Hello everyone and happy Sunday! Before I say anything else, I really want to thank everyone who went and voted for me for Best Historical Fiction Blog for BBAW. It’s such an honour to win again – I won last year and in 2008 – and I’m so pleased. The blogs nominated with me, Passages to the Past and Historical Tapestry, are absolutely spectacular blogs that I read myself, which to be honest makes the award worth even more in my eyes.
If you’re new and popping by because of BBAW, welcome! As you’ll quickly realize, I don’t just blog about Historical Fiction, but history and the books written about it are a subject dear to my heart, and were always intended to be at the core of this blog. Please stay awhile, let me know you’re here, and I’ll make sure I pop over and visit you.
It’s really been a fantastic week, so I’d like to thank Amy and all of the organizers – they have as usual done an exceptional job.
What I’m struggling with these days is my reading pace – it feels slow as molasses! I’m actually at the pace I thought would be normal when I started working, which is 2-3 books a week instead of the 4-5 I used to read. This is due to a number of factors – extra work, which has continued, a new-found addiction to various nerdy magazines, and spending in general more time out and about now that we’re in York. I can’t complain about any of those things, and I’m obviously enjoying at least two of them, but I find myself confident I’ll read a certain book by a certain time only to find out that it’s actually impossible. I’m not sure how to manage this – I think I may just cut back on review copies completely again, but that won’t clear the backlog.
Anyway, this week is going to be full of posting, so I hope you’re ready for it! I’ll be sharing reviews of all different kinds of books, from fantasy to YA to (hah) historical fiction, and I also plan to share some of my trip to Bruges with you.
In reading terms, today I’m working on finishing The Emperor of All Maladies, which is fantastic but really hard to read because of the subject matter. I’m also planning on starting Philippa Gregory’s recent works for review the week after – I’ll be starting with The Women of the Cousin’s War. She’s coming to town on Thursday and I’m hoping there will still be tickets left when I enquire on Monday.
I also found out Brandon Sanderson is coming to York in November through Twitter, at which point much fangirl squeeing ensued. I’m not entirely sure how I will get into town and back on my lunch hour, but I’m determined to try. I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally live in a place where author events happen.
I’m also looking forward to the resuming of Downton Abbey tonight on TV!
What do you have planned for the week ahead? I hope you have a fantastic Sunday!
So jealous that you are going to be seeing Downton already! It doesn’t show here until June next year!
Have a great week!
Marg´s last post …Fragile Things Readalong – Week 2
Congratulations on your win – I’m thrilled for you!
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last post …Review: Silver Girl
DOWNTON! I’m looking forward to seeing where you went in Bruges. Hopefully your weather was much better than it was when I went (solid rain, yeah I did not pack enough water resistant shoes for four days at all). This weekend has been lazy, as the next two involve going places so just tv, cinema, books and curry which has been lovely.
Jodie´s last post …BBAW Giveaway
Congrats on your win! I still haven’t finished the first season of Downton. It was on my computer that died and I still haven’t transferred things over.
Kailana´s last post …Week in Review (33) and Short Story Sunday – Week 2
“2-3 books a week instead of the 4-5 I used to read”
I’ve read only two books this month so I’m impressed with the 2-3 books a week. It’s not about quantity anyway. It’s about quality…
…as for this week, I have no reading plans yet. Did start dipping into The Highly Effective Detective by Richard Yancey last night and was enjoying it.
unfinishedperson´s last post …The Last Hurrah: Wrapping up Book Blogger Appreciation Week
Congratulations on your win, Meghan! Much deserved
I can’t wait for Downton Abbey to air here. And my reading has gotten very slow, too- I’m at more like one book a week, and it took me I think well over two weeks to read the book I just finished (which, to be fair, is pretty large). I did very well cutting down on review copies, but somehow this month I got a TON and they all seem to be quite long, so I am having trouble getting through them. I think after spending so much time AWAY from review copies, I’ve realized how wonderful it is to read your own books and I am excited to get back to that.
Aarti´s last post …[TSS] Interlude: The Freedom Riders
Congrats!!!! I’m obviously not surprised. You’re my top pick in this category for sure. I’m really jealous that you get to meet Gregory. I adore her and actually just finished the nonfiction. Hope you like it and have SO much fun at the author event!!!
Congrats on your win–very well deserved! My reading had been slowing down too (it took me 10 days to read The Alienist!)but I think I am getting back on track.
Stephanie´s last post …The Sunday Salon, 9/18/2011
Congratulations on the BBAW win! Totally well-deserved! I can’t wait to read Emperor of all Maladies – I picked it once but since it was huge, I put it aside for later. I’ll be looking to hear your thoughts on it.
Aths´s last post …The Sunday Salon: So Not The End Of Year Other Favorites List (Part 2)
I find myself confident I’ll read a certain book by a certain time only to find out that it’s actually impossible.
Welcome to my life. :p
Congratulations on your win, I’m so happy for you, and have been enjoying your reviews for well over a year now! And I loved the first season of Downton Abbey, can’t wait for season 2!
Tracey (My Four Bucks)´s last post …Review: Three Men in a Boat – Jerome K. Jerome
You know I’m thrilled for your BBAW win. And Yay you for truly enjoying your life back in York. Being out and about is a good thing. Sounds like your life is great!
Beth F´s last post …Review: The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
Aww I love how 3 to 4 books is a bad week for you, your lucky if I read two a week hehe. I had a nice quiet weekend spent catching up on chores, not fun, but good to get it done. Plus it was easier to get through with the treat of Downton Abbey afterwards
Jessicabookworm´s last post …Norse Tales of Legends, Gods and Heroes