This is a where I look back at what I read (or tried to read) during the past month. I also plan on highlighting my experiences in any book club reads I from the month as well. I will always start with any books I would label as a surprise find/under-read books so if anyone missed my reviews for them, and don’t make it to the end of this post, they’ll be easy to find.
So, what did I do with my November? I’m honestly not real sure, it seemed to go by in a blink. I didn’t read quite as much as I have other months, but given my personal goal is only one book a week I did pretty good (especially considering I didn’t read much the last two weeks). I think I do that sometimes. Binge read every last waking moment (and what should be some non-waking ones too), and then kind of take a little hiatus. So, what did I do instead of reading? Besides all the normal real life craziness? Binge watch 5 and a half seasons of Vampire Diaries. Seriously. And honestly, as much as I feel like I shouldn’t admit it, obviously I liked it. I’ve also been online a bit less lately, I’ve found working from home full time is something I enjoy but occasionally when job stress builds up, I want to leave the office. Since my work office is also my personal office (and computer), I’ve been doing less online than normal. But I’m getting back, and am not going to let myself stress about it. I read for fun and I blog for fun, if I take a break or slow down for a bit, so be it because otherwise, it won’t be fun anymore and then I’d have to ask why I’m doing it.
Currently I’ve felt stuck trying to get through my current audiobook. I’m over half way through, so would rather not do a DNF review of it, but at the same time, I think its contributing to my lack of interest in reading as much lately.
Surprise Find/Underrated/Underread Book
The Heart Does Not Grow Back by Fred Venturini – I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one. I can’t say I was a fan of the cover, and the superhero theme in it could honestly go either way for me. But I loved it. It’s quite dark, and rather funny (in a twisted kind of way) and I also found it to be unpredictable. Hope to see more people discover this one.
Review Summary
- [2 Nov] The Heart Does Not Grow Back by Fred Venturini ★★★★½
- [4 Nov] Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb ★★★★½
- [11 Nov] City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett ★★★★
- [12 Nov] Gleam by Tom Fletcher ★★★½
- [24 Nov] Revival by Stephen King ★★★½
- [25 Nov] Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury ★★★½
Tough Traveling with the Tough Guide Tour
- [6 Nov] Tough Traveling – Novices
- [13 Nov] Tough Traveling – Named Weapons
- [27 Nov] Tough Traveling – Bugs
Backlist Burndown
I finished off my Liveship Traders read with a review of Ship of Destiny. Absolutely loved the series, so glad I read it. And if I don’t get out of my reading slump soon, I may have to dive into Rain Wild Chronicles.
Looking Forward
Hoping I can break my non-reading streak from the past couple of weeks, and get back into the swing of things. I have some great books on tap!
Golden Son by Pierce Brown – Quite excited I just got this one today! Really looking forward to continuing Darrow’s story (and may jump into it to help pull me out of this reading slump).
Broken Eye by Brent Weeks – I saw the Kindle book was at a really good price this week, so went ahead and bought a copy. I hope to get to it sometime soon.
The Warring States by Aidan Harte – I loved Irenicon. I’ve had this sequel for a while, but since it doesn’t release until April in the US, I’ve held onto it. But I’m starting to rethink that, and may read it sooner rather than later.
The Just City by Jo Walton – I’ve not read anything by Jo Walton before, looking forward to checking this one out.
City Stained Red by Sam Sykes – Many thanks to Orbit for the review copy of this! I have wanted to read something by Sykes and this looks to be a perfect opportunity (I’re read the first 10 – 15% of this and enjoying it)
The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jesmin – This series has been on my TBR list, and with the omnibus coming I was thrilled to get a copy from Orbit.
I couldn’t help it. Despite being pretty meh about Red Rising the second I saw Golden Son on NetGalley I couldn’t help myself. Now it is on my kindle so I guess I am reading it.
Nathan (@reviewbarn) recently posted…Sci-Fi Review: ‘Undercity’ by Catherine Asaro
I’m actually a surprised you wanted Golden Son. But happy, because I loved the first one so like to hear people want to read it.
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…10 New Series or Standalones to Look For in 2015
I completely agree, The Heart….. was a great surprise find. Dark but funny, two of my favorite words! I have Golden Son too and will be reading it soon, yay!
Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday [128] – SHADOWSHAPER by Daniel Jose Older
I loved it. I hope to see more people read it. And really looking forward to Golden Son!!
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…10 New Series or Standalones to Look For in 2015
I’ve read the Inheritance Trilogy before but the omnibus edition makes me want to do a reread, since it’s been a while since I sank into that world and had squee moments over various gods and godlings.
I’m going to be reading Jo Walton’s “The Just City” this month, too, because I love Walton and everything she writes! :3
Bibliotropic recently posted…The Young Elites, by Marie Lu
I am going to start Inheritance end of December/beginning of January since the first book is a book club read for me now. I love hearing all the love for Jo Walton’s books. Hopefully I can add to that when I read Just City
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…10 New Series or Standalones to Look For in 2015
Just got Golden Son as well! So many books to read, I can’t decide which one first. Just started City Stained Red yesterday, almost one fifth of the way through and after a strong beginning, it’s sort of calmed down now but it’s still very interesting.
I’m going to have to pass on Warring States just because I’m drowning in books here, but I’m very interested to see what you think if you read it early. The ending of Irenicon was sort of unexpected and that last line was one heck of a bomb to drop on readers and I’m just so curious what happens.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday 12/03/14
I actually got Warring States months ago and forgot I had it! I loved the first one, so definitely reading on. I’m also reading City Stained Red. Been in a bit of a slump and thought about putting it aside for a sequel because I’ve found those help get me going again. But, right now am enjoying CSR, so we’ll see.
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…10 New Series or Standalones to Look For in 2015
I have to agree November really did go by in the blink of a freaking eye. And hey I think a book a week is an excellent reading achievement. For a few months there I was barely able to do a book or two a month!
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Review: The Accidental Highwayman by Ben Tripp
Well, I haven’t finished a book in over 3 weeks 🙂 But, not going to stress about, I’ll get there again. So many good books lined up.
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…10 New Series or Standalones to Look For in 2015
Totally yes – exactly don’t stress about it! I did the same thing I went a month without finishing a book and really I think that is just what I needed because the preggo funk was just awful. I literally somehow stopped caring – but its like I saved up all that caring because now I’m frantic now that my reading groove is back to try to squeeze in as many books as I can since I’m months and months behind!!
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…What if you could store backups of human beings just like storing backups of data?
I didn’t like the first book of the Inheritance Trilogy but am tempted to read the second because I loved her other books. Curious to see what you make of them.
Also? Yay for Robin Hobb. The Rain Wild books are awesome – sure they would help you end a reading slump 😀
Miriam @ Inky Realms recently posted…Fantasy Review: The House of the Four Winds by Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Ah…. hopefully I have a more favorable reaction to the first one, because I’m not sure I’ll read on otherwise. I absolutely love Robin Hobb’s books. I probably should have started reading those as soon as my slump started!
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…10 New Series or Standalones to Look For in 2015
What is your current audio out of curiosity? You could just “set it aside” and “come back to it later” ;-). I’m going to try to finish the Inheritance trilogy in the next couple of months I think! I read the first and loved it and just haven’t gone back. I’m thinking about getting the audio of the second 😀
Anya @ On Starships and Dragonwings recently posted…Owl and the Japanese Circus {Cat Sitter Wanted + Giveaway!}