This past week was my first week back in the workforce since making my seachange just over three years ago. Unsurprisingly both my reading and reviewing suffered as a result, but I suspect I’ll soon settle into a routine.
What I read
Not much obviously. I had a 3hr drive on my first day as I had to travel to a neighbouring town (90mins each way) to spend the day with my boss. I took the opportunity to try my first ever audio book. Thanks to Bolinda audio I received some samples, which included Liane Moriarty’s The Hypnotist’s Love Story.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the audio book thing yet. The negatives I already suspected… it’s taking so bloody long! And I don’t get to savour the words and writing. Plus I actually became quite tired on the way home. As for the positives however, it did keep my mind occupied for the drive. I’m heading away for a long weekend this coming week and have a 3.5hr drive each way, so planning to continue listening to the book then. (Incidentally, I’m enjoying the book itself and Moriarty’s writing is beautiful…).
I easily zipped through Lisa Gardner’s Find Her in a sitting. Which was problematic as it was the night before I started my new job and I was forced (!!!) to read the entire thing until after midnight.
And finally – after 5 nights off – I read Jaye Ford’s Darkest Place. It’s already out, so I’ll be publishing that review next week.
What I wrote
I published my review of Dead Pretty by David Mark in Goodreads. It was the 5th in a series and I really struggled given my lack of exposure to the characters and backstory. And on the blog:
Rebound by Aga Lesiewicz – a slow start, but it grew on me…
Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard – a huge surprise and a rare 5-star rating
Find Her by Lisa Gardner – very entertaining with lots of twists and trickery
What I did
I started the new job. As I said, I won’t talk about my work at all here, but understandably I felt somewhat drained at the end of my first few days. Interestingly this working malarkey feels both strange and familiar at the same time.
I suspect I’ll eventually get into a new routine but I felt spectacularly disorganised this first week as I attempted to fit in some emailing, blogging and blog reading before and after work. (#Spoileralert – I failed, so apologise for my lack of blog reading last week!)
Having had that whinge, I’m only working 5 days a fortnight, so (eventually) it should be a breeze!
This week…
My TBR pile is kinda scary (for a control freak like me!) as I had a stack of new books arrive last week. Like… 8 or 9. A few have already been published so I’ve mostly de-prioritised them and will focus on those coming out shortly. Except for the latest Alafair Burke, The Ex. It’s out already and has just arrived in my hot little hands so it will be read this week if possible.
These are just the print copies… there are a stack of ebooks as well.
And finally, I’m catching up with some ‘old’ (long time) besties this coming weekend and I’m really looking forward to it, despite having to return to my pre-seachange world.
I haven’t seen my NZ-based bestie for a couple of years, so am pinch-me excited!
As a result I suspect I won’t settle into a new work / reading & blogging life routine for another week or two, but I’ll eventually get there!
What’s on your agenda this week? Does any of my reading fodder tempt you?
As usual I’m linking up with Kimberly for the Sunday Post and Kathryn for ‘It’s Monday!’
February 14, 2016
Glad it went well. before you know it, you’ll have a new routine.
February 14, 2016
Thanks Jo. I’m trying to remind myself I’ve got the best of both worlds with the part-time gig!
February 14, 2016
I always find I get face fatigue when I start a new job from constantly trying to keep my face in a pleasant expression rather than my default bitchy resting face. I’ll be in the same boat as you soon. I’m pleased it all went well for you 🙂
February 14, 2016
Ah yes, I think I joked on Twitter or elsewhere that I was exhausted from having to be nice. Not that I’d NOT be nice, but I’m unaccustomed to being ‘on’ all day!
February 14, 2016
Am reading ‘How not to disappear’ after seeing it in your pile…have to say I’m loving it!
February 14, 2016
Oh, thanks for the tip Tanya. I’ve been hearing good things about it. My plan WAS to have it read and reviewed for Valentine’s Day (along with How to be Single) but alas, my reading plans went awry this past week!
February 14, 2016
I always like seeing what you read and review cause I find a lot of mystery, thrillers that I wouldn’t have other wise. 🙂 Enjoy your stack of books! 🙂
Stormi
February 14, 2016
Oh thanks Stormi, as you know, that genre is my bread and butter… #orwhatevs Both Orphan X and Find Her have stood out in that genre for me this year so far!
February 14, 2016
welcome to the world of audio books Debbie! I didn’t like them at all either but they “saved” my bookish life now than I’m too busy to read. I can only do audio books now. It takes some adjustment but I think you will enjoy them. That pile is scary! especially now that you’ll busier. Wishing you the best in your new job 🙂
February 14, 2016
Thanks Daniela. Audio books are certainly different. I actually love the narrator of the book I’m reading – no doubt WHEN I eventually finish the book I’ll review it (and mention the narrator) in some detail.
At the moment I just don’t spend enough time in my car and I can’t imagine having a book going in the background as I’m doing other stuff. I’m a good multi-tasker but while I’ll eat when I watch TV and read in the bath I won’t read or play on my phone while I watch TV, for eg. I hate the idea of missing something so think I’d struggle with that if I’m listening to an audio book and doing other stuff.
February 14, 2016
Have a great time this weekend! And it takes some time to get used to working in combination with everything else, no matter how many days you works so I’m sure it will balance out in a while.
February 14, 2016
I hope so Annemieke! I used to work 5 days a week and pretty long hours AND check emails from home and manage to blog, so I suspect it’ll be a matter of getting used to it!!!
February 14, 2016
Have a great trip and meet-up, and congrats on the new job! Glad to hear Beautiful Broken Things was so good- nice review it sounds like great read. Nice to be surprised like that. And The Hypnotist’s Love Story- I’ve wondered about that one as I’ve been debating which Liane Moriarty to read next.
I haven’t really taken the audio plunge but i may at some point… I’m afraid my attention would wander and it wouldn’t be effective, but maybe i should try. 🙂
February 14, 2016
That’s exactly my concern Greg. I am prone to skim reading but usually when there’s some action scene or lengthy explanation about something. I like to think I savour the most important bits but not sure audio will be like that!
February 14, 2016
Nice to hear you are experimenting with the audiobooks, there are the downsides you mention. And of course the not to mention go off into a dream and think of something else downside! But a well done audio you just can’t beat. 5 days in a fortnight will be great, but can understand the tiredness, it is draining beginning something new. And the heat of summer!
Nice to meet up with friends. Especially the NZ one! I think I remember you talking about her before and if she comes from Christchurch then the perfect weekend to be away after the shake they got today.
All the best with that large TBR pile. At least when they are on the Kindle they are a little more unseen!!
February 14, 2016
I know Kathryn, I’m trying to remember if she flew in here today and whether she missed it! They’re still grappling with the government about their house after the last big quakes!
February 14, 2016
It’s terrible to be ‘forced’ to read until midnight – I know that feeling well! Good luck with your new job!
February 14, 2016
So unfair isn’t it Karen?! 🙂
I’m actually about to do the same tonight, but thankfully I don’t work on MOndays!
February 14, 2016
I feel like that’s one of Murphy’s Laws, the night before something important that you need to be rested is for is when you’ll definitely end up with a book that’s too good to put down.
The first week or two of anything new is always a mess, at least for me, because it takes me that week or two to figure out how everything kinda works and fits together and get a schedule figured out. So I’m sure it’ll get easier!
As for audiobooks, I don’t like them either, but a 3 hour drive seems like the perfect time to try them! Glad you’re at least enjoying the book itself 🙂
February 14, 2016
I agree re the book on the lengthy drive Kristen. I can’t be bothered burning CDs and some of the radio stations between here and my destination are pretty dodgy so an audio book will be perfect I think, though hopefully it doesn’t make me weary. I suspect my tiredness the other day was the result of a long (first) day or work coupled with the drive to and fro!
February 14, 2016
I can totatlly understand the audiobook thing! I refused to try them at all until I realised that I couldn’t take a book into the gym! Now the occassional audiobook is alright!
Have a good week and happy reading!
February 15, 2016
Yes, I did wonder if listening to one when I walk etc (if I ever start walking / exercising that is!)
February 14, 2016
I think it’s absolutely normal that your reading and reviewing suffered a little in your first work week. I still have trouble reading sometimes when my job gets really busy. And that really is a long drive.. If I drive that long I’m almost in France!! LOL!! But it sure is nice to try out the audio books. I’m still trying to get used to audiobooks.. I really love the idea of them.. but somehow I still don’t really know what I think of them.
My reading is still a little behind because I was feeling a little down these last view weeks.. but I’m getting back on track! 😀
Good luck this week Deborah and I hope you’ll be able to catch up on your reading! 😉
February 15, 2016
Thanks Maureen and I hope you have a better week too!
February 14, 2016
Best of luck for your new role Debbish! The first few weeks are definitely exhausting, but you will get there as you get used to it. I’m not a fan of audiobooks either, but at least you made good use of your time!
February 15, 2016
True Jeann and on my next trip it will be better than listening to annoying radio stations!
February 14, 2016
I’m glad your new job is going well! You’ll adjust soon and everything will be great once you find your balance. I LOVE audiobooks. The only thing I don’t like is that it takes SO MUCH LONGER to finish a book that way. I’ve tried speeding up the audio and it just doesn’t work for me. I feel like I’m listening to cartoon characters, which takes me out of the story. I’ve found they work much better for me for rereads than first run reads. 🙂 Also, I’m in envy of your TBR. I *wish* mine was that short. It never will be.
February 15, 2016
I’m a huge control freak Kimberly so any TBR pile stresses me. I also usually like to have read something BEFORE it’s out so I can share my thoughts in advance! I stopped requesting stuff on NetGalley a while ago to get it under control though! But as you know, publishers’ new release listings come out months in advance so I’m not sure what will arrive and when.
February 14, 2016
Congratz on the job! I’m still looking and sending out new applications tomorrow.
Audio books take absolutely forever, but the great thing is that you can ‘read’ them while you’re doing something else at the same time, like driving (or sporting, cleaning anything really).
have a great week.
February 15, 2016
Thanks Myrthe and good luck with your job hunting!
February 15, 2016
I absolutely LOVED Find Her! I couldn’t put it down! Glad you enjoyed it! And it looks like you have an amazing pile of books! I have two of those books – The Ex, which I can’t wait to read after reading a preview, and The Expatriates, with I have started and am enjoying. Thanks for sharing! Congrats on the new job! And have a great week!
Chick with Books Wrap-up
February 15, 2016
Oh, I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of The Expatriates as I keep moving it to the bottom of my pile… unsure if it’s something I’ll like!
February 15, 2016
Oh, I must check out that Sophie Hannah book! But I suspect it won’t be available here yet…but who knows?
I have The Ex and can’t wait to start reading it….and Find Her. I may just break all my own rules and read my newer books first!
Thanks for sharing, and enjoy settling into the routine. Your issues with audio are the same as mine…it takes way too much time…It might work if it’s a short book that I’m not eager to finish by any deadline.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
February 15, 2016
The audio company sent through a few trial CDs Laurel though not many (other than this one) appealed. I figured it’d been out for years so a good one to start with so I completely get your point about the deadline!
February 15, 2016
I also have a hard time listening to Audio, more because I never seem to be really listening. The kids and I listened to one last year on the way to the shore house every weekend and they seemed to enjoy it and wanted to do it again and we picked a fun books so that might help when listening to audiobooks, I think serious books wouldn’t work for me. lol
Congrats on the new job! I wish you lots of luck!
I hope you have a great week, Deb! Happy Reading! ox
February 15, 2016
Ah yes… I remember when I was young and listening to these books on record player – just short stories. We had the books as well from memory and ‘Tinkerbell’ or someone rang a bell when it was time to turn the page! Wow… that was a long time ago – and I’m showing my age!
February 15, 2016
Congrats on starting your new job!! I hope you enjoy it! I absolutely ADORE audiobooks! To be honest, if it wasn’t for audiobooks, my reading would probably be cut in half. I listen for several hours a day while doing various things. Have a fantastic week! 😀
Here’s my Weekly Recap!
February 15, 2016
Ah yes, I know others who enjoy audio books Tracy which is why I wanted to try them. I wonder if some of my ‘comfort’ reads would be okay via Audio – books that are less about the writing and more about the plot (JD Robbs and the like).
February 15, 2016
Wow, that’s a fantastically crazy book haul! Enjoy! Have fun with your besties. Sounds like you have a reason to be excited.
February 15, 2016
Oh yes… as it gets closer I’m more excited! Sadly we’ll only have one night with one of my friends, but she made the trip to my hometown for my birthday recently so I’ve seen her and her family relatively recently!
February 15, 2016
I love how you were “forced” to read the entire book before your first day of work – only we would have such a dilemma!! And first weeks are always energy sucks. I remember coming home every night with a stress headache. You should be really proud of yourself!!!
And holy new books, girl!!! I want to pet them!!! 🙂
Have a great next week!!
February 15, 2016
I know… so many good books… though the hard copies are usually books I’ve requested so ones I want. I think only 1-2 publishers send me unsolicited books and not many thankfully!
February 15, 2016
Yay on the new job and sure you will get into a new routine soon enough. I love audiobooks but definitely usually up the speed to 1.5 on most which helps it go by quicker. Love the giant stack of books! Enjoy!
February 15, 2016
Oh I hadn’t thought of that Grace, but as I’m in my car and it’s on CD, that’s probably not possible at the moment. And the narrator’s voice is so…. ‘proper’ it’d be a shame to ruin it. (In related news I’m hoping it rubs off on me and I start speaking more slowly and clearly!) 😉
February 15, 2016
It’s exhausting starting a new job. All that information that you have to process and learn really takes it out of you. Hang in there. A couple of weeks down the track and you’ll have it all down pat.
February 15, 2016
I hope so Char and guess it should be the case. I know my own expectations (of myself) are usually too high. Even after a couple of days in the office I wondered if I was doing enough!
February 15, 2016
Congratulations on the new job! That is a big change so I hope you get adjusted to the commuting. I understand how you feel about audiobooks. I started listening to them last year and when I was tired I did lose track of the story. I ended up rewinding a little bit to hear what I missed. I still listen to audiobooks but I make sure they are books that have some exciting elements like action (fight scenes lol) to keep me interested. I hope you get to fit in more reading and writing time and have a great time with your besties. Have a great week!
February 15, 2016
Ah yes Kathy I just wondered the same thing – if audio books that are more plot-driven (filled with action) would be better because it’s less about the words and phrasing and more about the overall gist!
February 15, 2016
Good luck with your new routine! Beautiful Broken Things sounds great. Have a great week!
February 15, 2016
Thanks Maree!
February 15, 2016
I hope the transition into working again goes quickly. I think any big change causes fatigue as we get used to it in many ways. I do hope you continue with the audiobooks, sometimes it takes a bit to get the hang of them. I can’t imagine my drives without them! Wow, that is some stack of delicious looking books! Have a wonderful visit with your friends.
February 15, 2016
Thanks Nise’… I’m starting to get excited about the visit now – also it’s something different and feels like a bit of a mini holiday!
February 15, 2016
Its been a while since I read a Lisa Gardner book. I need to pick up a few to read.
Theresa (The Truth About Books)
See my answers here
February 15, 2016
Find Her is a good one Theresa because it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read any for some time.
February 15, 2016
Congrats on the new job! Balancing work, blogging, reading and life in general can be tough – glad to know I’m not the only one who sometimes feels like they’re juggling a few too many balls!
February 15, 2016
I once blogged 5-6 days a week while working long hours full-time. However… having said that – I think book blogging and reviewing is obviously far more time consuming. Even just setting up the posts and adding in publisher info etc takes time. (Let alone the reading of the books!!!!)
February 15, 2016
For me, I have to be picky about what I listen to in audiobooks. I rarely listen to fiction, unless it is a “re-read.” I do better with non-fiction and my favorite genre is humorous celebrity memoirs–but I do most of my “listening” at the gym, so I need to have something entertaining.
February 15, 2016
I’m not a huge non-fiction fan but listening to NF books is a great idea – particularly if they’re funny! Thanks for the suggestion!
February 15, 2016
I bet it will take a little while to adjust But hopefully be a nice balance! Sounds exciting visiting with your friends this weekend! Nice catching up with long time friends!
February 15, 2016
Yes, very true. Two of them have been friends since my Uni days (in the mid – late 80s) and we flatted together afterwards!
February 15, 2016
It can be hard to fit everything in, but am sure you’ll find a style that suits you. Don’t give up on the audio… narrators in a lower register can sometimes blend into car noise though, so selection is everything. Enjoy that great TBR pile, just don’t let it fall on top of you – could do yourself any injury 🙂
February 15, 2016
Jo I’m enjoying the narrator of this book though it takes some getting used to as she speaks so properly… I think her name is Caroline Lee. I’m hoping it will rub off a little! 😉
February 16, 2016
I hope you get settles into your new routine soon and good luck with the job. I haven’t tried out audiobooks yet, but I do plan on doing so eventually. How long it takes does sound like a negative thing indeed, but it is nice it kept your midn occupied during that long car ride. Have a great week!
February 16, 2016
No doubt I’ll check in next week and share how the drive went with the audiobook – hopefully it makes it pass quickly!
February 16, 2016
That is quite a pile of books! I hope you enjoy them all when you get to reading them 🙂
I struggled with audiobooks initially too, it felt so weird to have someone read to me and for me to just…listen lol but soon enough I found a couple of narrators that I really liked and it came easier after that. I still find myself getting distracted, but they’re pretty good for filling in time while driving.
Good luck with your new job too! I’m sure you’ll find your feet soon, but I know what it’s like to suddenly have full days – it’s exhausting until you get into your routine, and then you wonder what the fuss was about!
February 18, 2016
Actually this week was my short work week and 2-days felt very short… I actually felt quite guilty!
February 17, 2016
It took me a while to actually enjoy audiobooks, too, Deb, so I get what you’re saying. I think the narrator is really, really important. Some speak with a low voice, and that just puts me to sleep.
I’m glad your new job seems good, even if you’re tired after the first week.
I hope you had fun with your friends, and that this week will be wonderful 🙂
February 18, 2016
About to set off for my weekend Lexxie and am really looking forward to it!!!
February 17, 2016
Congrats on your new job. Good luck with it and prioritizing your life.
I just got Find Her from the library so I’m going to hunker down with it today or tomorrow and read as much as possible. I love this author! Also I see you have The Ex, and I’m debating getting that one. Enjoy your week.
February 18, 2016
I really enjoyed The Ex Rita so I’d recommend you get it if you can! I’ll publish my review on that in coming days!
February 17, 2016
Congratulations on the new job! New job, New start 😀
And can I just say a huge OMG at your reading pile! I don’t envy you, though I know how easy it is to get carried away 😉
I hope you enjoy your audio books 🙂 I find them really handy when I’m out and about.
Have a great week,
Amy x
February 18, 2016
Thanks Amy. It’s Thursday and I hit the road today for the 3.5hr trip away so will be getting back to my audiobook!
February 18, 2016
CONGRATS on your new job.
Your reading stack is definitely toppling and daunting. 🙂
Best of luck in your new job!!
I hope you are having a good week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
February 19, 2016
I have to admit I’ve barely made a dent in that pile this week Elizabeth!
February 20, 2016
That is how I feel now that I’ve taken on Yearbook for my school, and the deadline is in three weeks. I’m getting 6 hours of sleep each night, getting home really late each night and I’m exhausted. I need a manageable routine or I’ll go crazy.
YAY for the job! I hope you are enjoying your days.
February 20, 2016
I think I’m slowly settling in. This past week was much easier than the first but I’m away at the moment so it’s not really helping with my routines… but, still…
Hopefully your work with the yearbook will be rewarding… #fingerscrossed
February 21, 2016
Glad you are getting in to the swing of things, your routine will become better soon I am sure!