It’s been a slow reading week over at my place. It has however, given me time to catch up on some reviewing. And some binge-television watching. Which may – or may not – be inversely proportional to my reading. 🙂
What I read
I started the week with Pendulum and I have to admit I struggled with it a little. Or lot. I nearly put it aside a couple of times but made it in the end. And I eventually got to My Husband’s Son by Deborah O’Connor.
What I wrote
As I said, I caught up on some reviewing:
The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer – I enjoyed the premise of this book and think it had potential, but wasn’t entirely sold on the plot
The Woman on the Stairs by Bernhard Schlink – a slow but intriguing tale of self-reflection and regret
Someone is Watching by Joy Fielding – a psychological thriller I very much enjoyed.
I also blogged about ‘my birthday’ which falls later this month and, as I turn 50 next year I wondered if I should develop a pre-birthday bucket list of sorts. And my weekly hosting #lovinlife post was just a check-in about life in general, but with an upbeat twist.
What I did
My mother visited and brought her Christmas tree along for an outing. I’m usually very bah-humbug re Xmas so don’t make much of an effort on the decorating front (cos you just have to take them down again FFS!). But I’m hosting Christmas this year and, as my mother’s house is jam-packed with stuff, she brought her tree here to watch over our presents this year.
We’ve had some hot weather, but it’s been accompanied by big winds here so my house on the hill has felt like something out of Dorothy’s Kansas and I’ve waited for it to go spinning off into some alternate reality.
Speaking of alternate realities, I watched Stranger Things this week. I’m not sure I understood all of it but I very much enjoyed it. The other day I suggested it was a cross between Stand By Me and The XFiles. But I’ve read stuff about it since and gather its directors are paying homage to a whole heap of 80s classics.
I started to watch Black Mirror but hadn’t realised each episode was an individual story (akin to The Twilight Zone) and it just didn’t grab me, so won’t hurry back to it any time soon. So I’m now watching the final season of Falling Skies (having seen the first four seasons on DVD back when there was a local Blockbuster).
What I plan to do
I’ll probably not post next Sunday as I’ll be in New Zealand and not sure what internet access / coverage I’ll have. I’m flying over Saturday to spend 4-5 days with a close friend and her partner in earthquake-laden Christchurch so have asked them to promise to keep that part of the world quiet while I’m there.
I’m in Brisbane for a day or two either side of my New Zealand trip but away for as little time as possible – because I only have the one week off, and am like my non-travelling parents and kinda think (at the moment) there’s no place like home.
I’m undecided whether I’ll rely on eBooks or take a paperback or two o/s with me, but will play that one by ear. I’d earmarked Himself by Jess Kidd and Ann Cleeves’ Cold Earth for this week but the arrival of Alice Hoffman’s Faithful and Jessica Treadway’s How Will I Know You may require a rethink!
It feels weird to think I’ll be overseas this time next week. Interestingly I’m not really thinking of it as my Christmas / summer break and find I’m surprised that others have already started their Xmas holidays.. I mean, we’ve got weeks and weeks until Christmas. Haven’t we?!
And that’s my book reviewing and reading for this week. Have you got any holidays coming up?
As usual I’m linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer; and The Book Date for ‘It’s Monday!’
December 4, 2016
How do you fit it all in Deborah?
December 4, 2016
Oh Jan I have lots of time. Time’s never my problem… I often talk about ‘headspace’ – the notion that I’ve not got the mental / emotional capacity to think through / deal with stuff at times.
December 4, 2016
Have a fabulous time in NZ. Looking forward to hearing about it & seeing the pics.
December 4, 2016
Thanks. I was planning to take my laptop and going to look into phone options etc but wondering if I should now just go offline while there… It’s such a short time.
December 4, 2016
Sorry The Pendulum was a tough slog. The cover certainly looks dire! And Someone Is Watching certainly looks spooky! Glad you liked Stranger things. I did too, I mean it wasn’t the best thing since sliced bread, but it was good. I watched the first episode of Black Mirror and was like, no thanks, but people keep saying to give it more of a chance since the first episode is widely regarded as weird.
Enjoy your trip! No earthquakes… 🙂
December 4, 2016
I watched the first two eps of Black Mirror and didn’t mind the first one – though it was kinda weird and quirky (and scary as hell to any Instagrammers, I’m sure!) but didn’t enjoy the second one either. I might dip my toe in from time to time though, given that they’re all stand-alones.
December 4, 2016
I enjoyed Someone is Watching…and I have The Woman on the Stairs bookmarked on Amazon. I loved The Reader.
Hope you enjoy the holidays…in an earthquake-free place.
I’ve been eyeing Stranger Things on Netflix, but haven’t watched it yet. It does sound tempting.
Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
December 4, 2016
It’s so weird that I love watching Sci Fi type stuff but won’t read it Laurel… not sure what that’s about!
I hope you enjoy The Woman on the Stairs. I wasn’t familiar with Schlink’s style of writing so not sure if it’s typical.
December 4, 2016
I am waiting for my audio review copy of the Chemist and curious. You some great books. LOL…on weeks and weeks until Christmas. I need to buy gifts for out of town folks before the 15th. We will then do one day of physical shopping followed by dinner. As a reward for our suffering.
December 4, 2016
I’ve only bought one of the pressies I need to buy yet, which is a tad depressing as I’ve no idea what to get for some other relations! It feels like there’s still weeks to go though!
December 4, 2016
Have a great time in New Zealand. Should be a lot cooler for you down there.
December 4, 2016
I know it’s one of the places I have set on my phone so I can see the weather there (and Shanghai where my niece has been living) and it’s really cool in Christchurch still so I’m very excited!
December 4, 2016
I am glad you were able to catch up on some of your reviewing. I need to do that. I don’t think it will happen this week though. 🙁 Hopefully I can make more time to read at least.
It’s been quite windy here as well. My husband looked out our back window this morning and panicked because he didn’t see my daughter’s trampoline. It had evidently blown across the porch. I’m surprised the back fence is still standing.
I wasn’t too taken with Black Mirror either. I am glad you enjoyed Stranger Things!
I hope you have a wonderful time in New Zealand. Safe travels, Deborah!
December 5, 2016
Wow re the trampoline! A local news station carried a story of a trampoline being blown onto a shop awning in a nearby town!
December 4, 2016
Enjoy your trip to my neck of the woods! 🙂
December 5, 2016
Thanks Maree. We’re not planning on doing much exploring… maybe a day trip or two. My friend’s just bought a new house as well as perhaps I’ll be helping pack.
December 4, 2016
I hope you have a lovely trip to NZL and Brisbane Deborah. I very much enjoyedd your review of The Chemist this week as it’s coming up on the reading pile before the end of the month on my end. What did you think of My Husband’s Son? Have a safe and happy holiday.
Thank you for stopping by my Sunday Post.
December 5, 2016
I enjoyed the early parts of My Husband’s Son Kimberly but the lead character’s behaviour became a bit strange and over-the-top. I must finish my review of the book though.
December 4, 2016
Have fun in New Zealand! I was expecting to hear more about The Chemist but so far I have only seen you mention it.
December 5, 2016
Most people I know who’ve read it have been a tad disappointed by it I think Annemieke!
December 4, 2016
I hope you have a wonderful time in New Zealand Deborah! I hope to go there one day myself!! It looks and sounds like a beautiful country.
I definitely want to read the new Stephenie Meyer novel myself. I still haven’t bought it though.. Maybe I’ll ask it for Christmas!! 😉
Enjoy your week off and happy reading!
December 6, 2016
I’ve been to NZ once before Maureen and it’s certainly a beautiful spot. Am looking forward to it.
December 4, 2016
I hope you have a wonderful time in New Zealand and the earthquake titans are busy snoozing while you’re there:). I visited Auckland while my sister was extremely ill way back in 2000 and spent most of my time in the hospital but I recall even then just what a beautiful country it is. I also want to have a go at the Stephanie Meyer novel – maybe in the new year… Take care.
December 6, 2016
I’ve not been to the north island of New Zealand so you’re one up on me there but won’t get there this time around either. This is more a fleeting visit to see my friend. I was hoping she’d be moving back to Australia soon but I don’t think that’s gonna happen so I suspect I’ll get back there again now.
December 5, 2016
I am really intrigued by the chemist but actually haven’t read too many reviews on it. I am so excited for Christmas definitely my favourite time of year. I hope you have a great and safe time with your friends.
December 6, 2016
I’m not a huge fan of Christmas Megan – a combination of things I suspect, but even the food doesn’t interest me a lot: turkey, plum puddings, christmas cake. Ugh! Give me Easter and chocolate any time!
December 5, 2016
I also was ambivalent about The Chemist, but don’t regret reading it.
I used to read every single Joy Fielding out there, then hit a patch of a few in a row I didn’t care for, as if her style had changed. But I just read the one about the kidnapped girl and liked it, and I would pick up this one you mentioned if I could. It looks intriguing!
December 6, 2016
I was the same re The Chemist Rita. I thought it had potential and it was a bit different so most stuff I read.
December 5, 2016
Hosting Christmas I agree with your mom you need to have a tree. Where else do you put the presents. Have a good time in New Zealand. Sounds like it will be fun.
December 5, 2016
It’ll be the first time I’ve ever hosted Christmas Emma, so a bit weird…. I’ve got a cleaner coming the week before Christmas to do a big clean so no pressies are going under the tree until then!
December 5, 2016
Have a safe and enjoyable trip. My hubby is sending me regular updates from your part of the world.
Going over to check out your The Chemist post now. Stephanie Meyer is a local author, so I’ve had a chance to meet her. She’s a great person. Haven’t picked it up yet, so I’m curious about what you thought.
December 5, 2016
And I spelled Stephenie wrong…
December 5, 2016
How exciting that you’ve met Stephenie Meyer Roberta! I thought this had potential but didn’t quite get there for me….
December 5, 2016
Funny to think New Zealand is ‘overseas’, but I guess it is, and plenty of it. Hope you enjoy your stay and catch up with your friend. And may you get your earthquakeless wish. I am like you I think if I put decorations out I have to put them away! I only do it if there is a gathering here and there is not this year.Happy travels.
December 5, 2016
I know re the o/s thing. I recall at one point they were going to drop the requirement for us to use passports between countries weren’t they? Perhaps that was my imagination. I’ve only been to NZ once before in 1999 and that was to Christchurch and Queenstown as well, though a friend and I drove between the two so did some sightseeing.
December 5, 2016
The weeks are going to fly by! My reading has slipped this week, too. I am trying out some new shows, testing the waters. I hope you enjoy your trip!
December 5, 2016
Yes… I finished bingeing on S5 of Falling Skies last night so am in the market for something new again…. (And thanks!)
December 5, 2016
Christmas trees are nice but definitely a lot of work. And I still have a scar on my finger from setting one up like nine years ago lol.
December 5, 2016
I grew up with this gorgeous green and silver tinsel tree I just loved but it’s hard to find anything like that nowadays!
December 5, 2016
Enjoy your time in NZ. Lucky you. You can visit there any time you wish.
Two more work weeks until we get out for the holidays. Woo hoo!
December 5, 2016
True. Flights are probably usually a little cheaper than I’m paying (more because it’s holidays). And yes, my workplace is closed between Christmas and New Year so I come back to work for one week and then have another break!
December 5, 2016
Best wishes and safe travels for your trip over to NZ. I do hope you enjoy the quality time with your friend.
I like the look of My Husband’s Son, I look forward to your review.
Have a lovely week 🙂
December 6, 2016
Thanks Amanda… it’s getting close now so I’m looking forward to it!
December 5, 2016
Hope you have a great visit. I used to put up a Christmas tree but haven’t for the past few years. I agree it is a hassle to take down. I do have a wreath I sometimes hang up and a little doorknob ornament but that is it. I am not a scrooge but I figure my parents make up for my lack of Christmas decor by putting up two trees at their house every year. 🙂
December 6, 2016
That’s exactly how I usually am Christina…. I put a few things up but tasteful things that are easy to take down. My mother’s the opposite. She loves Christmas and can’t get her decorations up early enough…. although she does put a little less out now there are no children around.
December 5, 2016
I’ve always kind of felt the same way about decorating – it’s such a bother to put it all up and take it all down again, and we don’t do too much entertaining over the holidays because our place is so tiny! So, I don’t mind being a bit of a holiday humbug – I more than make up for it with my nonstop playing of Christmas music. 🙂
December 6, 2016
Oh no Jane, not Christmas music!!!! 😉 I tend to avoid it (as well) at all costs!
December 5, 2016
We’re watching “Stranger Things” right now! I think we’ve got two episodes left. It’s definitely a little wacky, but I LOVE the ’80s nostalgia and I’m enjoying the characters. Have fun on your trip to New Zealand! We recently moved to Hawaii where we’ll be for three years, and one of my must-dos while we’re here is a visit to New Zealand (and Australia too).
I love holiday decorating (for every holiday) but more recently I’ve been lacking a bit in motivation. It almost seems silly to go through all that effort of dragging it out only to put it away again in a few weeks or a month. But once it’s up, I’m so happy I did it. I love a cozy, festive atmosphere. 🙂
December 6, 2016
Yes, I think the idea is to decorate so it’s up long enough to appreciate the effort involved before having to take it down. I hope you continue to enjoy Stranger Things Lindsay!
December 5, 2016
Oh I loved Stranger Things!! They nailed the eighties vibe so well. I am excite for season 2 now. Have fun in New Zealand !! I really want t read Faithful – I have heard good things. Have a great week!!
December 6, 2016
I can’t wait for s2 but I guess it will be a while of. I’m glad Millie Bobby Brown is returning though as I loved her in this.
December 6, 2016
Great to catch up on your reviews. I am officially 4 behind for the year and I don’t think I will be reviewing now. So many binge tv watching in December.
December 6, 2016
I actually wondered that the other day Marce re one of the books I haven’t reviewed… if I should / could just leave it. The thing is I enjoyed it, so I probably should make an effort. But I’ve decided I’ll start decreasing my reading for the rest of the year… particularly while I’m bingeine on Netflix!
December 6, 2016
Yay for binge watching! I’ve also had mixed feelings about Black Mirror and I really need to see Stranger Things! I’m still not sure I’ll read The Chemist. A lot of people seem to have the same reaction you did. :/ Have a great week 😀
Here’s my Weekly Recap!
December 6, 2016
Yes Tracy, I’ve not read a lot of very positive reviews of The Chemist (other than fan-girls / boys on Goodreads).
December 6, 2016
I often semi regret getting a tree. It takes up so much room in our small house and it can be a nuisance with my two small children. But I know I would regret not having it. Have a safe trip!
December 6, 2016
Ah yes… there’s a window of time isn’t there, that children can appreciate a Christmas tree. They love them when little, but when they’re in that destructive phase it can be problematic!
December 6, 2016
I don’t mind putting up decorations, it’s putting them away! I should just leave them out all year. LOL
New Zealand sounds like so much fun! Have a safe trip! ~Aleen
December 6, 2016
I hope that you have a fabulous time with your friend! I have slept through several earthquakes, and have never felt a thing. So, I’m the type of person who wishes to feel an earthquake. Have a safe flight, and enjoy your week! 🙂
December 6, 2016
Have a lovely trip and a great visit with your friends. I am away from home now for a week and took four print books and my e-reader. Two are already read! I am still on the fence about The Chemist, but leaning towards not reading it.
December 7, 2016
Someone Is Watching and My Husband’s Son sound and look really good! I’m totally checking both out.
That’s great about New Zealand! I hope you have fun over there 🙂
Pfft, Christmas in Puerto Rico stars right after Thanksgiving (sometimes before) and ends the second week of January since we also celebrate Three Kings Day on January 6 (more gift giving) and then there’s the Octavitas, which is a major celebration/party to end Christmas season. Nobody does Christmas like Puerto Ricans.
Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews
December 7, 2016
Wow Gen, it sounds like it’s a very busy (and celebratory) time of year!
December 7, 2016
I “feel” like we have weeks and weeks until xmas. I know that isn’t really true though. I still have so much to buy for my kids, I have only bought for two of the four of them. I hope you have a great time on your trip!
December 7, 2016
Thankfully I’ve not got many presents to buy Karen, but I’ve only bought one so far, so have some shopping to do as well!
December 10, 2016
Have a lovely trip! I love Joy Fielding and will have to add this one to my ever growing list.
December 12, 2016
Thanks Lisa.