Time again for my weekly reading check in and to share other scintillating news of the past week in my little world.
What I read
As planned I started the week with My Sunshine Away by Milton O’Neil (MO) Walsh… a coming of age story. Of sorts.
Instead of the new arrivals I’d planned on reading I discovered some books I’d had in my reader for a VERY long time were about to expire, so my priorities changed and I read Those Girls by Chevy Stevens.
And I ‘attempted’ to read One Way or Another by Elizabeth Adler which I’m afraid was a DNF (did not finish) for me. Adler’s a prolific writer and got over two dozen books under her belt but the plot was just all over the place and I really felt the writing was quite clumsy. (Something I’m loath to say, cos… well… who the f*ck am I to criticise someone’s writing, but….)
And then I finally got to The Hand That Feeds You by A J Rich.
What I wrote
I published a few reviews on the blog:
- Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter which is possibly my favourite book she’s written
- A Time to Run by JM Peace which I eloquently described as a combo of a police procedural and Survivor Queensland
- Those Girls by Chevy Stevens which is a return to the character development I loved in her debut Still Missing
I also published a review of My Sunshine Away by MO Walsh in Goodreads.
And finally I wrote about the very important issue of bed-making on the blog. In a ‘are you or aren’t you?’ sense. Guess which side I fall?
What I did
I woke Tuesday feeling dizzy and staggering about like a fool. I’d had some numbness in my hand and arm so initially worried I’d had a stroke. Thankfully my mother came to see me after I told her I wasn’t well (proud ol’ me refused to ask her to come or for help) and I ended up going back to her place so she could keep an eye on me for a few days (she lives about 40km away in a nearby town). I’m still not 100% so may need to visit a doctor sometime soon.
I’m also trying to implement a new work-at-home strategy where I allocate blocks of time to certain types of writing (blog-related / stuff that may lead to payment / creative or novel writing). I’ve done none of the latter since I put a draft of my novel aside on 30 November last year. I also read something about our productivity being at its best in 52 minute stretches, followed by a 17 minute break. So I’ve now got this timer site and amazingly it’s working. (Well, I’m yet to work on my novel, but I FINALLY drafted some book reviews to submit to a newspaper liftout!)
And finally… I’m ‘hoping’ I might have some news next week about the job (aka earning money) situation.
What I plan to read
Next on my agenda is Mary Higgins Clark’s The Melody Lingers On. I used to LOVE MHC and found her books pretty consistent.
I’m not sure what will be next but I have the first episode in a new series, by Random House—Lethal in Love by Michelle Somers. I kinda love the idea of receiving books in episodic time frames. It’s like the reverse to what’s happening in TV land via Netflix etc.
I’ll probably also tackle Go Set A Watchman. I haven’t had a chance to reread To Kill a Mockingbird but my mother and I rewatched the movie last week.
I can’t even begin to imagine the pressure Harper Lee is feeling. So many authors struggle to follow up a great debut with another of equal quality and given the success of Lee’s debut, well… she’s under more strain than most.
I remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird at school in the 1980s. SO MUCH about that book shocked me but a lot’s changed since then. African Americans and Indigenous Australians may disagree but I do feel we’ve come quite a long way in race relations and cultural understanding. And as for my confusion (and Lee’s cleverness) re Scout’s gender… well… Caitlyn Jenner’s everywhere and anywhere. So I wonder how her sequel will translate into the 21st century and if we’ll be inured to the things which worked so well in her debut.
That’s it from me…
What have you been up to? What’s on your agenda? Will you be reading Go Set a Watchman?
As usual I’m linking up with Kimberley at Caffeinated Book Reviewer for her Sunday Post and Sheila from Book Journey for ‘It’s Monday…’
July 12, 2015
Oh Deb! I hope you see a Dr. soon! Thanks for sharing the 52 minute stretches/17 minute break tip! So I hope you get to apply it to your novel soon 🙂
July 12, 2015
Not entirely sure the timing of the 52/17min thing works yet D but setting myself a limited time to do stuff does. I’m wont to spend 6hrs a day commenting on blogs and doing stuff with my own blog, rather than allocating time for other writing. This way I keep looking at the clock counting down and realising I need to be targetted in what I do! 🙂
July 12, 2015
I always find so many cool books to read when I visit here. 🙂 Hope you enjoy your reads this week.
Stormi
Week in Review
July 12, 2015
Oh thanks Stormi!!!
July 12, 2015
Hmm Go St a Watchman, not sure yet. May listen to the audio, thought I’d wait to a few people have read it and see what they say. Yonks since I read To Kill a Mockingbird. Lots of lethal reads you have going! All the best for the job front news.
July 12, 2015
My mother was particularly keen to read Go Set A Watchman so we’ve pre-ordered if from the local bookshop to pick up on Tuesday. She’s suggested I read it before passing it onto her. TKAM is a favourite of hers.
July 12, 2015
I’ll definitely be reading Go Set A Watchman. Like you I read TKAM in high school in the 80’s and it ranks amongst my (very short) list of fav classics. I dont think I’ll read it straight away but I will be picking it up to read at some point. And yes, talk about pressure!
I’m interested in your confusion over Scout’s gender, Deb. Could you explain that a bit more? I’m surmising from your blog that this is a common thing, maybe something that there has been debate/controversy about and I’d be interested to know about it. Of course, I could also be reading too much into it 🙂
Thanks.
July 12, 2015
Hmmmm… maybe I’m mis-remembering (I definitely got elements of the movie mixed up with John Grisham’s A Time To Kill!!!). But I think when I started this novel I thought Scout was a boy and it was mind-blowing that she wasn’t. It was also the first book I’d read written from a child’s POV so that seemed strange! Of course it’s been done by others and well since.
July 12, 2015
Oh, okay, cool. Thought I must have missed something 😉
July 12, 2015
I’m fairly sure I was hugely shocked when Scout was a girl…. (I could be mistaken though of course!)
July 12, 2015
I am also looking forward to Harper Lee’s book….I only read TKAM a few years ago, for the first time.
I loved Those Girls….and hope to resume reading My Sunshine Away. I started it, and then set it aside. I hope the next time I pick it up will be better.
Hope you are feeling better….thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
July 12, 2015
Ah yes… My Sunshine Away is pretty slow. I was surprised I stayed with it. It doesn’t improve in that sense but I guess I got invested in it and had to keep going!
July 12, 2015
Good luck with your time strategy- sounds like a good idea. Maybe I’ll try that. I find myself working on the blog and not doing enough other writing, so can relate to that. Time- need more…
Hope it’s nothing serious w/ you feeling under the weather. That’s a frightening thing- take care of yourself! 🙂
July 12, 2015
Thanks Greg.
The time thing is good because the site I’m using (very basic – http://www.magicworkcycle.com/) shows the time counting down in the tab so it makes you conscious of not wasting time. And I’m also surprised sometimes as how much I can get done.
And I’m only allowed to open social media sites etc during my 17mins ‘down-time’. I know you can block that stuff, but I’m okay to hold off and focus for the other 52mins at a time!
Having said that I’ve often spent the 17mins doing emails and other stuff at my desk and should probably step away from it completely.
July 12, 2015
Wow, that’s a lot of reading! Well done. I am just aiming to read one book per month to succeed in my Goodreads Book Challenge, 12 books in 2015!
Di from Max The Unicorn
July 12, 2015
Ah, I’m an obsessive reader Di but far less productive than some book bloggers. I mostly read 1/2 book a night. (I have a no-reading-during-the-daytime rule!)
I have to say though I do worry I appreciate books less as I read more.
July 12, 2015
I hope you get some work on your novel done. As for Harper Lee’s book, I am going to read it but am also worried it can’t live up to the brilliance of TKAM.
July 12, 2015
Yes Daphne…. same. And thanks!
July 12, 2015
That’s really scary Deb, so glad you have your mum on hand to take you home. No matter how old we are, Mum’s always make us feel better. I’m 35 and when I’m sick, I still call for my mum. It never gets old. Let us know how your doctors visit goes. Hopefully he can shed a bit more light on why you’re feeling dizzy and unwell. And make sure you rest up hun, making money, reading, reviews, that can all wait until you’re feeling better 🙁 Poor poppet.
July 12, 2015
Awww… thanks. In my ‘bed making’ post I talked about collapsing and being found days later half-eaten by dachshunds. I couldn’t remember the proper Bridget Jones quote though remembered later it was Alsatians! I think I knew dachshunds were those little sausage dogs but it was either them or corgis!
July 12, 2015
Deb, I don’t like the sound of that numbness! I think you should go to a doctor and get it checked out! I’ve always like MHC books too but don’t think I’ve read one for a few years now, I should check out some of her recent titles. And guilty as charged, I rarely make my bed until it’s time to tumble back in to it!
July 12, 2015
I actually read the MHC and Alafair Burke novel recently as I’m a fan of both, but AB more in recent years.
And yes… am planning on calling the doctor this week.
July 12, 2015
Oh Deb! Hahaha First, thank you for dropping by in my blog! Second, I like your blog’s err banner? Hahaha it’s too cuteeee! <3 Luv ittt!
'My Sunshine Away' looks like a great read, maybe I should try looking that over on Goodreads. 🙂
PS. Oh, are you fine now? I don't like the sound of that numbness, too. Have you tried going to a doctor and have it checked? I'm actually worried. Your mom is amazing, btw! 🙂
Kristelle @ Amiabooklover
July 12, 2015
Yes my mum is very amazing. I’m very fortunate. I think she knows I think that – I’m not very good at saying it!
I didn’t say this in the blog post but when she arrived I was stressed that my place didn’t feel very tidy and so while I spun around in my bed she set about tidying up for me. She said she would have vacuumed if she didn’t think it would wake me! (Very sweet!)
July 12, 2015
I love your new header, Deb, it looks like you!!
I hope you’re feeling better, it must have been scary to wake up having a numb arm and feeling dizzy like that! Good thing your mom could come and take care of you for a while.
Your new books look great, and I hope you’ll enjoy them all.
Sending you healing thoughts, and hope you’ll have a great week ahead.
July 12, 2015
Thanks Lexxie and yes I had the banner designer update my caricature. I actually had him do three versions. I kept my hair darker in all three as I’m not sure I’ll go very blonde again but went for three different lengths. I’ve actually been growing my hair since 2012 (which is when the old banner was done!)!
July 12, 2015
GO to the doctor! If it is some kind of brain bleeding situation time is tissue. And if it is a virus or something maybe an anti-viral….?
July 12, 2015
I promise…. The dizziness is mostly gone however. #yay
July 13, 2015
Hope you are feeling better! Also good luck with the job news! You will probably get to Go Set a Watchman before me so I hope to hear your thoughts – Have a great week!
July 13, 2015
Thanks Grace.
July 13, 2015
:Please go to the doctor. Seriously. I think it is great you will be reading something you already own. I really need to get to books I already own as well. I love the idea of cutting up the day to increase productivity. I can’t because I take long breaks anyways to meet the needs of my household (little kids work me like a slave, lol). I gotta go read your post on bed-making. Happy reading!
July 13, 2015
I have shelves of books I’ve never reviewed as I only started doing it a couple of years ago… though I did start tracking my books in Goodreads before that as I kept accidentally borrowing the same books from the library again and again. I’d read the back cover blurb and think… oh, I’d like that. But I’d get it home and open it and a few pages in I’d realise I’d already read it! *sigh*
July 13, 2015
I like the sound of Pretty Girls and Those .girls (is here a theme here?) so will be adding both to my list. Having worked from home for 8 or so years I think routine is all important. I am very structured but like the idea of the 52 minute rule. I might try it. Have a good Sunday!
July 13, 2015
I know… Girls Girls Girls. I’m sure someone else has a ‘Girls’ themed novel out as well. Mary Kubica perhaps?
July 13, 2015
I’ll add my voice to the chorus: Please go to a doctor. ASAP. And get them to check you out thoroughly.
Interesting about the 52/17 minute thing. I may have to try that. I work from home, too, and my problem is twofold – I have trouble sitting down and getting started, and then once I get going, I don’t take enough breaks, so I get all stiff and my eyes get too tired. A timer to enforce breaks sounds like a good idea.
I don’t know if I’ll read Go Set a Watchman. I actually haven’t read To Kill a Mockingbird (or seen the movie), so I plan to read that first.
Have a good week, and I hope you feel better (and find out what was going on) soon!
July 13, 2015
I’m the same about the lack of breaks and a few times I’ve kept working into my 17min break time cos I’m on a roll. I figure if I adhere to it as much as possible it should help. So far I’ve done 3-4 batches in the morning and then taken a longer lunchtime break (as long as it takes to watch an episode of the Girlmore Girls without ads) before doing 1-2 in the afternoon. Any little bit of focus helps I think!
July 13, 2015
Please go to the doctor!!! Don’t wait if you think it is serious. It’s never good to wait (this is from my doctor hubby!!!) Hope you feel better soon!
I think I’m in the minority when I say that I’ve never read “To Kill a Mockingbird.” I was homebound during the time my class read and discussed it and my teacher took pity on me and gave me a different assignment. I’m thinking I should probably read it at some point.
Have a great week and feel better soon 😀
July 13, 2015
I have to admit I hated being told what to read in school and ditched most of the required reading and just used CliffsNotes! To this day I’ve never read Orwell’s 1984 or Far From the Madding Crowd! I did like TKAM though. I think I mentioned I rewatched the movie recently and was a little underwhelmed. The acting was pretty poor etc.
I’ve read the first chapter of Go Set a Watchman and I wasn’t enthralled.
July 13, 2015
You really must get yourself to a doctor soon. Just to be sure….
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2015/07/weekly-wrapup-lists-of-note-lone-star.html
July 13, 2015
Ha! I have an appointment for later today. (So naturally I’m already worried that I’m mostly better and don’t need the appt as much as other people etc!)
July 13, 2015
I hope you feel better, you should get yourself checked out by a doc!
Has you hair gotten longer in your logo or have I gone crazy??!!
Have a fantastic week (and feel better x)
Heather
July 13, 2015
Good eye Heather – no my hair has grown. In real life AND on my banner. I had the banner done in early 2012 and have actually been growing my hair since and have tried to go back to my natural colour. So… the pic no longer really resembled me. I actually had a few variations done so now I can update it if I get my hair cut off!
July 13, 2015
Glad you’re going to call the Dr. Better safe than sorry. *fingers crossed* about the job and we never “make” our bed. We just pull the covers up. lol Have a great week!
July 13, 2015
Thanks on the job front. There are a couple of things I’m waiting to hear about. I think one is a certainty and it’s a project management contract gig for up to a day a week (but okay paying). We have the first meeting this week so I’m not sure why I keep saying ‘think’ it’ll happen. Am still a glass-half-empty person I guess!
July 13, 2015
Omg Deb! I hope you’re ok! 🙁 Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious. I’m glad you’ve gone to your mums though – just in case.
I have to giggle at Heathers comment about the hair, I noticed that too. Definitely longer hair! Looks good 😀
I hope all is well and you make a fast recovery. I’m hoping you have a very uneventful week in the best possible sense 🙂
Take care,
Amy x
July 13, 2015
Oh cool… yes my hair is longer in the pic. I actually had the banner designer do three (slightly darker) options to cover all eventualities. A short one (as per the current pic), middle length blunt bob, and longer one – that I’m using (which is how my hair looks currently).
July 13, 2015
I do hope you feel better soon. I had a numbness on the right side of my face and I had a feeling I knew what it was but I thought it might have been a stroke so I ran to the doctor. Thankfully (sort of) I only had Bells Palsy in the right side of my face it was rather painful and very uncomfortable but I was thankful It wasn’t a stroke. I hope you will go to the doctor soon.
Feel better and have a great week! happy Reading!!!
July 13, 2015
Yes I spent the first part of last Tuesday morning trying to touch my nose with my fingers and smiling to see if my smile was crooked. It as all okay and that was a relief!
July 13, 2015
If I lived closer I’d slap you lol … the wait and see what happens approach is not the best one with the symptoms you describe. I’m glad you’re feeling better though but it could have been a warning TIA.
Love the timing schedule, I wonder if that’d work for photo editing, same issues with productivity so might be worth trying. Keeping my fingers crossed for you on the job news situation!
July 13, 2015
Yes… even now my clock is saying 23mins of blog reading / writing time left so it keeps me focused. And even more so for the 17mins downtime when I check Facebook and stuff about on social media.
And yes… am off to the doctor this afternoon. Am sure it’s nothing, but still… (Am actually going as I’ve had a constant pain in my lower left abdomen since Thursday. The dizziness is mostly better but the pain doesn’t ease at all.)
July 13, 2015
I hope you feel better soon! I’m on the fence about Go Set a Watchman. I love TKAM So. Freaking. Much. I’m afraid I’ll be disappointed in the new one and some of the shine of TKAM will be rubbed off. Stupid, right? But that’s where I am. I’ll have to sit back and see what bloggers think. Enjoy your week!
July 13, 2015
Oh no I completely understand. I’m hoping people don’t eviscerate Harper Lee if they don’t enjoy it. We’re the ones with the expectations….
I read the first chapter and was disappointed. I’m not sure I would rush out to read it if I didn’t have to read it before giving it to my mother (who is very keen!).
July 13, 2015
It’ll be interesting to see how your new schedule works in the long term – hope you’ve got a system that works for you!!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
July 13, 2015
Yes… not entirely sure, but perhaps I can work out a variation.
July 13, 2015
I was going to tell you to go to the doctor, but it looks like others are already on you about it. 😉 Hope all goes well. I’m sure I’ll read Watchman some time, but I’m not chomping at the bit to do so. Have a great week!
July 13, 2015
Thanks Christy!
July 13, 2015
I hope you are feeling better! And def worth a check up! My Dad had a mild stroke years ago and didn’t realise for weeks. Nice you have your mum close to check on you. I like your 52/17 plan I will have to give it a go! Looking forward to hearing your news 🙂
July 13, 2015
Thanks Jess. I’ve got up to a day of project management work with the company I did some admin and writing for. It pays better than the admin role so I’m looking forward to it – though it’s only a 12wk gig. But better than nothing!
July 14, 2015
I haven’t heard of any of the books you read but Those Girls sounds like it could be right up my alley!! I hope this week is as good as last for you! 😀
Tracy @ Cornerfolds
July 14, 2015
Oh yes, it’s a goodie Tracy!
July 14, 2015
I hope you are feeling better. The numbness must have been very scary.
July 14, 2015
Yes… I used to get numbness on occasions but assume it was from sleeping strangely!
July 14, 2015
Good luck with your new writing schedule! Hope you are feeling better!
Have a great week!
Thanks for stopping by the The Local Muse
July 14, 2015
Thanks Mallory!
July 14, 2015
I am sorry to hear you had a DNF this week, DNF’s always make me sad, but a plot that’s all over the place must have been confusing so I cna understand why you DNF’d it. That dizzyness and numbness sounds scary, if you’re still not feeling well it might be best to go to the doctor just to make sure.
Lethal in Love looks interesting and has a pretty cover. I like the episodic format, but not all writers can pull it off well. I am a big fan of Susan Kaye Quinn her Debt Collector serial. One of the best episodic series I have read so far.
I’ve never read To Kill a Mockingbird and actually have no clue where it’s about, but I heard about the sequel and indeed that author must be under a lot of pressure. I hope you’ll have a great week!
July 14, 2015
I have to say I didn’t enjoy Lethal in Love but that’s more about the type of book it is than the episodic nature. I did wonder in retrospect if a month is too long to wait for the next instalment. I often forget what happens in a TV series from week to week.
July 14, 2015
Oh my gosh! Definitely go see a doctor pronto!
I really enjoyed Those Girls – I am going to have to check out your review for sure. It really was her best in a while – That Night was horrid!
July 14, 2015
Oh yes I was a bit the same with That Night.
PS. Been to the doctor. She thinks dizziness (already mostly better) just an inner ear thing and a constant pain in my low left abdomen (I didn’t mention that in the blog post but it was the ultimate reason I went to the doctor as it hadn’t gone away for 5 days) is diverticulitis. Have got some medication now and go back in two days so I think all will be okay.
July 14, 2015
I enjoyed your bed-making post! I am not a bed-maker, and it seems I’ve taught my children to be non-bed-makers too. If we’re expecting company, then sure. Otherwise… 😉
July 14, 2015
I’m sure they’ll survive to pass the legacy onto their kids! 😉
July 14, 2015
Good luck with the money making project! I’m sinking my teeth into some Lianne Moriarty this week. I’ve become a huge fan and can’t get enough of her!
July 14, 2015
Good to hear!!!
July 15, 2015
OH MY GOSH! I hope you’re feeling better by NOW!!! Was it vertigo?
That’s odd for Adler! Yes, you can certainly criticize!! That’s why we’re the readers 😉
Hang in there and wishing you $ luck!!!
July 15, 2015
I’m not sure I think some inner ear thing – which I think causes vertigo.
It was my first Adler so I should have a look to see if regular readers struggled with that particular book or if perhaps it’s just me not appreciating her style.