(earlier this week at work)
Did you ever have a few of those weeks when you start a lot of stuff but never finish much? Blame it on a new year, too much to do, boredom, or a who cares attitude, that is how things have been going for me since I returned to work on January 6th after 16 days off.
I've started a lot of books and they are actually interesting enough, but don't seem to accomplish much. In between pages I find myself making Scrabble moves on my phone, read a few more pages and repeating the pattern. I did finish (2) books, but I haven't felt like sitting down to review them yet either. It seems more fun to sit in front of the boob-tube after work and watch my dh change channels between the liberal and conservative media, all while dh provides his humorous feedback on the Governor Chris Christie (NJ) debacle.
So here is what I've been entertaining myself with:
Finished -
- Five Days at Memorial; Sheri Fink (NF) - audiobook - 4.5/5 = great listening
- The Good Luck of Right Now; Matthew Quick - arc - 4/5 (quirky but fun)
(there are all good but I just keep staring at my stacks and starting more new books)
- One Vacant Chair; Joe Coomer (it's good) hardcover
- First Phone Call from Heaven; Mitch Albom (good) audio
- Bird Skinner; Alice Greenway (not bad) arc
- The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Art of Purring; M. Michie (enjoying this)
- Palisades Park; Alan Brennert (audio) very good
How's your January going?
I'm impressed that you've at least finished two books!
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of any of those - I hope that one grabs you! I've just finished Penelope Fitzgerald's Golden Child, which I loved, so I consider 2014 is well on its way to being a good year of books.
ReplyDeleteI have the first one - The Dalai Lama's Cat and have read a little and found it quite charming.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed The First Phone Call From Heaven. I haven't started a new book yet, but ordered The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly, based on your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though we are in very similar places right now. I think (hope) I'm about to come out of it. Sometimes a little break from the frenzy is just what the doctor ordered :-)
ReplyDeleteBoth my hubby and I had a hard time getting back to our schedules after our work break. And the lack of sun is hard on me, perhaps on you too. Makes us feel kind of blah. But keep plugging along. It'll get better.
ReplyDeleteI have The Good Luck of Right Now in my 'read soon' pile. I'm glad to see it's quirky, I can use some quirky.
ReplyDeleteMy reading is moving along at its usual pace but not much else is going on. I mostly blame below zero temps, snow, ice and a nasty cold virus. On the bright side, there are only 59 more days until spring.
Brrrrrrrrrrr! Heck with work, it's snuggle season!
ReplyDeleteI started One Vacant Chair, but I had a hard time staying focused. Perhaps that's because there's an awful lot of dialog. I've set it aside for a while and maybe will have better luck later on.
ReplyDeletePretty much like yours. I've got 5 1/2 chapters done in Hide My Eyes by Allingham. I tend to catchup on BBC TV while working a jigsaw or playing bejeweled blitz on my iPad rather than picking up the book. Must be more disciplined :) too many books to read this year to goof off!
ReplyDeleteyou are NOT alone! I am procrastinating more going into this New Year than I ever have! I know many others experiencing the same thing. I seriously think the weather has something to do with it. Just go with the flow!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think that's just a standard hazard of January and February. But it never leaves me feeling particularly good. :-( Hope you are either feeling okay with it or that it changes soon.
ReplyDeleteI have moments where I feel very unproductive. Like, this weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love the photo! The Chris Christie debacle definitely provides some entertainment fodder - my favorite take on it so far has been Jon Stewart's. Hope you havea good week!
ReplyDeleteExcept for the political shows, all of my weeks are like that lately.
ReplyDeleteSometimes our brains have a hard time focusing, but I'd rather blame it on the books. If it's a good book, it will capture you, right?
ReplyDeleteI am finding it hard to get back in the groove- we have had some snow days which has not helped trying to get into a routine... then add trying to pack up a kitchen? UGH!
ReplyDeletethat is me all over. i can't finish anything!
ReplyDeleteI was like that all last year... I have so many started books on my shelves it's crazy. I am hoping 2014 will break that, but I find myself excited every time I manage to finish something!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds just like my January so far! I have been knitting most of the time and watching Haven on Netflix. I finished two books, and have started four others, I believe. I think it's just the January syndrome.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo you posted. So beautiful. I'm having a January similar to yours. I find myself reading many books, finishing few and the ones I finish I have difficulty finding the oomph to write a review. I get tired of the same routine again and again. I don't get out too much with this weather either so I think that drives me a little batty, too! lol
ReplyDeleteAs always, enjoying your blog, Diane
I can relate to your "started but not finished"! I am not sure why I do that, even to wonderful books.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo! The Good Luck of Right Now sounds good.
Dear Readers,
ReplyDeleteI feel so much better after reading the many comments. I felt a sigh of relief after reading that many of you are also experiencing the January reading blahs.
Sounds like my life: read a few pages, play a few 100 rounds of Candy Crush Saga, wonder why my book isn't finished. :)
ReplyDeleteDid you take that picture in Narnia? I expect to see Mr. Tumnus coming round the lamp post any minute...
Sounds like you have a case of the January blahs--sometimes puttering around is required for recharging.
ReplyDeleteJane GS and I are on the same wave length - I also think it sounds like you have a good case of the winter blahs!
ReplyDeleteWe've been watching so much TV that I told my husband this morning that my bottom was sore. Time for me to stand up, walk, and start planning this summer's road trip .
I have the same problem. I've picked up and started lots of books but haven't gotten very far. Blah, This winter freeze is killing me!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I sit in the room while my husband does the same tv channel changing thing - although not politically motivated. Gives me plenty of time for reading!
ReplyDeleteI'm freezing. It was -12 today.I cannot go outside, right? So I am reading Voyager by Gabaldon. I finished The Goldfinch. Loved it, sad that it is over. The Orchardist. I did not like the narrative style. The Rosie Project. Almost finished. Good light book but I know that man. I know it is not easy to have to be so structured just to get through the day. Snow shoeing twice by froze my hands. I am also fighting winter blahs...
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