Another week has flown by, leaving me in its wake. I mean… what happened to the achingly slow sands sifting through the hourglass!?
Gone the way of my prime perhaps?! Anyhoo… time to talk reading and reviewing.
What I read
I’ve continued to listen to The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty. I suspect I will finish it very shortly but have no idea. How does one know with an audio book they’re listening to in their car? I haven’t been won over by audio books in general but have enjoyed listening to this during my month of excessive driving (in my new job on top of travelling away for a weekend). According to my guestimates I’ve been listening for at least 12hrs now, so I suspect our time together will soon end.
But on the reading front I started the week with Breakdown by Jonathon Kellerman before reading Aussie Amanda Ortlepp’s second novel, Running Against the Tide.
I finished the week with a YA novel, Moth Girls, by Anne Cassidy.
What I wrote
Fortunately I had a couple of pre-written reviews I’d scheduled, so it didn’t matter that I was mostly offline until mid-week.
Breakdown by Jonathan Kellerman
All These Perfect Strangers by Aoife Clifford
The Passenger by Lisa Lutz
Running Against the Tide by Amanda Ortlepp
As an aside… something I pondered on my private Facebook page yesterday was my concern that I was too picky in my book reviews. Should I just focus on the positives, I wondered? I feel as if I’ve been a bit too negative of late. I’m just being honest and it’s only my opinion – obviously – but wondering if I do need to pull my bloody head in a little.
Do other book bloggers struggle with this, I wonder?
What I did
It was only a two-day working week for me but both involved travel to other towns in the region. One of those days involved 500km and six hours of driving and both days of travel saw me arrive home late… hence the lack of reading. I’ve got another day of travel this coming week and then it should ease off for a few weeks.
I also watched Con Man on Vimeo – which I didn’t know existed. Fans of the TV series Firefly (or other sci fi fans) will love this. Some eps are funnier than others (naturally) but it’s very entertaining and features LOTS of guest stars and cameos.
What I plan to read (and do)
I keep saying this week after week but I really want to get into some routines around work, reading and blogging. I know I only receive an income from the former so it needs to be a priority but I’m constantly feeling like I’m behind at the moment and I’m still hoping to look for other audiences for my book reviews.
I received a few new books to add to my pile and have scheduled them to my chronologically-sorted TBR list.
And that’s it from me on the reading and reviewing front for this week.
Have you done any reading? What’s on your agenda for this coming week?
I’m linking up with Kimberly at The Caffeinated Book Reviewer for the Sunday Post and Kathryn at The Book Date for ‘It’s Monday!’
March 6, 2016
Oh yay, I am one of the first this week! I always think when driving it is a good thing to have an audiobook because I feel like I am reading! But sometimes I just like to let my mind go and be free! I think you should do your book reviews however they come out, its your opinion and and is unique. Good luck with the routine, sometimes it just takes a bit to get it going… or not!
March 6, 2016
Hey Kathryn!
Yes, the audiobook’s been wonderful for all of this driving. I’ve not used it around town, just longer drives and the time really has passed quickly as I’ve done a lot of travel (and always alone). The company sent me a couple of their freebies but none of the others appeal, so I’ll have to look into getting more. They seem to be pretty expensive so I think I’ll be borrowing them!
March 6, 2016
I have a very old Kindle that has a text-to-audio function so that I can toggle between reading and listening to a book – it’s very handy and I prefer it over straight audiobooks (Amazon have since got rid of this feature because they started Audible).
I sometimes feel like I get too picky with book reviews but I figure if you’re always clear and fair about what you did/ didn’t like, then that’s okay. I would never say something was rubbish without giving very specific reasons (and on the rare occasions when I give 1/5, I always back it up with plenty of quotes to illustrate my gripes).
I guess the other thing is that it is often easier to articulate why you don’t like something as opposed to why you do. I’ve been focused on writing better reviews for the books I really liked, as opposed to taking out the nit-picky bits of books that I thought were okay.
March 6, 2016
I like your point about focussing on improving your reviews of books you loved Kate as that’s something I feel I haven’t been doing well with. I read a few books I really loved in February but left a couple of the reviews too long and by the time I got around the writing them the ‘thrall’ had disappeared and I struggled to really clearly articulate WHY I loved the book so much!
March 6, 2016
Ah, audiobooks, you read fast so you probably get a tad bored listening to longer stuff. I would suggest listening to some Agatha Christie plays, the BBC full radio productions are great and are relatively short. The library has CDs or treat yourself to a MP3 player. I just listened to
“And then there were None”
Liane Moriarty, I enjoyed the Husbands Secret, but couldn’t finish the next one, it was exactly the same formula as the first, and with the same audio narrator it was just like listening to the same book over again
March 6, 2016
I think this narrator is Caroline Lee Bec and I have voice envy. She speaks so clearly and properly! Agatha Christie would be good and others have suggested non-fiction (which is something I don’t read). I must check out my local library. I could play them on my phone…
March 6, 2016
I enjoyed The Hypnotist’s Love Story…and I want to read Breakdown, too. I’m not in the car that much, so audio wouldn’t work for me. Plus, it’s much faster and better for me to just read. Usually on my Kindle. Enjoy your books…and have a great week.
March 6, 2016
I’m the same Laurel re reading vs listening. I don’t usually do this much driving and don’t think I could listen to a narration WHILE doing something else which required concentration. (I realise driving does, but I’m fairly sure I couldn’t work / write while listening!)
March 6, 2016
Yup I have to search for the audio book either in amazon or the library to know how long it takes 🙂
I’m very picky with my books lately but I’m worse because I just don’t finish them so not even possible to write a review 🙁
March 6, 2016
I don’t usually review my DNFs either Daniela. I’ll just file them in Goodreads and move on. Occasionally I’ll leave a comment there about why I struggled cos I’m very aware that it’s subjective….
March 6, 2016
How are you liking Hypnotists Love Story? I’ve been debating whether to read more Liane Moriarty and was looking at that one or What Alice Forgot. And I get what you mean about balancing work and blogging- it’s always a struggle seems like.
March 6, 2016
I’m enjoying it Greg and I think – if I could see the words and phrases – I’d think it was written beautifully. Moriarty uses lots of similes and metaphors (in this) though so I wonder if that would be lovely in print, or a bit wordy….
March 6, 2016
I love an audio book but it does drive me crazy to not know how much I’ve got left even when I’m enjoying the book! I tend to obsessively keep up with the chapters just so I have some idea of my progress! It sounds like you’ve been super busy this week with all the driving! What She Never Told Me looks interesting – I love the title! Have a great week!
March 6, 2016
I was a bit the same Katherine, checking what chapter my ‘dial’ thingy said each time it changed – in case I lost my place and had to find it again… I was worried it’d run out on one of the trips last week but it was okay. I suspect it will finish up on Tuesday’s trip this week as I think we’re near the end.
March 6, 2016
I think I’d like an audio book on a long car trip. I was hoarse from singing along to music after my recent 17 hour drive down the coast. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it being a reader of Audiothing’s blog! Mind you, she has a point. Because you read so fast you might find them boring.
March 7, 2016
I think Bec is right Michelle, but absolutely… the audio book for travel purposes (or if you’re exercising etc) might be perfect. It means the book’s dragged out a lot though so selecting an appropriate book is also probably a biggie.
March 6, 2016
Tracking audiobooks in car is hard, on my phone apps I can see how many hours left or % finished. My hubby and I listened to a 17 disc cd book on our last trip and even he enjoyed it. I am now able to listen at a faster speed on my phone and can shave a few hours off. I use to think why listen I can read the whole thing in a few hours, but I listen to 1 or 2 audiobooks a week now while doing chores, walking or at night in bed. Hope you are able to squeeze in more reading time this week and that you enjoy your new books 🙂
March 7, 2016
Thanks Kimberly!
March 6, 2016
Audio books and I have an on again off again relatiionship. I listen to them in spurts and often forget them for long periods of time. I hope you are enjoying The Hypnotist’s Love Story.
I have the opposite problem you mention–whereas you feel you are too negative, I feel I am often too positive. I do my best to offer both, but sometimes I have such a hard time putting into words what it was that bothered me about a book . . . I think it comes through though in my reviews for the most part. At least that’s the impression I get from those who comment. I think the key is that we are honest in our reviews–not just for any possible readers, but also for ourselves.
I hope you have a great week! My daughter’s birthday is coming up and I’m up to my eyeballs in birthday preparations and events. We take our birthdays very seriously in our house. Haha! Take care!
March 7, 2016
Oh… the birthday prep sound stressful, but fun as well!
March 6, 2016
I don’t think you are too negative at all and I appreciate your honesty. I can be quite picky myself and am always feeling short on time. So it is always nice to sort of know what I am signing up for.
That’s definitely a lot of.travel! My Dad loves books on tape, I have a few for the kids when we go on big car trips. They complain relentlessly though if I play books I would enjoy!
March 7, 2016
Ah yes I can imagine the kids want something age-appropriate. The freebies I received included some kids stories so I gave them to my friend with the 4yr old the other day. They’re all pretty short in length which I guess makes sense.
March 6, 2016
I think you can never be too picky about the books you review. I review every book I read and I’m always honest about what I think about them. Sometimes that means I have a lot of positive reviews, and sometimes I seem to have a lot more negative ones. I think that’s just a part of being a book blogger. But you should do what feels good to you. 😉
My reading was also a little slow this week because of work. But I still did manage to read a little each day. This week I’m hoping to have more reading time and less long days at work.
Have a great week!
March 7, 2016
Thanks for the reassurance Maureen. I hope you get to cut back on your late work evenings this week and get more reading in.
March 6, 2016
I love audiobooks. I do listen at a slightly faster speed though so they go by a bit quicker. I am interested in that Moriarty book. I think it is the last one I have left from her actually. I am off the check out your review for The Passenger as I have that one coming up to read. Have a great week!
March 7, 2016
I’ve noted a few people mention playing audiobooks at a slightly faster speed. In my little head I’m imagining the narrator sounding like a chipmunk, but I’m sure that’s not the case!
March 6, 2016
I actually can’t listen to an audiobook when I drive, I become too immersed in the story and end up driving to another place than where I had planned to go 😉
I, personally, enjoy reviews that are completely honest, even if that means they are negative. I’ve got two more negative reviews scheduled for next week, and it would have been very weird to have a low star rating but a positively worded review, no?
I’m glad you’re getting into the rhythm of your new job, and that you’ll have less driving next week.
March 7, 2016
Yay for less driving! It’s funny Lexxie as I’m known by my friends as someone who HATES driving, so this current spate is quite unusual!
March 7, 2016
I agree with the audio thoughts; sometimes it is the only answer even if not the best answer. I would love to enjoy them, but I don’t truthfully… I like to hold a kindle or book in my hand. It’s the best way I understand the plot for my type of visual learning. However, I am going to be dropping my youngest daughter off at her school 35 minutes away 4x a week for 7 months… makes sense to get audiobooks for the ride home (on the way there she listens to her music).
I don’t review my DNFs but I am ironically working on a blog post about why I’ve been putting aside more books than usual this year. So I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this topic.
March 7, 2016
Oh, I look forward to that post Rita!
March 7, 2016
Moth Girls looks interesting and you have many others that are new to me and I’ll be exploring further. The hour glass is sometimes a dump truck, isn’t it! LOL Have a wonderful week:)
My Sunday Post – http://fuonlyknew.com/2016/03/06/whats-new-on-my-bookshelf-150-and-the-sunday-post/
March 7, 2016
Yes time is just flying by Laura. Of course that sand occasionally drip-feeds through when we’re waiting for something, but on the whole days and weeks are racing by!
March 7, 2016
Last year my kids and I did audio book in the car on our trip to the shore house. It’s about an 1 1/2 drive to and back so it was fun and they both enjoyed it. I hope to do it again this year since I think it made the trip a lot more fun.
I agree as you get older the days do tend to speed by and even if I am not doing much of anything the day still goes by to quickly. It just needs to slow down already. 🙂
Have a great week, Debbie! Happy Reading! ox
March 7, 2016
I’ve certainly enjoyed having my book to listen to while I’m driving… Normally I’d get hugely bored during a 2-3hr drive (even with great music) but I haven’t found that at all!
March 7, 2016
It sounds like you had a fun and productive week! Hurray for two day work weeks! That’s the best! 😀 Your new books all look interesting! I’m off to check out Six Floor now! Have a fantastic week!
Here’s my Weekly Recap!
March 7, 2016
I think I’m going to enjoy those 2-day weeks Tracy! I expect when I get into a normal pattern, even the 3-day working weeks will fly by!
March 7, 2016
Glad I’m not the only one that struggles with audio books. I like to know as I’m coming to an end with books – it adds to the tension if they are good. Audiobooks I find hit or miss. I find listening when I walk is better than when I drive…I find I feel more in control.
March 7, 2016
I think my audiobook is reaching its conclusion as we’ve just had the big climax Emma and I don’t think there’s much else to ‘wrap up’ now!
March 7, 2016
The concept of too much positive vs. negatives in reviews is actually something coming up in my next discussion post. I have talked a few times about how I don’t necessarily trust blog tour reviews because of the 3 star (or sometimes 4) requirement. That’s part of the reason I don’t do a rating system on my blog. I used to make sure I didn’t have anything that could be interpreted as negative, but now I strive to include a well-rounded review with the positives, negatives and the “meh.”
I started listening to a new audiobook last weekend. I have the same wonder! How can you tell how far you are and how much is left to go in an audiobook? Kinda drives me nuts.
This is the last school week before spring break, and on Friday I have to submit the yearbook to the publisher. There are still sixteen unfinished pages, but at this point I’m not stressing about it. It’s already started affecting my health, requiring visits to my back doctor and more. This week I plan on reading, reading, reading!
March 7, 2016
Oh, sounds like it’s going to be a busy week for you!!!
I’ve only recently started including ratings on my blog via a plug-in I’ve added, but I’ve always added reviews into Goodreads, Reading Room, Amazon etc so needed to rate them there.
Thankfully I haven’t had that experience of a publisher or promoter requiring 3-4 star ratings for blog tours. I was going to interview an author a year or so ago about a book but after reading it really didn’t enjoy it. I reviewed it here (flagging the positives and negatives – but probably more the latter than former) and touched base with the publisher and we decided not to go ahead with the interview….
March 7, 2016
As a non-book reviewer I always appreciate when the reviewer isn’t mostly positive. I like real and honest reviews rather than a pat on the back for the author. I figure that if you really like it then it’s probably a good one to read.
March 7, 2016
True. And hopefully even when I include negative bits I explain why cos I’m conscious that it could just be me… others might enjoy those elements!
March 7, 2016
I love audiobooks for long drives (even short ones). Sounds like the job is going well. Hope this is a great week for you.
March 7, 2016
Thanks Nise’!
March 7, 2016
I’ve been saying I need to figure out some sort of schedule/routine too, but it just never works out that way -_-
I think it’s fair to focus on both positive and negatives in reviews. What I do is, if the negatives are super minor or it’s the kind of book that didn’t have anything particularly wrong with it but it just lacked the extra spark for me, I focus on what was good. When I do talk about negatives, if I did still enjoy the book, I try to put them in between positive things. That way people don’t start by reading something negative and immediately dismissing the book, and they don’t end with the negative in their mind and remembering only that bad thing, but they still know what the flaws were.
March 7, 2016
I think I try to do that Kristen – with the negatives… raise them but wrap up my review by reiterating what I enjoyed. At least I hope I do… :-/
March 7, 2016
Moth Girl sounds interesting. Did you like it? I hope you enjoy your books this week.
My It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? post.
March 7, 2016
I enjoyed Moth Girls – in fact, I’m just finishing my review for Tuesday.
March 7, 2016
What am I reading? Agatha Raisin & the Potted Gardener. I’ve just finished Agatha Raisin & the Vicious Vet. I’m listening to Andrew Denton’s Better Off Dead, & I’m watching The Professionals- from 1977! Have a great week…
March 8, 2016
I actually watched an episode of Agatha Raisin on TV recently… I’d seen the books about and so was intrigued!
March 7, 2016
I like the cover of Moth Girls. I agree that it’s difficult to judge when you’ll finish an audiobook when you listen to it in the car! One of the federal committees I’m on has changed where we meet for teleconferencing, which means less listening for me!
March 8, 2016
Ah yes, I’m using a work pool car today on a trip so not sure about taking my audiobook with me….
March 7, 2016
Bravo i say! Continue to stand tall, hands on your hips (Wonder Woman style) and digitally shout out to the webiverse (us) when a books not cutting the mustard. Venting frustrations is so cathartic.
And..if we’ve read it, we can join the groan train together!
My way of dealing with the dreaded SBF (sh*tty book funk) blues is to read how much other people hated it on Amazon.. Mwah-ha-haa!!
For the longest time i had an issue with love love loving a book, until i got to the end!
Oh, how i’ve yelled at the kindle/author..
“Aahhh, this would’ve been a perfect book, like, two chapters ago!!”
Sadly, some writers still believe in spoon feeding us, with airplane noises and all 🙁
Give me a slightly messy ending, like my bedroom, kitchen and life for that matter!
Im a grown up, i can deal.
As for audiobooks, i’m still torn. I bought my first audible add-on with a kindle book purchase recently, but found it was waaay to passive. Listening gives my eyes freedom to roam, and roam they did, distracted by small shiny objects, and dust covered ones for that matter. Before long i’d missed several paragraphs and ended up finishing 3/4s of the book the good ole fashion way.
Thats $4 i’ll never get back.
My idea of audible is an adult colouring book in my lap with My Kitchen Rules in the background. You know, for ambience 😉
March 8, 2016
I always try not to read other reviews until after I’ve written mine – so I’m not influenced in any way… (by those who loved or hated it more). But if I’ve struggled with a book I do sometimes check others’ ratings to see if it was just me…
March 8, 2016
Ohh! Moth Girls looks so good. I can’t wait to read your review!
I am not a fan of audiobooks, at all. I do admit that I will listen to (the monotone voice, ugh) my kindle fire read to me when I have to drive around for my job. I seriously LOVE this feature because then I can just pick up where I left off and actually read the book when I get home. I am used to the voice so it doesn’t even bother me anymore.
I am currently reading The Serpent King, it is pretty good do far.
Have a great week!
March 8, 2016
I struggled a little with the writing in Moth Girls, but once I got used to the fairly simplistic style it was an easy read. It offered something a little different as well.
March 8, 2016
The TV show was very different- & I love the characters more in the TV show than in the books. They modernised it a lot & I think have done a brilliant job.
March 13, 2016
Only saw the one episode Jo, so must watch more if / when it returns.
March 9, 2016
The Hypnotist’s Love Story looks good.
I am with you….how do these days and weeks fly by so quickly?
I hope your week has been going well.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
March 13, 2016
Elizabeth the fact I’m responding to this (and other blog comments) a week late is most definitely a testament to time flying by!
March 9, 2016
The Hypnotist’s Love Story has a beautiful cover! I hear you on the always feeling like you are playing catch-up.
March 13, 2016
I have to say I wasn’t won over by the cover but enjoyed the book – which reminds me I need to get my review done!