Although it is only October, I'm kind of already thinking about 2014 and what I want to accomplish personally, professionally, and how reading/this blog will play a part in that. I'm definitely planning to cut back on quantity read (this year's goal is 300 and I feel comfortable that I will reach that achievement). Instead I want to try some longer, more challenging reads. For starters, I want to tackle two dystopian classics 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, inspired by this comic I saw on Pinterest. I've never read either and think it will be fun to finally give them a read. I'm not starting them now because I want to give my full attention to War and Peace and checking that off my list. I also want to read some management/leadership books, partially inspired by Brene Brown's Daring Greatly. It gave me some thoughts about communication and vulnerability that I've been using to think about my career and I want to follow up on that. There are also some other non-fiction books I want to check out. I don't know how that will impact the blog yet but I hope it will prove interesting. Is anyone else planning some changes for 2014 already?
The Week That Was plus Giveaway:
This past week was the week of The Scarlet Pimpernel as I shared thoughts on this classic from Jen Ryland/YA Romantics and me. Wednesday saw her review of Diana Peterfreund's interpretation Across a Star-Swept Sea and then on Friday, I unveiled my giveaway (super easy: open internationally and all you have to do is enter-no endless list of bonus entries!)
My Obsession:
This is more of a rediscovered obsession with a bit of a story. For about four years, I was super into musicals (I liked them before and still do but it's less intense now) and of course that includes those written by the great Stephen Sondheim. Earlier this month I heard one of my coworkers singing some bars from A Chorus Line and found myself doing work that lends itself well to listening to musicals so I dug out files for Into the Woods because I am so so excited for the musical. I adore Anna Kendrick and Emily Blunt, who are two of the stars (also Chris Pine and Meryl Streep) so I hope this is a more pleasing film version than some other musicals as I have not been much impressed in recent years with the film adaptations we've gotten. Does anyone else love musicals or is interested in this forthcoming movie?
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| Into the Woods cast |
The Heiresses by Allison Rushby-I've already read this historical fiction about sisters and can promise a positive review of it to come
The Art of Letting Go by Anna Bloom-it's a contemporary NA, part of a tour from CBB Book Promotions; I'm a bit concerned about the potential steam but I love the premise
Truly Madly Deadly by -although I've been disappointed by the reviews I've seen, this is actually a book I bought so I want to actually give it a read.
The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas-I grabbed this from Amazon Vine after seeing some good reviews from bloggers I trust
Invasion by Walter Dean Myers-a WWII YA story looking at Normandy that could prove very intense
Hitler's Secret by Walter Osborne-promises to be cinematic; it looks to be a sequel but hopefully I'll be able to get into the story.
So that's my week; what's up with you?
I'm not ready to start thinking about 2014 yet. At all. I am happy with my reading pace this year though I do need to catch up on reviews. Next year I'm not sure what I'll be doing with my blog. I honestly haven't enjoyed blogging for the last couple of years.
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with the story of Into the Woods but now I want to check out the film version! I like musicals usually especially the old classics like Fiddler on the Roof and Singin' in the Rain. I loved the movie version of Les Miserables. I had wanted to watch Mamma Mia but changed my mind after all the negative reviews.
I look forward to reading your thoughts on The Burning Sky which I really liked.
Well my work is assigned through the end of April 2014 so I kind of can't help thinking about it and what else I want to do. I hope you will be sticking around the blogosphere even if you decide to change things. Would you not want to write about books, maybe expand your focus and talk more about your library job?
DeleteI think Mamma Mia is horrendous (but so it was on the stage) but my mom and sister kind of adore it. If you like ABBA songs, there are some fun moments.
I got The Burning Sky because of you and I'm so glad I tried it!
I'm definitely planning on reading some longer books next year! I've already decided to cut my Goodreads challenge goal in half, just so the pressure's off. Although, holy moly, 300 books!!!!! That's amazing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking, I might just try 204 (or 17 a month) as something more manageable-we'll see because I'm lucky to still have time to ponder.
DeleteI'm excited for 2014 to come as well :) Hope you'll get to read those books. <3 thank you for sharing :) Happy reading :D
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of great releases for that year and I also hope to read some of those classics-will be interesting.
DeleteI definitely recommend Brave New World. I read it this summer, as a friend lent it to me, and I loved it. I hope you do too!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about Into the Woods but I'll see the movie because I LOVE musicals and I'm a big fan of Anna Kendrick.
Glad to get your rec-I hope I love it too!
DeleteAnna Kendrick is what got me excited too-she's one of my favorite actresses!
It's scary that 2014 is coming up so fast. I am looking forward to your reviews this week. Have a great Sunday.
ReplyDeleteJust about two months-it's going to go by so fast!
DeleteI'm kind of wanting to make some changes in 2014 too. Broaden my reading horizons and all that! ;P 1984 is really interesting, I hope that when you finally do read it you enjoy it. And as for musical obsessions... I haven't actually seen any that I truly consider to be "musicals"? Is that bad? I guess I'll have to try some out. Looking forward to your review of Truly, Madly, Deadly!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea-I am pondering some changes to my blog to keep things fresh and engaging for me.
DeleteYeah for Into the Woods. Such a great show, so the movie has a lot to live up to. Also, 1984 is one of my all time favorite books. I hope you like it.
ReplyDeleteIt's so wonderful-I've also been listening to A Little Night Music and Assassins, just to keep the Sondheim theme going.
DeleteCan't believe how quickly the year is flying by but I haven't yet thought of 2014 other than being even more selective with review and NetGalley books ... lol we'll see. Enjoyed your review of The Heiresses and I'm looking forward to your thoughts on The Burning Sky, it's been on my watch list. And I'm a musical fan too and I love the Brothers Grimm fairy tales so I'm sure I'd like Into the Woods.
ReplyDeleteI've tried to be a bit more selective with my picks too but sometimes it's hard to restrain myself. I just have to remind myself of what I want and to not get overwhelmed.
DeleteInto the Woods looks like it has some decent actors/resses. :) I like musicals, but yes, they never quite live up to expectations. Let's think positively. ;)
ReplyDeleteTressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings
I'm hoping this will defy my expectations (I did like Les Miserables but none have compared to the great old musicals like Oklahoma and Singin' in the Rain in my opinion.)
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