It’s been a bit of a low-energy week for me. I’m not sure what that’s about. I’m still sleeping incredibly poorly and nothing I do seems to help. Someone said something about the moon… so perhaps it’s that.
What I read
For reasons unknown I thought Elizabeth George’s A Banquet of Consequences was published in early October, so I kicked off the week with that—reading it in one sleepless night. Before realising it’s not being published until late October or early November. #Oops.
Diane Chamberlain’s Pretending to Dance was next and it was a book I very much enjoyed.
The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich was really not the sort of book I’d normally read, for a myriad of reasons (YA and supernatural!), but I managed and enjoyed it more than I expected. Though again… I tend to look for the logical in the illogical. (I really do need to stay away from paranormal / dystopian fiction and the like!)
I started to read Martina Cole’s Get Even. It’d been years since I’ve read one of her novels and… I can’t remember if they were always the same, but I struggled.
I tried, I really did, but this was a did-not-finish (DNF). The writing felt a bit awkward and though I swear like a sailor, I found myself confronted with lines like, “The fact their mother had c*nted them into the ground in front of everyone….”
WTF?! Now, I don’t actually have a huge problem with the ‘c’ word, but believe it should be only used at appropriate times—like when you’re really angry; or talking about someone you really hate! 😉
What I wrote
Not. A. Lot. The low energy lurgy presented itself in the guise of writing-related apathy, but I still managed a couple of book reviews.
I kicked off the week with my first ever vlog. Sort of. It’s a mash-up of me and a 4yr old helper (Pickle) reading and reviewing Dinosaur Dump. The clip is about 2.5mins long and took me about 4hrs to do. I should have just pasted the original footage which was only about 10mins long! It’s very cute though, if I do say so myself! 😉
After sitting on a draft for three days I published my thoughts on Pretending to Dance, which I enjoyed… despite the tears.
And I reviewed The Dead House in Goodreads.
What I did
I had a few more hours on my project management gig this week as we’re at the pointy end of the project I’m involved with. My commitment involves just a few hours here and there, but it’s always nice to catch up with real people for a change… given I spend so much time at my desk… alone!
I also had a second interview for a job, and the women who interviewed me were just lovely. And they loved me! The job wasn’t right but as my work-related confidence is at an all time low, it was nice that they said they wanted to hire me cos they liked me so much. #kinda
I’m also four weeks into my five-week Magazine and Newspaper Writing course and cannot believe how quickly time has flown. So far I’ve kept up with my reading and assignments etc… though the impost isn’t too great.
What I plan to read
My print and eBooks are somewhat out of control again, so I’ve resorted my high tech project management system, Trello (#sarcasm) to cope with the influx. Apparently, first up this week is The Girl With No Past—a psychological thriller by Kathryn Croft.
Mary Burton’s I’ll Never Let You Go is next on my list. It sounds familiar but I think it’s just cos I’ve read similarly titled (and themed) books before.
And then there’s Isabel Allende’s The Japanese Lover, which has been sitting in my print books pile for a few months.
And finally I have a children’s book sent to me by a blogger I know. It’s the latest in Leanne Shea Langdown’s Cheer Chick Charlie series called Above and Beyond.
And that’s it from me this week.
What’s on your agenda for the week?
Linking up with Kimberley at The Caffeinated Book Reviewer for the Sunday Post! And Sheila for “It’s Monday!”
October 4, 2015
I was struggling with energy too this week so maybe it is the moon. Totally ditched two runs but I ran yesterday and surprisingly feel fine today. That’s almost proof-positive that it was lunar-induced lethargy surely.
October 4, 2015
I didn’t get to sleep until 2am or so… so the moon’s still doing its thing with me! 😉
October 4, 2015
Couple of the books you are going to read sound really good. 🙂 I liked Dead House but wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style..not a diary and clippings fan…lol. It was a bit creepy though.
October 4, 2015
The Dead House was indeed creepy Stormi!!!
October 4, 2015
Ooh, The Girl With No Past looks good…and so does I’ll Never Let You Go.
I don’t like many dystopian books, in fact I can probably count on one hand the ones I’ve enjoyed, one of them being Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale.
I can handle small bits of paranormal if it’s handled subtly…if that makes sense.
Enjoy your week, and I hope you start catching up on your sleep. Thanks for visiting my blog.
October 4, 2015
I’m pretty much the same as you on the paranormal / dystopian fiction genre Laurel.
Deb
October 4, 2015
I didn’t read a lot this week- guess I was low energy too. Watched Netflix too much (what’s new?). Loved your video of Dinosaur Dump- how cute! LOL. Looks like a funny book.
You have Girl With No Past- cool! I’ve been seeing that one and added it to my list- so I’ll be very interested in what you think. Hopefully it’s good…
Have a great week, and hope your weekend was nice. 🙂
October 4, 2015
I’ve just started Girl With No Past so should finish it in the next day or so. (I wrote the post before binge-watching s2 of Falling Skies last night so had to have another night off reading. AND I’ve rented s3, so….)
October 4, 2015
I read nothing in the school holidays what with open houses and birthdays etc and I’m feeling starved of stimulus. There are some good choices here Deb!
October 4, 2015
Thanks Michelle. Hope the selling and moving prep is all going well.
October 4, 2015
Nothing worse than poor/no sleep, it really can throw you off kilter, hope it improves soon. Did so much enjoy your vlogging and keep saying I must go and buy the book, my little relations might be a little young for it but they’ll grow into it.
October 4, 2015
Ah yes Kathryn, there were a couple of things Pickle didn’t get… the ‘let it rip’ colloquialism and a few words, but I guess it gave me a good chance to explain to him what they meant.
October 4, 2015
I tired the Dead House on audio..and as you can imagine all of the different formats did not translate well. I ended up DNFing it at 40%. I may eventually read it. Hopefully this week you are feeling more like yourself.
October 4, 2015
Oh yes I really don’t think it’d work on audio Kimberley. Also my version had pages with graphics etc…
October 4, 2015
There was an eclipse earlier in the week- maybe that upset your rhythms a tad. What am I reading this week? I’m in one of those moods where nothing is really grabbing my attention.
October 4, 2015
I realise I’m lucky in that I always have a good supply of reading fodder so can pick and choose when I need to.
October 4, 2015
Sorry to hear you having been sleeping. I have actually heard a few people saying that and saying it’s because of the moon. I hope you have a better week. Dead House is one I have been meaning to pick up I might pick it up around Halloween. Happy Reading.
October 4, 2015
Oh yes Megan Dead House would be the perfect Halloween book!
October 4, 2015
Ah yeah Summer has been sick for a week and awake a lot during the night which means I have been too. So I can definitely relate to the lethargy. The annoying thing too is when she falls back asleep I seem to be too wired to go back myself.
Would you recommend the writing course you did? I will be interested to hear your thoughts when you finish.
October 4, 2015
I’ll write something about it Jess. Only a week or so to go so I might do a bit of a wrap up post.
October 4, 2015
Sorry about the lack of energy. I would totally blame the moon – why not? Glad you did great on your interview even if it wasn’t right for you. Hope you enjoy your new books and have a great week!
October 4, 2015
Thanks Grace – the sleep thing has been going on for a while. I always have problems but a few times this year I’ve had extended issues and struggle to get into a routine.
Hope you have a lovely week.
October 4, 2015
I didn’t read much this week but I’m happy I got a blog post up for banned books week and 2 reviews done (something of a record lol) Insomnia is an absolute bitch, normally I read but I didn’t even manage that … more aimless 2am pinterest browsing.
I loved your vlog, Pickle was hilarious and I want Dinosaur Dump for Mia and her dad. I’ll wait to see what you think of The Girl with No Past, I love a good psychological thriller. Hope you have a better week!
October 4, 2015
Finished The Girl With No Past tonight Teddyree and enjoyed it so will try to get the review written in the next day or so. I actually got rid of a heap of social media from my devices so I wasn’t tempted to keep picking them up when I couldn’t sleep but then I got so bored and frustrated I added some back on!
October 4, 2015
The whole month of September has been a low-energy month for me, Deb, so I think I know what you mean. It’s kind of good that you read a book way in advance, though, isn’t it?
I hope October will be good both energy wise and reading wise, and that you’ll continue to have some work where you get to spend time with real people 🙂
October 4, 2015
Thanks Lexxie, here’s to an energetic October for both of us!
October 4, 2015
Glad to hear Pretending to Dance was good as I have it on pre-order. Ohh and your Magazine and Newspaper Writing course sounds like fun, have you written any blog posts about it, I’d love to hear more! I think the books you’ve lined up sound great so I hope you enjoy them.
And hopefully your energy levels will be better this week. Feeling tired all the time is no fun 🙁
October 4, 2015
Trish I’ll do a wrap up post about the course I’ve done in the next week or so.
Hope Pretending to Dance arrives for you soon and you enjoy it!
October 4, 2015
I’ve been having a lot of sleepless nights lately too! Maybe it is the moon. The Dead House does intrigue me but I’ve read such mixed reviews, maybe I will give it a go though!
http://dualreads.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/sunday-post-4th-october-2015.html
October 4, 2015
Yes… I think if I was more into that genre it would appeal more but I tend to struggle to make sense of things.
October 4, 2015
I’m at a low ebb in my energy as well. I’m blaming the sickness I can’t seem to shake and the fewer hours of sunlight we’ve been getting here in the midwest. It’s dark when I wake up in the morning now.
Terri M., the Director
Second Run Reviews
October 4, 2015
We’re in the midst of Spring and heading into Summer so I don’t have the weather as an excuse here Terri. But I have struggled since having a flu a month or so ago. I’ve continued to feel more tired than usual etc….
October 4, 2015
You can do an “early Review” on the book out at the end of the month. It can drive preorders which are important.
October 4, 2015
And, I swear I didn;t sleep well for a couple of years before we realized it was the side effect of a medication I was taking. If you take any meds check them via a web search for anecdotal reports in re: sleep.
October 4, 2015
Oh that’s a good idea Steph cos I am on stuff for my thyroid, BP etc.
October 4, 2015
Oh thanks! I’m never sure.
October 5, 2015
Pretending to Dance and The Girl With No Past are right up my alley!
I hope you find the writing assignment that you will be happy with and work-related issues go well.
Have a more productive week ahead; sleep will definitely impact how you look at things and what you feel like doing. I’ve been sleeping better this week but have been busier than usual, so maybe that’s why. Enjoy your new books ahead.
October 5, 2015
Thanks Rita. It’s Monday morning here and I actually slept okay last night and feel so much better today. I’d love for that to continue but won’t get my hopes up. Still… it’s a nice feeling and one I haven’t experienced in many weeks!
October 5, 2015
Not sure about the moon but here the changing seasons can make me feel blah because of dark mornings. I work from home too and find getting out to meetings really helps me. I like the sound of all the books on your list. Not sure which I’d pick first. Perhaps because I have two books on the go and can’t think beyond that. Have a good week!
October 5, 2015
I definitely appreciate ‘colleagues’ much more than I did now than when I worked with them every day…. that’s for sure Emma! You don’t realise how much the little interactions impact on your day until you don’t have them.
October 5, 2015
The Girl with No Past keeps popping up in my recommendations on Amazon and Goodreads so perhaps I’ll give it a go. I do love a good psychological thriller!
October 5, 2015
I’ve just finished it Charlotte. I think it was perhaps a slow burn while we unpicked the history of the lead character, but it also had a great ending.
October 5, 2015
It seems like you just signed up for that writing course; do you feel like it’s been worth your time and money? If they offer you the job you should take it. Supposedly people have a better chance of getting a dream job if they are already in a job.
I agree about the c-word. I’ve never seen it used that way and it needs to be a very powerful situation to use it.
October 5, 2015
I know what you mean about the course Elizabeth. The five weeks have flown by.
The problem with the job is that they ‘need’ a commitment of one year but the pay is so low I couldn’t actually live on what they’re paying and would have to continue to look for something different. If it was part-time it’d be okay as I could try to find something else to complement it, but it’s shift work and not predictable, so…..
October 5, 2015
Mary Burton is an author that I have a few books of hers on my to read pile. Hopefully you enjoy this one.
October 5, 2015
Thanks Viki. I’ve already gotten through The Girl With No Past, so it’s next on my agenda!
October 5, 2015
Some people poopoo the effects of the moon, but I think it does things to people. As for the DNF, I agree about the ‘c” word. It needs to be used judiciously, unlike the f-bomb which I drop all the time. lol I love Mary Burton’s writing. I have a few books of hers I need to get to. I think I’ll break them out for some winter reading.
October 5, 2015
Absolutely re the ‘c’ word. This didn’t even really make sense to me and while swearing doesn’t usually bother me this seemed kinda pointed and unnecessary. I remember watching the TV show Deadwood (in which the f & c bomb are dropped with amazingly regularity) and it took a bit of getting used to but it was very much part of some of the characters’ vernacular.
October 5, 2015
Sleeping badly is so frustrating, I hope you’ll sleep better this week! That’s awesome they liked you so much at that job interview they wanted to hire you. I know how frustrating job searching is and hearing something nice as that really helps for your confidence. I hope you’ll have a great week!
October 5, 2015
Oh yes Lola… I wouldn’t usually share something like that and it’s not really reflective of my skills (as a potential employee) etc but nice to hear nonetheless.
October 5, 2015
Hi Deb,
I have to say I totally agree with you on the ‘c’ word. I’m of the same opinion, I’m not against it… but I don’t like swearing in general. However, swearing (inc. the ‘c’ word) is perfectly fine if you’re angry, stub your toe, etc 😉 he he.
Congratulations on the interview! That’s fantastic news! I wish you all the best 😀 *you should definitely go for it! They sound really nice!*
Also, a big well done with your project management 🙂 It’s hard sometimes to scrape in a few hours here and there, but it’s worth it.
I hope your sleeping gets better soon 🙂
All the best,
Amy x
October 5, 2015
Thanks Amy.
October 5, 2015
ahah wish I had like a program that picks my next read. I have so many to get through and not sure which one to do first. The Girl With No Past looks awesome about now
October 5, 2015
Lily this is just a simple project management tool (Trello) and I really only just list my books there shuffle them about as I read them etc. I try to read in chronological order—though tend to forget what’s published when—which is what I use Trello for. I add my new books there as they come in.
October 5, 2015
I’m liking a lot of these books! At least you have the one book read ahead, right? So not a complete waste to read it earlier than you needed to. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous week!
October 5, 2015
Ah yes Tressa, like that thinking!
October 5, 2015
and I admire youve kept up with the reading etc.
Im terrified to sign up for anything these days as I fear my level of follow through…
October 6, 2015
Thanks Carla…. I haven’t been much of one for commitments lately either!
October 5, 2015
I think I’ll blame the moon for my low energy, too. I didn’t finish anything this week and I can’t remember when I last failed to read even a single book in a week.
Here’s my It’s Monday!
October 6, 2015
Perhaps the break did you good Deb and you’ll be back in fine reading form this week!
October 5, 2015
Sorry to hear you aren’t sleeping too well. I haven’t been sleeping well this past week either and it makes the days so draining!
I’m intrigued by The Girl With No Past – I love a good psychological thriller.
October 6, 2015
I need to write the review Jade, but will probably hold off on publishing it for a little while as it’s not out until 15 October.
Deb
October 6, 2015
I hope you’ll be able to sleep well this week. The Dead House has an interesting cover.
October 6, 2015
It’s got a great cover Signourney and the pages are all marked as well!
October 6, 2015
I have been seeing The Dead House around quite a bit recently, the format looks cool, but it’s not something I would normally pick up either, but it is October! I haven’t been sleeping real well either! It takes me ages to fall asleep after I lay down. Have a great week!
Thanks for stopping by the The Local Muse
October 6, 2015
I think when I requested The Dead House I thought it was going to be more of a mystery / thriller (you know…. ‘what’s the secret behind the fire?’ kind of thing) but it wasn’t quite what I expected. Which I guess is okay as it forced me outside of my usual genre for a change.
October 6, 2015
Lots of things were blamed on the moon last week. It was crazy! I’ve enjoyed Mary Burton books, is this a new one? Looking forward to your thoughts on The Girl With No Past. Hope this is a better sleeping wee for you.
October 6, 2015
This is a new Mary Burton Nise’… I read it last night – it’s the third in a trilogy but was really no problem that I’d not read the first two.
I could see on Goodreads I’ve read a couple of her novels before but standalones I think.
October 7, 2015
I love that you went outside your “comfort zone” to read the Dead House! I’m going to go check that one out b/c if you say it’s pretty good and you don’t normally read those types of books… that’s a good endorsement!
And I’m still giggling at the full on mis-use of the c-word! I mean, I’m no sailor but I can’t make head nor tails of what they are trying to say in that sentence!!! I didn’t think you could past tense that word!!!!! 🙂
I think you just need some summer sun, my friend! Hang in there!!!
October 7, 2015
Ha! We’ve definitely had some summer sun this week… even though it’s still spring! 30C+ in much of the country this week. Although I’m lucky I live on the beach as I get some nice breezes, so can’t complain TOO much! 🙂
October 7, 2015
Gosh – I have never seen the ‘C’ word used as a verb! And I hope I never do.. Cassie
October 7, 2015
I know!!! I was already struggling with the awkward overly-explanatory style of the first page and then that appears. “Okaaaaay,” I thought, assuming it was just going to be a novel which featured a lot of swearing. But it wasn’t really consistent. Not sure if that’s typical of Cole’s writing (and I can’t remember) or if the characters are just designed to be confronting. Either way… #meh.
October 8, 2015
The Dead House sounds like my kind of read Deb. I’m a big fan of everything you’re trying to steer clear of actually 😀 Sorry that the job hunt isn’t going so well at the moment, but something will turn up soon that you’ll be perfect for. Goes to show what amazing interview skills you have if they wanted to hire you regardless, that’s already half your foot in the door. I can sympathise in regards to your sleeping habits. I’m struggling at the moment too. I’m used to having around 5 hours sleep per night, but only been sleeping for around 3 lately and I feel older than ever.
Have a fabulous week Deb and good luck snaring that awesome job <3
October 8, 2015
Ah yes Kelly – we have very opposite tastes, which is probably a good thing.
Wow, 5hrs/night is pretty low but 3hrs is terrible. (Touch wood) my sleeping’s improved a little this week so I’m hoping that continues. Hope yours improves as well!
October 8, 2015
I, uh, didn’t know that the “c word” could be used as a verb. You really DO learn something new every day 😉 I just got The Dead House, so I am extra excited, especially since it isn’t the kind of book you usually read (because me either!). Sorry you’ve having such a low energy time too. I am also, and I feel you with the sleeping. I think since Sunday I got MAYBE six hours total? It’s so bad, I feel like a zombie! Hope that your energy comes back, and that you have a good reading week!
October 8, 2015
Somehow I don’t think that particular verb will take off Shannon! 😉
I hope you enjoy The Dead House. I was trying to explain it to someone today and struggled when trying to do so!
Deb
October 10, 2015
I wish I had more time to read… I can’t remember the last time I read a book! I’m currently “reading” three different books but who knows if I’ll ever finish one of them? I’m all for a bit of swearing too, but I’m with you on Martina Cole’s C- word, you can definitely have too much of a good thing! It’s a pity about the job, but it’s good to get a vote of confidence, isn’t it? Go you!
October 10, 2015
Thanks Sammie.