I’ve been slightly more productive than in recent weeks but possibly a little more disorganised at the same time. Am fairly sure I can count that as a win!
What I read
My reading week pretty much set the standard for everything that followed. Instead of starting with the books planned, I leap-frogged (not sure what the past tense of that is… leapt-frogged? #whatevs) over two books I’d been struggling with and went straight to something I really wanted to read. And polished The Other Child by Lucy Atkins off in a night.
I continued the week in this frivolous vein—reading only what I really wanted—with Sandra Brown’s Friction and Adrian McKinty’s Gun Street Girl.
And then I finally got to Alice Hoffman’s Marriage of Opposites. I’d put it off as I assumed I’d struggle with it, so was surprised I read it in one (long) sitting!
What I wrote
I reviewed The Other Child by Lucy Atkins as soon as I’d finished it. Her debut novel, The Missing One was one of my faves from 2014 and I was relieved the qualities she’d shown in her first were again evident in her second novel.
I enjoyed Sandra Brown’s Friction though did have a little whinge about one of the sex scenes. Fortunately it was one of only a couple in the book.
And finally I shared my thoughts on Adrian McKinty’s Gun Street Girl, the fourth in his series about Belfast detective Sean Duffy.
Excitingly I was also interviewed by Daniela Ark on her blog. I was very very touched by the lovely things she said about me in her intro. She also asked about stuff other than book blogging, which reminded me of some of my previous adventures!
What I did
I’m not exactly sure what’s kept me busy this week but I did spend this morning at a 4yr old’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle party. As I don’t have my own it’s lovely to share in the unabashed excitement of kids every so often.
What I plan to read
Being published any day now (so needing my immediate attention) is Val McDermid’s Splinter the Silence which is the latest instalment featuring Tony Hill and Carol Jordan.
Sophie Hannah’s A Game for all the Family is also being published this coming week, so on my t0-read list.
I’d love to get stuck into Sue Grafton’s X or the new JD Robb (Devoted in Death, being released in early September), but I’ve also got a heap of other books on my pile… so I’ll have to check some publication dates to work out what’s next.
And that’s my weekly reading check-in for this week….
What’s on your agenda? Been to any kids parties of late?
Linking up with Kimberley for the Sunday Post and Sheila for “It’s Monday!”
August 23, 2015
I loved your interview Debbie! Kids parties??? Been in any? How about never stop being in one! Lol lol I have no life! I live vicariously through my kids 😉
August 23, 2015
Thanks again for the lovely interview Daniela!
August 23, 2015
That is exactly why I started DNFing Debbie. Prior to blogging I never did, I struggled reading with the fear the book would turn around or I would miss something spectacular. Now I give books about 100 pages to hook me and then I am out. It has allowed me to take chances and try new genres and authors. Glad you got some reading and I love when I get so wrapped up in a book that I finish it in a single sitting. Talk about a book high!
August 23, 2015
The Alice Hoffman was one I’d put aside earlier in the week as I just wasn’t in the mood. It just sounded like more than I could cope with at that point in time. The one I ‘tried’ to read was The World Without Us by Mireille Juchau. I think perhaps it was again a mood thing.
August 23, 2015
You know, I was just browsing in the airport bookshop & wondered about The Marriage of Opposites…but picked up something else instead. Loved the interview thingie.
August 23, 2015
Thanks Jo.
August 23, 2015
I do the same… if a book is not working for me it’s gotta go (at least temporarily). Glad you found something you liked.
Great interview, BTW.
August 23, 2015
Thanks Greg. The book I put aside is one I think I could get back to. I didn’t dislike it, I just felt no enthusiasm at the time. I might find myself surprised and love it!
August 23, 2015
Really great when you can go with your gut feel of what you want to read and get stuck in. Also great when a read you thought would be a bit of a challenge turns out to be a one to be read in one long sitting. Wowee. Hope coming week is as good.
August 23, 2015
Oh yes the Alice Hoffman was easily 500 pages + so a longer-than usual read, but one I didn’t want to put down (despite having a 4yr old’s birthday party to attend the next morning!).
August 23, 2015
More productivity is always a win, even when there’s disorganization. lol. I read an Alice Hoffman book YEARS ago, but can’t even remember which one or whether I liked it or not. Glad this one worked for you. Have a great week … more productivity! 😉
August 23, 2015
I hadn’t read her work for years either Christy and wasn’t sure I’d like it, so I surprised myself!
August 23, 2015
This is how old I am… Teenage Ninja Turtles were a popular party theme when, not I, but my oldest son was little. And now they’ve made a comeback and Tim’s 26. Wow! Have a great week Miss Debbish x
August 23, 2015
I remember going as a TMNT to a fancy dress party in the early 1990s when they first came out (and no one knew who I was cos no one had kids!). I was at Uni at the time. I think they were big a few years ago but this little boy has just discovered them (and Dr Who!).
August 23, 2015
I’m all for leap frogging over books that just aren’t doing it for you, life is too short and tbrs are too long! I enjoyed The Other Child as well and now you’ve reminded me that I STILL have to write a review for it! I need to get on that. And I read A Game for All the Family this week, it’s really, really good! Hope you have a great week and enjoy your books.
August 23, 2015
Oh thanks Trish I’m very much looking forward to it!
August 23, 2015
I’m a harsh judge. If I don’t like a book within about the first 50 pages, then I’m out and on to the next. Have a great week 🙂
August 23, 2015
Yes I’m a bit the same Maree though with the book I tried to read I didn’t hate it, I just couldn’t get into it. I thought it had potential so I won’t put it on the DNF pile quite yet. It might be one I give a second chance!
August 23, 2015
It’s been a few years since I haven’t read any Val McDermid novels : I love her stories, I do, but the violence is sometimes… hard to bear. I loved the tv-show with Robson Green, too ! Reading what you want to is not frivolous, it’s just… the natural order of things 🙂 My last kid birthday party was in early june, when my youngest turned 12 – 6 kids running and jumping around the appartment, phew ! But they had fun, so I’m happy. Especially when I think I have many months ahead of me before it happens again ! Have a great weekend, Debbie 🙂
August 23, 2015
Thanks Izabel. I hadn’t read any Val McDermid for a while either (Carol’s retired in this one!!!) but I’m loving it. In fact, I started it earlier tonight and had a lovely dinner all planned but changed my mind and had scrambled eggs so I could get back (in the bath) to keep reading!!! (Am taking short break to do some blog reading before I return to it!)
August 23, 2015
I hate struggling with a book and to DNF it if it’s a book I received for review. However I have learned I have to and that every book isn’t for me.
August 24, 2015
Same Megan. If I’ve requested it I’ll usually advise the publisher that it was something that wasn’t for me but otherwise I’ll just shelve it.
August 23, 2015
I am glad you enjoyed the book you thought you might struggle with, I hate when I get one and then I am not sure about it. I am really interesting in seeing your review of Splinter the Silence as it looks interesting. 🙂
Stormi
Week in Review
August 24, 2015
I read it in a sitting last night and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it – as I’ve not read any in the series for a little while.
August 23, 2015
I ended up at a kid’s party on Tuesday. I was invited to a party with some girlfriends and the neighbors all showed up with their grandkids. It was too boisterous for me!
August 24, 2015
Ah yes, interestingly there was another party in the park next to ‘ours’ and a stack of other kids as well so it was pretty noisy but outside so not too bad!
August 23, 2015
Ya know, I’m with Kimba, too. I never DNF’d before and everyone told me to when I put books aside. I always thought it was a mood thing, too, but I never went back and picked those books back up. So I gave myself the DNF permission and turns out, I really don’t DNF as much as I thought I would. I also kind of do what you do, read multiple books at one time. It helps me with my moods, that’s for sure!!!
When I DNF a book, I just write a short reason why I DNF’d it the publisher in NetGalley or Edelweiss, where ever I got it. I almost always say “it’s me, not you” 😀
Yeah, you probably weren’t looking for unsolicited advice today, huh?? Sorry….
August 24, 2015
Am always happy to have unsolicited advice! 🙂
Thankfully I’ve only DNF’d 1-2 books in NetGalley but I’ve done the same – just written a short note to the publisher explaining why it wasn’t for me. The two books I’d put aside this past week were definitely more about my mood than the books themselves.
August 24, 2015
I was a little too old for TMNT when they first came out and I couldn’t stand them! I live in fear that my 5 year old will discover them and fall in love. Right now I’m distracting him with Super Mario so I’m hoping that will stay. I think it’s smart to take a break from books that you’re struggling with. That’s a reading rut just waiting to happen. I definitely need to get better at that. I would’ve thought the Hoffman would have been a challenging read as well. I’m definitely more interested in giving it a try.
August 24, 2015
I think I sometimes underestimate myself as well Katherine. I saw that it was set in the early 1800s and thought, “Nope… not for me,” as traditionally I don’t like historical fiction but it was really interesting and surprisingly addictive!
August 24, 2015
I actually just requested the first book in the Val McDermid series from the library as this is an author I have been hearing good things about but haven’t checked out yet. I’m looking forward to reading it as soon as it comes in. The Sophie Hannah book sounds really good as well. Looks like you have lots of great reading ahead of you. Enjoy!
August 24, 2015
I read all of the early novels in the series Samantha but hadn’t read any for a few years. I also enjoyed the TV show (Wire in the Blood) based on the books. I think this was #9.
August 24, 2015
Thanks for visiting my blog 🙂
I haven’t heard of any of the books you’ve mentioned! I’ll definitely check them out. I’m very much an Urban Fantasy girl, but lately I’ve been reading a lot of other genres too and finding some more favourites.
August 24, 2015
I’m a bit the same Natalie – I stick to my favourite genres. I don’t tend to read fantasy novels but am trying to stretch my reading a bit further as I’m often surprised to find something I enjoy!
August 24, 2015
So glad to hear you had a smooth read with Alice Hoffman’s book…I also have the same worry as I approach her books, as some are “smoother” than others.
I am eager to get my hands on the new Sophie Hannah book!
Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
August 24, 2015
True Laurel and – though not huge – they’re hefty enough that you know it won’t be a quick read. As for the Sophie Hannah, it’s next on my list!
August 24, 2015
I haven’t been to many kids parties lately but I have a spate of them coming up! I bet the Bday Boy loved his hard to go wrong with Ninja Turtles! Most of the parties I have been to have a strong princess theme so I enjoy the more boyish ones for a change! I like your read what you feel like approach!
August 24, 2015
Oh yes the birthday boy was happy… his grandparents gave him a TMNT costume so that went on straight away (probably over his TMNT shirt and TMNT undies!)
And they seem to happen like that, don’t they? In spates!
August 24, 2015
I love being so pulled into a book that I read it in one sitting. It really makes the reading experience great! I have been in an odd reading mood lately, the book I’m currently reading doesn’t seem to be doing it for me, so I might have to just put it aside. Have a great week!
Thanks for stopping by the The Local Muse
August 24, 2015
Ah yes Mallory, life’s too short to read books you don’t enjoy. It was a good reminder for me that mood sometimes affects how much I can enjoy something I’m reading (or doing in general!) as several days later I picked up one of the books I’d been ignoring and loved it!
August 24, 2015
I loved your interview with Danielle, it was a fantastic read!
I hate to say that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are big in my house too, I wish they would go back to the 80’s again!
August 24, 2015
Thanks re the interview – I enjoyed it.
I actually haven’t seen them on TV (etc) for a decade or two. I was at Uni when they were first around so a bit too old to enjoy them then but they were pretty hard to miss at the time I recall!
August 24, 2015
I haven’t been to a kids party in three years – since my grandniece turned one. Can’t say that I miss them. Apart from the food of course – who doesn’t love the occasional slice of fairy bread?!
August 24, 2015
Ah yes Char, the fairy bread (and chocolate crackles) were in plentiful supply!
August 24, 2015
No, but my library assistant shocked me by telling me about her four-year-old niece’s recent birthday party….two hundred guests! A complete meal! Dancing! Gracious alive!
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2015/08/weekly-wrapup.html
August 24, 2015
Good God! That is pretty OTT Deb! This was more like a handful of children and their parents and a few ring-ins (like me!).
August 24, 2015
You read some really good books this week. The Marriage Of Opposites and The Other Child sound really interesting and these are different from what I normally read. I’ve added these to my TBR. I hope you had fun at the party and have a great week!
August 24, 2015
Thanks so much and I hope you enjoy both of those books!
August 24, 2015
Sophie Hannah’s latest novel does sound great – have a great week!
PS: I know people who have parties for their ‘pet children’ — equally hectic 🙂
August 24, 2015
Oh! I don’t have pets or kids so guess I get off lightly!!! 🙂
August 24, 2015
It’s great when books you weren’t sure about, end up being great reads.
August 24, 2015
Very true Signourney!
August 24, 2015
I’m hesitant about reading the Marriage of Opposites too, as I found Hoffman to be more miss than hit with me.
August 24, 2015
I hadn’t read any of her books for a while but I actually found this quite interesting. (Unusual for me!)
August 24, 2015
The Ninja Turtle party sounds like fun, Deb! And I’m glad you had a productive week even if you were slightly less organized than you’d have liked.
I hope this week will be amazing, and filled with great reads 🙂
August 24, 2015
Thanks Lexxie. Me too!
August 25, 2015
Sometimes it’s nice to take time to read the books you really want to. I also did that this week and started a book on my ipad that I was in the mood for as opposed to what I felt I had to read. Sounds like you had a productive week! The cover for Splinter the Silence is very pretty! I hope you have a great week!
August 25, 2015
Lola I actually got an printed ARC for Splinter the Silence and the final book, so read the ARC and I’m going to do a local giveaway for the book!
August 25, 2015
I leap-frogged a few books last week, too. I was so good at sticking to my August TBR, but then I ruined it last week because I didn’t feel like reading the next two books on the list.
August 25, 2015
Ahhh… good to hear it’s not just me! (I say selfishly!) 😉
August 25, 2015
I love Alice Hoffman! I am glad to hear her book was so readable. I will have to pick it up!
I haven’t been to any kids parties lately, but I feel they will be heavy in my future, with 9 babies being born to friends and family in the past 9 months – my own included. Lol.
August 25, 2015
Ah yes, sounds like a LOT of kids parties coming up. At least when they’re very young a parent (or grandparent etc) will hang around and help oversee them though!
August 25, 2015
It is fun to just read whatever you want. I used to do that a whole lot more than I do now and I’ve actually been trying to get back to doing it more often. I need to get ahead to be able to do that though. Thanks for stopping by!
August 25, 2015
You’re welcome Tressa and I realised I need to do that too!
August 25, 2015
I have totally put off books because I thought I would struggle or not really enjoy them and then they turn out to be some of my favorites. Hope you have a wonderful week!
August 25, 2015
Thanks Grace.
August 25, 2015
I don’t have any kids of my own either. I have much younger cousins who’ve stood in for a long time but they’re teenagers now. I miss their cute birthday parties!
Alice Hoffman is an author that I feel like I should like but I’m never actually very thrilled when I read her books. I borrowed one from my aunt years ago and it’s still sitting in my tiny little borrowed stack, patiently waiting for the turn that is apparently never going to come around. Enjoy your week!
August 25, 2015
I was a bit the same Jen. I attended most of my niece’s parties as she grew up and the occasional friend’s child but it’s nice to be back in that fold. (At least as a spectator!)
August 25, 2015
I’m a big leap frogger. If a book doesn’t hook me by quarter of the way through, I ditch it. Even review copies. Life is too short to spend reading the wrong books and THEN having to review them.
I love other peoples kids! It’s just so lovely to be able to act like a silly knob for a few hours, then hand them back 😀
I have an Alice Hoffman on my shelves, her YA / MG title that I can’t for the life of me remember what it’s called. I really should get to it soon. Her writing just seems like such a hit or miss with so many readers. Thanks for sharing Deb and have a fabulous week my dear <3
August 25, 2015
Thanks Kelly. I’m better at DNFing books than I used to be though don’t do it often.
And yes… I’ve always loved kids. I wanted my own but it wasn’t to be! (But it is nice to be able to give them back so perhaps it was a good thing it didn’t happen for me!)