I’m posting my weekly check-in a little early this week. And I swear it’s not because I can’t be bothered writing something ‘else’ for today. I swear. *Crosses fingers behind back*
It’s been a kinda challenging week this week and time seems to have conspired against me. In fact my mood was such that on a couple of days I hated everything and everyone. Sorry ’bout that. (I’m pretty sure I’ve forgiven you now.)
What I read
I had several nights ‘off’ reading as I let myself get behind in my reviewing. It stresses me when that happens because I tend to forget the detail far more easily than I should. I remember the book once I flick back through it, but sometimes I’m reading so many books I struggle to remember key plot elements or character names of any I’ve completed just days before.
Nevertheless, it was an okay reading week despite the breaks to catch up on The Big Bang Theory and Person of Interest.
I read an Aussie outback romantic suspense novel, Sapphire Falls by Fleur McDonald, which I enjoyed. And because I was in the mood for that sort of book I skipped forward through my TBR pile to Jayne Ann Krentz’s, When All The Girls Have Gone – which isn’t out until late November. (Which – of course – means I can’t review it until closer to the publication date.)
I listened to a (free) audiobook and very much enjoyed The Dispatcher by John Scalzi, but hadn’t looked at the detail and while normally I’d love an audiobook that only lasted 2.5hrs, I was on a 6hr drive and hoping to be entertained for the entire journey.
And finally I’ve just started on Hidden Killers by Lynda La Plante… the second book in the new (young) Jane Tennison series.
What I wrote
I didn’t post much this week. There were some book reviews, of course:
IQ by Joe Ide – I adored the lead character IQ and think Ide’s narrative and plot development will get stronger as he continues this series
The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly – the latest novel in the Harry Bosch series. Number 24 in fact… and a goodie
The Dispatcher by John Scalzi – (reviewed in Goodreads) narrated by Zachary Quinto about a not too distant future when people can’t be killed. #longstory
And I didn’t actually blog other than that… I think I’ve been feeling oppressed. Not by any dastardly tyrannical regime, but by my own mad monkey mind.
I did however vlog. About why I didn’t blog. Which made sense in my world. It’s a mammoth 2mins 30seconds if you’re sufficiently bored.
What I did
Like I said… I worked. It wasn’t overly arduous but disruptive to my non-working life when I go to meetings or into the office on my days off. And I’ve already mentioned the loooong drive. As the audiobook only lasted one way I listed to a heap of podcasts on the return trip, which I enjoyed. I seemingly subscribed to some at one point and promptly forgot about them.
In other exciting news, I’ve been to the gym a couple of times AND done a beach walk, so feel I am deserving of a medal or similar.
What I plan to do
I’ve got another long drive ahead of me this week, but it’s for some medical appointments so not work-related.
I’ve got a big work thing coming up in early November and then hoping the rest of the month is kinda quiet and involves minimal travel and commitments as I’m planning to take part in the National Novel Writing Month event again. I’ve talked about NaNoWriMo in the past and was so spectacularly unsuccessful last year I’m dusting off that project (which I didn’t progress) for this year.
And I suspect there will be some reading. I’ve had a few new arrivals in the past couple of weeks I’ve not shared here…
And that’s it for my reading and blogging this week so it’s over to you….
Have you done any reading?
As usual I’m linking up with Deep Fried Fruit for the Lovin’ Life Linky; Caffeinated Book Reviewer for the Sunday Post; and The Book Date for ‘It’s Monday!’
October 22, 2016
Oh my you have a lot of books coming in. I had hoped to see the Jayne Ann Krentz turn up as an option for review but didn’t eventuate. Guess it might be an audio listen. Podcasts are surprisingly good, I find I enjoy some of them but cuts down then on my audio listening. The one thing I love about not working anymore is…. no meetings! All the best for the coming week.
October 22, 2016
Thanks kathryn. The Krentz was via NetGalley. Not sure who publishes her work in this part of the world….
I don’t usually mind meetings – I used to have a lot of them but the ones I’ve been going to are the culmination of part of my work so big for me, though not really for participants (if that makes sense!).
October 23, 2016
I really must get on to the audio book thing. Some of my commutes are almost 40 minutes. I’m sure they’d be far more entertaining than the silly radio.
October 23, 2016
Oh yes Michelle. Much of my work travel (and travel to Sunshine Coast for medical appts) requires me to cross locales and radio stations and sometimes what’s available is scary! I must download some new music to my phone, but in the interim audiobooks (or podcasts) are great to help the time pass.
October 23, 2016
I just devoured Love at First Flight. It was uncomfortable, but unputdownable at the same time. Have a great week.
October 23, 2016
I had to google it to see what it was about and it does sound intriguing Jo…. falling in love for the first time (with someone who isn’t your husband)…
October 23, 2016
Yeah, seriously uncomfortable- at times like watching a car crash you knew was going to happen, but not being able to look away.
October 23, 2016
Eek… probably not as hard for me – having not been married or in love etc! (I tend to be insensitive to those kinds of things!)
October 23, 2016
I’m the same with reviews, if I don’t review it right away and then read something else they can all get jumbled together at some point! And then writing the review is not fun… and I haven’t seen Person of Interest yet although I’ve been told it’s something I would like.
I used to drive a lot also and why I never did audio or podcasts while driving is flummoxing me. I could have gotten through so many books! If I listen at home my attention wanders, so that doesn’t always work. But in the car I’m less likely to get distracted.
Good luck with NaNo!
October 23, 2016
Greg, that’s the reason I ONLY listen to audiobooks in the car. I can’t imagine having one on when I’m doing anything else. Occasionally I’ll realise I’ve tuned out but it’s like listening to someone talking so hard to ignore them.
And I think you would like Person of Interest. I think we’re on the last season now. It started wonderfully but dipped a little for a season or two. I’m hoping this one wraps it up nicely.
I wrote about it here 4 or so years ago: https://www.debbish.com/television/of-interest/
October 23, 2016
On your arrivals stack, I see My Husband’s Son, which I’ve heard good things about. And I’m envious that you have When All the Girls Have Gone. I don’t know why I didn’t get approved for it (NetGalley); sighing here.
Most of my requests there seem to be approved, and then I’ll be blindsided by a “disapproval,” which feels like a personal hit. lol.
They mention things about the profile, where you post, etc., as reasons….but I have a really thorough profile. So…I guess I’ll just have to accept that not everyone likes me. Again, lol.
Thanks for visiting my blog, and I loved eating and catching up with my old friend/colleague. I realized it had been years since we got together in person, which just proves you can’t adequately catch up on FB.
October 23, 2016
I don’t request much any more via NetGalley Laurel but I know what you mean about getting that ‘rejection’. I’ve missed a few ‘print’ copies from one Australian publisher in particular lately and keep wondering if I’ve offended them in some way.
Also sometimes NetGalley approvals can vary depending on the location of the publisher. I sometimes get overseas approvals before I get Oz ones. I UK ones but not US ones. That probably happened with the Krentz!
October 23, 2016
Well done on the gym sessions and beach walk! I actually went for a long walk with my family yesterday and it felt great-really need to do this more often!
Di from Max The Unicorn
October 23, 2016
Ah yes, I was planning a walk (or yoga) today but I missed yoga and it’s raining here… that’s okay though as I’m getting some writing and planning done.
October 23, 2016
Ah Deb, I read this last night but coming to comment today… I think downs have to accompany ups and all that is in between but I don’t like them much either. I have had some diminished confidence just today that annoys me because things have been going pretty well. So. I tell myself..this too shall pass! Looking forward to your blog post tomorrow (no pressure LOL!!!) D xx
October 23, 2016
Ha! If my posts include a lot of sarcasm I’m usually fine and not too stressed…. This next week should be a better one. The one after that a tad stressful and then things should be on the improve for a while as work commitments ease off.
Oh and yes, thanks for reminding me, I must finish tomorrow’s post! 😉
October 23, 2016
Sounds like a busy week Deborah. Sometimes our minds can get a little crazy.. Hope the next will be better for you! 😉
And what a bummer about the audiobook.. I didn’t even know they had audiobooks so short! (Which is pretty stupid because the of course have short books too! LOL)
Love the look of your new books! Have a great week and happy reading! 😉
October 23, 2016
I swear I didn’t see mention of it being a novella Maureen, but oh well… short is usually good for me as sometimes it’s a week or two between sessions. But of course this one came at the wrong time – although it did give me the chance to listen to some podcasts and I really enjoyed one of them in particular. #resonated
October 23, 2016
Phew, I’m so glad I have been forgiven 😉 I get you though. Sometimes I get in those moods too where I just kinda hate everything.
Sorry about all the driving, that’s a pain, but at least you’ve been going to the gym! Congrats 🙂 I was going to give you a little emoticon medal thing using keyboard characters, but it looked vaguely inappropriate so I decided it was probably best I not post that lol.
October 23, 2016
Tee hee! That’s okay. I’ve probably lost my medal-wearing status as I’ve done nothing all weekend. Cest la vie!
October 23, 2016
I recently got an invite from Netgalley and when I went to request it, I was immediately declined. Caught me by surprise. Why send me an invite and deny me??? Oh well. We finally got some cooler weather. 70s instead of 80s and my son and I have started walking again. It’s just too scorching hot and humid in the summer.
My Sunday Post
October 23, 2016
That is weird. I got an email from the publishers last week asking about reviews etc. I think it was a generic one but it put it on my mind and I was in the mood for that sort of book so it leapt over some of its ‘older’ TBR pile buddies! It’s going to be doing the opposite here and getting too hot to walk. (Well I’m sure that will be my excuse anyway!)
October 23, 2016
I’m sorry I made you hate me last week, Deb :p and glad it’s all forgiven now! That kind of sucks when you think you have an audiobook that should last you for your whole trip and then it only lasts for one leg…
Going to the gym and doing beach walks, you do deserve a medal, Deb! It’s hard to get into an exercise routine, I know, as I’m still kind of struggling with my own.
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
October 23, 2016
Well, if you’re gallivanting around Spain you’re probably getting some exercise in Lexxie. I’ve had a lazy weekend but hopefully will continue a bit of exercise this coming week.
October 23, 2016
LOL. Not exactly gallivanting around… we’re at our place on the coast, so yeah, I do walk my 10000 steps every day, but still. I feel like I should do more somehow 🙂
October 24, 2016
I’m bad at the incidental exercise thing Lexxie, so I think the 10,000 steps is great!
October 23, 2016
Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from reviewing books! I did that a couple weeks ago, and it was really nice. Have a wonderful week! 🙂
October 24, 2016
I tend to take a month or so off at Christmas each year. I still read but usually those books I’ve missed (via reviewing) during the year and I don’t review them properly or at all!
October 23, 2016
I’m listening to The Census-Taker by China Mieville on audio at the moment, but I’m not sure about the narrator. But that one narrated by Zachary Quinto sounds really good! Have a great week 🙂
October 24, 2016
It was surprisingly good Maree. I’ve heard of Scalzi and follow him on social media but wasn’t really sure what sort of books he wrote (I must confess).
October 23, 2016
You sound really busy so no wonder you were grumpy at times. The more I work, the less patience I have with everyone and everything! Hopefully you have a happier week x
October 24, 2016
Yes… I think I felt very much like that. I know that happens from time to time however so have to remind myself of that.
October 23, 2016
Oh no! I hate it when real life gets in the way of reading! It’s good you’d downloaded those podcasts though!
October 24, 2016
They seem to download automatically Laura. I suspect I subscribed to the podcast series at some point cos I notice the number next to the podcast thing on my phone keeps increasing a little each week! 😉
October 24, 2016
Good luck with National Novel Writing Month, I always admire everyone who sits down and gets stuck into it. And sorry everyone was annoying you, I have been feeling a bit like that too. Mostly because I’m tired and feeling stressed, but it doesn’t make me fun to be around. Trying hard to shake it off for this week!
October 24, 2016
Ah yes that’s exactly how I was last week too Trish. Am thinking this week will be different though.
October 24, 2016
I can understand you feeling oppressed when doing a long drive:(. I reckon you’ve coped really well, as it happens. I’ve checked out your review of the John Scalzi book ‘The Dispatcher’ – he writes science fiction as well and I’m intrigued about this one. Thank you for sharing it. Best of luck with NaNoWriMo – I hope you manage to progress further this year.
October 24, 2016
This was free (and still might be I think). I hadn’t entirely known what Scalzi wrote, just knew it was a little outside my usual sphere of enjoyment but the premise of this sounded good. And it was.
And yes.. I aim to WIN this year! I’ve only done so once!
October 24, 2016
I tried responding to your response that registered on my site, but doesn’t appear to be here – so I’ve cut and pasted it instead… ah well, the quirks of online communication I suppose! Glad to hear about Scalzi – and thank you for the tipoff, I’ll go and see if it’s still free! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you with the NaNoWriMo.
October 24, 2016
Oh thanks. Hope the Scalzi is still free as I really enjoyed it!
October 24, 2016
Lots of books! I don’t subscribe to podcasts, but I’m thinking maybe I’ll look into some. I’m not even real sure what a podcast is. Crazy, right? lol Good luck with NaNoWriMo!
October 24, 2016
I’m a little the same I must admit, but they seem to vary. Some involve interviews, some just someone chattering away. I think it very much depends on the topic and who’s speaking. I listened to some of Liz Gilbert’s in the past but not all interested me. It’s the same with the 2-3 I seem to have subscribed to now.
October 24, 2016
Best of luck with NaNoWriMo. November always foils me, but I did have a successful NaNo Camp in April so I’m going to try again this year.
Michael Connelly is a favorite author of mine, too. I’m glad to hear you thought the newest one is good.
October 24, 2016
I enjoyed this latest one Roberta. I missed a lot of the early Bosch’s and am not a fan of those overly focussed on fighting against the bureaucracy / corrupt bosses and the like. I’ve enjoyed his work as a PI in particular.
October 24, 2016
LOL. You make me laugh. “I think I’ve been feeling oppressed. Not by any dastardly tyrannical regime, but by my own mad monkey mind.” sorry you’re feeling that way, but love the fact that you can express it so well.
And NaNoWriMo? Wow. You go girl!
October 24, 2016
Ah yes… I’ve been feeling thwarted – but only by myself alas…. And fingers crossed re NaNoWriMo. I need to get organised and open my Scrivener program for the first time all year and make sure it’s up to date!
October 24, 2016
Ohh I got The Dispatcher too, for all the wrong reasons, because I love Zachary Quinto! Ooops..
October 24, 2016
Ah yes, he’s kinda sexy. I loved him in Heroes! (Though stopped watching the show after too long cos it got too convoluted!)
October 24, 2016
Love the selection of books! We have listened to a few audiobooks while traveling, definitely helps the time go by!’
October 24, 2016
Ah yes… I’m a convert (for travelling / driving purposes) most certainly!
October 24, 2016
Here’s to a better week ahead. Well done for keeping on and getting through the not so great stuff of the past week.
SSG xxx
October 24, 2016
Yes… (as I said in the vlog) I think I was a little proud of the fact I knew that the malaise was temporary and not ‘real’ and it would soon pass. (And of course, THAT time of the month arrived as suspected and I knew I’d been right!)
October 24, 2016
I’m excited to hear you’re going to be doing NaNoWriMo this year, Deb. I’ve decided to do it for the first time – I find I do best with some public accountability 🙂 I need to write my next medical romance which are about 50k so it should be perfect. And its only about 1600 ish words a day, right? …..
Anyway – my profile here if you want to “buddy” with me. http://nanowrimo.org/participants/amyandrewsbooks The site is a shocker trying to find people you know to buddy with. I’m surprised after all this time they dont make that easier!
October 24, 2016
I know the last time I did it I couldn’t find anyone I knew… Am yet to properly join for this year, so you’ve reminded me I need to!
October 24, 2016
I’ve thought about doing NaNoWriMo, but I’ve never had the gumption…maybe this year will be the year I finally knuckle down and write my magnum opus! Or at least that middle grade novel that’s been floating around in my head for years. Who knows?! 🙂
October 24, 2016
I like that it focuses me Jane and the one year I’ve ‘won’ I really did just force myself to sit and write. Almost every day. Just something….
October 24, 2016
I was keeping track of my reading on Good Reads but then … life got busy. I know I would have smashed my year’s goal of 50 if I’d bothered to keep it up! Maybe I’ll just do a heap at once before I take my latest pile of books back to the library.
October 25, 2016
I first started using Goodreads in 2012 sometime Janet because I found I accidentally borrowed the same book from the library on a few occasions and kept forgetting new authors I’d discovered…. so I used to pull it up on my phone while there.
October 24, 2016
Yes, you do deserve a medal for all that physical activity. I’ll send one around.
I’m signed up for NaNoWriMo, too. Why not? I’m going to let it be a totally random thing and write wherever it takes me.
October 25, 2016
I read someone’s post yesterday about how much NaNo prep they’d done Deb and was surprised…. I should at least open my Scrivener program before then I guess.
October 24, 2016
The gym and walking sessions sound great – good on you 🙂 Yuck to long hours travelling to and from work, plus meetings. Meetings are the worst part of my job too.
I love Fleur McDonald. Another great West Aussie author! I do hope you enjoyed her latest, I’m jealous of your early copy. I will be rushing down to the shops when it is released!
Your incoming books haul looks great. I’m looking forward to your thoughts.
Wishing you a lovely week ahead,
Amanda @ Mrs B’s Book Reviews
October 25, 2016
I’ve just reviewed Fleur’s novel today Amanda and very much enjoyed it. I think I thought she was a romance writer, rather than romantic suspense etc…
October 24, 2016
Sorry to hear about your week – it sounds like you needed some time to just recoup and relax and I hope you managed that. I also hope you have managed to catch up with the reviewing – I know what you mean about needing to review before you forget the crucial details, and that is why I always seem to have to re-read a series before I can pick up the next instalment. It might only be a year later but that’s a lot of books and plots and characters and twists in between! 🙂
Hope you have a lovely week this week.
October 25, 2016
I have the same problem re series Di but rarely take the opportunity to re-read. But it’s not uncommon that I’m struggling to remember who is who!
October 24, 2016
Blogging can be stressful when you fall behind. I am seriously behind on reviews. You haul looks like a lot of fun. Have a great week!
October 25, 2016
I need to have a night or two off again Karen as I’m still a little behind. I’m worse if I’m in binge-reading mode and reading a book a night – particularly on work days when I don’t get to draft reviews straight away and I have to leave it for a few days.
October 25, 2016
WOW a lot of great books and can’t go wrong the Krentz.
sherry @ fundinmental My Sunday Memes
October 25, 2016
True and I definitely enjoyed it!
October 25, 2016
I’ve seen Jayne Ann Krentz books around for ages but have to read anything by her. I;m so amazed that Connelly is still writing the Bosch series. Twenty-four books is incredible!
October 25, 2016
Krentz also writes under a number of pseudonyms as well Tanya – across a couple of genres. I enjoy her romantic suspense novels.
October 25, 2016
Hi Deborah! I’m just popping in to say hi! I’ve been absent lately, but will try to get back in the swing of things. I’ve been following most of your posts on Facebook, so I didn’t completely fall behind.
Hope you will have a nice audio book for your drive this week and good luck!
October 25, 2016
Oh thanks Mareli! I hope you are well. I haven’t seen your Sunday Posts for a while…. will make sure I’ve liked your page on FB as well!
October 25, 2016
These books sounds interesting! Here is my It’s Monday! What are you reading?: http://shoshireads.weebly.com/home/its-monday-what-are-you-reading7952845
October 25, 2016
Thanks Shoshi.
October 25, 2016
I had one of those wallowing day this very morning! I loved watching your video, your view is stunning!. I brought home IQ based on your review. Not sure when I will get to it, I just may chuck my line up and dive right in now. Glad you took an audiobook along for the trip and that it turned out to be a good listen. I hope this is a better week for you
October 25, 2016
THanks Nise’, I’m sure it will be.
October 26, 2016
You’ve been very busy, so you deserve to feel out of sorts with the world right about now. You do have a good stack of books with some authors I’ve been eyeing lately. I like Krentz and Connelly and read one book by LaPlante, so I do want an opportunity to read them. By the way, if I haven’t said it, I like your light brown hair color–very attractive in the pic 🙂
October 26, 2016
Oh thanks Rita. It’s a bit darker now… I seem to be slowly going darker and shorter!
October 26, 2016
The more people I see participating in NaNo, the more convinced I am that I just need to jump in and do it!! I don’t feel quite prepared to start on the book that’s been percolating in my head, but I don’t think I ever will, so …
October 26, 2016
I’ve been like that Nicole. I talked about doing it for several years. Attempted it once and got nowhere and then actually won… but then last year my efforts were very half-hearted. I really want to do it this year – even if I do nothing with what I write (as was the case a couple of years ago) there’s a wonderful sense of achievement that comes with it.