The Weekly Update: 3/12/17

 
 

Another week with no news. Since I’m going to be moving in a couple months, I’m just trying to figure out stuff that I need to figure out and getting anything that I don’t actually need right now packed up ahead of time on days that I have the energy. Which is no day, to be honest, because I’ve been even more exhausted than usual lately. I’ve also had a really hard time concentrating, so I’ve just been doing my best with reading and blogging. Oh, and my tennis elbow has been bothering me more, but I’ve taken to just ignoring that pain because it’s stupid and I want to use my computer.

Ok I’m done complaining! Actually, that was a lie. There’s still more complaining in this post, but it’s at least book-related from here on out πŸ˜›


Blog/Bookish Updates:

I changed my site icon/logo/whatever it’s called (the little picture that shows up in the internet tab), but I still don’t like it -_-

I’m also feeling kind of disappointed that I’ve been doing horribly with all my reading goals (except the GR challenge one). How can I explain… I’m not worried about the goals themselves. I didn’t even set specific numbers. But, I made these goals for a reason. Like, I WANT to read more books about uncommon supernatural creatures, yet I haven’t read any this year. And I WANT to read about vampires (ok that wasn’t technically a goal, but I just always want to read about vampires), yet I’ve read maybe two vampire books so far this year. So it’s not that I care about meeting any goal, it’s that I’m not reading about the things I want to read about. I keep getting distracted by other books. I think I’m going to start making a list of books that all meet some sort of goal of mine, and then I’ll choose from that list or my list of review copies each time I need a new book to read. At least I’ve been doing pretty well at reading books with disabilities! I’ve read 9 books with physical disabilities and 12 with mental illnesses (some had both).

By the way, while I’m on the topic, if you come across any sci-fi/fantasy books with physical disabilities, please please please submit them here so I can add them to my list! I got a few submissions in the beginning, but that’s kind of it. And if you or someone you know is looking for books that include disability, don’t forget that the list is always there and the link can be found in my header!

Also, one of my non-bookish friends shared this with me. It’s pictures from the Instagram of a library in France, but they match up book covers that have faces/bodies with their employees and customers and it just looks really cool.

Books I Received for Review:

Broken Mirror by Cody Sisco
 

I have been saying I would read more cyberpunk after reading Artificial last year, so yay, finally got myself a cyberpunk book! Like a year later lol. To be honest, I’m not even sure what cyberpunk is. I could Google it, but psh that’s too much work. All I know is that this book is classified as it, and it sounds good.

Books I Finished:

Pandora by Marguerite Labbe | reading, books
Warlock in Training by TJ Nichols | reading, books
 

I’ve noticed that ever since reading Starflight I’ve gotten more into spaceship-set sci-fi books. And I’ve been more into sci-fi in general this year. Anyway, Pandora (the spaceship set book that sparked all this introspection) was great! Mini review here in case anyone is interested (because the blurb is a little misleading, I think). Warlock in Training was a unique take on magic and demons, but idk if I’m invested enough to continue the series.

Song of the Week:

“Gallows” by CocoRosie – No reason in particular for sharing this song. Just one I found at some point, and I like it. I don’t know what this haunting kind of music is called, but I love it and am always looking for more.

 

In Case You Missed It:

– I shared book covers featuring elephants.
– I reviewed Sparrow Man by M. R. Pritchard, a quirky, offbeat UF with an unexpected twist.
– I reviewed Broken by Jex Lane, the darkest book yet in an intense vampire and incubus UF series.
– I reviewed Garden of Thorns by Keary Taylor, a somewhat sweet and subdued start to a spin-off series about vampires.

The Sunday Post Link-Up:

Once again, I’m linking up to The Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer πŸ™‚

 
 
 
 

Talk to me!

Have you found any good books or music lately?
Do you also get distracted by random books, or are you good about reading ones that match your goals?

 
 
[shared_counts]
 
 
 

Your Thoughts

 

54 thoughts on “The Weekly Update: 3/12/17

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  1. Greg

    I’m not a fan of moving myself so I get ya there. And don’t worry about complaining- it’s cathartic. πŸ™‚ As far as distractions, yeah. I was looking at the three challenges I took on for this year and I’m doing okay so far, but I’ve noticed I go from book to book purely on mood and with no real regard for where it fits into those goals. And I don’t really care lol- although I do because I feel like I should be taking those challenges more into account? Oh well it’s all a work in progress. πŸ™‚

    Funny you mention supernatural creatures- I just wrote a post for Wed about creatures I wanna see more in urban fantasy (or any fantasy really). I hear you- I haven’t been doing great at that yet this year.

    I love cyberpunk but a lot of the traditional cyberpunk reads haven’t worked for me, so I guess I like it… done a certain way?? Glad you found one, if you like it maybe i’ll try it. And I do think cyberpunk can be kinda fluid in terms of definition.

    I like that song, it does have an eerie haunting vibe to it.

    1. Kristen Burns

      Complaining IS cathartic, right? Some people just don’t get that lol. And yeah, I keep just kind of forgetting about the goals and idk. But damn it, I’m gonna find a way to read about some different creatures if it kills me! Looking forward to your post πŸ™‚ Maybe it’ll be further motivation for me, haha.

      That probably makes sense, you like a really specific kind of cyberpunk or something. I’m reading Broken Mirror right now, and I’m kind of on the fence about it. Still not sure what cyberpunk is though lol. This is more like alternate history/sci-fi. I don’t know.

      It does have this great haunting vibe!

  2. Geybie's Book Blog

    I hope you’ll find great vampire books to read soon, Kristen. Hehe.. πŸ˜€
    I think I’ve read a book with physical disabilities before but I don’t remember where. I’ll let you know if I come across any books with that theme again.
    Have a wonderful week! πŸ˜€

    Btw, great logo. I love them. πŸ˜€

    1. Kristen Burns

      Thanks!

      No worries. If you do ever come across any though, I’d love to add them to my list πŸ™‚

      Thank you about the logo, and you have a great week too!

  3. chucklesthescot

    I’ve found my reading is going better since I started picking out a pile of books I want to read each month. As long as I get to most of them I’m happy. I might change the odd one on the list if the mood takes me to read or not read something but it gives me less books to focus on and easier to choose my next read. It doesn’t work for everyone of course but I’m pleased it’s working for me! Maybe you need a vampire or monster week each month to bump up your totals! I might have another couple of books to add to your disability database soon. Just need to get organised with the details.

    I don’t generally get distracted by random books or new purchases. I plan out each month’s reading in advance and stick to it. This month I received a review copy from an author that didn’t fit my monthly theme but I read it anyway then got back to business but that doesn’t happen often. I basically stick to my plans.

    1. Kristen Burns

      I can’t be *that* strict because I’m a mood reader. That’s why I figure maybe making a list with books that all fit one of my goals will help because I’ll still have a whole bunch to choose from in order to pick something that suits my mood, but I’ll also be reaching my goals. Although a vampire/monster week might not be a bad idea! And ooh yay, that’d be awesome if you’ve found more books πŸ˜€

      1. chucklesthescot

        Yeah if you’re a mood reader I see your point…that would be more difficult. I used to be a mood reader years back and I could stare at my bookcases for hours trying to decide what I felt like reading. It was a nightmare!

        1. Kristen Burns

          I do that lol. I swear there have been whole days where I didn’t read anything literally because I just couldn’t figure out what new book to start. I’m trying to get better about that though and just grab the next review copy or something if I can’t decide.

  4. sjhigbee

    Yes… I’ve discovered that even when I decide I want to read more books by women, or more science fiction – it often doesn’t happen immediately and there is a sort of momentum that builds up which takes me a while to unwind. Does that make sense? So all I would say is that it is still early in the year and the challenge is, after all, a yearlong thing. And the primary overriding aim is to ENJOY your reading, which you seem to be doing. And while you are getting ready to move with all the upheaval and stress that is involved in that, then maybe that isn’t the time to be disappointed at having not yet fulfilled your 2017 Challenges. There is the summer ahead of us with longer reading days, better weather, when you will have already moved… Be kind to yourself:). And have a better week. My Sunday Post – https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2017/03/12/sunday-post-12th-march-2017/

    1. Kristen Burns

      I think that makes sense. Maybe that’s what’s happening to me, I’ve still got a whole bunch of other books I had wanted to read. But I also had this uncommon creature goal last year and completely failed at it, so I have no excuse for that one lol. But the thing is, it’s not about the goals themselves, it’s that I WANT to read about these things, so I’m kind of not enjoying my reading as much because I keep not reading about the things I really want to read about. But yeah, there’s still time πŸ™‚ Thanks!

  5. Samantha

    Ugh I hate moving. Its such a hassle. Hopefully you are able to find more books that fit what you want to read. I know it can be a challenge! Have a good week!

  6. Melissa

    I completely decided not to bother with any other reading goals this year except for my GR goal. (Though in the back of my head I am still desperately trying to work on finishing series too). I always join too many and then not only is there the pressure of meeting the goal but of also tracking it…Double Fail! LOL

    Good luck with your move…I know how stressful and exhausting it is.

    1. Kristen Burns

      None of my goals are official challenges or anything, just types of books I want to read. That’s why it’s so frustrating that I’m not reading them—because I actually want to! But yeah, I don’t join official challenges because it seems like way too much stress and work forcing yourself to read certain books and then also having to keep track.

      Thanks πŸ™‚

  7. Christina T

    I hate moving. It does take a lot of energy from you and it can be overwhelming. I have been wanting to move closer to where I work but keep putting it off because it is a lot of work and I haven’t found the right place yet. I hope everything goes well with your move!

    I didn’t make any reading goals for this year because I haven’t done so well with them in the past (except the Goodreads one). I read books based on my mood though I do try to get to review books before they are released if I can. I don’t really know of many fantasy books with characters that have disabilities though I believe Rick Riordan’s Magnus Chase books may fit the bill as one of the secondary characters is deaf. I believe Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman has a main character who is disabled. Also there is a new series called the Arcadia Project by Mishell Baker. It features a paraplegic main character and the fae. I haven’t read it but it got a really good review from School LIbrary Journal (though it isn’t a YA book). Good luck with your reading goals and with the move.

    1. Kristen Burns

      I don’t blame you for putting it off. It’s definitely exhausting and way too much work. Thanks πŸ™‚

      I never join any official challenges, my goals were just some different types of things I wanted to read more of. That’s what’s so frustrating, I actually WANT to read these things, so why aren’t I?! I’m a mood reader too though, and I also try to prioritize review books, and that’s where the problem lies, I think. I have that Arcadia Project on my list and am looking forward to reading it myself this year πŸ™‚ I may have the Rick Riordan book on my list too? I’ll check out that Eon one though πŸ™‚ Thanks!

  8. Lampshade Reader

    Moving is a lot of work, but I’m glad you’re leaving the place you’re at. I know you have not been happy there. I hope your new place is better.

    Don’t worry too much about your reading goals. It shouldn’t be stressful. I know I’m probably not going to fulfill my Goodreads Challenge, but I really don’t care. It’s for fun. πŸ˜‰

    Hope you have a great week! ~Aleen

    1. Kristen Burns

      You would think it’d be good to leave after all the problems I’ve had here, right? But the place I’m going is going to be even worse, just for different reasons :-/ But I can’t stay here because the guy I rent from wants to sell the place (it’s technically a condo, not an apt), so I have a date I have to leave by.

      The goal thing is frustrating though because I actually WANT to read those types of books. So it’s just making me unhappy that I’m not for some reason.

      Thanks!

  9. Laura Thomas

    I can see where getting ready to move devours a lot of your time. I started doing some of my book features again and that’s helped me to make sure I read books I’m wanting to read just for fun as well as review books I knew I’d enjoy. It also helps me with my challenges and my TBR.

  10. Jen @ Books That Hook

    Your list idea sounds good. I did something somewhat similar to reach my goals, but not by type of book. My list is by source because I have so many Netgalley, author sent, etc. books that I need to get done. So, I made categories (my books, my ebooks, from authors, from Edelweiss, and so on) and picked 5 books for each category. I’m not allowing myself to add any more books to any of the categories until I have what’s on the list done.
    Good luck with achieving all your reading goals πŸ™‚

    1. Kristen Burns

      That does sound kind of similar. Except I’m just going to make one single list and that way, as long as I choose something from the list, it’ll at least count toward one of my goals. Thanks, same to you!

    1. Kristen Burns

      Same. I keep thinking I’m getting my number of review copies down, and then I end up getting more. At this point I’m kind of holding at the same number. So it’s good my pile isn’t getting out of hand, but bad that I’m still not getting a chance to read the other books I have!

  11. Maureen Beatrice

    Sorry to hear you’ve been so tired lately Kristen. I hope it gets better soon πŸ˜‰
    I’ll definitely keep your list in mind when I come across a book about dissabilities.
    I hope you have a great week! Happy Reading!

  12. Christy LoveOfBooks

    Maybe you need to take vitamins, or up your B12. I hate when I feel like that.

    I’m the same way with reading goals. It isn’t a huge issue, but I want to reach the goal I set. *shrugs*

    Hope you get some energy back and have a great week.

    1. Kristen Burns

      I have a chronic illness, so unfortunately vitamins won’t fix my tiredness, but I will have to do some research about B12 to see if it might be something that could help. Thanks for the tip πŸ™‚

      Exactly! It’s not that I’m worried about the goal, it’s just that I *want* to reach it.

      Thanks, you have a great week too!

  13. Dragonfly @ Our Familiarium

    Sorry to hear you have been exhausted K πŸ™ than usual lately. I hope you get your packing done soon! Make sure you packed everything in boxes labeled with the room and piece of furniture where the items [e.g. Kitchen, corner cabinet] go which will make your unpacking easier. Well, I’m sure you already thought of that because you are super organized πŸ™‚ I just wished I had known this when we bought our house so I can’t help but spreading that wisdom every time I have a chance LOL! I just want the whole universe to know that if you don’t label your boxes IT IS SO HARD TO GET YOUR NEW HOME IN ORDER πŸ™‚

    Oh you changed your FAVICON! [that’s the name K, SMH!] I never never never look at that because you, know… my Dorism! That’s WHY TOO SMALL for me to notice πŸ™‚

    I usually just use the same logo I have for all my social accounts. Actually, I can’t believe I don’t agonize over the Favicon given the fact I suffer from blog image issues. I’m never happy with the way my blog or social accounts look. SMH! So I can relate and I hope you find your Holy Grail Favicon soon πŸ™‚ Sending you good vibes πŸ™‚

    Goals? What’s that? πŸ˜€
    I gave up on those BUT I still remember the feeling when you fall behind. So, sorry you feel that way. BUT keep in mind you have other things happening in your life now that my be affecting you, so when you move I bet you’ll get back on track πŸ™‚
    And you know… I gotta say this K… but the world doesn’t really need more sparkling creatures readers so you can scratch that from your list and make me super happy HA! πŸ˜€

    Now seriously… I have to say.. my own list went to hell too because I’m getting distracted with LOTSA of contemporary [if you haven’t noticed, did you? did you noticed???] and it has been a GREAT because seriously it’s giving me other experience that I wouldn’t get reading my usual Fantasy/sci-fi. I have run into so many real situations, especially around mental illness that I’m SO HAPPY. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that maybe you will feel later that is OK to get distracted by other books. [I think it’s the way the universe has to tell you should stay away from sparkling creatures :)]
    OMG I’m so Dory this morning… Now seriously talking.. I hope that if you can’t get back to your list you enjoy getting distracted and who knows where it would take you? Maybe you’ll love the new destination πŸ˜‰

    1. Kristen Burns

      Thank you <3 And thanks for the tip πŸ™‚ I'm just moving from small apt to an even smaller efficiency thing though, so I won't exactly have many rooms to worry about lol.

      Ah, favicon, I did not know that! I use a photo of myself for social media, so the logo is just for my favicon. But I still want it to look good because I'm a perfectionist. But it's so hard to make a logo when your blog has no image in the header, and I can't fit two Ms properly while still being able to read them!

      Oh hush, the world always needs more vampire books πŸ˜‰ That's true though, even books that aren't meeting my goals can still be good and introduce me to new things. You've been into contemp and I've been into sci-fi. What's going on with us lately? Lol. But you know you could always find fantasy/paranormal books with mental illness! I just posted a review for one tonight!

      Thanks, as long as I'm reading period I won't get too stressed about the goals πŸ™‚

      1. Drangonfly

        maybe a moon? I LOOOOOOVE moons to death s I’d be forever in love with your favicon as I’m with the blog title which is AWESOME πŸ™‚ very poetic

        1. Kristen Burns

          I thought of using a moon, but then I would feel like I were monopolizing use of the moon lol. I want something more original/specific to my blog, you know? And I couldn’t figure out any good to even, like, stylize the moon. It’s just a circle -_-

  14. Angela @ Simply Angela

    Just the thought of moving makes me shudder. It’s a process that I hate. When I moved from the apartment to the house, I packed up everything I didn’t need and put it in storage months before I moved. Sad thing is, I’ve been in the house for about 5 years and I still have boxes that I haven’t went through, lol

    As for meeting my reading goals this year, I haven’t. With so much going on around here, I’m lucky if I manage to read and review the ARCs I get on time.

    1. Kristen Burns

      Lol I don’t blame you. I’ve lived here for two years and still have some stuff in bins that I never even bothered with.

      Yeah, I’m basically trying to make sure I hit deadlines, and other than that who knows with my books. As long as we read at all, that’s good enough, right?

  15. Di @ Book Reviews by Di

    Oh Kristen! Sorry your elbow is still hassling you. I wish there was a way to make it better immediately.

    I don’t mind your favicon! What do you want to change it to instead?

    March seems like a month where we all reassess where we are in our goals for the year, yes? I’m cringing away from my own goals this year so far… Eep.

    I definitely let myself get distracted by books – but that’s what it is to be a bookworm! Hopefully I’ll still get to all the books I want to somehow!

    Hope you have a great week!

    1. Kristen Burns

      Thank you <3

      Thanks! I did already change to this, before it was a crescent moon thing with an M. But I don't like this either :-/ The problem is idk what to change it to since my header doesn't have any image in it!

      Well at least I'm not the only one not doing too well with my goals, haha. It's the review copies, man! And the library books! And the other bloggers who give such great reviews! Too many books!

      Same to you πŸ™‚

  16. Jane @ Raincity Librarian

    I never set reading goals of any kind. I read what I want, when I want, and when I don’t want to read, I don’t! Life is just too short and too stressful already to add any extra pressure or stress! Reading isn’t my job, it’s what I do to de-stress from my job, so I take it easy on myself, and don’t set any expectations. I’m highly-strung enough without adding more anxiety to my life. πŸ˜‰

    1. Kristen Burns

      I also generally read what I want when I want, except for sometimes ARCs with deadlines. But like, I also want to read all these other books that I keep putting aside? Lol that’s the problem. But I’m also high-strung enough already which is why I don’t do challenges!

  17. Becky @ A Fool's Ingenuity

    It’s a favicon, the little thing in the tab for your website. It’s a really fun thing to design but it’s so hard to make something distinctive when it’s small. And ugh, moving is the worst. So much work and all the boxes involved. Forward planning is good so you don’t have to do it in a mad rush, though. Smart thinking.

    I’ve noticed I have been terrible with my reading goals so far this year, apart from GR one as I always set the same goal (it’s low pressure that way). I have just been reading what I want when I want which is great, but it means I’m still not focusing on the books unread on my shelf. I feel like I need to make a small stack of old books I want to read in a set amount of time to put pressure on myself. I normally get distracted by new and shiny, or the fact an ARC is due. I have terrible planning skills basically. I am trying to restrict my Netgalley requests going forward.

    1. Kristen Burns

      I did not know it was called that until today lol. But ugh, that’s the problem, it’s so small that I can’t even fit two Ms so that they’re readable! And my header doesn’t have an image. This moving thing is becoming a big disaster and stressing me out though πŸ™

      Well at least I’m not the only one failing at my goals lol. I do the same with my GR goal, so at least I feel about that one, albeit marginally good since I know it’s a lower number. I’ve been good about not getting too many books, but the problem is that I also haven’t been reading a ton, so I keep getting basically the same number of review copies that I’m reading and thus my numbers don’t go down -_-

      1. Becky @ A Fool's Ingenuity

        I’m filled with random and useless knowledge. It is difficult. It’s why my image is just a jester hate (for the fool because it made sense to me). And that sucks. You need a day to yourself to destress, moving is hard so take a little time out occasionally.

        I think next year I’m going to skip the reading goals. I will just write a list of books still on my shelf from this year I want to conquer in the next. It seems sensible and all I want to do is cut down my TBR anyway.

        1. Kristen Burns

          Lol not so useless, apparently. A jester hat is a good idea. Although honestly, I didn’t even realize that was your favicon until you told me and I looked. Which just goes to show I don’t pay attention to them and probably no one does so why am I so worried about mine?

          Well the thing about my reading goals is that they’re not things I was trying to force myself to do, they’re books I actually want to read. That’s why I’m disappointed that I’m failing at them! But a list of specific books is a good idea πŸ™‚

  18. S. J. Pajonas

    I’m sorry to hear you’re so exhausted and have all this stuff to do, including getting ready to move. I hate moving. When we bought this house, I said, “I never want to move again.” Lol. Probably not until my kids are grown. Anyway, I hope you feel better soon and back with it so you can get to reading the stuff you want to read. πŸ™‚

    1. Kristen Burns

      I would love to be able to just get a house and then live there permanently. I never even end up painting or decorating anywhere that I live because I never see the point of wasting the energy when it’s just temporary. Thank you!

  19. Lola

    I hope the moving goes well! I dislike moving and I hope I won’t have to do it anytime soon again, it’s such a pain to pack up everything. Sorry to hear you’re so exhausted lately :(. I was just thinking your favicon looked different, but I couldn’t remember what it looked like before, so I am glad you mentioned it here.

    I also am doing pretty badly on some of my goals, there were some authors I wanted to read more of and I think I read only one or two books max of those authors. I’ve been doing well with some goals, like my cozie goal, but not all of them. That is great you’re doing well with reading so many books with disabilities in them. I haven’t forgotten about your list, but I haven’t read a lot of sci-fi or fantasy this year yet and none with disabilities as far as I can remember.

    I really enjoy sci-fi books, but for some reason haven’t read many so far this year. I really want to read Starflight soon-ish. Your mini review of pandora makes me curious about that one, I am looking forward to your full review! I hope this was a good week for you!

    1. Kristen Burns

      It feels weird that I’m responding to this after I’ve already posted another Sunday post. Oops lol. But thanks πŸ™‚ Moving is going to be really difficult. And I shouldn’t known you’d notice the favicon! Every time I change something, I have to post about just so you don’t lose your mind trying to figure out what’s different lol.

      It seems like a lot of us are not doing too well with our goals. Oh well, as long as we’re reading!

      I wasn’t expecting to suddenly get more into sci-fi, but I just go with my mood! Hmm, I’m not sure what you’d think of Pandora. Maybe my full review will help you πŸ™‚ Thanks!

  20. La La in the Library

    Ugh, moving. I don’t envy you. Being in a new place is usually nice but getting there is always awful. I read A Long Way To a Small Angry Planet and I think it is the best book I have read in three or four years. Someone in the Dean guitar owners Facebook group I belong to posted a video of Overkill, and I had forgotten how much I love that band. I ended up watching a bunch of their videos on Youtube this afternoon. I hope you had a good week. πŸ™‚

    1. Kristen Burns

      Greg has talked about Small Angry Planet a lot and has me tempted to try it since it sounds similar to Starflight in some ways, and now to hear it’s the best book you’ve read in years?! I’m just going to have to give it a try! I’ll have to check out that band too since I’ve never heard of them πŸ™‚ Thanks, you too!