Great post! I loved your summing up in describing the benefits of reading fiction. It reminded me of the famous Jane Austen quote where she's taking to task those who dismiss fiction reading as beneath them. :-)
Really enjoyed your post! I didn't realize you were also a journalist before you started writing books. So I can definitely relate. I listened to 74 audio books last year--for my sanity. :) And read numerous others. Thanks for the book suggestions! Also like you, I'm not ready to quit writing yet. I think that's what keeps me sane. BJ
I was never as much a journalist as you, Barb! But news is in my veins. I also listen to audiobooks, especially in the car. My husband and I have been on a classics in audio kick. So far: Moby Dick, War and Peace, Anna Karenina, Brothers Karamazov, Angle of Repose, and Big Rock Candy Mountain!!
Parker and I just listened to Robinson Crusoe, The Jungle Book, Fever in the Heartland (highly recommend it) and 1984. Not exactly classics, but oldies. News is in my veins too so hard not to get riled up continually. I've had to back away and I do have deadlines and other books I want to write to save me. :)
I just finished The Night Circus. Quite engaging and just weird enough NOT to spike my anxiety! (Unlike the daily news) Thank you for giving us something to dream about… France, peace, connection.
January has found me in an odd place. I am currently reading four different books. This is not my normal MO. I typically start a series and binge read until I am caught up before starting something new. However, I am currently reading The Celtic Brooch series by Katherine Lowry Logan. Fantastic series a little historical fiction, subtle fantasy (time travel) great environments and characters. Currently on book 4. I am also reading books 6 & 7 tandem in the Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas another great series but full on fantasy and I need to read something lighter after to sooth the adrenaline rush. And lastly I am reading Wild Scottish Charm by Tricia O'Malley- She is my something lighter. I have finally embraced the audiobook bandwagon. It took me forever. I have found that I prefer male narrators or female narrators with accents. I do not typically read stand alone books however, I will listen to them. I cannot wait for the next Bennett Sisters book. It is definitely my favorite series overall. I recommend it to everyone.
Thanks for the recommendations, Lissa! Love hearing your take on why you read what you do. And many thanks for the kind words about the Bennett Sisters 🥰 It’s readers like you who keep me going!
Agree 100% about current news. Small doses only, partly because I’m also still working past retirement age with kids, some of whom are at higher risk in these times. Burnout is real.
Books: remember “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” by Rebecca Wells? I just discovered 2 sequels and enjoyed them very much.
Great post! I loved your summing up in describing the benefits of reading fiction. It reminded me of the famous Jane Austen quote where she's taking to task those who dismiss fiction reading as beneath them. :-)
Really enjoyed your post! I didn't realize you were also a journalist before you started writing books. So I can definitely relate. I listened to 74 audio books last year--for my sanity. :) And read numerous others. Thanks for the book suggestions! Also like you, I'm not ready to quit writing yet. I think that's what keeps me sane. BJ
I was never as much a journalist as you, Barb! But news is in my veins. I also listen to audiobooks, especially in the car. My husband and I have been on a classics in audio kick. So far: Moby Dick, War and Peace, Anna Karenina, Brothers Karamazov, Angle of Repose, and Big Rock Candy Mountain!!
Parker and I just listened to Robinson Crusoe, The Jungle Book, Fever in the Heartland (highly recommend it) and 1984. Not exactly classics, but oldies. News is in my veins too so hard not to get riled up continually. I've had to back away and I do have deadlines and other books I want to write to save me. :)
Same!
I just finished The Night Circus. Quite engaging and just weird enough NOT to spike my anxiety! (Unlike the daily news) Thank you for giving us something to dream about… France, peace, connection.
Thanks for that, Allison 💓 It helps to have encouragement in these dire times
Can we just go to the village Merle lives in and live happily ever after??
I know what you mean about the news. All of it no nothing good seems to happening - it's so same & depressing.
It is. Take refuge in fiction!!
January has found me in an odd place. I am currently reading four different books. This is not my normal MO. I typically start a series and binge read until I am caught up before starting something new. However, I am currently reading The Celtic Brooch series by Katherine Lowry Logan. Fantastic series a little historical fiction, subtle fantasy (time travel) great environments and characters. Currently on book 4. I am also reading books 6 & 7 tandem in the Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas another great series but full on fantasy and I need to read something lighter after to sooth the adrenaline rush. And lastly I am reading Wild Scottish Charm by Tricia O'Malley- She is my something lighter. I have finally embraced the audiobook bandwagon. It took me forever. I have found that I prefer male narrators or female narrators with accents. I do not typically read stand alone books however, I will listen to them. I cannot wait for the next Bennett Sisters book. It is definitely my favorite series overall. I recommend it to everyone.
Thanks for the recommendations, Lissa! Love hearing your take on why you read what you do. And many thanks for the kind words about the Bennett Sisters 🥰 It’s readers like you who keep me going!
I just “lost” my comment, so shortened version:
Agree 100% about current news. Small doses only, partly because I’m also still working past retirement age with kids, some of whom are at higher risk in these times. Burnout is real.
Books: remember “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” by Rebecca Wells? I just discovered 2 sequels and enjoyed them very much.
Looking forward to more Merle, et al.
Hang in there, Lise!
Thank you, Judy! I will check out the sequels! And really appreciate the encouragement!
Hope all is well, or at least sorta sane, in your world!