Weekly check-in
I had no idea it was the 1st of May today and as I’m staying at my mother’s I actually woke and spoke to another human being without remembering to say ‘rabbits’ or ‘white rabbits’ or whatever. So there goes my luck and good fortune for the month. #bugger
What I read
I started the week with Lisa Black’s That Darkness – a book I enjoyed but one I will probably just review in Goodreads when I get motivated…
I accidentally started reading Nick Earls’ novella, Gotham partway through That Darkness and couldn’t stop, so finished it and went back to The Darkness.
The novella is one of five to be released this year and I’ve included a blurb about the series in my review.
And then there was David Baldacci’s The Last Mile. I was seriously excited to recieve this book as I LOVED Memory Man so read it the night it arrived.
What I wrote
I posted some book reviews…
The One Who Got Away by Caroline Overington – a book that’s compared to Gone Girl and (in a surprising twist) IS actually similar to Gone Girl
Shtum by Jem Lester – a poignant story of the parents of a profoundly autistic boy
Gotham by Nick Earls – I finished this book with a smile on my tear-stained face. When I tweeted my reaction Earls responded that was exactly what he was aiming for! #bastard
And then I wrote about:
Feeling unpretty – my response to the ‘do you think you’re beautiful’ question
Duckhead – sharing an insult hurled at my beloved 4yr old friend
Getting out of bed in the morning – where I shared my daily struggle without caffeine (via vanilla diet coke!).
And it was time for my monthly book post over at the popular Styling You blog. I’d again love it if you popped over for a read and comment. I get paid for the post so like to think it’s of vague interest. To someone, somewhere….
What I did
After a weekend of frantic cleaning, my house-photos were done (sadly on a terribly overcast day) and my place is now officially on the market. Already it seems my agent isn’t as enthusiastic or proactive as I’d hoped (!!!), so the first open house is next weekend.
I’m currently spending a few days at my mother’s. It’s always nice to get a break from my own company and I’m forcing her to join me in binge-watching The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (which many US book bloggers have been raving about)!
What I plan to do
I think my next book will be Girls on Fire by Robin Wasserman, but I probably should sort through my TBR pile before going any further. I’ve had to rearrange my bookshelves (ditching some books so my TBRs could sit on a shelf awaiting my attention) while my place is on the market.
And that’s about it for this week. I successfully finished my ’30 days of blogging’ challenge yesterday. I’m not sure how often I’ll continue posting but would like to keep up the momentum. Ish.
What’s on your agenda for this week?
I’m again linking up with Kimberly for the Sunday Post, Kathryn for ‘It’s Monday!’ and Leanne for Lovin’ Life Linky.
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danielaark
May 1, 2016I really like Gone Girl so I’ll be checking out The One Who Got Away 🙂 so happy for you Debbie! yay! your place is on the market! That’s exciting! Enjoy your time with mom 🙂 now off to read your review Shtum 🙂
Debbish
May 2, 2016Thanks Daniela. Exciting (and slightly stressful!) times!
Greg
May 1, 2016Hey a Gone Girl reference that’s actually accurate- how about that? 🙂 They exist lol. Good luck with the property and hope you have a nice weekend.
I also find Coke a wonderful way to wake up in the morning so I can relate to you there. 🙂 What would I do with out it? Yeah there’s always coffee and sometimes that’s fine but I don’t always want a hot drink in the morning…
Debbish
May 2, 2016Yes… I don’t drink coffee and don’t like hot drinks for some unknown reason, so…. It’s taking me a REALLY long time to get over the lack of diet coke this time around….
Brona
May 1, 2016I haven’t heard of the rabbit thing before! All I know is that me & my family end up black & blue the first of every month from all the pinches and punches and hits and kicks :-p
Debbish
May 2, 2016I think the rabbit / white rabbit is a good luck thing Brona. I must check it out… it’s something I grew up with – but rarely remember to do!
Natalie
May 1, 2016I’m glad you reminded me it’s the 1st May tomorrow! We still have 2hrs of Saturday left here but I’ll be ready to say my rabbits now 🙂
That Darkness sounds interesting, but maybe not as interesting as I think if you’re only reviewing it on Goodreads – is it worth picking up?
I had to do the same TBR shelf arrangement when we sold our house recently hehe. They haven’t yet found a shelf in our new place though.
http://natalieslife.com/2016/04/libraries-gishwhes-and-netgalley-oh-my
Debbish
May 2, 2016I was stressing over the TBR pile Natalie. I knew that packing them away would mean I’d lose track of what I was reading so it made sense to pack old ones away and put the new ones on their own shelf. Of course if I was being particularly anal I’d organise them ON the shelf in a chronological order… (And sadly now that idea is in my head I’ll possibly do so!)
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
May 1, 2016Happy 1st of May, Debbie! I haven’t heard of the ‘rabbit’ or ‘white rabbit’ thing… here, it’s just labor day, and there will be people walking in processions to protest some changes in the labor laws.
I hope you’re enjoying your stay with your mom – and that your apartment will get sold fairly quickly so you can move on.
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
Debbish
May 2, 2016It’s actually Labour Day weekend too here Lexxie. I recall it being practically an international thing as (when I first went overseas – to Portugal) I got there on the long weekend.
Kristen Burns
May 1, 2016Wait, you’re supposed to say “rabbits” when you wake up on the 1st of May? I’ve never heard this. What happens if you stay up past midnight? Because it’s already 2 in the morning here lol.
That’s awesome that you’re forcing your mom to binge-watch with you, haha. And congrats on completing your 30 days of blogging!
Debbish
May 2, 2016I wasn’t sure what she’d think of Kimmy Schmidt as she’s not as much into the quirky as I am… but she seemed to enjoy it. Interestingly the disks were mixed up in the case and I accidentally started it on episode 7 and we both sat there kinda going… #WTF? Made more sense when we started at episode one though! 🙂
Maree
May 1, 2016Dammit now I have the Kimmy Schmidt theme stuck in my head! I just finished season 2 on netflix and enjoyed … most of it. Have a great week 🙂
Debbish
May 2, 2016Ohhh.. am keen to see season 2 now, but don’t have Netflix. Season 1 sorta closes the story on a couple of characters so I’m keen to see what direction they go in!
Annemieke
May 1, 2016How do you accidentally start reading a novella? 😉
And I’ve never heard about saying rabbits on May 1st either.
What is The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt about? I saw an author tweeting about it a few times in the past week.
Debbish
May 2, 2016The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is about a woman released from an underground (literally) cult after 15yrs and her acclimatisation back into the world. She’s ridiculously peppy and naive, so it’s quite funny.
sjhigbee
May 1, 2016I love the rabbits thing – and like everyone else, I’ve never heard of it, either. As it happens, I just returned from a few days staying over with my mother:). All the very best with the proposed sale – I hope it goes smoothly and have a great reading week. My Weekly Wrap-Up https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/weekly-wrap-up-1st-may/
Debbish
May 2, 2016Hmm…. am sure I’m not making the ‘rabbits’ thing up. Will check it out and report back in next week!
sjhigbee
May 2, 2016Oh, I wasn’t trying to imply that it wasn’t a thing – just that I hadn’t heard of it. But I’d be delighted if you can find out more about it, because it sounds great fun.
Debbish
May 2, 2016Oh no it’s okay as I’m intrigued now about where it comes from! 🙂
Yvonne
May 2, 2016The Lisa Black book looks really good. I haven’t read anything by this author but I’ve been wanting to. I love Nora Roberts but haven’t read anything by her in a long time. The Obsession looks really good.
Hope you have a great week.
My Sunday post is here.
Debbish
May 2, 2016The Obsession is great Yvonne and it starts really really well.
I enjoyed the Lisa Black but it probably came in the midst of some other stellar suspense novels / thrillers, so suffered a little as a result.
Stormi D Johnson
May 2, 2016Lot of good looking books you have been reading. I hope you enjoy your books this week and happy reading! 🙂
Stormi
Week in Review
Debbish
May 2, 2016Thanks Stormi!
laurelrainsnow
May 2, 2016Okay, I’m going to check out the book that is REALLY like Gone Girl…LOL. (Don’t you hate all the ludicrous comparisons that are incorrect?).
Glad you got your house ready…and I remember feeling that way about my agents, too. They were so into selling my house until I had actually signed with them. Then they were lukewarm. It seemed to take forever! Good luck with yours…mine was on the market and eventually sold during that awful real estate downward turn here in 2006 and 2007.
Enjoy binge-watching with your mom. When my eldest son and DIL were here last summer (has it been that long already? sigh), we did a lot of Netflix bingeing. And popcorn eating.
Now I’m off to check out your links…here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Debbish
May 2, 2016I’ve got a 3mth exclusive contract with this agent Laurel, but think I’d take my place off the market for a while if it doesn’t sell.
And this book is very Gone Girl-ish because it’s similarly themed – key character is missing… maybe dead? The main couple had secrets and the family’s involved….
I know so many other books are compared to GG just because they’re domestic noir or suspense novels, which drives me insane.
Angelized1st
May 2, 2016I hear Kimmy Schmidt was pretty funny, but I haven’t watched it yet. I do plan to do a lot of Netflix Binge watching this summer, so hopefully I’ll get to it. Good luck with selling your house! It sounds exciting.
Debbish
May 2, 2016Thanks for that. Kimmy Schmidt was quirky but not TOO much of an acquired taste which was good. I’ll be interested to see where they take season 2!
Emma
May 2, 201630 days of posting is so impressive. I hope it has left you re-motivated not knackered. Hope the open house goes well. Have a good week. Emma
Debbish
May 2, 2016I think I’m feeling motivated Emma!
Maureen Beatrice
May 2, 2016Whahaha.. I didn’t even know about that superstition. I guess I’m out of luck and good fortune too then. 😉
Good luck with the open house next weekend.
I’m almost off to go to my last nightshift of the bunch.. Can’t wait for Monday morning!! I know.. I’m a little weird! LOL!
Have a great week and Happy Reading!
Debbish
May 2, 2016It’s a long weekend here Maureen – which is very confusing. I have Mondays and Fridays off anyway, but when others are around on my days off, it throws me a little!
Jo
May 2, 2016Your place looks great in the ad…wishing you all good things with the sale…
Debbish
May 2, 2016Thanks Jo!
Kathryn
May 2, 2016I have never heard of the rabbits thing!! When I was teaching it was “a pinch and a punch for the first of the month” from the kids of course! All the best for the sale, pity about the real estate agent, give them some caffeine!!
Debbish
May 2, 2016I actually shot the RE Agent an email saying I was a bit disappointed in his lack of enthusiasm. After I’d rushed to get the pics done he basically said he didn’t need the key or anything until the first Open HOuse on 7 May. I’d assumed – once it went online – they’d want to be able to show people if anyone was interested.
My last couple of RE Agents have been hugely enthusiastic – showing their colleagues through so they know what’s on offer (in case they have clients interested) and emailing out those on their lists etc… *Sigh*
kimbacaffeinate
May 2, 2016Well now you have me wanting to read Gotham and curious about the Darkness! What the heck is this white rabbit or rabbits you speak off..I am thinking we need a post about superstitions for Aussies!
Debbish
May 2, 2016Gotham is wonderful Kimberly. It’s just a great read. I actually had an email sitting in my inbox about it for a month and I was just behind with everything so hadn’t got to it. I note the email about the second book in the series has arrived today!
Char
May 2, 2016I hadn’t heard that thing about ‘white rabbits’ in years. Totally forgot that it was a thing. It brought back lots of memories.
Debbish
May 2, 2016A lot of my overseas readers are saying they’ve never heard of it which makes me wonder where it came from. Am trying to decide if I can be bothered googling it….
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
May 2, 2016Love your weekly check-in posts. I really feel like I get to know you through these posts.
You accidentally read a novella? LOL. You’re funny …
Thanks for joining the Lovin’ Life Linky Deb!
Debbish
May 2, 2016I know… I flicked open the novella (on my eReader) and looked at the number of pages and then started ‘browsing’ through the first bit and suddenly I was part way through. So HAD to keep going. I never read two books at once so it felt weird but it was short (53 pages on my reader) so I could easily finish and go back to the other book that night.
Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)
May 2, 2016I am going to have to read Gotham! Wishing you success on your open house. It seems that binge watching shows is my new normal! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Debbish
May 2, 2016I’ve been a lover of TV on DVDs for a while Nise, so prone to binge-watching. IF my place sells I look forward to getting Netflix!
charliegirlteachergirl
May 2, 2016As a procrastinator and lacking in motivation lately, I am proud you finished your 30 days of blogging! I know it wasn’t easy to do with all the decisions you’ve had to make. I started watching The Unbreakable Kimmy, but got sidetracked to other things. I need to go back and finish it. I hope your agent gets on board and your place sells quickly so you can move on to something better for you!
Debbish
May 2, 2016Yes, the 30 days of blogging was a challenge (literally and metaphorically!) but I did enjoy it so I now need to keep going rather than just not feel the urge and skip too many days!
Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
May 2, 2016I forgot that custom of saying, Rabbits. So that’s where I’ve been going wrong for the last forty years. I reckon you’ll sell that place quick smart. Three words…location, location, location. I didn’t like Kimmy Schmidt but my husband did and many other people.
Debbish
May 3, 2016Kimmy and her pals took some getting used to but I ended up enjoying it. I found the trial at the end of season one a bit over the top, but…. I’ve heard mixed things about s2!
Trish @ Between My Lines
May 2, 2016I was supposed to say rabbits or white rabbits yesterday! Well why did no one ever tell me, I have been doing 1 May wrong all my life! Well done on completing 30 days, I don’t think I could ever achieve that! That Darkness looks interesting. And I love how you accidentally started reading a book, LOL 😀
Debbish
May 3, 2016I did some googling re the rabbits thing Trish and wonder if perhaps it’s an English thing. I saw reference to war etc… so must search properly so I know in future!
readerbuzz
May 2, 2016Good grief. I’ve never said “rabbits” or “white rabbits” on the first of May. We here in America have not been properly educated! Oh dear!
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2016/05/in-which-i-finish-perfect-book-for.html
Debbish
May 3, 2016I think the rabbits might be an English thing Deb. I’m planning to research and report in next week!
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
May 2, 2016Glad you got your pictures of your place done and its up on the market – Good luck!! Hope you enjoy Kimmy Schmidt. I loved it. Have a great week!
Debbish
May 3, 2016I did enjoy s1 of Kimmy Grace. I know s2 has just finished but think I’ll have a bit of a wait. (Unless I sell, in which case I plan to get Netflix!)
Lauren Helms (@LaurenEHelms)
May 2, 2016Oh my, I love The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt! I haven’t had a chance to watch season two yet. But its on my list! have a good week Deb!
Debbish
May 3, 2016Thanks Lauren! I’ve heard mixed things about s2 but a lot of positives. I was worried some of the main characters might disappear but it sounds like Jacqueline (et al) will be back!
Tea Time with Marce
May 3, 2016Good luck on the house, next weekend it begins, I’m sure you are excited and have anxiety. I actually do not like when books have similar ‘to’, I wasn’t a fan of Gone Girl so that never helps me choosing a book usually.
Debbish
May 3, 2016I actually didn’t like Gone Girl as much as others (that I’d read before) either Marce. But having said that I was a year or two late in reading GG.
Michelle @ In Libris Veritas
May 3, 2016May came way too quickly! I have so much to do this month and around zero energy to do it. I hope everything goes well with your house and that your agent perks up a bit!
Debbish
May 3, 2016Me too Michelle. I’ve had really proactive Real Estate Agents in the past so this came as a bit of a surprise. Maybe it’s a big town vs small town thing. (As I lived in the city previously!)
Jane Whittingham
May 3, 2016Our labour day isn’t until September! But we do have the Victoria Day long weekend (or “bank holiday”, if that’s your thing) this month to look forward too….Good luck on selling your place, I always find moving so stressful, so best of luck to you!! 🙂
Debbish
May 3, 2016I think our Queensland Labour Day was moved to October when our government changed a few years ago (and so one year we got two holidays – bonus!!!) but was moved back this year. Very confusing. I don’t work on Mondays or Fridays so holiday-driven long weekends hold little excitement for me I’m afraid.
mintedrogue
May 3, 2016Love Kimmy Schmidt – Titus and Lillian are hilarious!
Debbish
May 3, 2016I know… I’d seen lots of Kimmy Schmidt gifs and memes around and now of course they make sense!
MarthaE
May 4, 2016I had to take a breath after reading your busy post. 🙂 I am unfamiliar with Kimmy Schmidt. The majority of our TV watching is NCIS, Hallmark movies or action movies.
That Gothic Novella sounds interesting – I’ve seen it at a couple of blogs.
Now you have me interested in the new Baldacci Series. I’ll keep it in mind – maybe for Audible credits. I am on such a sci fil craze though I have to make myself choose other titles… but only if I really want to. LOL
Hope your open house goes well.
Have a good week; Happy Reading.
Debbish
May 4, 2016Thanks Martha!
On the TV front, I only watch NCIS LA… love Deeks and Callan.