’m glad I’m not the only bathtub reader! It’s one of my favorite places to read. Have a great week!
Debbish
June 15, 2015Yay for us Katherine!
Teddyree
June 15, 2015I used to be a huge SK fan, don’t quite know when he fell off the favourite train. Good on you Deb, another step toward freelance work and good luck getting another article ready to pitch. I’d really like to read Hush, Little Bird. My reading has picked up pace but this week I slacked off with reviews and blog visiting … *sigh* just can’t seem to keep all the balls in the air lol. Have a good week and enjoy your reads.
Debbish
June 15, 2015I can relate to that feeling Teddyree. I spend SO MUCH time on book blogging and often it’s time I could / should spent trying to earn a living. I have a no-reading during the day rule, but do write my reviews and read blogs etc during the day.
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
June 15, 2015I’ve heard a few bits and pieces about Charlie, Presumed Dead, which seems up my alley because of the thriller aspect. Hope you enjoy it thought Deb!
Debbish
June 15, 2015My feelings were a bit mixed Jeann.
Deb
A Voracious Reader
June 16, 2015All of your books are new to me, but then they fall in genres I rarely read, so it’s not a surprise. Happy reading!
Debbish
June 16, 2015Ah yes, I’m very much a lover of crime fiction, thrillers and suspense!
shannonmiz
June 16, 2015Hahah I LOVE your response to Charlie, Presumed Dead. I am going to go read your review, and I am pretty sure it is going to be crossed off my TBR 😉 I looked up the Once Fashionable Mum thing and… I don’t know how I feel about it. I mean, I AM a mom, and a stay at home one at that, but… I don’t like that it has to be all or nothing! How it says she swaps her champagne and Louboutins for some mom meetups? Why can’t she do both!? Okay, I am going to stop thinking about this book and go read your thoughts on Charlie 😉 Hope you have a fabulous week!
Debbish
June 16, 2015I think much of Confessions of a Once Fashionable Mum is written very much tongue-in-cheek Shannon. Many of the characters are larger than life… I really don’t think most mother’s groups only comprise non-deodorant wearing mothers, for eg. But I really enjoyed the witty writing. And I think the ultimate message is rather than one or the other; or even ‘having it all’ it’s about working out what’s important in both worlds. (Well, I think that’s what it is!)