Time flies when you’re having fun. Apparently. I’m not sure that’s the best way to describe the past week, but it’s definitely disappeared in a hurry. Which is (hopefully) a not-too-prosaic way of saying it’s Monday already and time to share my weekly reading and similarly exciting things.
What I read
My reading week started slowly as I wasn’t allowed to start anything until I’d gotten my reviewing under control. When I did eventually see some light at the end of the reviewing tunnel I started the week with TR Richard’s What She Left which… I have to confess, I didn’t love.
I read my first ever Nicholas Sparks novel and am currently deciding whether to review The Longest Ride here, or just in Goodreads. Obviously the book’s been out for a few years but I received the movie version tie-in. It’ll be a 3-star review for me, so… okay. In summary—great characters but predictably predictable. 🙂
And finally I polished off a new arrival, Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight. I haven’t heard of US author McCreight before but enjoyed this book which was released this month.
What I wrote
I kicked off the week musing on whether it’s appropriate to comment on someone’s weight loss. Or (overthinking it) whether that’s perpetuating the perception that one’s only okay when they near their ideal weight.
I posted my reviews of Nora Roberts’ The Liar, which is due out any day now; along with a review of Missing You, by Aussie author Kylie Kaden. I liked the latter a lot and my review formed part of a blog tour. Check out that post for other participants.
As for What She Left, given my antipathy I just posted my review in Goodreads.
A post I wrote was also featured on US blogger and writer, Carla Birnberg’s site (of the same name). It was about loneliness vs aloneness and I referenced a favourite author of mine, Anita Brookner who writes (beautifully) about both.
What I’m reading this week
I’m actually heading to Brisbane (my state’s capital city and my former hometown) for a few days this week to hang out with my niece while her parents are overseas. She’s almost 19 so it’s not like she needs a babysitter but she’s got a heap of commitments and I’ll help ferry her around. Which means I have no idea what this week will hold.
I do plan, however, to do a bit of reading as I received seven (yes 7!) real books last week (including Where They Found Her). They’re all due for publication in April and May, so I need to get cracking.
What’s on your agenda this week?
* I’m again joining the ‘It’s Monday’ weekly reading linkup.
April 13, 2015
I’ve never read Nicholas Sparks either but didn’t he write The Notebook? I’m not sure I’d enjoy his books. The thriller They Found Her, however sounds right up my alley. Added to list Deb! It’s even endorsed by Gillian Flynn I see!
April 13, 2015
NS did write The Notebook… and I did enjoy that movie until the Ryan Gosling memes got out of control! 😉
I almost think the movies made of his books have made him more famous than the books themselves! Wonder if he writes them with that mind?!
April 13, 2015
So effectively you’re a free taxi service.Luckily the roads have been quiet here for the past week – being that it’s the school holidays. It shouldn’t be too horrendous on the roads.
April 13, 2015
A couple of her commitments are at 5pm across town but I’m hoping school holiday traffic means the roads aren’t too bad. Miss 18’s in the midst of driving lessons at the moment so she won’t even need me for that soon. (Also it will be nice to have some time with her cos it’s been a long time since we’ve done that!)
April 13, 2015
I did read a couple of Nicholas Sparks books in 2011, when I participated in a challenge…and the minimum to read was 2…and that’s what I did. Safe Haven was one of them, and wasn’t bad. Overall, he is not my go-to author, so I’ll pass on The Longest Ride.
I am looking forward to reading The Liar, though. Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
April 13, 2015
Yes… I think it’s an okay read and I was keen to keep turning the pages and see what happened, but it seems he has a certain playbook, if that makes sense.
April 13, 2015
I’ve never read Nicholas Sparks either, but I’ve been shamed into watching several movies made from his books. All threes. Trust me.
Readerbuzz.blogspot.com
April 13, 2015
Yep… I’ve seen some of his other movies but they all blend together in my mind a bit. Mismatched love, break up and heartache, reunion. 🙂
April 13, 2015
It’s been awhile since I read a Nicholas Sparks’ book and I did want to read this one. I just haven’t had any time, but maybe I’ll get to see the movie.
Have a great week!
April 13, 2015
Yes, I think one or the other Yvonne. Now I’ve read the book I don’t think I’d want to see the movie.
April 13, 2015
Oh nice of you to do that for your niece and I bet it will be really fun to spend that time with her.
April 13, 2015
It will indeed Jess!
April 13, 2015
Hmm just started Summer in Venice and I see it there in your pile. I enjoyed your review of The Liar, no idea how she turns out so many books. Do love her books though and as you say her in Death books are great. Enjoy Brisbane.
April 13, 2015
Thanks Kathryn!
April 13, 2015
I’ve not read a Sparks, but will admit to having done a movie or two on DVD which I have a feeling were based on his books. Some great looking titles in your reading pile – hope you enjoy your time in Brissie.
April 13, 2015
Thanks Jo.
April 13, 2015
I gave The Longest Ride 3 stars, not my favourite Nicholas Sparks by a long shot. Have fun with your niece, nice time to be in Brisbane, the roads are quieter and the weather is cooler. I’ve got Victoria Purman’s new one coming up soon too. Happy reading!
April 13, 2015
Am definitely glad it’s school hols as I have a couple of across-town 5pm trips on the agenda. Of course once upon a time I was used to peak hour traffic. (Although am not overly worried about having to do it for just a few days. I really don’t miss that daily commute though!)
April 13, 2015
There is SO much garbage out there that actually gets published…I haven’t read a good book in a long time, so I am going back to Melville’s “Moby Dick”. Can’t go wrong there… We have six long weeks to teaching before summer break. Blah.
April 14, 2015
Oh no! I’m not too fussy and will read almost anything. However, I’m far better now at putting a book aside if it’s REALLY a not doing it for me.
April 13, 2015
I hate posting apathetic reviews to my blog, but I will on goodreads. I wonder why that is? I think more people see the goodreads reviews, so shouldn’t I do it the opposite way? Oh, well!
Have fun with your niece! I stay with mine, who is 16, when her parents go away. It’s easy, she just texts all day and has her friends over. But I like getting to spend time with her, she is so social she’s rarely free to just do something with Auntie.
Here’s My Monday
April 14, 2015
Same. I got to spend a bit of time with my niece when she was little. Less so when she hit her teens – which I think is common. I like the in-between times you get with people when you’re staying there or hanging out. A chat over breakfast or while driving somewhere and so forth.
April 14, 2015
Brisbane! Wow! You are far from me. I would love to travel there. I like the way you format your blog. It was fun to read. 🙂 Have a great week!
April 14, 2015
Thanks Ricki!
April 15, 2015
Wow, that IS a lot of books for this week! Best of luck reading them all. I have yet to pick up a Nicholas Sparks book.
April 15, 2015
Yes Myra, 7 hard copies is definitely a rarity!
Deb