Book Reviews

‘The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.’ Alan Bennett

“Many a book is like a key to unknown chambers within the castle of one’s own self.” ― Franz Kafka

Monday, 3 February 2014

An update on the blog...

Update on my update...I am getting back into my reading slowly at the moment and trying to get through my backlog of books. 

 I am struggling with blogging at the moment. I don't really want to stop after all the time, energy and work I have put into making something of this blog, but I am having to cut back a lot on it because there are other things in my life that I really need to concentrate on and try to sort out, health matters and other issues, and I find blogging takes so much time, because I like to feature interesting posts and well-thought out reviews, and present things well, I don't just want to feature something for the sake of posting. For example, writing a review can take me many hours of thought and correction before I'm happy with it and even then I'm usually still not totally happy. 

 I thought I should write and post an update because I hate to think of just leaving the blog sitting here with no new posts and no reasoning as to why. I am still reading, although my reading seems to be going very slowly at the moment. I've made a start on getting my to be read pile down a little, and trying to rediscover that feeling of reading for enjoyment rather than duty. 

 I wish I could read faster, and read *all* the books, but I realise I can't. I hope to be back with some new posts soon, or at least every now and then. I'll be reading as much as I can, and am looking forward to catching up with everyone else's blog posts when I can too, in the meantime. 
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20 comments:

  1. Karen Jones Gowen3 February 2014 at 18:50

    It never hurts to take a break. And sometimes a long one. You have one of the best book review blogs out there. I hope you keep at it, even if you need to cut way back on your posting in order to do so.

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  2. Karen3 February 2014 at 20:19

    I hope you find some time for yourself Lindsay. Your blog is really great and I love reading it and I know how much hard work you put into it - but don't worry about it. Both your blog and your readers will still be here for when you feel like returning. Blogging should be an enjoyable hobby but its getting in the way of other things then it's time to take a step back and enjoy life again. xx

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  3. LindyLouMac3 February 2014 at 22:05

    Lindsay, your blog should be a pleasure not a chore. I can empathise with how you are feeling, take a break for as long as you need and post again when it feels right to do so. Your followers will still be here. Take Care

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  4. JoAnn4 February 2014 at 00:55

    Take care, Lindsay. We'll be here when ever you decide to post.

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  5. Unknown4 February 2014 at 08:37

    Hope you can find a balance that works for you. Look after yourself :)

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  6. Lovely Treez4 February 2014 at 10:24

    Quality is much more important than quantity, Lindsay and it is evident how much time and thought you give to your reviews. I don't know how others read and review so fast but I can just go at my usual snail pace and not compare myself with others. Be kind to yourself. Txx

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  7. Brian Joseph4 February 2014 at 15:36

    I completely relate to your dilemma. Blogging takes so much time and energy. I think about all of the reading and other things that I can be getting done instead.

    I also agree with Treez's comment about quality over quantity. There is no rush to get blogs up.

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  8. Unknown4 February 2014 at 18:07

    Sometimes I wish I could inhale books instead of reading them with my eyes. There are so many to gobble up and sometimes I'm too overwhelmed to know where to start!

    But then I remind myself that, at the end of the day, even one really amazing story can be enough to last me a lifetime. I say, take your time and enjoy the ride.

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  9. B Reading4 February 2014 at 23:03

    Early last year I suffered burn out from reviewing too many books and it became a chore. I stepped back and posted the odd review if and when I felt like it. I found after the summer and many mini breaks my blogging va va voom returned. I have taken on some reviews but I have been quite selective. I am having to stop taking on requests because of new commitments starting soon and will review and read what I fancy when I can. Don't feel guilty. You come first, so take a backs eat and return when you are ready. Wishing you all the best and we'll catch up with your blog later on.

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  10. skiourophile5 February 2014 at 01:13

    Enjoying your blog is your priority - we'll still be here! I always enjoy my visits.

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  11. So many books, so little time5 February 2014 at 23:35

    Lins I find myself also having less time due to studies and life stuff. You post as and when you can. I don't do hosts and stuff, just reviews and a once a month a giveaway and even that I find hard to keep up with. Your blog is something you enjoy, don't get bogged down with having to post.

    *hugs* Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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  12. Melissas Eclectic Bookshelf5 February 2014 at 23:55

    There's nothing wrong with taking a break...I did for a good part of last Nov! Take care of you first...then worry about the blog!

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  13. Felicity Grace Terry6 February 2014 at 13:06

    Thank you for this much welcome update, I always feel such sadness and regret when a well loved blog simply disappears leaving me longing to know if the blogger simply had more pressing matters or were ill.

    I'm with Vicki in that I enjoy your blog and agree enjoying your blog is your priority. Hoping your health matters aren't too serious. Take care and remember we're here for you when you are ready. x

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  14. Ellie6 February 2014 at 14:05

    Hope things get better for you soon. There's a lot of people feeling the same, but also a few people just coming out the other side, so there is hope. Posting when you feel like it is the best way to keep a blog going. efinitely don't feel like you *should* be doing anything for it.

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  15. Unknown12 February 2014 at 19:35

    Lindsay, you make the job of reading and reviewing look so effortless but, of course, that is a book blogger's art! Readers and authors alike appreciate, so much, all the time and hard work you put in. Personally, I want to thank you for your support and encouragement to me as a writer but also the pleasure your reviews have given me as a reader.
    When the time is right I hope you will be back but as those comments above have said, that has to be in your own time and on your own terms.
    I will be looking out for the Little Reader Library in my inbox.
    Best wishes
    Wendy

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  16. Unknown14 February 2014 at 15:46

    Lindsay you read a lot of books last year! Blogging is hard work, I know, I've been doing it for almost 3 years now, and it takes a lot of dedication. I doubt I could read all those books at the same time. Take care.

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  17. Kerry JG16 February 2014 at 14:26

    Totally understand what your saying, your blogs are beautiful you can tell so much work has gone into them, thank you for all your efforts they are very much appreciated xx

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  18. Anonymous17 February 2014 at 12:23

    Sometimes, I actually do discover quality reading material that suits my personal opinions. You actually did an amazing job with this particular information. I actually genuinely enjoyed reading through your own post. This made me personally ponder.

    Myhappyjourney

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  19. DMS18 February 2014 at 17:34

    Thanks for the update! I always like to know where bloggers have gone or what they are doing (or I start to imagine the worst). I hope you take the time you need and can find a pace and balance that works for you. Best of luck with your health. I hope all is okay on that end.
    ~Jess

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  20. Anne24 February 2014 at 08:07

    Take care of yourself Lindsay, your blog is great, but you have to come first. I think that most bloggers feel a little like you do at times, we must remember that it's a hobby and should be enjoyed. Sometimes I can get 2 or 3 reviews on my blog in a week, other times I don't update it for quite a while. It's just life I guess. Take care x

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