Weekly check-in

Sunday, July 31, 2016 Permalink

This week has flown-by. I’m sure there must be some scientific evidence of that fact out there somewhere, cos it CANNOT almost be August!

The days are long but the months are short! #orsomething

What I read

It was a mixed reading week as I raced through the first novel on my list, Lie With Me by Sabine Durrant, before taking several nights off… eventually getting to Maggie’s Kitchen by Caroline Beecham and then The Falls by B. Michael Radburn.

the falls

What I wrote

There were book reviews – as one would suspect from a book blogger:

Lie With Me by Sabine Durrant – an unlikeable narrator and protagonist we ultimately come to pity
The Beauty of the End by Debbie Howells – a reminder that we may not know those we love as well as we think
I See You by Clare Mackintosh – a wonderful second book following her amazing 2015 debut
Maggie’s Kitchen by Caroline Beecham – an enjoyable novel set during WWII.

maggie's kitchen

And then I wrote about the idea of ‘all or nothing‘. It’s something I mostly consider to be a bad way of thinking, but recognise the idea of really committing to something, can be good.

What I did

I returned to work after my break for surgery and recovery. I was surprised at how tired I was even though I only worked three days.

I put an offer in on a house which was accepted – but I refuse to elaborate more or celebrate until my sale (and therefore my purchase) go unconditional as I don’t want to jinx anything. So we aren’t allowed to talk about it. Okay?

And I’ve finally started watching the TV show Justified. I bought the first four seasons of the show when I was recovering from my surgery as I wasn’t in the mood to read. However… it turned out I wasn’t in the mood to watch TV either. But I’ve finally tuned in. I’m five episodes into season one. I suspect I’ll get addicted but as yet… I’m enjoying it but not loving it.

justified-fx-premiere_20110325043645

 

What I plan to do

There were some new arrivals I’m yet to sort into my chronological pile. Happily I now have ONE book outstanding on my electronic (NetGalley) shelf. I’ve not requested any for ages and am feeling content that my request / review rate is over 99%. (And yes, I was that kid who practised their multiplication tables solely for the gold stars!)

I had a lot, I mean shitloads of books being published in the final week of July into first week in August. What is that? Some conspiracy against book bloggers and reviewers? I’m fairly sure that must be the case because this little bunny has been stressed out of her mind. I’ve had to leave a few books (which have been of less interest) to get stuck into the dozen or so books released in these last few weeks and feel terribly guilty about that.

Anyhoo, I’ve actually just started a non-fiction book (shock, horror!) by Australia’s Charlotte Wood called The Writer’s Room which features a number of conversations with other Aussie authors. I’m only one conversation down and finding it really interesting. Writer Tegan Bennett Daylight is also a literary reviewer and talks to Charlotte about her reading habit (and how it’s influenced her writing).

reading writing & reviewing

And until next week, that’s all for me. What are your plans for the week?

I’m again linking up with Leanne from Deep Fried Fruit; Kimberly from The Caffeinated Book Reviewer; and Kathryn from The Book Date.

60 Comments
  • Sydney Shop Girl
    July 31, 2016

    Everything crossed for the offer!

    SSG xxx

  • Amy Andrews
    July 31, 2016

    Pleased to hear you’re back at work, Deb! Even the smallest op can take it out of a person so be kind to yourself!

    It took me to the end of season 1 to really apreciate that Justified was all about the relationship between Raylan and Boyd. How the two men were flip sides of each other. How they both could have been the other if they’d chosen different routes in life. Then I found it fascinating and the whole Hillbilly mafia thing…I was really unaware of all that stuff.

    • Debbish
      July 31, 2016

      I’ve just watched the episode ‘Kin’ Amy (episode 5 I think) and they’ve crossed paths for the first time. I had been wondering about the two plotlines and how they would intersect and their meeting (captured by the Hill folk) was very anticlimactic. Like they obviously went WAAAAY back!

  • Greg
    July 31, 2016

    Yeah I’m kinda shocked it’s almost August already! Man… although I’m looking forward to the Olympics so I don’t mind in that sense. 🙂

    Yay for good news- best of luck!! Justified looks interesting- I’m not familiar with that one. And The writer’s Room does too- I recently read a book of essays from various writers and it was very illuminating.

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      I have to admit I’m not even vaguely a fan of the Olympics Greg. I couldn’t even tell you when they’re on but I know it must be soon cos I’ve seen the advertisements on TV!

  • laurelrainsnow
    July 31, 2016

    What happened to July? It was just the 4th the other day, or so it seemed.

    I’ve been eyeing I See You…so far, it’s not available here yet.

    I’ve never watched Justified, but now I’m curious. Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting my blog.

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      Oh you’ll have to keep your eye out for I See You Laurel. I got review copies from the UK publisher and Aussie publishers I think so it’s out there and here!

  • Kathryn
    July 31, 2016

    Fingers crossed for what we are not allowed to talk about! I know sometimes those books get published so fast. And so many thrillers etc come out which of course is one kind of book you like to read. If the quote on the Writer’s Room is anything to go by that sounds like a very thoughtful read.

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      I think I’ll pace myself with The Writers Room Kathryn. I’ve read the second piece now and also found a lot of quotes which resonated. Almost every page is dogeared with ‘something I want to remember’. #eek

  • Christy LoveOfBooks
    July 31, 2016

    I know, right?! Is someone speeding up times without us knowing about it? It needs to slow down. Haha -well, I wish you good luck on that thing we’re not to mention. Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      I did read a book once about the leap second… the second that’s added to the clock every so often. Perhaps the opposite is true. Someone’s speeding up all of the clocks and not telling us!

  • Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
    July 31, 2016

    Good luck with the sale thing. As you know I went through the whole thing in Feb. It’s bloody stressful! Stay calm x

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      Yes… it’s come when I least expected it and at a not-good time given my recent hospital thing etc… I’m trying to leave it all up to fate.

  • Cait @ Paper Fury
    July 31, 2016

    Oh good luck and fingers crossed that your house goes unconditional! EEEP. And I hope your recovery continues to go well too! Also omg, the end of the year seems to be absolutely MAD for new releases right?! I’m trying to figure out how to find time to read them all hahaha.

    Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!

  • jsamuelsen
    July 31, 2016

    I’m glad you are back at work

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      Yes and I’m lucky I only work part-time nowadays (part of my whole work / life balance thing).

  • Stormi D Johnson
    July 31, 2016

    The Fall looks like a good one! Hope you enjoy which ever books you get to this week! 🙂

    Stormi
    Friday Memes

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      Ah yes, I was supposed to do The Falls review today Stormi but haven’t managed to get to it yet! (Though I did two for the newspaper!)

  • Emma
    August 1, 2016

    I have to say Justified is one of my favourite shows ever so I do hope you get into it, though I know not all shows are for everyone. Enjoy watching more if you get to it.

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      I suspect I will get into it Emma. I’m often a bit cool initially and then get absorbed. I think the big picture (plot wise) is coming together so it’s making more sense.

  • kimbacaffeinate
    August 1, 2016

    LOL I get my NetGalley down to one book and then bam…all these must reads become available. (like Krentz) I am at 98% so I cannot complain. The Fall looks cool. I hope the rest of the summer slows down a little. I do feel like I am on fast forward

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      I did the same thing a few months ago Kimberly and then a heap of print copies arrived. I’ll see how this week’s arrivals go before I go searching for some potential new delights!

  • Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
    August 1, 2016

    Fingers crossed on the offer! Seriously 1 book on your NetGalley shelf?? I’m so jealous! I’m glad you’re back at work but I know it’s always a shock with just how long it takes to recover. Not cool! I just got The Beauty of the End and I’m really excited. I’m also super curious about Maggie’s Kitchen. Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      I hope you enjoy The Beauty of the End Katherine! Will look forward to hearing what you think!

  • Rita @ View From My Books
    August 1, 2016

    Before you know it, Halloween decorations will be up in the stores here, lol.
    I would like to read The Beauty of the End (read her previous book) and I See You (also read her previous title).
    Hope you feel more energetic soon! Enjoy the week ahead.

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      Ha Rita, I’m waiting on Christmas carols. I mean, it’s August right?! I hope you get to read Howells AND Mackintosh’s latest books – both worthy successors!

  • charliegirlteachergirl
    August 1, 2016

    Your NetGalley amazingness is fabulous. I am not worthy. (Seriously, 6%. This is my LIFE for the next 6.83 years.) I am glad everything has gone well with your recovery.

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      Oh. My. God. 6%. That is wonderful in its lowness. I wonder if there are badges for that end of the spectrum. Tee-hee… sorry. See I think you need to be in the nineties or like 6% cos anything in between is a waste of time. (So I can’t even imagine how many NetGalley books you must have awaiting review!)

  • Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight
    August 1, 2016

    Wow, congrats on getting your Netgalley percentage above 99%! I’m at 81% but have a book pending, and then I’ll be taking two auto-approvals as soon as I hear back about that one, so my % is about to drop lol.

    Anyway, glad you’re recovering well. Maybe next week won’t be so tiring once you get a little more rest and get back into the swing of things 🙂

    Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      August 1, 2016

      I have to confess my NG percentage is usually just up over 90 Kristen… it’s not often over 99%! The book that’s there isn’t out for a while so I’ve just been sitting on it for a while!

  • Sakura Beauty
    August 1, 2016

    I wish you good luck on that thing we’re not to mention. Have a great week

  • Hfineisen
    August 1, 2016

    I See You looks good. Good luck on what can’t be named, lol.

  • Rain @ Ivyclad Ideas
    August 1, 2016

    It is not August. I am in denial.
    I like the idea of writing being a ‘conversation with life’. Sometimes, I’ll just pull events out of my life and exaggerate them until they’re life or death situations, or pick a place I know, fictionalise it, and parody it to death.

    • Debbish
      August 2, 2016

      I must admit I loved the phrasing as well. And I love the linkages many of the authors in the conversations make between reading and writing!

  • maxtheunicorn
    August 1, 2016

    Good luck with the house offer, fingers crossed for you! I haven’t seen Justified, but I’ve been getting into Making A Murderer on Netflix and I’m so addicted now!

    Di from Max The Unicorn

    • Debbish
      August 2, 2016

      I’ve heard good things about Making a Murderer w and gather it garnered a lot of interest when it came out!

  • Tea Time with Marce
    August 2, 2016

    The week has flown by and the first half of the year has flown by, it is unreal that today is Aug 1. Congrats on the house, fingers crossed. I recently finished I Let You Go, and look forward to I See You.

    • Debbish
      August 2, 2016

      I read your review of I Let YOu Go I think Marce and glad you enjoyed it. I See You is different, but also complex. Mackintosh has an amazing imagination!

  • adventureswithabooknerd
    August 2, 2016

    I have so many ARCs that I need to read. I have NetGally books that have already been published that I still need to read, along with books I got from publishers that I need to get reviewed soon. For some reasons all of the release dates are within three weeks of each other, so I’m kind of scrambling around like a chicken with it’s head cut off wondering how I’m going to make this all work.

    “There were book reviews- as one would suspect from a book blogger.” I don’t know why that just cracked me up. And congrats on ‘what shall not be named.’ Have a good week. 🙂

    • Debbish
      August 2, 2016

      Sometimes the book reviews feel a bit like an anticlimax. The committed book bloggers out there post more than 7 or so a week so I feel slack. But my other bloggy friends who aren’t readers or book bloggers think my blog is overrun with book reviews. #ironic

  • Lola
    August 2, 2016

    Some months sure seem to go by fast. And I am sure there is a scientific explanation for why it feels like time goes fast or slow sometimes. I just read your all or nothing post, great post! I definitely think that while that all or nothing mentality is not always a good thing, it isn’t fully negative either. It’s probably like one of those traits like perfectionism, that can be a good thing, but also a bad thing. A lot of aspects/ characteristics are like that I think.

    I hope you’ll offer on the house goes through. I’ve read two non-fiction books this year so far and really enjoyed both of them, I might have to pick up non-fiction books more often. I hope you’ll have a great week!

    • Debbish
      August 2, 2016

      I was about to say The Writers’ Room is the first non-fiction book I’ve read this year, but I’ve also read another in the last week or so…. a series of short pieces about ‘rebellious daughters’.

  • Yvonne
    August 2, 2016

    I remember as a child time used to drag. It took forever for birthdays and Christmas to come around. As an adult time passes so quickly. I’m not even going to mention how fast it goes as a senior citizen. Enjoy your week and I hope you get back to your old self soon!

  • lattenightsreviews
    August 3, 2016

    I hope you’re feeling better from the surgery! Justified looks very interesting. I’ve actually been able to keep my ratio above 80% on Netgalley and I’m proud of that. Once, it went down to 79% and I freaked out haha

    • Debbish
      August 9, 2016

      Ha yes Gen I’m the same… as I said I’m a bit like a kid wanting their gold star but I do value that 80%+ ratio!

  • Sakura Beauty
    August 3, 2016

    I was really unaware of all that stuff. I recently finished i let you go, and look forward to i see you

    • Debbish
      August 9, 2016

      I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s different to I Let You Go, but still kinda tricky!

  • Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
    August 4, 2016

    I honestly don’t know how you manage to read so many books. I LOVE books, but some days the act of reading just makes me want to sleep. I guess that’s why you’re the book blogger, not me. I like the look of Maggie’s Kitchen …
    Thanks for joining the Lovin’ Life Linky! Lots to love here.
    Fingers crossed for your new digs …

    • Debbish
      August 9, 2016

      Thanks Leanne. I feel like something’s missing when I don’t read but do find I need breaks now and then or books just mix up in my mind!

  • Trish @ Between My Lines
    August 6, 2016

    Love those quotes from The Writers Room, it looks like a very interesting read.

    • Debbish
      August 9, 2016

      It is Trish but I’m taking my time with it cos there’s so much to take in with each ‘conversation’.

  • Heather @ Random Redheaded Ramblings
    August 7, 2016

    Ok I know you aren’t talking about it but *whispers* fingers crossed!

    • Debbish
      August 9, 2016

      Hmmm… things have fallen apart a bit on the ‘thing we aren’t talking about’ so I’m mostly sulking now! Hence my AWOL-ness!

  • Jess
    August 11, 2016

    Very exciting on the non talking news front. You have a lot going.on at the moment! The non fiction sounds interesting!

    • Debbish
      August 12, 2016

      I can finally talk about that thing today…. and it’s happened!

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