I really don’t have much in the way of introduction today (or content, really). I’ve spent the last couple of days pondering something that maybe you have insight into/experience with: With less than a month left, and certain goals left unfinished–why do I keep going to the Library, and reading things that aren’t going to help me get to those goals? (Sure, I’ve been on the list for some of these books for weeks/months, but…)
You may note the absence of any New Releases this week–as usual, I assume that just means I missed seeing something. Clue me in.
Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
What Is “I Have No Idea,” Ken? I owe my recent “Jeopardy!” appearance — and spectacular flame-out — to books.—If I’m just going to talk about all the benefits and joys of reading here, I’m going to have to talk about the downsides here, too. I enjoyed this former contestant’s appearance—even if she underperformed. This little essay was just as fun.
How to Succeed in Publishing by Really, Really Trying and Getting Lucky—this is primarily advice for writers, but A. Lee Martinez also gives a pretty good perspective on a career from years in the trenches (which is more of my thing to share)
As a Sequel to a Recent Post: One Kay for The Flood Circle—a quick update from Harry Connolly (and hey, if I share an earlier post, I should share the sequel)
Where to start reading grimdark, no matter the genre you prefer—A handy “listicle of listicles” to guide a reader into Grimdark.
Purposely Reading Bad Books—It’s a fun video, but mostly I’m sharing this in solidarity with the thinking behind her recent reads. If I prepped my year-end lists this early, I’d be compelled to pick the same kind of reads myself.
FFA’S Most Anticipated Titles of 2023
As with all good things, Damppebbles’s annual recommendation-fest, #R3COMM3ND3D has come to an end for this year. These last few are just as enticing as those that have come before.
…with #BookBlogger Patricia B.
…with #BookBlogger Sue Bavey
…with #BookBlogger David
…with #BookBlogger Emma—our host closes out the month.
Can Any Book Truly Be Timeless?
Two Sided Coins and Seeing Story Weaknesses As Strengths—Peat’s focus is on the writing side, but thinking along these lines can be a real help when we’re thinking/talking/writing about what we read.
Allyson JOhnson
I find that I often have to take a break between books on my TBR shelf and “free reading” from odds and ends that I pick up off the library’s 25 cent book cart or from one of the Little Free Libraries that dot my neighborhood (9 within walking distance – I’m lucky!).
And then sometimes the “break” books turn out to be quite worth reading, often challenging, sometimes memorable.
And sometimes I pick up an old favorite, one of my “comfort books”, for a day when the sun doesn’t shine on me and I need to curl up in a warm safe place.
I don’t set very many reading goals – finish the book assigned for my book group each month, meet my Goodreads Challenge (completed my 80 books in early November – next year maybe I’ll go for 90). What goals do you set for yourself? And why?
HCNewton
Oh, yeah–I try to do things like that myself, but I tend to overcommit (even if it’s only to meaningless goals). It’s frequently those “break” books that I really end up relishing, too.
I’m cutting down on my challenges, too. Goodreads, the 12 books/12 months thing (doing that again next year, because I had enough fun) and the While You Were Reading challenge–that’s the one I’m most behind on. I also have 2 ARCs to read this month. Then there are some books for a series I’ll be announcing this week.
I shouldn’t have answered this, am feeling more behind now 🙂 (I’ll actually be fine, I know–and get a little reading in beside that, but I do have to shake my head at myself)
Lashaan Balasingam
I think what’s most important, at this point, is that you read what inspires you and what you feel like picking up! Hope December turns out to be a great month for you, sir. 🙂
HCNewton
Oh, absolutely. And I do want to read all things I’m currently daunted by, it’s just time pressure that’s messing with me.
Thanks, Lashaan–hope your December is a good one, too!