It’s Monday so I’m again linking up with Sheila from Book Journey to share my weekly reading, however… I decided I’m broadening the usual post to include a bit of other stuff. I was going to start a Sunday wrap-up type post but realised the two would be similar. I figure those only interested in the book stuff can find that, and those more interested in the exciting happenings of my life, can jump to those sections. Voila! Two birds, one stone. Etcetera.
Read last week
I started the week with Jonathan Kellerman’s upcoming novel Motive. I enjoyed it but didn’t find lead characters Alex and Milo as engaging as I once did. I’m pretty sure I felt the same in his previous book. I’m not sure if he (or the characters themselves) are feeling a little stale, but – though I enjoyed it – all three are perhaps in need of a shake-up. 😉
As planned I finally read The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion. I’m trying to decide whether to review it here or just in Goodreads, but will undoubtedly share that with you when the time comes.
And to cap off the week I read a novella by Aussie author, blogger and book lover Lizzy Chandler, Snowy River Man. And how cute is this guy on the cover?! (My only gripe is that the lead character in the book is blonde, and cover-boy is more of a brunette. Luckily he’s very handsome or it would play havoc with my OCD mind!)
Blogged last week
My review of Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner went live early in the week.
I blogged about Kelly Exeter’s book Your Best Year Yet and talked in particular about motivation and habits.
JD Robb’s, Obsession in Death is due to be published this coming week, so I shared my thoughts on the 40th novel in Robb’s ‘In Death’ series
I also posted my review of Second Life by SJ Watson. I actually forgot I’d scheduled this for yesterday and had planned to post my review of Jonathan Kellerman’s Motive (which is being published two days before Watson’s). #ohwell
Other stuff
I’m one week into my wear-BB cream-every-day (ie. make more of an effort) challenge. So far so good. I mean it has run off my face the moment I’ve left the cool environs of my apartment but at least I’ve applied it daily as planned. I get an A for Effort. 😉
On the other hand my eat-earlier-at-night challenge is not going terribly well. My inner-child is seriously rebelling against the earlier-dinner thing. But I have some strategies which involve other options I identified (ie. ready-made meals / leftovers).
And now to share some other stuff… probably not worthy of its own blog post, but stuff I need to get out of my head nonetheless.
I’ve been struggling a bit lately. There have been a few things going on which have required me to ponder life in general. It’s all very convoluted and a long story, but guess it comes down to questions of: how we allow ourselves to be treated; really working out what’s important; and whether we’re prepared to make sacrifices or scary decisions based on all of those things and more.
As I’m prone to navel-gazing I’ve also wondered how many things I’ve done in the past I’ve ‘fallen’ into versus having made a conscious decision to pursue that particular path. Readers who know me will know I’ve had quite a varied professional life. As I consider the direction my life should / could / might take, I wonder if an end-goal is all-important or whether I can just meander my way, depending on what pops up. (Existential crisis anyone?!)
Reading this week
I’m planning to read Tom Rob Smith’s The Farm, which I didn’t get to last week but am excited to read.
Although it’s not being published until April I’m also planning to read What You Can, When You Can by Carla Birnberg & Roni Noone – yes…. more non-fiction. My brain might well explode!
WYCWYC is a mantra / adage used by some US bloggers and ambassadors to promote a balanced and healthy life. Roni Noone, who I’ve followed on social media for a long time, is the creator of the US Fitbloggin’ community. Carla Birnberg is a blogger I follow and admire and someone I consider a virtual friend. I’ve even guest posted for her to talk about my foray into burlesque dancing. Way back when.
I love the WYCWYC concept – and expect we can apply it to more than healthy living.
And that’s it from me in terms of books and life.
What’s happening in your world?
Do you ever ponder (overthink) past decisions when considering how to move forward?
February 9, 2015
No answers to life struggles I am sorry but hope you can hang in there and work through them and may your decisions work out the best for you. I am about to start reading the Lizzy Chandler story – love the cover. Thanks for the heads up about it being a novella, didn’t realise that.
February 9, 2015
Well, 160 pages, so not entirely sure if that’s a novella or short novel. I easily read it in a sitting though! (In ebook format with no cover to distract me!)
February 9, 2015
I’m more of a ‘take each day as it comes’ , ‘learn from the past but don’t dwell on it’ kind of person.
Second Life is on my reading list this week, and Snowy River Man for the week after. I’m curious about ‘What You Can, When You Can’.
February 9, 2015
I found it hard to review Second Life. I probably need to get better at not comparing books to others by that author. Hard when Watson’s first was so good. (Bit like that with The Rosie Effect perhaps!)
Deb
February 9, 2015
I agree with Shelleyrae, I tend to take thing as they come- but said that, I’ve had some big decisions to make recently, and it’s been ahrd. So hang in there and be good to yourself
February 9, 2015
Thanks Greg. I’ve had to act on one of them already so it’s a bit scary but I’m relieved it’s done!
February 9, 2015
I have a tough time reading the non-fiction for review as they take more concentration and deeper thought thus longer reading time! and I’m kinda reading for distraction right now which isn’t conducive to long time commitments 😉
Nevertheless, still seem to keep adding them to my shelves! thankfully they don’t expire !
as to thinking things through, have you investigated spiritual directors in you land downunder?
sounds like exactly the concerns/conversations we have in SD sessions – there’s an int’l website to locate them
worldwide…
and.. HapPy Valentine’s Day thoughts from here to you !
February 9, 2015
Oh, thanks especially for the Valentine’s Day thoughts! I’m a long term single so it’s usually only my mother who sprinkles me with words of love and happiness!
February 9, 2015
Reading a NY Times Wellness article on creative expressive writing and seeing the connxn to our overthinking –
here’s the LINK EnJoy 🙂
February 9, 2015
Oh thanks!!!!
February 9, 2015
I hope you find some peace in your soul searching. The guy on Snowy River Man is very cute. I get annoyed by wrong hair cover on covers sometimes. I hope this is a good week for you.
February 9, 2015
Thanks Martha. I read the eBook which didn’t include a cover so wasn’t tortured by the hair colour thing. I did give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps behind the lettering his hair is dark blonde. Actually I didn’t care that much cos the cuteness made up for it. 🙂
(And yes I realise I’d probably engage in a massive eye-roll if a guy said something about a hot woman on the cover!!!) #eek #twofaced
February 9, 2015
Sounds like tricky times for you – good luck with your soul searching. Two words I’ve found useful in the past with difficult decisions and/or people is boundaries and balance.
I know that non-fiction is not your favourite genre, but hidden in the self-help/mind, body, spirit sections of most bookshops and libraries are some gems that cover every topic or problem or issue known to man-kind and them some in varying degrees of seriousness and usefulness!
February 9, 2015
Thanks Brona. Balance is one of my fave words as well – well in terms of what it stands for. It was a big drawcard when making my seachange a couple of years ago.
I used to read some non-fiction. Particularly when I still really struggled with my eating disorders – work by Geneen Roth, Rick Kausman and Stephanie Dowrick to a lesser extent.
February 9, 2015
NO NO NO WAY!!!
I smiled big at our mention as it was a total surprise.
and YES everything crossed you like it.
February 9, 2015
🙂 Carla! I know it’s not being published til April, so I’d usually wait, but am keen to get at it!
February 9, 2015
Snowy River Man looks good…or maybe I just like the guy on the cover. LOL – I’m not sure which 🙂 Have a great week!
February 9, 2015
Ah yes, well you’re forgiven. He seems to be proving popular!
February 9, 2015
You’re quite the philosopher today, aren’t you? Wish I had answers. But no. Seems the older I get the less answers I have.
February 10, 2015
That’s probably true. When we’re young we think we know everything. It doesn’t occur to us we don’t. (There you go – more philosophising!)
February 10, 2015
I am not prone to pondering decisions for very long – I am impulsive, which comes with its own set of issues. My husband and I are both “grasshoppers” as we call ourselves, making quick decisions when maybe we should have taken some time to really think first. Leap before we look for sure over here. I don’t think there is a right way to handle our big decisions – do what you have to do, do what works best. You will find your answers.
On a lighter note, the cover for Snowy River Man is pretty nice! 🙂
February 10, 2015
I actually tend to make big decisions more easily than small decisions and I like to go on my intuition. The book I mentioned in my blog post (Your Best Year) talks about the issue of regret after decision making suggesting, we are more satisfied with our big decisions as they’re harder to change than small ones, which I think is about right.
Deb
February 10, 2015
It’s hard when life’s messy bits present themselves. I’ve often let situations linger on because I don’t want to deal with making hard decisions and/or the fall out from the decisions. I don’t recommend avoidance and inaction. Stay the course and do what is best for you–your quality of life is important.
My post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/02/weekly-book-recap-97.html
February 10, 2015
Thanks Catherine.
February 10, 2015
What a quandary! Sometimes we hesitate to make choices, and then life seems to happen to us, “without our consent,” but the not choosing leads to that kind of situation, in the end.
If we try to focus on what’s in front of us and choose the best course for ourselves, that can work out best. Having a long term goal or “end game” doesn’t really work for me. I do like to go with the flow and deal with what is presented, as it is presented. If that makes sense. LOL
I am looking forward to Second Life. I’m off to check your reviews. Thanks for visiting my blog.
February 10, 2015
No worries Laurel. As I read your comment I reminded myself that sometimes NOT making a decision is (by default) making a decision!
Deb
February 10, 2015
I feel the same way as you with Kellerman books. I binged on them years ago, one after the other, scooping them up as used paperbacks, then lost track of him for a few years. I came back to him last year, but am not feeling the love that I once had, so not sure now.
Good luck with whatever goals you are setting and decisions you are considering. I am a strong believer in the 12-step mantra–The Serenity Prayer– with emphasis on this line…”and the wisdom to know the difference”. Have a good week.
February 10, 2015
Ah yes… accepting what I cannot change. I need to remember that!
On the Kellerman front, for me his books were all about the characters and now that they seem two (one?!) dimensional, something has been lost. There’s a sense of complacency or something. I still enjoyed the book, but….
February 10, 2015
We could do with eating earlier here too, though we can’t always manage it. Going to see what you thought of Second Life now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what you’ve been pondering, things that occupy my mind too. Happy reading this week. 🙂
February 10, 2015
Thanks and you too!
Deb
February 10, 2015
Looks like you had some interesting things going on this week on your blog! I hope you enjoy “The Farm”. I’ve heard some interesting things about it.
My It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? post.
February 10, 2015
Thanks. I’ve finished The Farm now. It was okay but not amazing. Of course I gather it’s a bit of a departure from his earlier and more successful work.
February 10, 2015
I like the title – What You Can When You Can. It screams of moderation and I’m all for that (except maybe with running).
February 10, 2015
Absolutely Char! Will report back after I’ve read it!
February 10, 2015
I’ve been wanting to read the Rosie books by Graeme Simsion. They look funny and heart-warming. Hope you enjoy it!
February 10, 2015
I really enjoyed The Rosie Project Julie. The Rosie Effect I liked less (like everyone else) but it was still an okay read.
Deb
February 10, 2015
I used to analyse everything to within an inch of it’s life (exhausting lol) … it’s a work in progress but after ejecting a few toxic ‘sources’ from my life, I’m enjoying a more laid back approach. I’m sure you’ll figure it out Deb.
I ended up using audible credits to pick up The Rosie Project & The Rosie Effect. Happy reading 🙂
February 10, 2015
I’m much better than I used to be Teddyree (pre-seachange and obviously lifestyle change). I guess I’m perhaps at another turning point and wondering if I’ve not been sufficiently ambitious or whether I’ve not really ‘tried’.
To do what I don’t yet know!
February 11, 2015
I’m assuming that the Kellerman book was a part of a series. Sometimes those are tricky to stay invested in. I’ve dropped some that seemed too repetitive or lacked character development. But on the other hand, I appreciate when an author can find the balance between familiarity and new developments!
Have a great week! I look forward to reading your thoughts about What You Can, When You Can.
February 11, 2015
Ah yes Lindsey – The (Alex Delaware) Kellerman books have been going for a while now… I think he’s almost up to No. 30!!!
February 12, 2015
I actually found your blog through the guest post you did on Carla’s blog. I thought anyone who was game to guest post on burlesque dancing must have a blog worth my time. Haha. I will be interested to read your review. I love the way she parents and well does lots of things.
The snowy river man is gorgeous!
I empathize with your existential crisis, I struggle with this. Sometimes I wish I was religious because allmy religious friends seem so confident and sure they have the answers. The older I get the more I realise there’s so much I just don’t get!
February 12, 2015
Oh, I didn’t ever know that Jess! Carla’s blog is one I still follow from my (former) Diet Schmiet days. I followed 50+ health / wellbeing / weightloss type blogs but deleted most – not because I didn’t enjoy them but because I wanted to stop thinking about that stuff. I don’t comment on Carla’s blog as much now but still read all of her posts and I’ve always liked her balanced approach to exercise etc.