I am starting to get so frustrated with myself that I have decided to create an end of year reading plan in the hope that I will stick to it and get some books finished as opposed to starting a new book every ten minutes as my reading mood sways! That way I can start 2010 with a clean slate (or bedside table as the case may be). Books that I am currently reading at the moment and that I would like to finish before the end of the year are:
The Lacuna - Barbara Kingsolver - I have been looking forward to the release of this book for a while now and when I discovered it included the character of Frida Kahlo (one of my favourite artists) I was hoping it would be a book I would love as much as one of Kingsolver's best known books - The Poisonwood Bible. It started a little slowly for me but I am now really getting into it.
Fever Pitch - Nick Hornby - This is the book that my partner and I are reading together as part of our "Bookclub for Two" idea. I have started this one and am really enjoying Hornby's humour and writing style - it's just not a book I am jumping to get back into at this stage for some reason. However, my copy of the book is due back at the library by the 18th December so I would like to have it finished by then.
Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons - I had bought a copy of this books ages ago now after hearing good things about it (can't remember where though??). I picked it up on the weekend when I couldn't decide what I really wanted to read and have now read over 100 pages.
The Book of Tomorrow - Cecelia Ahern - This book so typifies my reading mood at the moment - I really did not like Ahern's last book, Thanks for the Memories, at all and yet I still went out and bought this one when I was in the mood for something light to read. I have to admit that I am thinking it is actually not too bad at the moment - not great but definitely more readable than the last one for me.There are many other books I would like to finish before the end of the year but if I can get through these ones, as well as finishing my reading/watching for The Everything Austen Challenge, I will be happy!
15 comments:
Your current state seems to be the same thing I've experienced for around 15 years.
I've found it very hard to maintain interest in a book long enough to finish it.
It's a problem that I've determined that I WILL overcome, and in the last month I've actually completed about 5 books (some of which I started reading months ago).
I recently bought Barbara Kingsolver's new book but have delayed starting it until I've developed more reading discipline.
One of the books I recently finished is Kingsolver's Animal Vegetable Miracle which was excellent. Without that book I would not have thought of buying her recent novel.
Another book you mention is Fever Pitch. I read that one several years ago and loved it. Perhaps because it brought back so many memories. I moved to Australia as a young teenager but had attended countless football matches with my dad prior to that move. Hornby's books (and the film of the book) really brought back things I'd forgotten about standing on the terraces at a game.
Great selection of books! I have always wanted to read Cold Comfort Farm, so am interested to see what you make of it.
I have also considered The Lacuna. I have only read Poisonwood Bible and thought it was quite good, but very slow. I hope Lacuna continues to pick up and that you enjoy it.
I like the idea of starting 2010 with a clean slate...you've got some great books there!
Ah Cold Comfort Farm is so lovely, with just the right dash of odd. I find reading more than one book ata time leaves me unable to concentrate on what I'm reading. It's also a case of tuning out what you 'should' be doing and concentrating on what you are doing right as you do it.
I've started and stopped what feels like a million books lately- I don't know what it is, besides the biggest reading slump I've ever been in. Not a happy place, that's for sure. Good for you for making a plan, I hope it helps! I'll probably still keep floundering, lol.
I'm in a kind of reading slump just now too (very slow) so perhaps it is the time of year?
I hadn't paid much attention to The Lacuna seeing as I have had The Poisonwood Bible on my shelves unread for so long but it made it onto my radar as soon as I discovered it featured Frida Kahlo.
Cold Comfort Farm is deliciously quirky.
Karen, I'm with you about this time of the year wreaking havoc on reading time! I have been abysmally poor about getting books finished of late, which has been wretched, but I just can't seem to find the time to read!
I totally understand your current reading state - I'm in the same boat. It just seems like this time of year is a tough time to get those books read. I have a few that I need to finish, but it seems as if the only things I can read lately are fashion magazine. Oh dear! Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the Ahern book. I've heard this one is a good one - I hope so, because I also hated Thanks for the Memories. Cheers!
Hi Onesimus - I hope you overcome your reading block.
Hi Jackie - I am continuing to enjoy The Lacuna more and more - it has been a while since I read The Poisonwood Bible but I am thinking this later book is a bit more up tempo than it.
Hi JoAnn - yes, I like a new year, new slate approach!
Hi Jodie - yes, reading in the moment! Not always something I am good at! You are right about CCF - a definite dash of odd!
Hi Stephanie - I hope my plan helps too - like you I hate being in this sort of reading place.
Hi Paperback Reader - it seems as though we are not alone in our reading slump! I hope yours picks up.
Hi Steph - I hear you loud and clear! I love this time of year but I am also so frustrated when I can't read!!
Hi Nadia - I have been going through the magazines at a fast pace too!
Sorry to hear about your reading slump Karen, it can be hard at this time of year (and in the heat!). If I can't commit to a novel I usually find a book of short stories acts as a good palate cleanser.
I love Cold Comfort Farm, I can particularly relate to Flora's desire to tidy things up.
Hi adevotedreader - I'm am loving that character trait in Flora too!
I, too, have been trying to cull some specific books off my bookcase to read for the holiday season. I know Austen would be a priority since I haven't read any of hers this year. Persuasion is what I have chosen. At times reading can be challenging during this season because of the obligation for dinners and parties. I try the best not to derail from my plan. :)
It looks like you're finishing up the year in fine style.
I have a copy of Cold Comfort Farm that I haven't read yet. Thanks for the reminder.
Hi Matt - Persuasion is my favourite Austen - I hope you enjoy it!
Hi Bybee - I had my copy for a while before I picked it up too!
Good luck with your end of year reading plans. That's quite a list!
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