Saturday seems like a perfect day for doing a “What’s up around here” post, and today it’s even more perfect, given that it’s 27 ºC (80.6 ºF) and just gorgeous outside. Well, it would be perfect, except that I’m working on the third deadline of the week, which must be completed for tomorrow.
But there’s nothing like taking a break and doing something fun, like blogging!
So here’s what’s up in my bookish life this week:
Reviews
I have over 20 books I’ve read these past few months waiting for me to review them. I’ve decided to take another look at my review style, because obviously something is wrong. I should be eagerly anticipating writing my reviews … but I’m not.
That Darned Rating System
After having already fiddled with it once, I am on the brink of ditching a rating system altogether. I just can’t do it – if I am totally honest with myself, it makes me uncomfortable to assign a book a rating of some sort. I’d rather just say, I liked this about it, I didn’t like that about it, and overall I loved/didn’t like it.
Currently Reading/Listening
I’m currently reading Now and Then, by Robert Parker. I actually started with the audiobook version of this book, but I found that Parker’s spare and sparse prose, with all those lovely and virtually invisible I said’s, he said’s and she said’s just doesn’t translate well in audio, for me, anyway. Far from being invisible, once spoken, they seemed to take on a major emphasis. But the print version of the book has been lovely so far, with all the said’s rendered as invisible as ever.
I’m also listening to the audiobook version of Death in the Clouds, by Agatha Christie, read by Hugh Fraser. I’ve enjoyed several of Fraser’s narrations of Christie novels, and this one is as pleasing so far as the previous ones I’ve listened to.
This Week’s Picture
I’m very excited because my orchid is reblooming. Five fat juicy buds showed up on the plant last week, and today, two of them had flowered!
Related posts:
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Your orchid is gorgeous!
Kathy’s last blog post..Review: Boneman’s Daughter
Absolutely gorgeous orchid! They are one of my favorite flowers to photograph, but I’ve never tried to grow one of my own.
Maybe the rating system is what’s making you hold off on writing reviews? I could definitely see that deterring me. Your reviews are excellent, I don’t think you need a rating system, especially if it makes you uncomfortable. Do what works for you.
I have a backlog of reviews to get through as well — mostly books I read while I sick over the winter and never had the chance to review properly.
Ruth @ Bookish Ruth’s last blog post..Book Review of Inside the Hub: The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Torchwood
What a beautiful orchid.
As for your reviews… if it isn’t a right fit, Ms. Bookish, you will drag your bottom reviewing them =o.
I am going to look for the audio of Death in the Clouds, by Agatha Christie.
Enjoy your weekend!!!
Diane’s last blog post..Because I Could Not Stop for Death ~ Emily Dickinson
Beautiful photo. I’m deadlining this week too. I’m not sure I remember what sleep is.
Beth F’s last blog post..Audiobook Challenge: Wrap-Up
I’m glad you all like the orchid – it’s definitely been brightening up my day!
Ruth, thank you so much for your comment about my reviews. I think you’re right – the rating system is putting me off. And Diane, you’re absolutely right – if it’s not a good fit, I’m going to drag my bottom writing my reviews.
Beth, I feel for you. After tonight, I get to rediscover what sleep is!