Have you ever started a book...but for some reason or another just cannot finish it... i'm talking a book you've been "trying" to read for years? lol
I’m talking about that book, that either gets pushed aside for something lighter/easier/funnier, that gets pushed to the back of the pile of books to read, that book that in the back of your mind you kinda want to finish but just can’t find to motivation to pick back up? Yes I’m also talking about that book that you’re using for a doorjam/paperweight/have used to prop open a window.... need I go on..
I’ve got a couple of these and each and every day they’re niggling away at me in the back of my mind that I *need* to finish them... this year damnit! Well as this year is about to come to a close I thought i’d issue a reminder... don’t keep putting it off! even if its just a handful (okay so depending on its size you might want to aim for a few more than a handful of pages) of pages - a chapter at a time even!
Yes i’ll even go so far as to admit publicly what those books are that i’ve been trying to read for years.. I’m mildly ashamed to admit this:... its a classic (see previous post)... “Emma” by Jane Austen. To be honest its been so long since I last read it that I’m not sure I could keep all the characters straight in my head which fills me with a truckload of dread that I might actually have to start from the beginning again just so I can follow the plot *insert silence screaming here*. I don’t know what it is about it. When I was living on the truck (and had limited activity choices) I was reading these classics like they were going out of fashion, now that i’m back in new zealand with a very hectic schedule I’m finding myself spending more and more time reading quick reads, or focusing on certain genres like murder mystery, or paranormal.
The next book that I just cannot seem to finish is Mansfield park also by Ms Austen. Don’t get me wrong I love her stuff, she’s an amazing lady and her writing is poetic and beautiful but damn if she can’t write a lot! If I could go back in time I’d love to pick her brain about a few things thats for sure.
The last book (and probably the one i’m going to have to completely re-read) is “The Hobbit” by JRR Tolkien. Loved the lord of the ring movies, and I can’t wait to see the hobbit but the guy has a lot of information in his books, and sometimes...sometimes i say it can be a little.... whats a polite way of saying it... wordy? dry? like trying to wade through golden syrup? yeah. I take it as a personal challenge from this book that I will get through it someday. With my kitten as my witness I will conquer this book of fiction if its the last thing I do.
Feel free to share what books you have a tough time finishing, or that you’ve been meaning to get around to for years now? enquiring minds want to know...
Monday, October 11, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
A challenge.....
Today’s blog is about a "classics" challenge I've set for myself. Here’s the backstory - so get a cup of cocoa and put your slippers on and join me on this trip down memory lane....
Okay so it wasn’t actually all that long ago (maybe 5 or 6 years ago). I realised that I was missing out on a lot of amazing books that i’d written off as boring, old and not at all relevant to today’s society or people. Maybe it was through a movie or a discussion or two with friends about these books in question that made me decide to open my mind and try something new. I, the chick-lit-fantasy-paranormal-loving bookworm was going to try and tackle ..... the classics! Okay take a breath I know thats a bit of a shock to a lot of people.
I’ll be the first to admit, I really didn’t like shakespeare in high school and I struggled to comprehend a lot of the language, but despite all this I took a deep breath and cracked open my first classic of my challenge - Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The scarlet letter”. I was blown away by how poetic and beautiful the language was. Yes I did watch the movie first to help me understand it a little better (does that count as cheating?).
Its like a pringle...once you popped you can’t stop! I was hooked, I read jane eyre by Bronte, Dracula by Stoker, The Crucible by Arthur. I admired the courage and strength of Alcott’s “Little women” and for the first time ever discovered the fascination and wonder of Anne of Green Gables. I guess you could say I was hooked, well and truly.
There’s still so many amazing classics out there that I want to read, and I know i’ll get there, one book at a time.
Some of the books left in my challenge to read are:
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien (I started it a few years ago and never got around to finishing it!)
Emma by Jane Austen (yes I started this about 3yrs ago and just haven’t gotten around to finishing it - oops! i’ll get there)
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
So readers I ask you this, what “classics” do you want to read?? or alternatively do you have any more suggestions for me to add to my list? Throw me a comment!
Okay so it wasn’t actually all that long ago (maybe 5 or 6 years ago). I realised that I was missing out on a lot of amazing books that i’d written off as boring, old and not at all relevant to today’s society or people. Maybe it was through a movie or a discussion or two with friends about these books in question that made me decide to open my mind and try something new. I, the chick-lit-fantasy-paranormal-loving bookworm was going to try and tackle ..... the classics! Okay take a breath I know thats a bit of a shock to a lot of people.
I’ll be the first to admit, I really didn’t like shakespeare in high school and I struggled to comprehend a lot of the language, but despite all this I took a deep breath and cracked open my first classic of my challenge - Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The scarlet letter”. I was blown away by how poetic and beautiful the language was. Yes I did watch the movie first to help me understand it a little better (does that count as cheating?).
Its like a pringle...once you popped you can’t stop! I was hooked, I read jane eyre by Bronte, Dracula by Stoker, The Crucible by Arthur. I admired the courage and strength of Alcott’s “Little women” and for the first time ever discovered the fascination and wonder of Anne of Green Gables. I guess you could say I was hooked, well and truly.
There’s still so many amazing classics out there that I want to read, and I know i’ll get there, one book at a time.
Some of the books left in my challenge to read are:
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien (I started it a few years ago and never got around to finishing it!)
Emma by Jane Austen (yes I started this about 3yrs ago and just haven’t gotten around to finishing it - oops! i’ll get there)
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
So readers I ask you this, what “classics” do you want to read?? or alternatively do you have any more suggestions for me to add to my list? Throw me a comment!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
An Update from the Eathquake Capital from NZ
So I know its been way too long since I last updated, to be honest there's been a lot of things going on in the last 6 months including but not limited to working 6 day weeks, seasonal launches at work, trying to spend time with family and friends, settling in a new kitten, and dealing with general craziness.
One of the biggest things that's happened recently was the 7.1 Earthquake that hit September 4th at 4:35am. Since that day we've had over 1300 aftershocks ranging up to magnitudes 5.1's! pretty damn big quakes in their own rights.
The truly miraculous thing about this whole situation, no one has died because of the quake! The people of my city are all extremely thankful. Our emergency services and engineers have done an amazing job. During this last month everyone's pulled together and supported each other.
Its given me a bit of a wake up, and made me realise that I need to spend more time doing what makes me happy. I will admit this experience has left me shaken, and served as a reminder of how quickly things can change in life. That being said, one of the things I'm determined to get back to - is this blog. So Please continue to stay with me, and keep tuned. Fun times, coming soon!
One of the biggest things that's happened recently was the 7.1 Earthquake that hit September 4th at 4:35am. Since that day we've had over 1300 aftershocks ranging up to magnitudes 5.1's! pretty damn big quakes in their own rights.
The truly miraculous thing about this whole situation, no one has died because of the quake! The people of my city are all extremely thankful. Our emergency services and engineers have done an amazing job. During this last month everyone's pulled together and supported each other.
Its given me a bit of a wake up, and made me realise that I need to spend more time doing what makes me happy. I will admit this experience has left me shaken, and served as a reminder of how quickly things can change in life. That being said, one of the things I'm determined to get back to - is this blog. So Please continue to stay with me, and keep tuned. Fun times, coming soon!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Location! Location! Location!
I know its been awhile, my apologies! but this entry was well worth the wait I promise you.
I’ve decided to write about location today. More specifically finding out what people think about locations for reading. Some people prefer to be comfy – curling up on a couch or bed and getting settled in for a few hours of reading. Others prefer sitting at kitchen tables/straight back chairs for their reading.
Personally, it depends what i’m reading. When I’m reading for pleasure I prefer comfy places where I can relax, grab a pillow and spend a few hours getting absorbed in a book undisturbed, doesn’t always happen but a girl can dream.
Here’s some suggestions, from my own personal favourite list…. let me know what YOU think, or you idea of favourite places to read.
Indoors
Bed: Nice and comfy, good for books like horror or murder mystery when its nice to have soft, cosy blankets. Somewhere you can feel safe when you’re so absorbed in the book you wouldn’t notice if your house was on fire.
Couch/Oversized Chair: Good for reading while waiting for something on tele (as I occasionally do). Its informal, and while its not good on the privacy thing (people distracting you by talking or doing housework) its not a bad place. I like being in lounge because its a lot sunnier than my bedroom as well, which means being able to see the words (somewhat important i’d say), and keeping warm.
Kitchen Table: Usually reserved for when i’m reading magazines, or something that I really need to concentrate on understanding. Ever come across a book (either written about something you’re studying or just hard to follow) that it takes enormous amounts of effort to keep reading word after word after word? Those are the kinds of books I prefer to read at the kitchen table, I’m focused and in a more serious frame of mind when i’m sitting upright like that so it helps me do what needs to be done. I’m a stickler about finishing books – If I start It, i’ve gotta finish it… no matter how badly written or boring the subject.
Outdoors:
Now we get into a separate category, while reading indoors is fine there are just times when the sun is shining, its warm and you just want to get outside and be near nature, while you enjoy a good book of course.
Under a tree: Shade is wonderful, especially if you don’t want to wear sunglasses. You get the warmth of the day, the smell of fresh air and a peaceful place to enjoy your book.
On a blanket at a park/in the gardens/ in your backyard: Another wonderful fun place to read in the summer (so long as its not too hot – no point baking your books, or yourself for that matter). Maybe pack a picnic or bring along a cushion or two and your set for hours, just don’t forget the sunscreen, hat and sunglasses! If you’re like me and get sucked into books easily and lose time – sunscreen is a big important thing to remember, we don’t want to get you sunburnt. Believe me its not fun trying to hold a book up when your shoulders are redder than a lobster!
At the Beach: Another all time favourite! What more could you want, sun surf, sand, books! its great location for those “summer reads” you know the ones i’m talking about, light happy fun quick reads (and there’s nothing wrong with that!). Don’t forget to dip your feet in the water (with your book safely on the shore in your bag) while you’re there though!
While I was living in Wisconsin, USA I realised how much I loved reading, to the point where during winter when we were housebound most days that's what I liked doing with my time. Some places are just like that though. During winter there we days (and especially nights) when you were advised against leave the house unless it was an emergency. Those days, you could find me and some of my house mates lounging around the house, book in hand. While it might sound anti-social, it was great because when we were done we’d get together and talk about what we were reading, sort of like a mini book club. Many good books were discovered through those book chats.
Thats it from me today, I’m off to read a bit more – i’ve got 2 books due back at the library in a few days and i’m determined to finish them!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
I’ve decided to write about location today. More specifically finding out what people think about locations for reading. Some people prefer to be comfy – curling up on a couch or bed and getting settled in for a few hours of reading. Others prefer sitting at kitchen tables/straight back chairs for their reading.
Personally, it depends what i’m reading. When I’m reading for pleasure I prefer comfy places where I can relax, grab a pillow and spend a few hours getting absorbed in a book undisturbed, doesn’t always happen but a girl can dream.
Here’s some suggestions, from my own personal favourite list…. let me know what YOU think, or you idea of favourite places to read.
Indoors
Bed: Nice and comfy, good for books like horror or murder mystery when its nice to have soft, cosy blankets. Somewhere you can feel safe when you’re so absorbed in the book you wouldn’t notice if your house was on fire.
Couch/Oversized Chair: Good for reading while waiting for something on tele (as I occasionally do). Its informal, and while its not good on the privacy thing (people distracting you by talking or doing housework) its not a bad place. I like being in lounge because its a lot sunnier than my bedroom as well, which means being able to see the words (somewhat important i’d say), and keeping warm.
Kitchen Table: Usually reserved for when i’m reading magazines, or something that I really need to concentrate on understanding. Ever come across a book (either written about something you’re studying or just hard to follow) that it takes enormous amounts of effort to keep reading word after word after word? Those are the kinds of books I prefer to read at the kitchen table, I’m focused and in a more serious frame of mind when i’m sitting upright like that so it helps me do what needs to be done. I’m a stickler about finishing books – If I start It, i’ve gotta finish it… no matter how badly written or boring the subject.
Outdoors:
Now we get into a separate category, while reading indoors is fine there are just times when the sun is shining, its warm and you just want to get outside and be near nature, while you enjoy a good book of course.
Under a tree: Shade is wonderful, especially if you don’t want to wear sunglasses. You get the warmth of the day, the smell of fresh air and a peaceful place to enjoy your book.
On a blanket at a park/in the gardens/ in your backyard: Another wonderful fun place to read in the summer (so long as its not too hot – no point baking your books, or yourself for that matter). Maybe pack a picnic or bring along a cushion or two and your set for hours, just don’t forget the sunscreen, hat and sunglasses! If you’re like me and get sucked into books easily and lose time – sunscreen is a big important thing to remember, we don’t want to get you sunburnt. Believe me its not fun trying to hold a book up when your shoulders are redder than a lobster!
At the Beach: Another all time favourite! What more could you want, sun surf, sand, books! its great location for those “summer reads” you know the ones i’m talking about, light happy fun quick reads (and there’s nothing wrong with that!). Don’t forget to dip your feet in the water (with your book safely on the shore in your bag) while you’re there though!
While I was living in Wisconsin, USA I realised how much I loved reading, to the point where during winter when we were housebound most days that's what I liked doing with my time. Some places are just like that though. During winter there we days (and especially nights) when you were advised against leave the house unless it was an emergency. Those days, you could find me and some of my house mates lounging around the house, book in hand. While it might sound anti-social, it was great because when we were done we’d get together and talk about what we were reading, sort of like a mini book club. Many good books were discovered through those book chats.
Thats it from me today, I’m off to read a bit more – i’ve got 2 books due back at the library in a few days and i’m determined to finish them!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Pubishing
I’ve been doing a bit of thinking lately regarding book publishing and to an extent the whole writing process. The first thing i wanted to talk about is, once a book’s been published – what happens if people don’t get it, or just plain don’t like it.
You can’t unpublish something, you can’t go back in time and say to yourself “the publishers liked it, the elitest reviewers might have liked it but miss average reader out there hates it, so do yourself a favour and don’t punish the readers”.
Writing a book, is almost like sharing a part of your soul with the world, and to have people tear that to pieces would sting, even if just a tiny bit. You’ve got to be made of some sturdy stuff that's for darn sure. I absolutely admire people who have the courage and follow through to publish something they’ve spent a lot of time on, and share that with the world at the risk of well possibly breaking your heart if you don’t get the response you want.
At the same time though, It would be worth writing it and putting it out there, if it makes even 1 person’s day, or changes just one person’s life in a positive way – then that would make it worth it. Its like art, in that way – even if that 1 person it changes is you, then it was worth it - It was worth that risk because remember if we don’t risk, we don’t truly live.
You can’t unpublish something, you can’t go back in time and say to yourself “the publishers liked it, the elitest reviewers might have liked it but miss average reader out there hates it, so do yourself a favour and don’t punish the readers”.
Writing a book, is almost like sharing a part of your soul with the world, and to have people tear that to pieces would sting, even if just a tiny bit. You’ve got to be made of some sturdy stuff that's for darn sure. I absolutely admire people who have the courage and follow through to publish something they’ve spent a lot of time on, and share that with the world at the risk of well possibly breaking your heart if you don’t get the response you want.
At the same time though, It would be worth writing it and putting it out there, if it makes even 1 person’s day, or changes just one person’s life in a positive way – then that would make it worth it. Its like art, in that way – even if that 1 person it changes is you, then it was worth it - It was worth that risk because remember if we don’t risk, we don’t truly live.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
A good book....
A good book is like a best friend. You can get absorbed it it's life and trials, get comfort from reading familar passages. Its there when you're having a bad day, or in need of escaping the day to day humdrum. Some girls love shoes, some girls love handbag. I'm absolutely addicted and in love with books! So many varieties and styles, characters, series, authors and languages.
I've got a few friends who seem somewhat confused by my reading hobby and there are days when I really don't know quite how to explain it to them. I think it takes another bookworm to truly understand the reasons and the comfort reading can give. Sure you can give reasons in a list, but could they really get it? Imagine slipping into a hot shower after a long hard day or cracking open a cold beverage when the temperatures outside are skyrocketing? got that image? good. Now take that first sip, the refreshing wave, usually followed with a sigh - now thats how comforting feeling reading can feel to a bookworm.
There's nothing I love better than exploring a library, searching for good book suggestions online, and connecting with other book lovers around the world. In fact my poor darling husband has done well putting up with my book addiction over the years, and has even graciously agreed that when we get around to building our own home together, I can have my own library!
Anyway I hope that helped with a little insight into the wonderful world of bookworms :)
I've got a few friends who seem somewhat confused by my reading hobby and there are days when I really don't know quite how to explain it to them. I think it takes another bookworm to truly understand the reasons and the comfort reading can give. Sure you can give reasons in a list, but could they really get it? Imagine slipping into a hot shower after a long hard day or cracking open a cold beverage when the temperatures outside are skyrocketing? got that image? good. Now take that first sip, the refreshing wave, usually followed with a sigh - now thats how comforting feeling reading can feel to a bookworm.
There's nothing I love better than exploring a library, searching for good book suggestions online, and connecting with other book lovers around the world. In fact my poor darling husband has done well putting up with my book addiction over the years, and has even graciously agreed that when we get around to building our own home together, I can have my own library!
Anyway I hope that helped with a little insight into the wonderful world of bookworms :)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Looking Good...
Unfortunately due to real life being extremely hectic lately (I work in retail, and this time of year is insane...enough said) Its meant I haven't had the spare time free to write, let alone read all that much.
I've updated the layout, and the blog's colours. I'm currently in the process of getting some new photos taken for the title banner which should be almost ready to unveil shortly!
I do apologise for the lack of updates, and I promise that in 2010 you will see my renewed commitment to this blog, and getting it off the ground.
Thanks for you patience, and I hope you had a fabulous new years!
Corina.
I've updated the layout, and the blog's colours. I'm currently in the process of getting some new photos taken for the title banner which should be almost ready to unveil shortly!
I do apologise for the lack of updates, and I promise that in 2010 you will see my renewed commitment to this blog, and getting it off the ground.
Thanks for you patience, and I hope you had a fabulous new years!
Corina.
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