Weekly check in
It’s been another mixed week for me. It started poorly as I was still struggling with the dreaded flu/cold thingy which has toyed with me and my sanity over the past few months. But finally… a sane ‘me’ has emerged. Sans cough, sore ribs, headache and sinus pain. Just when I’d forgotten what it was like to feel well. 🙂
Reading-wise I did pretty well this past week, though I did (again) ditch my planned reads to pick up a new arrival or two.
What I read
I started the week with Robin Cook’s Host. It’d been a long time since I’d read any of his work and I have to admit I’m not sure I’ll be rushing to do so in the near future.
I read (what I think was) my first Jack Reacher book, Make Me by Lee Child. It wasn’t a book I’d requested, rather someone left it in the foyer of my building. It’d only been out for a week or two, so I nabbed it. As you do. I know I get free review copies so shouldn’t be taking others’ cast-offs, but rest assured I’ve put it back where I found it.
I didn’t mind the book but found myself skimming through the MANY ‘action’ sequences (as I do when I’m watching a movie involving fight scenes or car chases). I didn’t review the book but left a comment in Goodreads that it seems more attention was placed on those scenes than the (eventual) crime itself which was quite interesting and complex… and somewhat underdone.
And finally I got around to Black Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin.
What I wrote
I reviewed Kate Morton’s new book The Lake House. I very much enjoyed it and hope this comes through in my blog post.
I shared my thoughts on Mary Burton’s I’ll Never Let You Go—which is part of a linked series but can easily be read as a standalone novel. Its theme is centred around domestic violence and I commented on the attention the issue is finally receiving in Australia.
And finally I wrote about Black-Eyed Susans. It was a book I enjoyed though perhaps less than I expected.
What I did
I feel like I achieved little last week. After finally feeling better I started to do some thinking and planning around my priorities for the rest of the year.
On that note… I drafted something which I was planning to share Friday or Saturday but it felt a little too introspective so I decided I’d hold off until my sarcastic-self returned and I could write about the topic with a level of irony my readers have come to love. #orsomething.
I did however spend some time contemplating two anniversaries which fall on 24 October… namely my seachange in 2012 and my father’s passing the year before. Naturally I’d written about both at the time—and the idea of ‘mattering‘.
Today (Sunday) I’m off to a couple of local writers’ events. It’s a “Home Grown” festival and Sunday morning we’ll hear from a few successful authors and then I’m participating in a workshop in the afternoon.
What I plan to read
I’m loath to even predict what’s up next because Isabelle Allende’s The Japanese Lover has been moving further down the pile as the weeks pass. I do know I have Michael Connelly’s latest Harry Bosch book The Crossing sitting next to my bathtub.
And then there’s David Baldacci’s The Guilty, out in early November which is sitting in the TBR pile near my bed… and whispering sweet nothings in the hope it’s catapulted to ‘next on the list’.
And who knows what’s next. I do know my review of Elizabeth George’s Banquet of Consequences and Robin Cook’s Host are coming up on the blog very shortly. And hopefully I’ll get to something non book-related for a change.
What’s on your agenda?
Im joining Kimberley from Caffeinated Book Reviewer for the Sunday Post and Kathryn from The Book Date for ‘It’s Monday!’ to share my book reviews again this week.
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Stormi D Johnson
October 25, 2015I have been wanting to start the Jack Reacher books and recently picked up book one…I am opposite you as I would love all the fight scenes and car chases…lol 🙂
Debbish
October 25, 2015Oh dear… they were quite graphic Stormi so I skimmed IN A BIG WAY. I’d be happy if books / movies just had a ‘insert fight scene here’ flag!
Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
October 25, 2015I can’t stand fight scenes etc. I do like a good medical mystery though and looked at the synopsis for Host. I’ll be interested to read your review Deb. I wish Michael Crichton was still alive. Sigh.
Debbish
October 25, 2015I’m at an author thing today and just spoke to a writer who’s a former nurse and told her I’ll give her Host to read and mentioned how much I struggled with it! I used to enjoy Michael Crichton as well.
Greg
October 25, 2015A shame the Cook book was disappointing. I like the idea of medical thrillers but haven’t read many.
I hate it when you cough so much your ribs hurt. Ugh. Hope you’re feeling better. And I’ve heard lots of good things about The Lake House, glad you liked it too.
I’ve also been moving books around and changing up my next reads, it’s all in a state of flux right now! Enjoy your day!
Debbish
October 25, 2015Thanks Greg. It was certainly a relief when my ribs stopped hurting….
laurelrainsnow
October 25, 2015I also enjoyed The Lake House…and I’m curious about I’ll Never Let You Go….thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
Debbish
October 25, 2015Don’t think I’ve seen your review of The Lake House Laurel so I’ll have to keep my eye out for it.
Christy LoveOfBooks
October 25, 2015Ugh, sounds like the sickness hit us both. Though, I having a feeling you were much worse than I was. Glad you’re feeling better.
Debbish
October 25, 2015Thanks Christy. And ditto!
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
October 25, 2015I’m glad you’ve finally gotten to the point where you remember what it feels like to be healthy, Deb! And I hope you’ll stay healthy now 🙂
Your writer’s festival sounds like it will be a nice one! Meeting up with local writers could definitely be a new burst of having a community when you want and need it.
Have a fantastic week ahead and happy reading & writing 🙂
Debbish
October 25, 2015Hi Lexxie, I had a great day. Got to hear from some established authors and meet other wannabe writers and some readers.
Trish @ Between My Lines
October 25, 2015I liked your post on mattering as it’s something that I think a bit about too. It seems important to do something with my life but I just don’t think I’ve found that yet.
And I plan on checking out The Lake House sometime soon, it seems to be everywhere right now.
Debbish
October 25, 2015Thanks re your comments on my old post Trish.
And yes, I noted The Lake House was launched almost simultaneously here in Australia as well as the UK & US.
sherry fundin (@sherryfundin)
October 25, 2015Some great top name books. Happy reading and I hope you have shaken the bug.
sherry @ fundinmental My Sunday Memes
Debbish
October 25, 2015Thanks Sherry.
Maree
October 25, 2015I’ve read book one of the Jack Reacher series. I liked it but I’m not compelled to seek out more. Medical thrillers aren’t usually my thing but I’ve read one or two (I think) by Michael Palmer, that I quite liked. I hope this week finds you in better health <3
Debbish
October 25, 2015Thanks Maree. I don’t think I’d search out more Jack Reachers either. I’d read one if I came across it but they won’t be on my request list.
Jan @ Notes from a Readerholic
October 25, 2015So good you’re feeling better. You know it’s been bad when you forget how it feels to feel well. I found an older Lee Child book on sale a couple months ago and bought it. I hope the book you read is not typical. Hope you have a great week, Deborah, and have fun at the local writers’ events.
Debbish
October 25, 2015Jan, the Jack Reacher aversion is probably more of a ‘me’ thing as I’m not really into action scenes and the like. It was still a good book, but not my sort of book I guess. 🙂
Heather Duff (@hross42)
October 25, 2015Glad you are feeling better!
I find myself skimming through action scenes too, there is only so many ways someone can be punched or shot!
Have a great week!
My ParaHangover
October 25, 2015GIRL!!! You need summer!!! Is it there yet? I swear, that is going to solve ALL your problems! I REALLY hope it will b/c this “junk” you have in your body is going on way too long. You need Vitamin D! Just keep reading and writing!
….sending sunshine!!!
fangswandsfairy(alt)
October 25, 2015The writers’ con sounds like a good thing for you. And, I think it is good to contemplate anniversaries but not to dwell on the pain of loss.
Hope you keep feeling better!
Debbish
October 25, 2015Thanks Steph. And I like the way you put that…. The not-dwelling. #verytrue
My mother and I recently talked about my father and I said I still miss him every day and wish he was here, but it hurts less to think about him. His absence is felt but the pain bearable.
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
October 26, 2015Glad you are feeling better! Just read our review on Black Eyed Susans. I still have to read it but I do have it. I will try to lower my expectations a bit and maybe I won’t be disappointed. Have a great week!
Debbish
October 26, 2015Yes I think that was my only problem Grace… I was expecting amazing things. It was good, but nothing exceptionally different. (I was the same re Gone Girl, which I read after everyone else!)
Harvee
October 26, 2015Lots of good thrillers! That should scatter the flu bugs!
Debbish
October 26, 2015Ha! It will definitely scare them away! 😉
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
October 26, 2015Glad you’re feeling better! I hate being sick! I enjoyed your Mary Burton review and have your review for The Lake House saved. I’m looking forward to getting to it. That’s too bad Black Eyed Susans was disappointing. I’ll probably read it but will keep my expectations lower. Enjoy your author events and have a great week!
Debbish
October 26, 2015Yes… it’s a good reminder for me not to expect anything really different. I read SO MUCH of the psychological thriller type genre I’m like… ‘So, she was only kidnapped and held briefly? Meh…’ Which is TERRIBLE!
kimbacaffeinate
October 26, 2015I have the Host on my list of reads for early November, your cover is very cool. You have me a tad nervous. Dang, maybe that flu shot for my birthday was a good thing. Feel better my friend!
Debbish
October 26, 2015Ah yes, my mother had a flu shot and (despite me exposed to my three bouts) didn’t get sick at all! Although apparently we had a strain in my part of the country which wasn’t captured in the flu shot. (Or something! Sounds like a Robin Cook novel! 😉 )
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
October 26, 2015I’m so glad you’re feeling better. Being sick is no fun. I love your comment about picking up the freebie in the foyer “as you do.” I, too, find it very hard to resist a free book!
Debbish
October 26, 2015As I said I did feel guilty as I already get books for free (electronic ones temporarily anyway)… It had a plane ticket in it so I’d say a visitor to my complex bought it enroute and left it when they left.
Bea @Bea's Book Nook
October 26, 2015You have some great books. I like Burton’s Nashville series and I’ll Never Let You Go is my next read when I finish my current one. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I laughed at your comment about picking up a book from the foyer; I’ve done that. 😀
Have a good week!
Debbish
October 26, 2015I hope you enjoy the new Burton when you get to it. As I said, I’m keen to read the others in the series now and liked that she didn’t include too many spoilers in the later book!
booknaround
October 26, 2015I find that I keep moving planned reads out to make way for spontaneous reads. I have to believe that this is because that’s what’s working for me right now (either that or I’ll get overwhelmed by my recklessness).
Debbish
October 26, 2015Hee hee… I have to admit I think I’ve deferred the Isabel Allende because it’s not as light as some of the others in my pile and I really just want to be comforted and entertained.
Char
October 26, 2015I’m with you on fight scenes. My head goes “la la la – come on let’s get this over with so we can get back to the real action’. I also haven’t read one of Robin Cook’s in a very, very long time. They were a gad I went through in uni.
Debbish
October 26, 2015Yes, I think I read Robin Cooks back then too. The same era as my espionage fetish I think… when detail didn’t bother me. Now it’s a bit like the fight scenes—I skim to find what I need to know!
jsamuelsen
October 26, 2015I’m definitely checking out your review on the Lake House!
Debbish
October 26, 2015Thanks!
Tracy (@Cornerfolds)
October 26, 2015Too bad you didn’t love any of your reads this week! Better luck in the coming week! 😀
Here’s my Weekly Recap!
Debbish
October 26, 2015Yes, that’s kinda true isn’t it? I’m starting to wonder if my expectations are constantly too high?!
Viki
October 26, 2015It looks like you have some good books to read. I never read Micheal Connelly, but looks like something I would like to read.
Debbish
October 26, 2015I’ve read a few of Connelly’s now Viki and read a Bosch I very much enjoyed sometime in the last year or so (I think!).
Teddyree
October 26, 2015Darn flu and bugs, doing the rounds down here too, although I’ve just been head coldy, maybe the flu shot saved my butt. Feel better Deb! Years and years ago I read Contagion and Outbreak, this germophobe loves a good epidemic story lol. Off to check out your reviews, I didn’t have a chance to visit much during the week.
I still miss my mum terribly, it’s been 8 years, the grief is quieter but I wonder if I’ll ever stop missing her. She was also my best friend.
Hope this week is better.
Debbish
October 26, 2015Oh Teddyree, what a beautiful way of putting it… ‘the grief is quieter’. That’s exactly it!
Kathryn
October 26, 2015Good to hear you are finally over the hump of illness. Love that you borrowed the book from your foyer. Go You! Just went over to read your Mattering post. When I go to a funeral of a person I ‘know’ but not closely I often just sit in quiet appreciation of them and their lives. I think – oh my and I never knew! Your Dad sounds like he was someone who touched others. May we too.
Debbish
October 26, 2015Oh absolutely Kathryn. He was very special to me (as most dads are to their kids I guess) and my brother, mum and I were lucky to have someone so devoted to his family.
Lory @ Emerald City Book Review
October 26, 2015I hope things will be looking up for you now that you’re feeling better. Condolences on your loss — no matter how far it was in the past, it will always be there.
I like that you admit to skipping through action sequences — I always do too. I can’t visualize them and don’t really want to!
Debbish
October 26, 2015I know… the fight scenes in the Jack Reacher novel were very detailed. I really only need to know who wins and with what consequences. As for the rest of it… #meh!
Jess
October 26, 2015Hope you are feeling better! Nothing worse than a flu that never dies x
Debbish
October 26, 2015Thanks Jess. I’m still coughing a bit apparently. (I don’t notice any more.) But am on the mend.
lakesidemusing
October 26, 2015Glad you’re finally starting to feel better! Jack Reacher has been on my wish list for ages…
Debbish
October 26, 2015I’m glad I finally read one of his books. I recall reading Alex Kava’s Breaking Creed and the lead character was compared to Reacher – mostly unfavourably. I’d probably say the opposite from memory though they’re very similar.
signourney
October 26, 2015Glad to hear you are feeling better. And sometimes we just have to go with the flow and grab what we want instead of what we planned. 🙂
Debbish
October 26, 2015Absolutely Signourney and I’ve been doing that more and more I realise!
Lindsey
October 26, 2015I love that you keep a book by the tub! I did some reading in the bath during Readathon and I can certainly see why people love it!
Debbish
October 27, 2015I almost only read in the bath Lindsey. Not sure why but it’s my favourite place to read. Thankfully I bought a waterproof (Lifeproof) cover for my iPad and (touch-wood) I’m yet to completely drop a print book in there!
Silver's Reviews
October 27, 2015You have a lot of good books lined up.
ENJOY!!
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
Debbish
October 27, 2015Thanks Elizabeth.
Becki
October 27, 2015I keep meaning to pick up a book by Robin Cook and I never seem to get into them. I’m not sure what it is, because these types of medical thrillers are normally right up my alley. It’s always a disappointment when you expect to love something and you just don’t.
Sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well! I hope it passes soon! I’ve been struggling with gall stones and a sore pancreas last week, so I’m hoping this week will include more reading and more writing than last week!
Debbish
October 27, 2015Becki, you’d almost certainly enjoy this because I spoke to a friend who’s a nurse and she said she enjoyed his books and she loves that sort of read!
Stefanie
October 27, 2015You’ve got some good books here. I read Michael Connelly once at the suggestion of my mum. It was a good read. I’m sorry you were hit with the flu but glad you’re getting better. Take care of yourself.
Debbish
October 27, 2015Thanks Stefanie. I’m reading the Connelly now and very much enjoying it!
Emma
October 27, 2015I have to say I’ve never read Lee Childs and can’t remember Robin Cook. Neither appeal I must admit.
Debbish
October 27, 2015I can understand that Emma. They’re both probably on the periphery of my psychological thriller / suspense / crime novel-loving genre. Probably a couple of tweaks of both and I’d love them more… (More emphasis on the crime itself and final scenes in the Jack Reacher and a bit less technical stuff / single perpetrator with an agenda in the Robin Cook!)
Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)
October 27, 2015I love it that you came across Make Me in the lobby. I love Jack Reacher and look forward to this book. I am also jealous that you are reading David Baldacci’s newest. Glad you are feeling better and hope it remains that way! Have a great week.
Debbish
October 27, 2015Ah yes I’m looking forward to the Baldacci as well Nise’. He’s usually pretty consistent.
imavoraciousreader
October 27, 2015You rescued a book! 🙂 I’ve collected several Reacher books but haven’t had a chance to read them yet. I love action scenes though, as long as they’re well-done. I hope you have a wonderful week. 🙂
Debbish
October 27, 2015That’s me… the book-rescuer…. 😉
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
October 28, 2015Hope you are feeling better. And sometimes we have to ditch the planned reads for new reads. It keeps us fresh and in the want for what we are reading. 🙂
Have a great week!
Debbish
October 28, 2015True Melissa and that’s been the case for me. I’ve felt refreshed by reading some of my old favourite genres!
Myra GB
October 30, 2015I’ve read so many things about Jack Reacher – I should definitely try to find the first novel and see whether it would resonate with me. We’re doing a reading theme on crime/suspense very soon, so it’d fit right in.
Debbish
October 30, 2015Oh absolutely. It also makes sense to start at the beginning if you can Myra!