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!‘
June 26, 2016
Great 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
June 26, 2016
The 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!)
June 26, 2016
Oh my gosh! My brain hurts! You are very talented Deb! 🙂
June 27, 2016
Hmph! It mostly doesn’t feel like it Sandra.
June 26, 2016
I’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!
June 27, 2016
Thanks 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.
June 26, 2016
I’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! 🙂
June 27, 2016
Oh yes, do try it Nick. It starts and finishes well, though a couple of episodes in the middle seemed to go a bit astray!
June 26, 2016
I 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. 🙂
June 27, 2016
I 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!
June 26, 2016
I’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.
June 27, 2016
I 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*
June 27, 2016
I’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 🙂
June 28, 2016
I 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.
June 26, 2016
Great 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.
June 27, 2016
Ah 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.
June 26, 2016
Had 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…
June 27, 2016
I haven’t really got into Cozies, but guess the likes of Agatha Christie could be considered a cozy! Glad you enjoyed Melbourne!
June 26, 2016
I 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!
June 27, 2016
In 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!
June 26, 2016
I 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 🙁
June 27, 2016
Ah 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.
June 26, 2016
Oooh 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!!!
June 27, 2016
I 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!
June 26, 2016
Sounds 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!
June 27, 2016
I 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!
June 26, 2016
So glad you liked Lily, too!
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-invoicecall-midwifei-am-davidwhere.html
June 27, 2016
I 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.
June 26, 2016
I 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.
June 27, 2016
Thanks Whitney. Much appreciated.
June 27, 2016
I 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 🙂
June 27, 2016
Thankfully 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!
June 27, 2016
I’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!
June 27, 2016
I’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).
June 27, 2016
You 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
June 27, 2016
The drinks were great Laurel – just what I needed.
June 27, 2016
What 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!
June 27, 2016
That 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!)
June 27, 2016
Hope you got in some good reading this week and that you enjoy everything that you read. 🙂 Happy reading!
Stormi
Week in Review
June 27, 2016
Thanks Stormi. I haven’t gotten to read many Sunday Posts yet, but look forward to hearing what you’re up to.
June 27, 2016
Any 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!
June 27, 2016
Ha! 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.
June 27, 2016
I 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.
June 27, 2016
Ah yes… for me it’s often the non-work stuff which renders me impotent on the blogging front!
June 27, 2016
I’ve not managed to watch Mr Robot yet – can’t wait to get into it!
June 27, 2016
The 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.
June 27, 2016
I’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.
June 27, 2016
Mr 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!
June 27, 2016
It 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
June 28, 2016
Thanks 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!
June 27, 2016
Really 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
June 28, 2016
Thanks so much and yes… I think we’re all tired and in need of a holiday! 🙂
June 27, 2016
Mr. 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!
June 28, 2016
Oh yes definitely check it out Grace!
June 27, 2016
OH 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!
June 28, 2016
Thanks Karen.
June 27, 2016
I 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!
June 28, 2016
Oh Erin, Lily and the Octopus is definitely sad, but kinda uplifting at the same time, if that makes sense.
June 27, 2016
Glad 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!
June 28, 2016
Thanks Kimberly!
June 28, 2016
I’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!
June 28, 2016
Yes, my mother is recovering nicely thanks Michelle. She still needs some more work done on her eyes, but this is a start.
June 28, 2016
Life sometimes can seem mundane, but I think that’s perfectly okay!! Nice that your mother is recovering well.
June 28, 2016
Oh, very true Kathryn – mundane can be good.
June 28, 2016
So 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!
June 28, 2016
Suits 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.
June 28, 2016
I’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!
June 28, 2016
Oh 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.
June 28, 2016
Good picks this week. I am a J.D. Robb fan. Happy Reading!
June 28, 2016
I 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.
June 28, 2016
I 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.
June 28, 2016
It 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!
June 29, 2016
Lily 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! 🙂
June 29, 2016
I really loved that book Lindsey. And thanks…
June 29, 2016
Loved 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!
June 29, 2016
Thanks 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.