Ah, I think what I needed to snap me out of the slow reading lag was to grab something totally different and I did that last night. I ended up dipping into Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. I could have easily finished it in one sitting but I don’t want to just read the story and miss out on the wonderful illustrations. So I only read about half way and tonight I look forward to reading the rest.
I also read my first short story of the year, Wildwood by Junot Diaz from the PEN/O.Henry Short Stories. I believe this story is part of his novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. I must read the book now. I really like this story of a young Dominican-American girl who struggles with being a dutiful daughter.
We just got back from a visit at the bookstore where I got to read a couple of my favorite magazines and added some new books to my radar. I’ll tell you about those soon. We are both pretty tired this week and I think that’s what’s also added to my reading being somewhat off. You see, I started a part-time job this week. It’s been good and I enjoy what I’m doing but oh man, I realize now how hard it is to go back to a “daily grind.” I’m struggling to find a good rhythm for reading, blogging, bookbinding and doing all the other million and one things I love to do. I know I’ll get there but in the meantime I have to remind myself to not force things and all will fall into place.
This weekend I’m spending time with my mom so I probably won’t get a chance to participate in Sunday Salon but I promise to get back to you soon with some book reviews and of course an update on how the reading is going. Have a wonderful weekend all and more book talk soon!
Shaun Tan is so good, and you can spend hours on the illustrations alone!
I ordered my first Shaun Tan book the other day, and I can’t wait to find out what everyone has been raving about! Also, definitely do read Oscar Wao. It’s such a great book.
Well, congrats on the new job but I know it must be hard. If I had to go back to work, blogging would come to a dead halt for me, and the reading would be cut in half at least. It will take some time to adjust, I’m sure.
You have 2 picks that I would like to read! I’m very fond of short stories myself so this one sounds like a good one (and of course, I’ll have to add the novel to the list) LOL Congratulations on the new job–I haven’t worked in a long time and I know it would sure be an adjustment for me. I’m used to my own pace, not someone else’s. 🙂 Enjoy your time with your Mom too…that sounds so nice!
ooo, Tales of Outer Suburbia! Such a great book. I can understand wanting to savor it, it is beautiful.
I know what you mean, its hard to find time for everything. I tend to struggle with chosing to read or to crochet on my free time.
Enjoy your weekend and happy reading.
Have a great weekend! I’m glad you found Tan to get you out of your rut. Tales from Outer Suburbia is a great book.
I’m adding Tales from Outer Suburbia to my list!
I, too, have difficulty finding time for all the things I love and all the things that need to be done. Mostly the things I love doing run in cycles…with one activity claiming most of my time for a while, then another.
I look forward to your review on Tales from Outer Suburbia, Iliana! I’ve read several good reviews on that but just haven’t got around to reading it yet.
Hope you’ve a great week ahead! 🙂
I have an award for you!
Going back to work and starting a new routine is really hard. It throws everything off! I hope you get settled soon. I have a graphic novel sitting by my bed that I really need to read–something different.
Congrats on the job! That’s wonderful.
Let’s give you 4 more hours in the day, so you can do it all.
my reading is still very slow, but i m glad that book really worked for you. Now i need to find something similar 🙂
Sounds like you had a great weekend. Happy reading.
Oh congratulations on the job, it’s hard to work it all out but you’ll hit a routine soon enough I hope.
It is hard finding a routine that works. I always find after the summer when I go back to teaching, I have a real problem settling in. Good luck with your juggling. LOL
Have fun with your mom…I remember times like those with such fondness.
Enjoy!!