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!”
June 14, 2015
Great 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
June 14, 2015
I 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.
June 14, 2015
You 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.
June 14, 2015
Am looking forward to it… It sounds very intriguing!
June 14, 2015
I 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.
June 14, 2015
I haven’t even heard of that Michelle!
June 14, 2015
I’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.
June 14, 2015
Thanks Laurel. Am determined to be more productive on the freelance front this week!
June 14, 2015
In 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!
June 14, 2015
Ha! 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.
June 14, 2015
Do 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!
June 14, 2015
I 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.
June 14, 2015
OK 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.
June 14, 2015
Hee 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
June 14, 2015
Oh 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. 😉
June 14, 2015
Yes, 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!)
June 14, 2015
A 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 😉
June 14, 2015
No, 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! 🙂
June 14, 2015
I’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
June 14, 2015
I actually thought I’d struggle with it as I”m not a mother, but I’m halfway through and very much enjoying it Angelica.
June 14, 2015
I 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!
June 14, 2015
I was a SATC fan, but not sure how much of that came from Bushnell herself. It certainly sounds intriguing!
June 14, 2015
My husband loves Stephen King, but I had to stop reading him because his stuff gave me night[and day]mares.
June 14, 2015
Oh 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!
June 14, 2015
I’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
June 14, 2015
Thanks Shelleyrae. I’ll have to report in on the article-writing next week to keep myself accountable!
June 14, 2015
Some 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
June 14, 2015
Oh yes… keen to hear what you think of Charlie…
June 14, 2015
Good 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
June 15, 2015
Thanks Catherine.
June 15, 2015
I 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!
June 15, 2015
Oh thanks Grace, that’s very kind of you. x
June 15, 2015
Charlie, Presumed Dead looks interesting. I too saw it on a review site I follow. Can’t wait for your review.
June 15, 2015
I posted the review a couple of days ago Lauren. My thoughts on Charlie, Presumed Dead were mixed…. 😉
June 15, 2015
I 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!
June 15, 2015
Maybe 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.
June 15, 2015
I 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
June 15, 2015
You 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.
June 15, 2015
Do 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.
June 15, 2015
For 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
June 15, 2015
You read some good stuff this week and you grab some great ones as well!
Have a great week, Deb! Happy Reading in the bath! 🙂
June 15, 2015
I should mention I have a waterproof cover for my iPad. JUST IN CASE! 🙂
June 15, 2015
I’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!
June 15, 2015
I 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.
June 15, 2015
Confessions sounds good. Hope you have a great weekend and happy reading.
June 15, 2015
Yes 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!
June 15, 2015
Glad to hear you put in for your first freelancing gigs! Good Luck! Loved the review of finders keepers
June 15, 2015
Thanks. 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! 😉
June 15, 2015
Confessions 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.
June 15, 2015
Thanks 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.
June 15, 2015
Honestly 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.
June 15, 2015
It 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.)
June 15, 2015
Killing 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!
June 15, 2015
I 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!
June 15, 2015
I’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!
June 15, 2015
Fortunately I have a waterproof cover on my iPad, though the edges are coming loose… #eek
June 15, 2015
Good 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.
June 15, 2015
Thanks 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!)
June 15, 2015
HA! 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
June 15, 2015
My 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.
June 15, 2015
You’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!
June 15, 2015
I 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…
June 15, 2015
I’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!
June 15, 2015
Yay for us Katherine!
June 15, 2015
I 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.
June 15, 2015
I 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.
June 15, 2015
I’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!
June 15, 2015
My feelings were a bit mixed Jeann.
Deb
June 16, 2015
All of your books are new to me, but then they fall in genres I rarely read, so it’s not a surprise. Happy reading!
June 16, 2015
Ah yes, I’m very much a lover of crime fiction, thrillers and suspense!
June 16, 2015
Hahah 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!
June 16, 2015
I 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!)