It’s been a bit crazy here in Austin what with the bombings that have happened around town. There was one explosion that wasn’t too far from my neighborhood so it just makes you think about things. Hopefully it is over and those affected can start the healing process. I cannot even imagine what it must have been like for the families of those who lost loved ones and/or were injured.
Anyway, my mind has been on the news, the job hunt, my HR course and whatnot so unfortunately my reading has slowed down quite a bit. So I thought it would be a good time to do a check in on my reading challenges. We are almost at a the first quarter mark so here is where I stand on them:
What’s In A Name 2018 : The six categories are:
The word “the” used twice in the title
A fruit or vegetable in the title: Where The Wild Cherries Grow (review to come)
A shape in the title
A title that begins with “Z”
A nationality in the title: Never Look An American In the Eye by Okey Ndibe
A season in the title
Back to the Classics 2018 Complete 6 of the twelve categories: None yet!
A 19 Century classic
a 20 Century classic
A classic by a woman author
A classic in translation
A children’s classic
A classic crime story, fiction or non-fiction
A classic travel or journey narrative, fiction or non-fiction
A classic with a single word title
A classic with a color in the title
A classic by an author that’s new to you
A classic that scares you
Re-read a favorite
Book Bingo 2018 Of the 25 categories, I’ve read one book. For the category I Bought It for which I read A Study In Death (review to come).
Nonfiction Reading Challenge I’m challenging myself to read 6 nonfiction books this year. So far I’ve read How To Travel Without Seeing, Never Look An American in the Eye and The Bright Hour.
European Reading Challenge My goal is the Deluxe Entourage which means reading at least five books by different European authors. So far I’ve read My Brilliant Friend (Italy), Good Evening, Mrs. Craven (UK), and Faithless (Norway).
Part of my goal is to try not combine books for challenges. I know most challenge hosts give us the go ahead for that but I figure I could at least try. I’m pretty happy with my progress with the exception of the Classics of course. I am reading a Katherine Mansfield book currently so hopefully by the next check in I’ll at least have one book to note.
So any bookish plans for the weekend? I have some coursework reading to do but hopefully I’ll also have a chance to catch up on my own reading. Lots of good stuff there. Have a great weekend you guys!
The news has indeed been disturbing here. I passed by the area of Round Rock where the whole thing ended only a little while before. I was headed to Jack Allen’s to pick up salads for dinner after being at afternoon book group. Sigh. Makes you just want to cry, all of it. My heart goes out to all involved, in whatever way.
So, weekend plans – well, FYI, the Friends of the Cedar Park Library are having their semi-annual book sale starting tomorrow morning. I’m trying to decide if I ‘need’ to go. What do you think I’ll decide? LOL
Truly frightening situation in Austin. Such a crazy, violent world we live in right now.
You have quite a number of challenges going–good luck with all of them!
Those bombings in your neck of the woods were scary! I hope things have calmed down. Have a good weekend…and good luck with all those fun reading challenges. 🙂
I can’t even imagine what you and everyone in Austin have been feeling lately with the bombings. How scary! I am so glad you are safe. Hopefully the guy was working alone and there will not be anymore.
I need to focus more on my challenge reading, I think. I haven’t been giving them any attention as of late.
I hope you have a great weekend, Iliana!
Ugh, I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to keep everything straight while someone was terrorizing your city. I’m glad you and those close to you are safe, and I hope things will feel a little more calm now. Good luck getting back to reading!
That must have been so scary for you, knowing the bombings were close and not knowing if they would get closer. I’m glad it is all over. Hopefully things can calm down and life get back to normal.
It’s a crazy world we live in, so scary.
Hope you are doing well and good luck with the HR course and these reading challenges. 🙂 I’ve been reading Stephen King all weekend and enjoying it.
Such craziness–no wonder you can’t concentrate on your books. I hope everything else has improved for you. There is still lots of time in the year so I am sure you will make progress in the coming months!
Kay – It’s strange times indeed. I have to say when they talked about the explosion at the Goodwill (which ended up being unrelated) that freaked me out more of course because that’s in my part of town. Anyway so sad. So did you go to the sale? I haven’t been to a good library sale in a long time.
jenclair – It’s crazy isn’t it? At times like these I appreciate books even more so I can find another world to escape to.
Lark – I think we are finally calming down around Austin so that is good!
Literary Feline – Well you’ve had your hands full so reading has to take a backseat sometimes right? I feel the same way right now but hopefully my reading can pick up soon. I just feel like my attention is divided in lots of areas right now.
Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness) – I know right? I think Austin is definitely breathing more calmly now but lots of questions still unanswered.
Bookworm – It is isn’t it? I hate that but we just have to keep positive and keep moving forward. Oh a King weekend – sounds creepy & fun! 🙂
Danielle – I hope so too! 🙂
It says a lot that this kind of chaos makes you think about reading and books – and getting your reading life in order! 🙂
Congrats on the progress on the challenges (I try not to overlap on any of the requirements either, but, then, December rolls around and a couple might get slipped in there at the last minute – easier to be optimistic in April though)!