August 17, 2008
10:00AM
Another Sunday, another week. My days have been very hectic of late with lots of work, a search and rescue call-out on Wednesday, and the Olympics (I was so thrilled last night to see Michael Phelps win his 8th Gold Medal of the games, AND Dara Torres astonishing come-back with two more Silver Medals to make it three for these games). But despite all the excitement and busy days, I still have found time to read.
I finished reading On Chesil Beach, by Ian McEwan (read my review) and found it to be a gem. McEwan writes succinct prose better than anyone out there and this book is a real discussion generator. I’d recommend it for a book club read.
Then I picked up The Reader, by Bernhard Schlink and struggled over four days to finish it (read my review). What a disappointing read. I know quite a few people who liked this book, but it did absolutely nothing for me.
My current read is Sweetsmoke, by David Fuller which I got as an early review book though Library Thing. So far it is pulling me in and the pages are turning quickly (a sure sign of a good book). I’ve been talking to the author and publisher to set up a giveaway for a signed, hardcover edition of this novel which is due to be released on August 27th. Watch my blog around the 20th when I post the details of the giveaway along with a review of the book.
I am happy to report that I remain on target for 100 books read in 2008. Last year I just missed the mark, but I’m determined to hit it this year. Sweetsmoke is book number 65. How about you? Do you have a goal for reading a certain number of books a year? Do you keep a reading journal? I got really organized in 2007 with my reading goals and journal keeping (thanks in large part to this blog) and found my reading increased from 4 books a month, to an average of 8-9.
Hope you are all having a wonderful day of relaxation and reading. See you next week!
= Excellent
= Good/Very Good
= Okay read
= Not recommended
= Ugh! Don't waste your time.
I’m definitely a goal setter! I always aim for 52, but I usually go over 100.
100?! That’s amazing. I don’t know how you do it Wendy!
Deb: I think it helps to have a number in my head!
Laura: LOL – I’m a little (okay a LOT) obsessive.
I’ve been really proud of the Americans this Olympic season so far as well as so many of the athletes from other countries. They all work so hard to get where they are and deserve the kudos they have been receiving.
I do keep a reading journal–two in fact. One is for my hand written notes that goes with me wherever I go–I jot down my thoughts as I read. My more offical reading journal is on the computer and is a compilation of my reviews of each book I read along with some basic statistics. My reading this year has been down, but sometimes it works out that way.
I hope you have a great week, Wendy.
I am way behind my goal of 150 books. I read only one book in August!
Do check out my Sunday Salon posts
SS 1: Review of The Dark Child
SS 2: Musings about books
I don’t have a specific goal, but I’ve read 85 books so far this year. Of course, several of those I listened to on audiobook, and several were juvenile or YA fiction, which reads faster.
Since 65 is my total goal for this year, I’d say you rock!
Sweetsmoke is really great. I hope you enjoy the entire novel.
WendyCat: I’ve been proud too – I cannot believe the amount of commitment and perseverance it takes for these athletes to achieve their goals. I love keeping track of my reading – otherwise I couldn’t remember half the books I read! Hope your week is wonderful too, Wendy!
Guatami: 150?!?!? WOW, I’d be thrilled if I even had a chance to read that much! I will definitely check out your SS post
Carrie: 85 is awesome with 4.5 months to go!
Literate Housewife: Thanks
I am really loving Sweetsmoke so far…great writing. I can see this book being made into a movie.
I got a copy of Sweetsmoke too!! But I have yet to find the time to pick it up. I’m glad to hear it’s good.
Sheeesh. 100 books! I’d love to hit 100 some day. But I find with all the things I have going on in my life, 52 is about my limit. I’m almost back on track for that one now. My first 3 months of the year were rather pitiful as far as reading was concerned!
Stephanie: Just finished Sweetsmoke yesterday – you must read it! It is great
I didn’t used to read so many books until I got addicted to the book blogs, reading groups and challenges (and now ARCs)!