It’s Monday. What am I reading?

Sunday, October 19, 2014 Permalink

My self-imposed reading ban continued throughout last week.

I’d told myself I had to get the read-but-not-reviewed list down before I was allowed to read anything. Naturally I rebelled last Monday (yes, on night 1!) and inhaled Favel Parrett’s When the Night Comes  in one sitting. But after that I was sufficiently self-chastened to refrain from any reading. Mostly. 

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Naturally I procrastinated for much of the week instead of getting the reviews done but #inothernews I caught up on a lot of recorded television. 🙂

I did post reviews of Nicci Gerrard’s The Twilight Hour  and Parrett’s When the Night Comes  in the blog.

As for the memoir – Seven Letters From Paris  –  I mentioned in last week’s post… I realised part of my apathy over reviewing the outstanding books was because I couldn’t work out how to share my thoughts without being incredibly rude so I just reviewed it in Goodreads (& The Reading Room). I tried to refrain from showing too much disdain for the lead character author while still feeling I needed to explain why I disliked the book so much. (Anyone else relate?!)

I have to confess that – by Friday – I was in a foul mood so allowed myself to read two (short) novellas by author Lisa Unger, kicking off a series (of novellas) about a woman who starts getting psychic visions after the tragic death of her husband and one of her daughters. I reviewed both straight after reading them. I LOVED the first (The Whispers) but was really disappointed in the second (The Burning Girl). There was a 10 year gap in between which really baffled me. I wondered if I’d missed something. Indeed, if Unger was to write a novel skirting the years in between I’d definitely be seeking that one out.

Other blog posts last week included one about ‘b’ costumes for a fancy dress party; and an Aussie book bloggers linkup about how we organise our reading and reviewing*. And finally there was a navel gazing post of sorts about a recurring dream I’m having and wondering what it means.

I’ve decided to definitely participate in NaNoWriMo this year (November novel writing month) so intend to cut back on my reading and other blogging next month and focus on writing. As a result I intend to catch up on some reading in the next week – 10 days and schedule any reviews I need to write in November.

On my list are Wicked Ways  by (sisters) Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush. I’ve read a lot of Jackson’s novels but am unfamiliar with Bush’s. The book is due to be released via Kensington Books on 25 November.

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I’m also planning on reading Sweet Damage  by Rebecca James and published by Random House Group (Bantam Dell). I don’t know her work but the blurb suggests fans of Lisa Unger (HELLO?!?) and SJ Watson (again, yes!) will enjoy the novel.

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I may squeeze another in if time permits – and Five, a thriller by Ursula Archer is (chronologically) next on my list and out in early December (though I’m itching to read a Lisa Unger I’ve got sitting in NetGalley which isn’t out until next year!).

So, that’s my recap of last week and my planned reading this week.

Am keen to hear what’s on your agenda for the week?
Any of these books appeal?

* Please check this out as I’d love some pointers!

It’s Monday… is a weekly linkup hosted by Sheila from The Book Journey.

39 Comments
  • Tracey Allen (@Carpe_Librum1)
    October 19, 2014

    I really enjoyed Sweet Damage, so hope you will too.

    • Debbish
      October 19, 2014

      Oh thanks Tracey. I’m a bit confused about when it came / comes out.

  • shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
    October 19, 2014

    I’m hoping to get back on track this week, the last two weeks have been a mess. I just finished reviewing Rebecca’s latest, I enjoyed Sweet Damage more though. Have a good week.

    • Debbish
      October 19, 2014

      I just saw that review Shelleyrae! Bodes well for Sweet Damage then!

  • Mysterious Bibliophile
    October 20, 2014

    I am excited for you that you signed up for NaNoWrimo. I signed up several times but didn’t follow through.

    • Debbish
      October 20, 2014

      Same here. Hoping to change that this year – at least… start with a plan!!!!

  • Char
    October 20, 2014

    I’m reading a book so terrible that I can’t remember its title or the author and I can hardly read more than a couple of pages a night. I’m not sure why I’m even persisting except that I paid for it.

    • Debbish
      October 20, 2014

      Ah yes… that’s enough motivation sometimes. Mind you – I’m bad with titles and authors I don’t know. I’ll often not be able to tell you what I’m reading at any moment in time!

  • Michael @ Literary Exploration
    October 20, 2014

    I have When the Night Comes on my shelf, still waiting. I look forward in hearing what you think of it

  • Greg
    October 20, 2014

    Sorry to hear Seven Letters was disappointing. Hope the ones next up are good…

    Good luck with NaNo…

  • Sheila (Book Journey)
    October 20, 2014

    Sweet Damage looks good!

    • Debbish
      October 20, 2014

      Sheila I hadn’t realised it was already out in some form – a re-release perhaps. Shelleyrae from Book’d Out just reviewed her subsequent (and third) novel.

  • Kim@mybooknook
    October 20, 2014

    I love Lisa Jackson, haven’t read anything by Nancy Bush, hopefully its awesome! Sweet Damage sounds good too. I dunno how you could do the self imposed no reading thing, I can’t do it. I’d break down in a nervous wreck before day three is over LOL

    Here is my Monday

    • Debbish
      October 20, 2014

      Yes, I was (actually) a little disappointed in Lisa Jackson’s last (recent) release, but am usually a fan.

  • thebookdate
    October 20, 2014

    Why push yourself to write reviews that are outstanding or so long ago you have forgotten? Just call it a day and write reviews only for those you want!

    • Debbish
      October 20, 2014

      It’s only if I’ve requested it via NetGalley and it’s outstanding (as in not-done, rather than amazing!!!). I mostly get books via NetGalley.

  • lakesidemusing
    October 20, 2014

    It seems like I’m always behind on reviews… Good luck with NaNoWriMo !

  • Kathy Martin
    October 20, 2014

    I’m not familiar with any of your choices but hope you enjoy them. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

  • Teddyree
    October 20, 2014

    I’ve added Favel Parrett to my wishlist, although who knows when I’ll get around to it … I seem to be chasing my tail these days. Will definitely check out your Aussie link up when I’m back from holidays. Happy reading 🙂

  • laurelrainsnow
    October 20, 2014

    I am curious about the Nicci Gerrard book…lately I’ve been caught up in her series about Frieda Klein, (Nicci French)…but I would like to read something by this member of the team.

    I always write my reviews as soon as I finish a book…couldn’t manage to remember everything otherwise, since I don’t usually take notes.

    Thanks for visiting my blog…and enjoy the new week!

    • Debbish
      October 21, 2014

      I’m not a big note-taker either Laurel – which is part of my problem.

      I must confess haven’t enjoyed the Nicci French Frieda Klein series as much as their other books. Not sure why – partially my dislike of the lead character I guess!

      Deb

  • Catherine @ Book Club Librarian
    October 21, 2014

    Putting Sweet Damage and Wicked Ways on my wish list. Have a great week!

  • Emma
    October 21, 2014

    Amazon keeps telling me I would like Lisa Jackson but I’ve never read any of her books. They always sound interesting though. Look forward to your review.

    • Debbish
      October 21, 2014

      I’ve just finished Wicked Ways Emma and was a bit disappointed in it. I’ve liked most of Jackson’s books (except her last!) but this was something a bit different!

      Deb

  • Fay
    October 21, 2014

    Oh my gosh! I so need to impose a reading ban on myself but I think I would just give in too easily! Even like 10 minutes of my day! Oh for the love of books!

    You look like you had a great week nonetheless! 😀 Oh and it is my first time on your blog and i LOVE it! 😀

  • yvonne473
    October 21, 2014

    The Nancy Bush book sounds good. Hope you have a great week!

  • lissiet
    October 21, 2014

    When the Night Comes looks amazing, and I need a book I can inhale!
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

  • Jen G. (The Introverted Reader)
    October 21, 2014

    I’ve contemplated reading bans when I’ve been behind on reviews but that thought goes sailing through my head so fast, it’s a blur. 🙂 I admire your restraint. Have a good week!

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