It’s been another pretty quiet week for me on the reading, book reviewing and blogging front. I’ve been busy ‘off’ the blog though which means the week feels as if it’s flown by.
What I read
I FINALLY read the much-lauded Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. I missed it when it came out and had just not gotten around to reading it. Until now. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on that next week.
And then I read Tami Hoag’s latest, The Bitter Season. It was released this month so I’ll be posting my review on that shortly as well.
What I wrote
I actually drafted and scheduled a few book reviews for coming days and weeks but only published two new posts on the blog.
The first involved my thoughts on diversity on our screens. I obviously agree there are race and gender imbalances but I also have a little rant about the lack of body type diversity.
And then I shared my thoughts on the new release by Australian sisters (Amy Andrews and Ros Baxter), Numbered. It’s a book about love, friendships, cancer and a bucket list.
What I did
Sadly I was forced to continue with the ‘adulting’ I moaned about last week.
I had an electrician come to fix a transistor or transponder or something in my kitchen; a plumber installed a new shower head; and I had to buy a new microwave. I have to admit however the latter wasn’t at all a chore as I went for cheap and cheerful.
Fire engine red!!!!
And I’m in the midst of another house swap with my mother. She’s hanging out at my place at the beach catching up with one of her besties and I’m at my childhood home bingeing on DVDs. I managed about 9hrs straight yesterday afternoon / evening – watching all 12 episodes of Falling Skies (season 4).
What I plan to read
I note that Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X is getting a bit of attention. I’ve had it on my NetGalley shelf for months now but might leap-frog it to ‘next’ on my to-be-read list. I was a bit underwhelmed by Don’t Look Back (though had enjoyed earlier novels) but am looking forward to this.
I’m also hoping to get to Rebound by Aga Lesiewicz and Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard this coming week.
And that’s about it. We’re in the midst of a pseudo long weekend here in Australia and school’s about to return this coming week after the long summer break. I suspect parents with bored kids will be happy and – as I live in a complex frequented by holiday-makers – I’m also looking forward to some quiet time!
It’s been hot and sunny in my part of the world lately.
What’s on your reading and life agenda?
How amazing does that beach look?! (Taken while I was sitting at a beach-front cafe eating a steak sandwich!)
As usual I’m linking up with Kimberly from The Caffeinated Reviewer for the Sunday Post and Kathryn from The Book Date for ‘It’s Monday!’
January 24, 2016
That beach looks amazing! I have no doubts you will not miss hearing Marco Paulo! My girls start real school on Friday! Eek!
January 24, 2016
Your life will be very different Jess, when the twins have school all day. What an exciting time for them. And you. (And a little sad I expect!)
January 24, 2016
Those look like some great reads! And that beach scene looks nice compared to the cold here…lol. 🙂
Stormi
January 24, 2016
Yes Stormi I think the hot weather here is in stark contrast to the blizzards in the US!
January 24, 2016
I reckon if I lived next to that beach I might never leave it…
January 24, 2016
That beach does look amazing, I could use hot and sunny right now. Oh to be in a beachfront cafe right now… 🙂
Can’t wait to hear what you thought of Big Little Lies. And nice post on diversity- I agree is it too much to ask that they just represent the real world? I haven’t really followed the Oscar flap but Hollywood is seriously out of whack with this stuff- and like some commenters on that post said, it probably won’t change (at least not soon). Anyway… have a nice week. 🙂
January 24, 2016
Thanks Greg and yes, I bet you are wishing you were sitting by the beach. (And in summer, of course!) I’m probably not going to be as gushing about Big little Lies as most people I suspect…
January 24, 2016
Oh, I am envious of your beach living….I would so like that!
I love the red microwave…I think I shared my red coffee pot and toaster one week. I’m a big fan of red things in the home.
Orphan X looks tempting. I loved Big Little Lies. Have a great week, and thanks for sharing.
January 24, 2016
I think Breville (the brand of my microwave) has kettles and toasters as well. (Not sure if it’s an international brand!) As it happened I also needed a new printer and saw some red ones… but they were about $100 more than the $40 one I got!
January 24, 2016
Ooh, look at you Deb having a perve at the old guys on the beach 😀
I loooove your new microwave! I had to buy a new one not so long ago too and ended up spending a lot more than I wanted to, but it’s supposed to be a microwave, convection and grill in one. It looks like this big industrial one and for the life of me I have no idea how to use it. I hate adulting some weeks. Looking forward to seeing what you think of Beautiful broken Things. I have that one for review too and it’ll be next up on my list. Have a wonderful week Deb <3
January 24, 2016
Thankfully this microwave is really simple Kelly – not surprising for only $160! Not sure it will last long but it’s very different. It catches my eye all of the time at the moment and I need to take a second look at this large red thing in my kitchen!
January 24, 2016
It sounds nice to be able to swap houses with your mom like that, Deb, you both get a change of scenery, but in familiar houses so you can still sleep well. I need to read your post on diversity. I never understand why only the ‘beautiful people’ are depicted in movies and TV shows (with some rare exceptions).
I hope you’ll enjoy your new books. Have a wonderful week and happy reading.
January 24, 2016
Thanks Lexxie. It is great to do the house swap. I often come and stay at mum’s every few weeks anyway, for a change of scenery as I work from home so spend a lot of time in my apartment. We live in neighbouring towns – about 40km from each other – and she’s still in my childhood house so it’s very very familiar!
January 24, 2016
Oh my goodness, I want a red microwave! Red is my favorite color though, so, to be fair, I want a red everything lol. Your house swapping sounds fun. And bingeing on 9 hours of shows actually sounds amazing right about now.
That is a gorgeous beach! And it looks like it has really nice sand, but I suppose I’m kind of wildly guessing since it’s really hard to tell what sand it like in a photo.
January 24, 2016
The sand’s pretty good Kristen. The odd shell and piece of coral but otherwise soft. It’s sometimes too hot on the soft hand and you have to head to the sand that’s recently been wet and is firmer though!
January 24, 2016
That beach is really tempting me right now ! The temperatures here are milder and I wanted to go take a walk this afternoon until I heard the shots from the hunters nearby. Too nearby ! That red microwave is beautiful, I love red 😉 Have a great week !
January 25, 2016
Thanks Izabel and stay away from those hunters!!! At least I only need to worry about the sand being too hot!
January 24, 2016
Oh you live by the beach, I’m so jealous. That is my dream someday! I love that you houseswap with your mum, that’s a great idea. I’m wary of a house swap with strangers but doing it with family is cool. Now what a pity that my parents only live 5 minutes over the road 😀
Boo to adulting, it’s no fun but that microwave is cute!
January 25, 2016
Yes, my mum’s in a neighbouring town so it’s actually quite a handy distance.
January 24, 2016
Sounds like another grown up week. So sorry to hear you didn’t get a break from adulting yet. That sucks. Love the microwave though. Great color.
I love your picture of the beach. It really makes me wish for Summer to come. Here it’s still cold, rainy and sometimes freezing which makes it icy.
I’m going skiing in Germany with my colleagues from Monday evening till Wednesday evening. I’m really looking forward to it but it also means a lot of planning and not enough time.
Have a great week 😉
January 25, 2016
Skiing sounds great. I’ve only tried it once Maureen and it was an epic fail for me. (And that was on a trip to New Zealand and the only time I’ve ever seen snow!)
January 24, 2016
Can’t wait to see your thoughts on Big Little Lies. Adulting stinks. I do love the red appliance though 🙂 And that picture makes me yearn for summer since I am currently in about 2 feet of snow!! Have a great week!
January 25, 2016
We’ve been seeing lots of images of cars buried under snow Grace. I can’t even imagine what that must be like!
January 24, 2016
Tami Hoag is an author I have yet to read, though I’ve heard great things about her! Have a great week!
January 25, 2016
Yes, I must get onto her review Sara. I very much enjoyed the book!
January 24, 2016
I just posted that I absolutely LOVED your diversity post! but I wanted to say it again (and again and again lol). Sorry about all the “adulating” in your life I hate that too. Takes away time from writing right? 🙂
Big Little lies and Orphan X look good! I hope you enjoy them. 🙂
January 25, 2016
It definitely does take time away from reading and writing Daniela. I find I just can’t be bothered when there’s too much other crap to deal with!
January 24, 2016
Adulting is so over rated! Books are so much better! Hope you have a good week!
January 25, 2016
Hoping to get back to my normal reading routine this week Laura. Fingers crossed.
January 25, 2016
I really liked Falling Skies 🙂 I finally finished The West Wing, but haven’t settled on anything else yet.
Rebound arrived in the mail last week, it looks good 🙂
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
January 25, 2016
Yes Rebound’s probably next on my list chronologically (out on 9 Feb I think) so it makes sense to start with that. Hope you enjoyed The West Wing. It’s one of my fave shows ever!!! Amazing writing.
January 25, 2016
The beach looks great and a steak sandwich sounds fantastic (I haven’t had lunch yet)! The whole adulting thing is exahusting but it does feel good to cross things off the To Do list. I love the microwave! The red is so fun. I’m really curious to see what you think of Big Little Lies. I haven’t gotten to that one either. Have a great week!
January 25, 2016
The red microwave is gorgeous and fits with my plan of my post-seachange apartment being nice and bright! (My previous place was filled with chocolate brown, forest green and navy.
January 25, 2016
I’m looking forward to your thoughts on The Bitter Season! I have that one on my kindle but haven’t read it yet. Soon though, hopefully soon! Have a great week and happy reading!
January 25, 2016
I really enjoyed The Bitter Season Samantha. I don’t think I’d read any in the series before but it wasn’t a problem at all.
January 25, 2016
I hope you enjoyed The Bitter Season; she is one of my go-to fave authors and I really want that title. I also have read and enjoyed almost all the Gregg Hurwitz books but hadn’t heard of this one. Going to check it out further, so thanks Deb!
January 25, 2016
I follow Gregg on Facebook so he’s been sharing pics of launches and the like. NetGalley lists the book as being released in late Feb so I’d kept putting it off… so am a bit confused when it’s out. It looks like it’s going to be the first in a series Rita.
January 25, 2016
Oh, that beach does look quite lovely – especially with how cold it is in the U.S. right now (for most of us, at least). That’s kind of fun you’re doing a house swap with your mom! Hope you both enjoy your time home-away-from-home.
-lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com
January 25, 2016
Thanks Lauren. My house swap is almost over and (as today’s my mother’s birthday) I join her at my place and we’ll go out to dinner, before she returns to her place tomorrow.
January 25, 2016
I love your microwave! Lianne Moriarty is one of my favourite authors I must say. She’s so easy to relate to and I loved that particular book. I look forward to reading what you have to say about it, Deb.
January 25, 2016
I suspect I enjoyed the book less than most people Michelle. Am currently (over) analysing the why!
January 25, 2016
Whoot! What a beautiful new microwave! I’m glad that phase of adulting is over for you. 🙂
I am reading the second book in the Matchmaker series, but I am still in a slump. This is only my third book since Dec. 23. It hit me hard, as has all the other BS going on life with school, my yearbook staff, and now both my ex and the man’s ex.
The beach looks absolutely amazing. I need beach.
January 25, 2016
Oh, so sorry you’ve got so much crap going on… hopefully that means things can only get better?! (Am being hopeful!)
January 25, 2016
I am drooling over the beach picture. We did get a visit from the sun this weekend so I can’t complain too much. Love the red microwave. Hope your adulting is done for awhile now! I am looking forward to Orphan X. Have a great week and enjoy the house swap.
January 25, 2016
Thanks Nise’.
January 25, 2016
My reading goal for this week is to read more than three pages in a row without falling asleep. It’s a tough one but I’m going to do it!!
January 25, 2016
Oh I wish reading helped me sleep as my sleep patterns are ridiculously screwy at the moment! You’ve had a busy time lately so hopefully things will improve soon.
January 25, 2016
Yes to more body diversity in film and the media in general! I’ve been hearing good things about Orphan X. I hope you enjoy it! Have a good week!
January 25, 2016
I’ve been seeing Orphan X everywhere too… which is why I decided to leap-frog it to this week’s reading. Am hoping it’s a goodie!
January 25, 2016
Ugh, gross! I HATE adulting! It’s literally the worst! 😉 That beach looks fantastic, by the way! It has been in the 40s here in Florida!!
Here is my Weekly Recap!
January 25, 2016
Am hoping there’s no more adulting required for some time Tracy… although I do have a crack in my car windscreen so will need to work out what to do about that.
January 25, 2016
Love your beaches and I know you only admire mostly from a little distance! When I saw your microwave I knew Laurel-Rain would love it. I see she does!!
January 25, 2016
Ha ha yes… she said she did!
January 25, 2016
Super gorgeous beach!
January 26, 2016
It is isn’t it Sam?
January 25, 2016
Love your fire engine microwave 🙂 That beach looks so inviting right now…much better than all the snow I have. Wish I were there 🙂
Have a great week!
January 26, 2016
Ah yes, I can imagine the beach would be preferable to the snow!
January 26, 2016
Beautiful beach views!!
I had a bit of a viewing binge over the weekend and didn’t get much reading done at all – I’m catching up on Season 6 of The Good Wife on Netflix. I just can’t get enough of that show!!
Look forward to your thoughts on the Liane Moriarty read and the cover of Beautiful Broken Things (a new to me book) is gorgeous!
January 26, 2016
I watched the first few seasons of The Good Wife Jade, but eventually dropped out and I can’t even remember why!
January 26, 2016
I hope you enjoyed those two books you read this week. It’s nice to work and write posts ahead. Your new microwave looks so cheerfull! And it’s good you got all those little tasks staken care off. Have a great week!
January 26, 2016
I’m actually yet to do any reading yet this week Lola, but am sure I’ll catch up! Am looking forward to my new books!
January 26, 2016
I don’t seem to be reading much … TV and IG seem to be holding my attention and sucking my motivation (well the motivation could be me … meh) The weather has been glorious for beach goers, that pic is calling me. Have a great week Deb and enjoy your reads, when you get to them!
January 26, 2016
I haven’t been reading as much either Teddyree. Initially it was because I had too many reviews to write and I didn’t want to get further behind, but I’m a little out of my routine as well.