Weekly check in
It’s been another pretty quiet reading week for me, but again… that’s okay as I’ve had other stuff on—and do realise it’s fine if life gets in the way of reading and blogging at times.
What I read
I started the week with Kate Morton’s The Lake House. As is the case with most of her books, it’s pretty hefty (in size) and I didn’t rush, so happily spent three evenings (ie. baths) with it.
Next on the agenda was a YA novel, Silence is Goldfish, by Annabel Pitcher.
And finally (and belatedly) I got to Margaret Atwood’s The Heart Goes Last.
What I wrote
I shared a bit of a summary from an author event I attended with popular Aussie writer Fiona McIntosh. Although she writes genres I don’t read, I really enjoyed chatting with her and loved how passionate she is about writing and sharing that with others.
I reviewed psychological thriller, The Girl With No Past by Kathryn Croft. And I posted my thoughts on Silence is Goldfish by Annabel Pitcher.
I have to confess I wasn’t entirely sold on The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood, so just shared my review in Goodreads. I love Atwood’s writing (and what she has to say) but just didn’t warm to the plot or characters.
What I did
I’m actually away in Brisbane (the capital of my State, Queensland and former hometown) for an extended weekend. I accompanied my mother to a medical appointment and we’re visiting my brother, SIL and niece as they’re heading off to the US next month and will be away until after Christmas.
#Inothernews I had a little more of my project management work on this past week and that will continue for the next month or so. And that’s a good thing!
And finally I saw The Martian and LOVED it! I didn’t read the book. I’d meant to but eventually the movie’s release neared and (when I heard it was good), I figured I’d see that. I can usually only do one or the other (read the book OR see the movie) and usually choose the former, but Matt Damon was fabulous so glad I held off on the book in this instance.
What I plan to read
I’ve still got Isabel Allende’s The Japanese Lover sitting in my TBR pile which I really need to get to. And for a huge change in scenery Robin Cook’s Host is also next on my list. It’ll be the first of his books I’ve read in a very very long time.
This coming week marks three years since my seachange. I refuse to do a ‘stocktake’ cos—while I don’t regret making the change—there’s other stuff I do regret and a lot of things I’ve hoped to achieve, but haven’t. I’s a timely reminder however, to take the opportunity to refocus and remind myself why I’m doing this.
What’s on your agenda for the week?
Linking up with Kimberley (The Caffeinated Reviewer) for the Sunday Post again this week. And I’m excited to be hooking up with the new “It’s Monday!” link coordinator, Kathryn from Book Date.
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Jess
October 17, 2015Sounds like a nicely balanced week! Good to hear your project management stuff is continuing along! And don’t blame you for not wanting to stock take I always feel that way even if I am without regret I still always feel I haven’t done enough or could have done better.
Debbish
October 18, 2015I think there are a few regrets around my writint / making money stuff, but most of my regrets are around my weight and there’s little I can do about that in retrospect! (Sigh)
Red Iza
October 18, 2015That was a good week, all in all 🙂 I read the Martian and adored it, so I’m still balancing whether I’ll watch the movie or not… I guess I won’t be able to resist. Enjoy your family week-end 🙂
Debbish
October 18, 2015I loved the movie Izabel. Matt Damon was great and I hadn’t expected so much humour!
Jo
October 18, 2015I like the whole idea of checking in on what you want- as opposed to stocktake. As for reading? I’m a good way through Liz Gilbert’s Big Magic.
Debbish
October 18, 2015Yes Jo… I figured I can’t change what’s passed and already wallow too much so might as well look forward…
Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
October 18, 2015I just went back and read your review of Silence is Goldfish which I somehow missed last week. What a great review Deb. Oooh I adore Matt Damon. He comes across as being such a lovely person in real life. I’m looking forward to The Martian.
Debbish
October 18, 2015His character seemed to be similar to his own personality Michelle, so it was a good fit. Very affable and funny…
Greg Hill
October 18, 2015I saw that you reviewed The Girl With No Past this week, but then life got in the way and I never made it bacl to read it. So I just did. 🙂 I like the sound of it and will probably pick that one. I’m curious about whether she’s likable and the unreliability of her- as a narrator. I like some good ambiguity.
Hard good things about Lake House, glad you enjoyed it. I’m definitely going to see The MArtian and look forward to it.
Debbish
October 18, 2015The lead (Leah) was struggling with a lot of self-blame and guilt. Very different (for eg) to the lead in The Girl on the Train – who was unreliable but also quite unlikeable.
laurelrainsnow
October 18, 2015Ah, I loved The Lake House, too, and spent a few days on it. I’ve been vacillating about the Margaret Atwood book…I’ll probably end up reading it…hope you enjoy it, and thanks for visiting my blog.
Debbish
October 18, 2015Ah yes, I need to write my review of The Lake House sometime between now and when it’s released this Wednesday. I very much enjoyed it though.
kimbacaffeinate
October 18, 2015So glad you loved the Martian. Hope your mom’s appointment was just routine and that you are having fun with your family.
Debbish
October 18, 2015Mum had to see a neurologist Kimberly after a brain scan showed some signs of a stroke (probably years ago). She gets vertigo and a lot of headaches but he was able to rule out anything to do with the brain anyway, which is good.
Clare
October 18, 2015I will definitely check out your review of Silence is Goldfish! I loved Ketchup Clouds by her so I do want to read it!
http://dualreads.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/sunday-post-18th-september.html
Debbish
October 18, 2015I really enjoyed her writing Clare. As I said in the review… a local book chain had it recommended for readers as young as 9… but I really think that’s a bit young.
signourney
October 18, 2015I hope you are having a good weekend away in Brisbane, and I hope your mother is okay. 🙂
I’ve been hearing so many good things about The Martian, but I am determined to read the book first, haha.
Debbish
October 18, 2015It’s Sunday night now in Australia Signourney so I’m back at home already. It was lovely to see family but always nice to be back home!
Trish
October 18, 2015I’ve been in two minds whether to read The Martian or just watch the film. Glad to hear you loved it so much, I might just watch it too and if I love it, then I’ll grab the book.
And I hate looking back with regrets, I’d rather just be think positive and focus on goals for the future.
Debbish
October 18, 2015That’s what I’m hoping too Trish. #fingerscrossed
sherry fundin (@sherryfundin)
October 18, 2015Sounds like you have had a good week. Hope this week is too.
sherry @ fundinmental My Sunday Memes
Debbish
October 18, 2015Thanks Sherry.
Heather Duff (@hross42)
October 18, 2015Glad you enjoyed The Martian, I adored the book and was a little worried how Matt Damon would be in it but it sounds like he did a good job.
Enjoy Brisbane, I visited Australia back in 2000 to visit my husbands father and half sisters. Brisbane was full of building work back then but I remember it being very green and also losing money at the casino!
Have a good week!
Debbish
October 19, 2015Brisbane is still quite green Heather – but at the moment the Jacaranda trees are out in bloom so lots of purple as well – which is quite pretty.
Megan @ reading away the days
October 18, 2015It’s good to have a quiet reading week sometimes. Annabel Pitcher is an author I have still to check out. I do one of her books though. I really want to see the Martian it looks epic and I love Mart Damon. Have a great week.
Megan @ http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.co.uk
Debbish
October 19, 2015Yes Megan, Matt Damon was wonderful in The Martian – I haven’t read the book but I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job!
Stormi D Johnson
October 19, 2015Host sounds like an interesting one. Hope you enjoy your reads this week!
Stormi
Week in Review
Debbish
October 19, 2015Thanks Stormi!
fangswandsfairy(alt)
October 19, 2015It’s nice that you and your mom visited with your brother & fam before the trip they are taking. Hope they enjoy the US.
Debbish
October 19, 2015Thanks Steph. I’m sure they will enjoy their holidays. They’ve been heading over annually for a while now as my niece is Disney-mad. They even have a time share apartment at one of the Disney parks there. (She’s also going to be working at Shanghai Disney as a Princess from February!)
Teddyree
October 19, 2015Good to hear your mum’s neuro appt was positive but I hope she gets some answers for her headaches & vertigo, tough to deal with. I’m loving the audio of The Martian, laughed out loud so many times. Glad you loved the movie, I’m still hoping to see it next weekend, my planning is typically skewiff, oh well, I do love Matt Damon lol.
Glad the project management work is going in the right direction … love the note to self. I need that reminder too. Want to check out a couple of your reviews but will be back tomorrow or should I say later today, it’s 12.30am and I’m yawning.
Have a great week and happy reading 🙂
Debbish
October 19, 2015Oh yes that ‘note to self’ is a biggie for me as it’s something that depresses me quite often…. the concept that it’s ‘too late’.
Tracy (@Cornerfolds)
October 19, 2015Three books is a quiet reading week?? Haha! You’re my hero! I’m interested to see how you felt about Margaret Atwood’s new book. I read The Handmaid’s Tale recently and wasn’t impressed. Happy reading!
Here’s my Weekly Recap!
Debbish
October 19, 2015Tracy, I really didn’t enjoy Margaret Atwood’s latest. It reminded me of my comments about a Paulo Coelho book (Adultery) which I read last year. Beautifully written but kinda self-indulgent – as if it’s just a vehicle for something they’re wanting to say. And that’s fine but it didn’t work for me as ‘entertainment’ which is how I view fiction (as opposed to non-fiction).
Angelized1st
October 19, 2015I still have yet to see The Martian, but the book was really wonderful. I thought it would be all science, but Mark’s personality added a bit of humor. Glad you liked the film. Maybe I’ll get a chance to see it this week. Enjoy time with your family!
Debbish
October 19, 2015Damon’s video diaries are hilarious in The Martian – easily my fave part!
Emma
October 19, 2015I have just gotten myself a copy of The Girl with No Past and am looking forward to it. Emma
P.s. Love the quote btw
Debbish
October 19, 2015I hope you enjoy the book Emma!
Bea @Bea's Book Nook
October 19, 2015That is an excellent quote and one I need to remember. Three books in one week is pretty good, nothing to apologize for. Enjoy your trip and family time, and have a great week!
Debbish
October 19, 2015Thanks Bea. And yes… I love that quote as well!
Mallory @ The Local Muse
October 19, 2015It’s nice to take your time with a large book sometimes! I love to savor a long read. I have been hearing pretty ehh reviews of Atwood’s newest novel which is a little surprising as she is usually brilliant.
Thanks for stopping by the The Local Muse
Debbish
October 19, 2015Yes Mallory, I’ve noticed that the reviews for The Heart Goes Last seem to be at either end of the Goodread spectrum and there’s not a lot in the middle!
Kathryn
October 19, 2015Yay so pleased to know you enjoyed The Martian movie. So did I! Would even go and see it again. I loved the novel too though in audiobook form! Both forms work in well with each other.
Fiona McIntosh yay my kind of genre writer!!
Debbish
October 20, 2015I really did love The Martian movie Kathryn. (In fact I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it.) Lots of laughs and (of course) some tears.
bookinglyyours
October 19, 2015intrigued with the Martian movie, i love Matt Damon… I’ll talk to my husband about this! 😉 Happy Monday!
Debbish
October 20, 2015Oh, definitely go and see it if you can!
Silver's Reviews
October 20, 2015Love your Post It comment….thanks for sharing.
I just cannot get into Margaret Atwood’s books. 🙂
Have a wonderful week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
Debbish
October 20, 2015I was a fan of some of her earlier books Elizabeth (Cat’s Eye, Robber Bride, Alias Grace etc) but have struggled with some (The Edible Woman, Year of the Flood etc).
lakesidemusing
October 20, 2015I’ve enjoyed a couple of Kate Morton’s books and plan to read Lake House before too long. Still can’t decide about Margaret Atwood’s latest though. I loved Cat’s Eye and The Robber Brides, but don’t do as well with the sci-fi ish titles…
Debbish
October 20, 2015Oh yes, I just said the same thing in a comment. I recall Cat’s Eye being one of my favourite books for a while!
Natalie Westgate
October 20, 2015I’m torn about The Martian, too. I had planned to read the book but now I think I’ll end up seeing the movie because it’s getting such great reviews.
You’ve introduced me to a few books here I hadn’t heard of before, I’ll check them out 🙂
Debbish
October 20, 2015Same Natalie. If the movie hadn’t gotten good reviews I would have read the book instead, but it’s a great movie. I’m not sure how faithful it is to the book, but most people who’ve also read the book have been positive in their reviews.
Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)
October 20, 2015I am looking forward to The Martian movie too. Loved your note to self at the end, so true. I am looking forward to The Lake House. I’ve got The Heart Goes Last on my stack and since it is getting so-so reviews, I won’t be in any hurry to pick it up. It has been awhile since I’ve read Robin Cook too. Have a great week.
Debbish
October 20, 2015Yes, definitely a mixed bag this week Nise’!
Yvonne
October 20, 2015So many people are seeing The Martian. I want to see it. Hope you have a great week!
Debbish
October 20, 2015Thanks Yvonne.
Lola
October 21, 2015I hope you enjoyed your visit to Brisbane. I heard good things about the Martian, but not yet sure if I want to read the book or see the movie. I agree that sometimes it’s better to only do one of those, so you don’t compare too much. I usually only read the book, but in some cases I enjoy reading the book and seeing the movie. I hope you have a great week!
Debbish
October 21, 2015I’m more of the ‘book’ than ‘movie’ person as well but very happy I saw The Martian.
I’m making an exception to the ‘either / or’ rule with the movie Room which is coming out soon however!
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
October 21, 2015It’s basically never too late, Deb, we just need to remember that. And I think that as long as we are able to stay healthy and our bodies work the way we want them to, we’re not too late 🙂
I hope your mom will get some answers, and that they will be positive, with something to help her not feel the vertigo.
Your new books look great, and I hope you’ll enjoy them
Have a fantastic week and happy reading.
Debbish
October 21, 2015Ah yes Lexxie… I’ve suffered a few colds/flus this past winter here so definitely want to feel a bit healthier and think that will help me feel less desperate of time running out!
Erin @ Quixotic Magpie
October 22, 2015I’ve been curious about Atwood’s book. Sometimes I like her, sometimes I don’t. She is hit or miss for me. It sounds like this one might be a miss!
Debbish
October 22, 2015It was for me Erin… #alas
amyh90
October 22, 2015Ok, I just need to give you a HUGE thank you for saying about The Martian. I’ve actually been really looking forward to that movie so it’s really reassuring that you liked it! I’m still undecided if I want to read the book first or not too 🙂 It might spoil it for me! I could always read it after… but I just don’t know! Matt Damon movies are always awesome aren’t they? 😀
Have a great week!
Amy x
Debbish
October 22, 2015Matt Damon was great in this movie and I’m really glad I chose to see it Amy!
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
October 22, 2015Oooh, The Martian! I really want to both read and see that. I hope you are enjoying your trip to Brisbane, and have a wonderful week!
Debbish
October 22, 2015I very much enjoyed the movie. I won’t read the book now but I suspect I would have enjoyed that as well!