Weekly check-in
I’ve been AWOL again this past week, but I’m hoping this next week sees some changes. I apologise I didn’t get around to as many blogs as usual and you’ll notice my reading and blogging has – again – suffered.
What I read
I started the week with The Sudden Appearance of Hope by Claire North. It actually took me a few nights though it’s not that THAT lengthy.
And then I tackled Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley. I’d heard great things about it and it certainly delivered. I’ve started that review and will probably post it Monday.
And finally… I read Arlene Hunt’s Last to Die.
What I wrote
I took me until Thursday to write something, and that was a review of The Sudden Appearance of Hope.
And just yesterday I shared my review of Last to Die.
I also posted over at the Aussie blog, Styling You and as usual I’d love it if you could pop over and show the post some love. I shared my fave reads EVER in a winter-themed post and will return there later this year for an (Oz) summer reading wrap up.
What I did
I had some more travel which always leaves me tired, and my mother had eye surgery so I was also on mother-watching duty. She stayed with me before and after the surgery and now I’m at her place for a few days. She’s fine but can’t drive for 4-5 days so I’m just helping out. As planned I took the opportunity to binge-watch some TV on DVD and got through all 10 episodes of Mr Robot s1 – which is enjoyable and just a bit of a mindf*ck!
Thankfully I’m pretty much (big) commitment free for a couple of weeks AND I don’t have any work travel scheduled so I’m hoping to get stuck into my reading and reviews AND write some non-bookish posts.
What I plan to do
I’ve actually only had one new arrival in the past fortnight, so I think I’m slowly working my way through my to-be-read pile.
I’ve got a few unread books which have been released this month so will try to continue to plough through chronologically, although sometimes one really does need to go with what one’s in the mood for!
And that’s is for me this week. Rather boring I realise, but… I’m having drinkies back at my place with girlfriends again today so am hoping that kicks off a more exciting week!
What’s on your agenda for the next week?
As usual I’m linking up with Kimberly for the Sunday Post, Leanne for Lovin’ Life Linky and Kathryn for ‘It’s Monday!‘
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Sandra Kelly
June 26, 2016Great review over at Styling You Deb! I admire your ability to review in under 800 words!!! Anyone asks me about a book and I babble and babble – it’s painful hee hee! Hope you Mum is improving. Xx
Debbish
June 26, 2016The hardest ones I have to do Sandra are those I do for the paper. I have either 300(ish) or 150ish words (primary or secondary review).
Yesterday I had to finish a primary review which also included a bit of an interview with the author and it meant I had to leave SO much out. (And I only got it to 380 so they may need to cull more!)
Sandra Kelly
June 26, 2016Oh my gosh! My brain hurts! You are very talented Deb! 🙂
Debbish
June 27, 2016Hmph! It mostly doesn’t feel like it Sandra.
Leona
June 26, 2016I’m glad you were able to catch up on a season of a show you wanted to watch, I’m currently doing that with Banshee (loving it BTW). To me it doesn’t seem like you’ve been AWOL, maybe because you keep us up to date with what’s going on with you here in this weekly post. I hope your week is freaking fantastic and happy reading!
Debbish
June 27, 2016Thanks Leona. I haven’t been completely AWOL I guess, I try to still put something on Facebook and Instagram when I’m busy, but just had less time for writing. Hopefully that will improve this week.
Nick
June 26, 2016I’m happy to hear that your mother is doing fine. I’ve wanted to try Mr. Robot for so long too, mostly because of the main guy and all the hype I hear about it. It sounds wonderful too, so I might have to make it my next show. I’m glad your upcoming weeks are going to be a little calmer. I hope you get some rest.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy reading! 🙂
Debbish
June 27, 2016Oh yes, do try it Nick. It starts and finishes well, though a couple of episodes in the middle seemed to go a bit astray!
Greg
June 26, 2016I didn’t hardly read this week, for some reason. It was nice out and there were lots of distractions… maybe this week will be better. Maybe. lol I’ve never seen Mr. Robot but someone was telling me it was good. I should check it out.
Hoping your mom’s eye heals quickly, and enjoy your week ahead. 🙂
Debbish
June 27, 2016I really enjoyed Mr Robot Greg but there were a couple of odd loose ends for me… a couple of side-stories which distracted us from the main plot.
And thanks re mum’s eye surgery. She’s yet to have her cataracts done but needed to get this membrane thing done first. Ultimately her vision will be greatly improved though!
Kooky Chic
June 26, 2016I’m plodding through We Have To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. I’m not sure if you have reviewed this yet but for me it is a real struggle. It screams at me from the pile beside my bed to be read but I think I’m going to have to put it back on the shelf. Yesterday I spent the afternoon bawling as I came to the end of The Big C, currently on Stan. Wish I hadn’t rushed it as I miss Cathy dreadfully. Enjoy your drinkies and all the best for your Mum.
Debbish
June 27, 2016I read it before I started reviewing so haven’t written about it. I found it a bit frustrating… I recall at the time thinking that some people just shouldn’t be parents. But the end… Very very sad.
I watched The Big C – well, I think I skipped the second last season as it got a bit weird… something about Hawaii and a dream sequence or something… but I tuned in again for the last season. *sob*
Kooky Chic
June 27, 2016I’m still devastated about the Big C. Not sure what the dream sequence was about but still loved it. Will have another go at the book or I will skip to the last chapter 🙂
Debbish
June 28, 2016I thought there was something about Cathy going to Hawaii and imagining (or not) some man… but I’d stopped watching it by then so only caught snippets!
PS. I think it’s the second last chapter or so. Kevin’s in prison at the end but it’s the aftermath of his spree (a scene involving his mother returning home) that’s kinda devastating.
Annemieke
June 26, 2016Great that you are commitment free for the next bit. Though your mom is fine, when family members have to have surgery and your care afterwards it is always a bit of an emotional drain (even if we are more than happy to be there for them). Hope you have a great week.
Debbish
June 27, 2016Ah yes, very true. I don’t feel like I’m naturally a very caring person – or I’m certainly not very domestically-oriented in nature, so I’ll be lolling on my bed when it’s time to get the washing in or something. (I live in an apartment so use a dryer and small clothes-rack rather than an outdoor clothesline like my mum!) I do try to be helpful but am not always sure I succeed.
Jo
June 26, 2016Had a fab weekend in Melbourne & reading another cozy Cotswolds mystery by Rebecca Tope- I can never remember the names, but I think this one is no.8. Have a great week, Deb…
Debbish
June 27, 2016I haven’t really got into Cozies, but guess the likes of Agatha Christie could be considered a cozy! Glad you enjoyed Melbourne!
Trish @ Between My Lines
June 26, 2016I badly need some extra time to do just this “I’m hoping to get stuck into my reading and reviews AND write some non-bookish posts.” Enjoy!
Debbish
June 27, 2016In a recent post I mentioned it was more a ‘headspace’ issue than time issue Trish as if I’ve got a lot of other commitments and am ‘in and out’ etc I find it hard to settle down and do any writing. Hope this week is better and it SHOULD be!
seizetheday20
June 26, 2016I envy you getting to read so many great books Deb. I struggle to find the time to get through a book a month or so. As much as I love reading, there always seems to be something that pulls me away from the books 🙁
Debbish
June 27, 2016Ah yes… I live alone so it helps me pass the early hours of the evening which I find the hardest. I have some bizarre rule about not reading during the day unless I’m on holidays (which I don’t really have any more now that I’m not working full-time) so I only read in the evening.
Jess
June 26, 2016Oooh love the big commitment free week! This week I have lots of commitments (and last week too) so I am looking forward to next week when it is school holidays and I have no commitments!!!
Debbish
June 27, 2016I think school’s out in Queensland this week Jess – though with winter my apartment complex won’t be quite as noisy and busy. It’s a 3-day work week but my other two days are free so I can get to 2 water aerobic classes and (hopefully) allocate much of the other days for writing and blogging!
kimberlyfaye
June 26, 2016Sounds like you had a pretty busy week! It can be tough to balance real life things and bloggy things when that’s the case. I hope you have a great week ahead!
Debbish
June 27, 2016I think I’m getting a little more laid-back about being away from the blog Kim. With other stuff on my plate (and on my mind) I just haven’t been here as much, but I think I need to get better at compartmentalising things!
readerbuzz
June 26, 2016So glad you liked Lily, too!
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-invoicecall-midwifei-am-davidwhere.html
Debbish
June 27, 2016I did. I’ve started the review, but need to finish it off today sometime Deb. I’ve got a stack of pages marked for quotes which I need to sift through.
Whitney
June 26, 2016I enjoyed reading your review of Last to Die. It sounds very intense and is a book I will have to keep in mind. Also, your post at Styling You was fun to read and agree on your thoughts on Room.
Debbish
June 27, 2016Thanks Whitney. Much appreciated.
Rita @ View From My Books
June 27, 2016I left a comment on Styling You, and for your book reviews. I’m not sure about reading either book you read this week, not because they don’t sound like good reads, but because the writing style might not be a good fit for me as I explained there. But sounds like you enjoyed them, so glad for that.
Good luck with the writing jobs and your traveling job. Your busy schedule is keeping you on your toes 🙂
Debbish
June 27, 2016Thankfully I’ve got no work travel for a little while Rita…. but in a couple of months I’ll be visiting all of the 11 districts again. I think I just need to be more organised!
Myrthe
June 27, 2016I’ve not been on much this week neither. Only yesterday and today I had time to reply to comments on my blog that were from last week’s Sunday Post. I’ll have to google Mr. Robot and see what that’s all about. I can always use new tv show suggestions.
Happy reading!
Debbish
June 27, 2016I’d heard of it when it started (I seem to follow EW and the likes on Facebook and check out the IMDb app a bit) but when it won the Golden Globe etc I was surprised and decided I needed to check it out when I could. I really didn’t know too much about it. I think s2 starts in July (though not here).
laurelrainsnow
June 27, 2016You actually got a lot accomplished, considering how many other things you had going on. Lucky mum, to have such a thoughtful daughter.
Enjoy the new week, and the drinkies with the girls. Sounds like fun!
Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Debbish
June 27, 2016The drinks were great Laurel – just what I needed.
charliegirlteachergirl
June 27, 2016What a busy week! I wish I could say the same because my reading has suffered terribly. I have been more interested in binge watching Netflix, sadly. I hope you enjoy your time with the girlfriends!
Debbish
June 27, 2016That was me with Mr Robot on Saturday! I told myself I’d finish a book review, but late Saturday afternoon I planted myself in front of my mother’s TV and watched until after 1am and got up the next day to watch the remaining episodes. (Having said that – it was a 3day rental but I was returning to my nearby hometown on Sunday so only had a night to watch all 10 episodes!)
Stormi D Johnson
June 27, 2016Hope you got in some good reading this week and that you enjoy everything that you read. 🙂 Happy reading!
Stormi
Week in Review
Debbish
June 27, 2016Thanks Stormi. I haven’t gotten to read many Sunday Posts yet, but look forward to hearing what you’re up to.
Heather Duff (@hross42)
June 27, 2016Any cover with a dachshund on the front is worth a look!! I hope your mum is getting better and also that you are still enjoying the gym!
Debbish
June 27, 2016Ha! I’ve started my review Heather and keep tripping up on the bloody spelling of the word dachshund – I’m incapable of spelling it and never spell it the same way twice!
And… I’ve been to water aerobics today, which was great.
Vanessa
June 27, 2016I am still in a “need to do nothing” phase so that’s my plan for the next week. Well, work of course, but nothing outside of that.
Debbish
June 27, 2016Ah yes… for me it’s often the non-work stuff which renders me impotent on the blogging front!
mintedrogue
June 27, 2016I’ve not managed to watch Mr Robot yet – can’t wait to get into it!
Debbish
June 27, 2016The video shop in my mother’s town is closing in a few weeks so I was shocked it had any new arrivals at all. I’d only been there a week or two ago so when I saw Mr Robot I knew I had to grab it.
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight
June 27, 2016I’m glad your mother’s surgery went well, and that’s nice of you to help 🙂 I’ve seen commercials for Mr. Robot I think, and it does look really strange. I couldn’t figure out what it’s actually about lol.
Yay for getting through the review copy pile! But I agree, sometimes you just gotta read something you’re in the mood for.
Debbish
June 27, 2016Mr Robot is kinda anti-corporation… a lot of people describe it in forums as a cross between a number of different shows (Dexter, Fight Club, Matrix etc). It’s about technology and big business but teases us as it’s sometimes hard to work out what’s real and what isn’t!
Emma
June 27, 2016It seems to be a bit of a trend in weekly round ups that people haven’t read/posted much this last week, though for different reasons. There must be something in the air. Hope your mum is better and enjoy drinks. Emma
Debbish
June 28, 2016Thanks Emma and you’re right. I’ve read quite a few Sunday Posts in which bloggers have not read and written as much as usual. A mid-year slump perhaps!
Sydney Shop Girl
June 27, 2016Really enjoyed your review on Styling You, Deborah. Like Emma said, it seems like busyness is in the air for some reason.
Take care and looking forward to catching up with you a bit more in coming weeks.
SSG xxx
Debbish
June 28, 2016Thanks so much and yes… I think we’re all tired and in need of a holiday! 🙂
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
June 27, 2016Mr. Robot is one of the shows I was thinking of binging this summer.. Sound like maybe I should! Glad your mom is ok. Have a great week!
Debbish
June 28, 2016Oh yes definitely check it out Grace!
Karen B (@KissinBlueKaren)
June 27, 2016OH I hope you enjoy your schedule free time. I think we could all use a few days without a heavy agenda (or at least I could). I am glad everything went good for your mom, she is lucky you are willing to be a chauffeur, lol. I hope you enjoy your week!
Debbish
June 28, 2016Thanks Karen.
Erin @ Quixotic Magpie
June 27, 2016I hope your mom is feeling better! I am intrigued by Lily and the Octopus, but the “aging dog” part scares me. I am not good with sad!
My husband loves Mr. Robot!
Debbish
June 28, 2016Oh Erin, Lily and the Octopus is definitely sad, but kinda uplifting at the same time, if that makes sense.
kimbacaffeinate
June 27, 2016Glad your mother is doing well. I am curious about your recent reads and look forward to the review. You’ve been so busy, I am glad to hear the next fortnight looks less hectic! Have a wonderful week Debbie!
Debbish
June 28, 2016Thanks Kimberly!
Michelle @ In Libris Veritas
June 28, 2016I’m glad to hear that your mother is doing well, and it’s always nice to have some downtime. I’ve been binge watching a few things this past week as well, which I rarely do, but it’s super nice. Here’s hoping you get a some more downtime this week and that it’s a good one!
Debbish
June 28, 2016Yes, my mother is recovering nicely thanks Michelle. She still needs some more work done on her eyes, but this is a start.
Kathryn
June 28, 2016Life sometimes can seem mundane, but I think that’s perfectly okay!! Nice that your mother is recovering well.
Debbish
June 28, 2016Oh, very true Kathryn – mundane can be good.
The Lovely Pages Reviews
June 28, 2016So glad you mother is doing well! Mr Robot has been on my to watch list for months, so far I’ve only managed to binge Suits and it’s pretty great but I’ve seen great reviews of Mr Robot, hopefully will manage to squeeze it in! Have a great week!
Debbish
June 28, 2016Suits disappeared from our free-to-air television station just before last season (before Lewis found out about Mike). So I’m a season or two behind now! I used to enjoy the show a lot though.
adventureswithabooknerd
June 28, 2016I’m glad that your mom is doing well! Eye surgery is hard because it is a big part of how we get around. I have never heard of Mr. Robot before, so I’ll have to look it up. Hope that you have a good reading week!
Debbish
June 28, 2016Oh yes, very true re eye surgery. My mother has a lot of commitments (does a lot of volunteer stuff and other activities) so is usually in and out in her car most of the day. Not being able to drive for a while has been a struggle for her.
Hfineisen
June 28, 2016Good picks this week. I am a J.D. Robb fan. Happy Reading!
Debbish
June 28, 2016I think there’s a new JD Robb coming out soon. I recall putting in my request for a review copy so looking forward to it.
Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
June 28, 2016I think my Mum had a similar operation. I’m guessing it’s the same anyway. What a devoted daughter you are. No wonder your Mum loves you so much. The last book I read was Boy Overboard which was a kid’s book but very eye-opening. Have a nice week, Deb.
Debbish
June 28, 2016It probably is Michelle. Next on her agenda are her cataracts and that should help her vision a lot. I know many of her friends have had theirs done and it’s helped!
Lindsey
June 29, 2016Lily and the Octopus looks fun. I’m going to go check out your review next.
I hope you get back into your reading groove this week, Debbie! 🙂
Debbish
June 29, 2016I really loved that book Lindsey. And thanks…
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
June 29, 2016Loved your Styling You review.
How was drinkies?
I’m a bit slow on blog reading at the moment too. Back to Australia and reality now though, so hopefully I’ll get back into the swing of things.
Thanks for linking with the Lovin’ Life Linky!
Debbish
June 29, 2016Thanks Leanne and drinks were great. It was just what I needed. I’m away from my long term besties here and a bit more isolated work-wise. Although I’m in an office part-time I don’t actually sit with my team (who are in another town) so, while I have colleagues around me we’re all ‘in and out’ a lot.