I almost decided to skip today’s book blogging check-in, but I’m back…. like the proverbial bad smell. #longstory #morelater
What I read
It was another slow reading week as I struggle to get into a routine and deal with some other bits and pieces. I eventually managed to get through three books however, starting with Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner.
I inadvertently (?!) read Linwood Barclay’s Far From True… the second in his series set in Promise Falls. And I say inadvertently because I have others published earlier so broke my ‘chronological-order’ reading rule. *sigh*
And finally I ended the week with Kate McQuaile’s What She Never Told Me – a bit of a surprise which I very much enjoyed!
What I wrote
Again… not much because I’m struggling a little on that front. Thankfully I’d scheduled one of my reviews in advance and really just had to write one other.
Moth Girls by Anne Cassidy
Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner
What I did
I had another long drive for work (about 4.5hrs for a meeting), but that’s the last LONG drive for a while. I’ll have some more next month, but this ‘month of excessive driving’ means I finally got to the end of my first audiobook!
I’m struggling a little with my blogging: some sort of existential blogging crisis of sorts…. a ‘Do I stay or do I go?’ kind of thing. I can’t decide if I’m not enjoying it; if it’s just my confidence (I’m crap at this so why bother?); or if I’m still getting into a routine of sorts now that I’m back in the workforce (though only part-time).
It’s possibly broader than blogging as – even though I once decided I’d be satisfied post-seachange with ‘less’ – I’m wondering if I do indeed want ‘more’. If I ever get past this currently inertia I have an almost-finished blog post on the comparison trap and our propensity to compare ourselves ONLY to those who have more. Rather than those who have less.
But enough of this angsting…
What I plan to do (and read)
I had some new arrivals last week, so my ‘TBR’ pile continues to grow. Like I’ve said, I do try to get to the print (and electronic) books in chronological order but now I’m stuck between those about to come out and those which were released in February or March. I also have Caroline Kepnes’ Hidden Bodies via NetGalley (and have had for months!), but my version’s not out until May, so I’m holding off on that. Gah!
Perhaps I just need to read whatever the f*ck I want and hope it helps my current malaise….
What about you; what’s on your weekly agenda – reading or otherwise?
I’m linking up with the Caffeinated Book Reviewer for the Sunday Post and Book Date for ‘It’s Monday!’
March 13, 2016
Oh you should most certainly only read whatever the hell you feel like (keeps blogging in the fun zone, not the work/ obligation zone).
March 13, 2016
True… I guess I’m just better at getting reviews done when they’re due and if the book’s not coming out for a while I’m prone to put the review aside for a few weeks (and then forget stuff!)
If I could be more disciplined this would not be a problem… 🙂
March 13, 2016
Another week, another Sunday. 🙂 This week seems like it flew by, for me anyway. I know what you mean about reading out of order- I kinda hate to do that too, although I do occasionally. And definitely read whatever you want! That’s the only thing that works for me… 🙂
Hope you feel better about blogging… I know for me work can play havoc with my blogging mojo sometimes. Work gets in the way sometimes lol.
Missing, Presumed looks really good.
March 13, 2016
Thanks Greg. It may just be a mojo thing – who knows?! I know – on the reading front – when I open a book and I’m enjoying it (which is mostly the case) I read it in a sitting (or two)… so I’m loving reading as much as ever.
March 13, 2016
Some times I come to a point that I have to take some time out and just read what I want when I want, even if I blog it or don’t blog it. When it starts being more of a job than something I enjoy it’s time to take things into the fun zone. 🙂
You have some great looking books in your pile there! 🙂
Happy reading!
Stormi
March 13, 2016
Yes Stormi I’ve been sharing my thoughts in a private blogging group I’m in and everyone’s suggested a break. But there’s been some surprise that I (we) am / are willing to blog about books if not being paid. I do see my book blogging as ‘work’ (not necessarily as a job) and I do say “I’ve got to work this afternoon” meaning ‘write’. But even though I think of it as work I don’t usually mind doing it. Indeed I usually enjoy it. (If that makes sense!)
March 13, 2016
Yes! You should definitely read what you want and not worry about anything else. That sometimes knocks me out of a funk. You did read some great books! I really want to try Barclay! I used to be absolutely a read in order no matter what but review books have changed that a bit. I hope you have a great week!
March 13, 2016
Thanks Katherine. It’s not even as if I’m really behind in my reviewing – which often stresses me. I suspect it’s also cos there are other blog posts I want to write but am not sure I can be bothered…
March 13, 2016
I almost bailed a couple of weeks ago but I really do enjoy my blog and I am not sure if I would be happy not doing it, just need to focus on moving forward and not trying to catch up.
I had a rough reading week also, having such a hard time finishing a book but did Kim’s 24 hour and got finished with two books so I think that reading slump is over before it started 🙂
I hope you have a better week Deborah! Happy Reading! ox
March 13, 2016
Oh thanks for that and well done on joining Kimberly’s read-a-thon. I’m not quite sure I could manage it… a DVD-a-thon maybe! 🙂
March 13, 2016
I vote for reading whatever you want! I find that when I’m in a slump, it helps to grab something that I’m not “supposed to” read yet, since it’s not a review book, or it’s too new. LOL
Enjoy! That’s what works for me…and when I’m down, I try to remember that.
What She Never Told me looks good…I am adding this one to my list. Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
March 13, 2016
I suspect I just need to shelve (temporarily) the 5-6 books which are already out and I’ve ‘missed’ and focus on those being published soon and then try to catch up when I get a chance. It’s funny as I remember other times having piles of books which weren’t being published for MONTHS. I somehow got behind in December – January and a stack of books arrived which had already been out then.
March 13, 2016
Oh too bad, Deb! I am going to guess that working again, even if not F/T, is playing havoc with your enthusiasm to blog! Your thoughts are being pulled in another direction, you’ve got serious responsibilities, and suddenly the blogging and reviewing doesn’t seem as important.
I’ve been through these feelings a couple of times in the past year, but right now I’m in a good place because I’m using my blog almost as a journal experiment. I enjoy writing and sharing ideas, so I just convince myself that even if no one reads my posts I’m having fun. Also not being stuck in a request/review rut helps me. I did go back to NG and have 5 books to review by end of May, but I’m not requesting anymore for now. I like the freedom of picking up whatever the heck I want to read and feel in the mood for. If I keep my request books under a half dozen that is still manageable.
So all in all, I truly hope you keep blogging. I enjoy your book thoughts and have the same fave genres, but also enjoy your other posts about health and life. If it all gets to be too much… then keep your lists of chronological order, but pick a random book you want to read and read it in the tub 🙂 Then write the review when you are able, save it for the appropriate date he needs to be published and move on! Have a great weekend.
March 13, 2016
Oh thanks Rita. Your comment has reminded me why I started blogging in the first place – I liked sharing my thoughts and my blog (well the diet one more so) was akin to a journal. Perhaps I’ve gotten bogged down with SHOULDs and comparing myself to others and have forgotten why I’m here.
I sometimes feel as if I’m really not connecting on my reviews – they feel far less eloquent and insightful than others… but I guess I have to ask myself what I’m trying to achieve with them. Gah! Now that all requires far too much thinking!
March 14, 2016
Yes, we do unpaid work, but the payoff is the joy of writing and the companionship of like-minded folks.
So my advice… keep reviewing if you need to, but make short bullet-style posts for the time being. The reading will be fun and the stress of getting your thoughts out there lessened.
I know I got discouraged a few months ago when everywhere I turned people were receiving stacks of free books in the mail and I just had my little NG account, and wasn’t even on auto-accept yet. But the grass is always greener… my bonus is reading what I want, when I want, and not having to push to read too many books or write too many reviews. Hope your mojo returns soon!
March 14, 2016
Thanks Rita…. and yes that wretched comparison trap is a killer!
March 13, 2016
Don’t bail on blogging – you have an unique voice and I would so miss your posts – okay we have different reading tastes but … love your viewpoints.
Long drive 4.5 hours so hope the audiobook helped. Like everyone else I say – read what appeals otherwise if it were me I’d begin to resent the books and lose my taste for reading.
I enjoyed a post by an author who said reviews – every person’s counts as each has their unique take. Many are far more eloquent than me and better written – I don’t care (well not too much) I just want to read and say – hey I liked it or didn’t. Just be you and blinker yourself to others!
March 13, 2016
I love the quote you’ve shared from an author Kathryn. A few of my book reviews have been slightly negative lately (all 3+ stars – which for me constitutes a recommended read!) and I cringe when I see an author retweet me or tweet a comment on the review. I anxiously ponder whether I’ve been fair or too harsh etc… but appreciate it when they’ve obviously read the review and still said thanks which has happened a few times lately. I suspect I feel my reviews are sometimes more negative than they actually are!!!
March 13, 2016
I’m struggling with the blogging at present because there’s lots going on with hubbies work- & with mine- that I’d love to talk about, but can’t talk about, and am not allowed to talk about. It’s almost as if that censorship (of sorts) is blocking my creative work. I love your words- but the ones I love most are the ones you share. Read what you want, write what you want…we’ll be waiting. Oh, what am I reading? Another Agatha Raisin. I can’t wait for the series to start!
March 13, 2016
Thanks for your kind words and sorry you have a lot happening – not to mention your writing and editing and publicity stuff… Let me know if you need me to do anything to help on the book promo front.
March 13, 2016
I have blogging angst feelings too. I know I love blogging but I also love lots of others things and blogging takes up so much time. I feel like I’m always trying to juggle balls and I never get them all up in the air together, I’m always dropping one of them. But I also know that blogging is rewarding and I am proud of my blog and so I continue but I don’t pressurise myself to produce content x amount of times a week. I just do what I can, when I want.
And yay Far from True is out or coming soon (I need to check NetGalley!) I really enjoyed book 1. I also thoroughly enjoyed What She Never Told Me but I couldn’t understand why they didn’t immediately guess what happened. It seemed like the obvious explanation and they were coming up with crazy theories! But still a great read.
March 13, 2016
I agree re What She Never Told Me – but it was a great read.
I was initially disappointed with Promise Falls #2 Trish – you should see my Goodreads feed as (for a change) I ‘checked in’ to have a whinge. But… it improved. It would be a very difficult read if you hadn’t read the predecessor. I struggled in remembering who was who – and who I should have known vs newcomers!
March 13, 2016
Sorry you’re feeling kind of blah these days, Debbie! It sucks when that happens, but I really do think it happens to all of us in different areas of our lives. Hopefully, you’ll find just the think that helps you feel content once more, both when it comes to life, and what you do with your time when you’re not working 🙂
What She Never Told Me sounds really good! I’m gonna have to look for that one.
Have a fantastic week ahead and happy reading. *hugs*
March 13, 2016
Thanks Lexxie. Hopefully it will pass and I guess I can only keep plugging away until then, or just take a break and see how things go… (despite my huge pile of books needing to be read and reviewed).
March 13, 2016
Only bookworms could accidentally read a whole book! That made me laugh. Most of the world doesn’t read enough to be able to do that.
As soon as you get into the “shoulds” of blogging, most people lose their love of it. Read what you want. Go to the library instead of requesting books that have review deadlines. Write whatever you want. Have fun. We all read other people’s reviews and sometimes get discouraged because we feel that they are better than what we write. But remember that the person you are comparing yourself too has this feeling sometimes too and somebody else probably feels that way about you,
March 13, 2016
Thanks Heather and I had to laugh at your bookworm comment. It’s so true. I almost always read books in a night now – then take nights off in between. I’m trying to break that habit though as (for some reason) it seems unhealthy.
Tonight I put a book aside after an hour or so, telling myself I’ll get back to it tomorrow night.
March 13, 2016
I hope you read whatever you want this week- though choices are hard sometimes!!
http://thebestbasicblogger.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-sunday-post.html
March 14, 2016
True Joann… I think when you’ve got a few books all being published at once it’s hard to prioritise!
March 13, 2016
I absolutely HATE when I read books out of order and I didn’t mean to! I’ve only done that once and it cured me for a lifetime, I hope!
Curious… have you ever taken a “break” from blogging for a month or three? If you did, you could stockpile quite a few posts and when you want to come back, you’ll WANT to come back… I hope!
March 14, 2016
I took a month or so off at Christmas which was wonderful and read some books purely for enjoyment and not review… though I did make brief comments in Goodreads (can’t help myself!)
March 14, 2016
I’m sorry to hear about the blogging crisis, Debbie. I’m with Kristin and I highly recommend a mini break from the blog to recharge, get some books read and some posts written. I take one a few times every year and it really helps.
And yes to reading whatever you’re in the mood for reading!! I do that and it’s the BEST FEELING!
Enjoy all your books this week and take care!
March 14, 2016
Thanks Nick. I’m contemplating a bit of a break but trying to work out when!!!
March 14, 2016
I definitely think you should just read WHATEVER you feel like! That is always my course of action when I find myself in a slump. I hope you get it all figured out! I hate the feeling of not knowing if I want to stay!
Here’s my Weekly Recap!
March 14, 2016
Thanks Tracy!
March 14, 2016
I also have Far From True. I haven’t read the first book, so hopefully I won’t feel lost. Before I start it, I want to finish Michael Grant’s Lies, which I’ve put on hold for the past week to read some ARCs. Sorry you’re having a blogging crisis. Hopefully it won’t last long. I think you should do whatever you want. Don’t let yourself eel stressed over it. Have a great week!
March 14, 2016
Ohhhh… I think you might struggle with Far From True if you haven’t read the first – though Barclay does introduce a lot of new characters so it might not matter – but there are a lot of people to keep track of!
March 14, 2016
What?! *shakes finger* No bad smell here! Glad you’re back. 🙂
You got more read than I did this week. I only managed to finish a Calvin and Hobbes book. lol And I have that same rule about reading things out of order, but I’ve read a few for InD’tale Magazine and though I don’t like it, my head did not explode. Though the ones I read out of order were at least stand alones. If they were a continuation from a cliffhanger all bets would be off about my head still being attached. lol
I feel ya on the reading. I have tons for review, but sometimes I just want to read something else. I know, I know, I accept books that sound like I would enjoy them, so I should want to read them, but that may be the problem. I *have* to read them. Catch-22 maybe? lol Sometimes, I just say fuck it and pick something not on the menu. 🙂
I hope you have a fabulous week!
March 14, 2016
Ah yes… I actually received an email this morning about a JD Robb novella which I might have to leap-frog to the top of my pile as I’m a fan!
And I’m with you on serials – I REALLY hate reading those out of order!
March 14, 2016
With review books I sometimes think how nice it would be to have them hot off the press but then can’t imagine having to cope with the pressure of reviewing on time. Sounds like you need a bit of a break from this – and focus needs to be on a new routine with work – but hope you get out of funk soon and start enjoying again. Have a good week.
March 14, 2016
Thanks Emma. I LOVE getting books early so I realise how lucky I am on that front and I guess that’s why I feel an obligation to share my review as early (around publication date) as possible. I’m conscious however, that a lot of publishers actually run publicity a few weeks (or longer) after a book is out so I’m sure they don’t get too upset if a review is late. (It’s more of a ‘me’ thing!)
March 14, 2016
I finished a book Friday night, read a book yesterday and finished it just before midnight, but now I think I need to take a breather day. That maybe my kids and hubby might appreciate it, but I really want to jump back in to a book. Unfortunately, the book I need to read next isn’t one I’m really wanting to read. I didn’t LOVE the first book in the series, but signed up for the arc so…maybe I will take my breather day. 🙂
March 14, 2016
I completely understand your breather day requirement Lauren. I commonly read a book in a night but I often then take the next night off. For several reasons… to catch up on the review but also to avoid filling my head with another plot so soon after another! I often get books mixed up in my mind and hate that I do that.
March 14, 2016
What She Never Told Me sounds like a really great book. I’m glad you liked it 🙂
I’ve been reading Elastic Hearts by Claire Contreras and I’m loving it so much!!
March 14, 2016
Oh, good to hear Gen. What She Never Told Me was a great book. x
March 14, 2016
Far From True had a fabulous cover! It’s always hard to choose a book to read next. There’s those review books you had to have, and then those ones you’ve been wanting to read for a year. LOL I usually go back and forth so I don’t have to dwell on it too much.
My Sunday Post – Laura @ fuonlyknew
March 14, 2016
I took a break at Christmas for a month Laura and caught up on books that had come out but that I’d missed (not received for review etc). It felt kinda decadent!
March 14, 2016
It sounds like taking a breather and reading whatever the hell you want might be a good decision! I hope everything works out for you!
Glad the month of excessive driving is over! That must have been so exhausting!
March 14, 2016
I’m not a fan of driving at the best of times Annika, so the trips weren’t pleasant…. but I listened to my first audio book and so was surprised at how quickly 2-3hr driving stints passed. Most of the drives were to small towns so there were also no traffic issues… mostly I had to worry about critters (kangaroos, possums etc) on the road at dusk / dawn!
March 14, 2016
I think stopping the reading pressure and taking a break to just read what you want probably would help. But it’s all good, I get plenty angsty too (just about different things lol).
But don’t stop just because you’re not feeling confident about blogging! If you’re simply not enjoying it though, that’s another story. You make a great point about only comparing ourselves to people who have more or are better, and I often feel that way about the things I’m trying to learn and do, but I guess everyone starts that way, right? At least that’s what I tell myself 😛
March 14, 2016
I sometimes worry Kristen that I’ve plateaued on the blogging front. It’s been 7yrs and others have come and gone and many popped up during that time. I think I compare myself with others who get far more visitors etc and just need to remind myself WHY I do this.
March 14, 2016
I would read what you want and not worry that you read a book “out of order”. Choose what is best for you as you adjust to this new job and all that comes along with it, if you need a break take one! I’ve had to slow way down since my kids need my help with my grandkids. Hope you can escape in a book or two.
March 14, 2016
Thanks Nise’ and the last couple of books I’ve read have offered that escape that I so treasure. And I keep using ‘work’ an excuse but I probably need to accept it’s also a ‘reason’… it’s valid that I have less time and not just me being slack!
March 14, 2016
I hope you continue your blog’s as I love seeing what you are reading. You should read what you want. Sometimes I feel like I have to blog but then I remember I am doing it for fun.
Your new books look good.
March 14, 2016
Yes Viki… I’m the same and try to remind myself I’m doing this because I love it and mostly I do. I just can’t work out what’s behind my malaise…
March 14, 2016
I can relate to your malaise. I have found 2016 so far challenging and it’s only March. And really I have nothing major to complain about. I personally love your blog, but I can definitely imagine that starting a new job with lots of travel would have quite an impact!
March 15, 2016
Hopefully the travel’s died off a bit Jess (though I’ll have the occasional road trip) so I’ll see how I feel over the next week or so (with minimal driving!).
March 14, 2016
When you start and DNF three books in a row and actually go to a bookstore and LEAVE WITHOUT BUYING ANYTHING…well, something’s wrong. I possibly have a yet-undiagnosed reading illness. I am pretty certain I’ll be snapping out of it soon; I’m 150 pages into Lonesome Dove and I’m crazy about the story and characters again.
Hope you snap out soon, too. A reread seems to be doing it for me. A reread of a long book.
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2016/03/am-i-ready-for-spring-break-i-am.html
March 15, 2016
Oh lovely… reading an old fave or book you really want to read is probably the trick. I know at Christmas I just randomly chose some books I’d missed with no expectation of reviewing them.
March 14, 2016
I think every blogger goes through that dilemma. You are not alone. It would be pretty easy to walk away from the blog, but that’s not really what you want to do. If you enjoy it, stick with it. I like your blog and I think a lot of other would agree that you contribute a lot to the community.
I hope you find what makes you happy about it.
March 15, 2016
Oh thanks Karen for your kind words… I think I need to engage more with the international book blogging community. The Aussie one is pretty small and (while lovely) not overly engaging. Not sure if it’s because I’m a newcomer (though nearly 3yrs of book blogging) and an interloper or if I’m used to more interaction with the broader blogging community. I suspect it’s me…
March 15, 2016
You are always so busy.
It is difficult to stop blogging….I hope you don’t. I enjoy visiting. Your posts are always so interesting.
Lots of good books here, and it looks like a great week.
ENJOY!!
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
March 15, 2016
Oh thanks Elizabeth, that’s lovely. I worry my reviews are to prosaic or obvious or something… That those book bloggers who are more eloquent or better at analysing plots and themes roll their eyes when they read my efforts!
March 15, 2016
Did Far From the Truth read okay despite not being the first in the series? I used to be a real stickler about reading series in order, but since blogging it hasn’t always worked out that way. While it’s still my preference, I have become a little more flexible about it. Especially with series that are already long.
I feel for you in regards to blogging. It’s hard to juggle work, blogging and life in general. Add to it the feelings of inertia. Blogging less has worked for me as has taking breaks now and then. That may not work for you, of course. I wish you the best whatever you decide.
March 15, 2016
You might struggle if you haven’t read the first in the Promise Falls series… but having said that I really only remembered a few of the main characters so wasn’t sure who was new and who was returning. My recommendation would be to start with the first if you could, otherwise hang in there and don’t worry too much about all of the characters as Barclay eventually weans it down to the key players and you really don’t need to remember everyone else.
There’s an underlying story arc which has continued through the two books, as well as specific mysteries / whodunnits in each.
March 15, 2016
Sorry you are struggling. I hope it is just a bit of time settling into new routines. And audios are a fun way to pass the time for long drives… or to listen to while doing laundry, brushing teeth, and other moments between waking, working and writing!
It looks like you have a good haul of books there. I do hope you pull one that really sparks you. Stay well and Happy Reading!
March 15, 2016
Thanks Martha!
March 16, 2016
I really can’t handle “reading goals” or “TBR lists” – if reading were ever to feel like work I wouldn’t enjoy it nearly as much! I know how you feel about blogging though – other people seem to have so many more followers or comments or whatnot, and it can start chipping away at your self-confidence. I’d tell you to just stop worrying about what other people think and do your own thing, but I still haven’t managed to accomplish that myself! 🙂
March 16, 2016
I know… the logical part of my mind knows that Jane and I try to remind myself that I blog because I love writing (and reading!) but I spend too much time looking at those around me and getting stuck in the comparison trap!
March 17, 2016
As far as whether to keep on blogging goes, maybe it would help to take a break. Don’t give it up completely but sometimes whenever I’m having the “Should I stay or go?” questions, I take a little break away from the computer and then sooner or later I’ll feel refreshed and ready to return. 🙂
March 17, 2016
Thanks Ceri!
March 17, 2016
Read whatever the hell you want! Sounds like you’re kinda in a funk, and reading what you want seems to always help me. (I gravitate to middle grades.) The angsting never goes away, I don’t think. I have found that I go through waves of that same question of am I good enough (with the blogging) since I started and I try to compare myself to others. I think it all really does come down to time. Some people seem to have endless time to read, review, visit, comment and promote, and that’s hard to do when you have long or tiring hours. I’ve been in such a slump since Christmas, and it really is the time and stress. Take a break, relax, enjoy. Then see how you feel.
March 19, 2016
Interestingly I decided I’d cut back this week and started the week by reading more books than planned!