It seems that I have been infected by the general malaise sweeping the blogging world. I don't feel the urge to write and I have difficulty even focusing on what to read. If you have been keeping up with this blog, you will know that last week I fessed up to reading four books simultaneously (though the actual number was more like six) and only actually finishing one. I have not even opened The Princess & the Goblin for the Children's Literature Challenge Read-a-long and will miss the event. I have not chosen a translation of Crime & Punishment for the Unputdownables RAL starting next week (an event / book I was looking forward to) and am now undecided about participating. I am tired of being a quitter but that seems to be my lot for the moment. I am clearing the decks of all my current reads and giving myself a Do-Over. No guilt allowed :)
What I'm working on:
One of my favorite reads from 2012 was the 2011 Best American Science & Nature Writing edited by Mary Roach. Amazon ran a Daily Deal on all the 2012 editions of The Best American ____ series last week and I grabbed four of the collections (Best Mysteries, Best Science & Nature Writing, Best Travel Writing, Best Essays). I think I will be dipping into these while I decide which novel to commit to next.
What I finished:
10. Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History (S. C. Gwynne) -- Extremely well written nonfiction about the Indian Wars in western Texas circa 1830-70’s. This book was a Pulitzer Prize Finalist. The author gives an excellent and informative interview on NPR's Fresh Air program available here. The link also contains an excerpt of the book. Recommended.
What I abandoned:
The Terror (Dan Simmons), Shakespeare's Stories (James Garfield), Strange Affair (Peter Robinson)
Quote for the week:
"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.” Marilyn Monroe
Thanks to Sheila at Book Journey for hosting this weekly meme!
Some weeks are like that. I hope this one is a better one. My Monday report is here. Stop by if you get a chance and happy reading!
ReplyDeleteOw I hate reading slumps. I usually solve them by picking up some of my favorite reads. Hope you will find your spirit back soon.. hang in there we will support you :)
ReplyDeleteReading slumps are frustrating, but sometimes the mind simply needs a rests.
ReplyDeleteI read the Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky translation of Crime and Punishment (Vintage Classics). Although I know nothing about Russian translations, I found this version very readable and engaging. Crime and Punishment is an excellent book.
I hope you get over your slump soon. I feel a general malaise these first few weeks too.
ReplyDeleteThe Princess and the Goblin is one that I really want to read! I hope you find a great book to snap you out of your slump soon. :)
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