Between my book group books, my challenge books and advance reading copy books I feel like my reading is very structured lately. Don’t get me wrong, I’m reading books I want to read but as soon as I finish one book there are already other books waiting. I feel like I’m not reading at whim as much as I used to and I am sort of missing that right now. Anyone else feeling that way? Especially those of you who are doing a lot of challenges?
So I’m going to take a cue from one of Danielle‘s recent posts where she talks about books she has in the queue and list some of the books that have been on my mind lately. These have nothing to do with challenges, book groups, etc. I don’t know when I’ll get to these but perhaps they’ll cut in front of other must reads. Either way it’s nice to just take a look at some of my shelf sitters and remember that I do want to read these one of these days.
Here are the books I’ve been thinking of recently:
- Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson. I’ve had this book for quite a while and I always hear how good it is. Why haven’t I read it yet?
- The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. Whenever someone asks me for my favorite authors I almost always include Atwood in my list but when was the last time I read one of her books? Yikes. Too long that’s for sure.
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Ditto what I wrote for Atwood. I have loved several of his novels so how come I haven’t opened this one yet?
- Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn. Well, this one hasn’t been sitting on my shelf for too long but it was definitely one I wanted to read as soon as it came out. Now there’s already a sequel.
I’m in the middle of two books right now but maybe I’ll rebel a bit and pull something that’s been languishing on the stacks for a while.
All four of the books you mention are on my TBR pile as well, bought because ‘on a whim’ I thought yes, I’d like to read you. But I’m in exactly the same position as you, although for me it’s to do with book groups and things I need to read for students rather than challenges. I daren’t take any challenges on. If I added the reading for those in as well I would never get through half of it and that would turn reading from a pleasure to a task. A very bad idea!
I do feel that way, which is why I scaled down the number of challenges this year. I also said no to a couple of books I was offered. It’s a part of not taking on more than I can handle this year. Sometimes I want to read something just because. No other reason.
I have Negotiating with the Dead by Atwood on my mind and on my shelf. It’s a book on writing.
I’m having the opposite problem, which is unusual for me (normally over-structured)! I have these stacks of books I’m supposed to be reading for book club, challenge, etc…but instead I’m picking up whim books and reading them first. Maybe you can send me some of your discipline!
Because of my graduate class, I haven’t been reading anything on a whim, so I totally feel what you’re saying. Before getting into the semester, though, I did manage to squeeze in Deanna Raybourn’s Silent in the Grave. And, actually, Silent in the Sanctuary, too. I thoroughly enjoyed them both and now can’t wait for the third to be released.
Oooh – I really enjoyed Never Let Me Go. I’ve been in quite a mood for slow paced English story telling.
NLMG is one of the book club selections for my group this year.
Wouldn’t it be funny if we read it the same time? And we might, since I am the one who has to determine the schedule.
Hehe
My reading is pretty structured right now too. I’m enjoying what I’m reading but I’m also feeling like I just want to break out and read something just for fun. I may just have to do that.
Just think, if you read Miss Pettigrew, you’ll be ready for the film release. March, I think.
Ann Darnton – I know, I’m trying to find the right balance. I mean, the books for challenges are also books that have been on my mind to read so it’s not too bad but well there are just not enough hours in the day 🙂
Chrisbookarama – Ooh I have that Margaret Atwood book too. Somewhere in the piles!
Tiffany – The funny thing is that I’m really not a very disciplined person at all! So this is putting a cramp in my style – ha,ha… Enjoy your reading at whim while you can!
Chelle – I saw your posts on Deanna Raybourn – probably why she’s been back on the top of my TBR list. The books sound fun.
Claire – Glad to hear you liked it. It seems I’ve heard either people loved it or hated it. Hmm, will be interesting I think.
Isabel – Ooh you are the schedule keeper! Lots of power there girlfriend. Ha,ha.. I haven’t started any of these books yet but Miss Pettigrew is the one that I’m leaning more towards right now.
Tanabata – I mean, it’s not bad to have some structure but variety is good too right?
Tara – I know, I can’t believe they are making a movie. I think I’m going with that one 🙂
I really liked Never Let Me Go. I still remember him speaking about this book at the Bath Literary Festival and remember how I asked for his photo for someone I know?! He was such a nice person as well!
I just love the Persephone books and what a cute bookstore that was (although it is in a crazy location in London!!)
I’ve never heard of Miss Pettigrew–I’m going to have to check it out. And now my pile will be growing, and I was trying to be on a book diet 🙂
I didn’t know that Ms Pettigrew was a book. There’s movie coming out with that name and looks interesting. Atwook I gave up on a long while back but Kazuo…hmm… never thought to try his books though. As a total beginner, which one should I start with?
I’ve got the Rayburn book on the pile as well. I’ve tried to make things a little less structured for myself this year as I began to feel too overwhelmed last year with keeping myself on track for challenges. This doesn’t mean I’ve stopped making my lists and whatnot. I just sympathize with you – simplification has eased my mind a bit. I’ve got the one reading challenge and the one book project. All other books are freebies so to speak.
Never Let Me Go I must buy sooooon.
I know what you mean about feeling presured. I was doing all these challenges but stopped soon after. I prefer challenges like the chunkster which ask to read 1-3 books rather then drawn out. Thats what I came to realize anyways… DOnt really do them anymore. The only exception is the MIni Jane Austen and thats because I am devoted to the PBS masterpiece series that on (are you enjoying that?).
At this time, I am reading Memoirs of Cleopatra – something that has been on my TBR list for YEARS now. Its not what I expected but am not writing this with disappointment. I read several plays before which am working on posts on right now. Anyways, that comes highly recommended though 1000 pages is a long term commitment 🙂 (author Margaret George)
Yes, I feel that way and scaled down to a single challenge, this year. In spite of doing so, I’m still getting ARCs and a couple of authors sent me autographed copies of their books. I always feel obligated to shove those to the head of the queue. I do catch myself glancing with longing at the books I’ve already got. They need me.
I’m in the same boat, but so far, I’m not feeling too overwhelmed with my “assignments.” I’m making time between challenge reads to read ARCs I’ve acquired, as well as some new books I received for Christmas (and a few I just had to buy off the bargain table at work). The good news is I’ll never be without something to read should we get snowed in! 🙂
Never heard of Miss Pettigrew, so that’s one I’ll have to keep any eye on. I think you’ll like the Ishiguro — and it’s a pretty quick read.
Saw that you found a deal on Joshua Ferris — good find!
Christine – We were on a definite bookish holiday when we went to Persephone weren’t we? I still can’t believe I never went to visit you during the Hay festival. But one day we’ll have to plan a vacation right?
Gentle Reader – I find that a bookish diet is just as bad as a real diet! ha,ha. I quickly lose the willpower.
Kisane – Oh you are in for a treat with Ishiguro. My favorite book of his so far is Remains of the Day. I highly recommend it. Did you try Alias Grace by Atwood? That one was very good and I thought kind of different from her other novels.
Heather T. – You’ve only got one challenge? You are good. I’m glad to hear you are enjoying your reading at whim 🙂
Nessa – You are back blogging! I haven’t been watching the Jane Event… Just something always comes up. I feel kind of bad though as isn’t that what every bookworm is supposed to do?! 🙂
Nancy, aka Bookfool – That’s right our shelf sitters still need our love! Well, this year I went overboard with challenges so we’ll see how it goes. I’m actually doing well but again my poor other books are being neglected. sigh.
Les in NE – Ah the silver lining! I know, my husband laughs at me for going to the library – he can’t believe I always come back with books as I’ve got tons here to read but what can you do?
LK – I started Miss Pettigrew and am loving it! I’ll post more as I get into it a bit more but I think this will be good.
I can definitely see how easy it would be to let the required reading get in the way of “reading on a whim.” Especially with all the challenges out there!
I picked up a couple of books at the B&N “blue dot” sale table, specifically for the purpose of reading on a whim.
I need to look up Deanna Rayburn – I think I’ve read her, but not sure.
Ravenous Reader – You found the blue dot sales too – yay! I do really want to read the Raybourn book… historical fiction is my weakness 🙂
The Penelopiad was riveting and perhaps my favorite in the Myths series.