Sunday, October 05, 2008

Sunday Salon: Bookish Ramblings

Books. My desk is overrun with books. I need to take some time out today and rearrange a bit, make things a little more tidy. The majority of my unread books are shut away in the guest bedroom (or TBR room as many of you know I like to call it), but there are a number of unread books that are shelved on my desk, which I think of as my immediate TBR pile. Only, not all the books fit on the desk shelves anymore (they might come close if I used the whole top shelf, but I have to leave room for my cat, Parker, who likes to survey the world from that particular spot on a regular basis). I have books piled on top of the shelved books and a stack right next to me (my immediate, immediate TBR pile). Oh, and there's the box of unread books sitting on the floor between my desk and the file cabinet. I am drowning in books. Thank goodness I remembered to bring the oxygen tank.

My husband made a comment yesterday that he needs to stay ahead of his book club reading so that he doesn't get behind. The last thing he wants is to have the books pile up unread. He would hate that. Having a stack of unread books (which he already does, but if I pointed it out to him, he would probably just give me a look and point out that he doesn't want an even bigger stack--and certainly nothing like mine) makes him nervous. I wonder what that is like. I am sure I once felt that way myself. Now I'm sort of numb to the whole idea.

This isn't really how I wanted to spend my Sunday Salon time, talking about my unread book stacks--or my husband's lack thereof. I often do not know what to say when I sit down to write these posts and so I begin by just typing anything. Eventually I get to where I want to go and erase the starting point. I'm not going to do that today because I still haven't decided what to write about.

I could tell you about the book I am reading: a fast paced suspense novel about the kidnapping of a young woman whose father is about to take over the Oval Office as President of the United States. I am also reading another book, a novel that crosses over from past to present, stretching across 1875 to today, and tells a most intriguing tale of murder, polygamy, love and faith. What more could this reader want? I do need to get started on that memoir, which is sitting on the top of the stack over there about a father and a son--it's been calling my name for about a week now.

If only I had three heads, a few more arms/hands and could read all three books at once. But then, really, what joy would I get out of that? Can you imagine having three brains? Some of you might be able to manage that quite well, but I am not sure I could. I have trouble with the one I have sometimes.

That reminds me, I have a few interviews of authors coming up. Or at least I will if I ever get around to writing the questions. I never know what to ask. So, I may borrow a few of your questions if I come across past interviews on some of your blogs. Think of it as a form of flattery.

Oh! I remember what was bugging me this morning as I read. There's this man in my book, a lead in the investigation of a kidnapping, who clearly has a stick up his behind. He is infuriating me no end with the way he treats Jack McClure, the ATF agent assigned to the task force to find the missing girl. Jack happens to be dyslexic. This jerk of a boss likes to make fun of and embarrass Jack constantly because of it. I want to reach into the pages and slap this man silly. There, I said it. Maybe now I can get past it.

Yes, I'm all over the place today. Don't mind me. Think of it as blog brainstorming and pretend it makes sense. If you managed to stay with me through it all, you're a brave soul.

I am off to do a little reading, although I should probably see what the animals are up to first. I heard a clatter coming from the other room. Not a good sign. Happy reading!

33 comments:

  1. Happy resding...whatever it might be...lol.

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  2. I used to feel some comfort in knowing I had unread books waiting around the house for me...but now that the number of them is creeping up close to 200, it's not comforting anymore. And those review books that I get in have to jump in front of the line, so older stuff just keeps waiting.

    But since I'll be packing up to move in the next few weeks, I'm going to make some tough decision about whether I really DO plan to read some of the stuff in TBR Purgatory. That's my intention, anyway. I hope to end up with a few boxes of books to donate to the library.

    Enjoy your Sunday reading, Wendy!

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  3. LOL, Wendy - you sound a bit like me today! My TBR pile is beginning to get out of control. I am on the search for at least one, but probably two, bookcases (I want the barrister type to keep the dust off). My read books have overflowed the current bookcase and need a space of their own. My TBR has now managed to extend into the guest room as well as stacking up next to the bedside table. So far Kip has refrained from judgment...but it is a little worrisome! Have a great day and a fabulous week ahead!

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  4. I don't know how you can read 2 books at once. One's the limit for me. I think it would help all of us if we had maids and cooks - that would give us more time for what's important - reading!

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  5. The TBR room...that's something I totally understand. I guess people who don't like unread books to pile up are the kind of people who also get everything done right away! I'm so not like that in any way. ;)

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  6. I loved reading your bookish ramblings today, my hub and I are currently going through a TBR pile/space problem. My solution would be to throw out unnecessary things like the dining room table :)
    If I hear the words 'downsize' and 'TBR pile' in the same sentence I may cry (lol)

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  7. I love you post today! All over the place is fun to read! And the three headed idea sounds very intriguing. Something I could use myself right now for sure.

    Sounds like we are reading the same book about polygamy. I've just barely started, but I can tell it will be gripping.

    Happy Sunday!

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  8. Ode to Mount TBR! That's all I have around my house - books I haven't read. Perhaps I'll enact an embargo on acquiring books in early 2009 to help the cause. But then again, maybe not. =)

    Enjoy your Sunday!
    Jill

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  9. Ah, well, time well spent any way you look at it. Happy Sunday!

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  10. Oh, I totally understand the TBR room. But, it doesn't bother me because I always felt nervous if I didn't have enough to read. No problem with that, now!

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  11. Wendy, I can tell you're reading First Daughter!

    This post made me smile. It is so fun to read someone else's ramblings!

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  12. What a great post! And I can soooo relate. I don't have a TBR room--I have TBR piles in many rooms--my office, my livingroom, my bedroom and my family room.

    I used to be one book behind my mother. Now I'm probably 201 books behind her. It doesn't help that I'm an author either. It's hard to find time to read someone else's work. But when I do...it's heaven. :)

    Since you enjoy reading suspense, I hope you'll check out my novels one day. I have 3 bestsellers: Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention.

    Also, regarding author interviews...you know, authors are so often asked the same questions and it gets tricky trying to find unique answers. You may want to aks them to send you a short post on their journey, or their favorite character or what they're reading or an upcoming event or anything else they can think of.

    I almost prefer to write my own when I'm a guest blogger or being interviewed. I've even written my own interview questions. :) I just don't want readers to keep seeing the same question (#1 is always...what inspired you to write 'so and so'?)

    Just thought I'd mention it. I know when I started suggesting it to blog hosts they were quite happy. In fact, I was often able to write posts based on their blog's theme.

    All the best to you. And happy reading!!

    Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
    bestselling suspense author
    http://www.cherylktardif.com

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  13. Happy reading Wendy. My book stacks don't make me nervous anymore but at the same time I don't know how I'll ever get through them either. Hope the animals didn't cause too much trouble in the other room. lol. Mine is currently barking at absolutely nothing-a favorite pastime of his lately.

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  14. Yasmin - Thank you. :-)

    Florinda - I know what you mean. It can be overwhelming if I think about it too much. I try to stay in a state of denial.

    The books are my biggest concern when we do end up moving. I imagine I will be donating quite a few too.

    Wendy - Just beginning to? You do read faster than I do though, so you probably do have a better handle on your book collection. :-)

    Truth be told, I could use another bookcase for the read books too. All the books I've read so far this year are piled on top of the shelved books with no space available for them.

    Kathy - I don't often juggle more than one book at a time, to be honest. I don't know why I'm trying now frankly.

    A maid and cook sure would be nice. Although, technically I do already have a cook: my husband. :-) And you've reminded me, I do need to do a little house cleaning.

    Amy - I'm not like that either. LOL My husband really isn't either, but I think he likes to pretend he is and so he tries to keep his stack of unread books down. He isn't fooling me though. :-)

    Book Zombie - We really don't need our dining room table either. Or the coffee table for that matter. Heck, we can stack the books, throw a table cloth other them, and have a ready made table in the off chance we need one!

    Suey - Three bodies would be nice too. Imagine being in three places at once . . .

    The 19th Wife is good, isn't it?

    Jill - Unread books are definitely taking over my house. Good luck if you do decide to set an embargo. Mine have failed miserably in the past. Someone (not me, of course; never me) always sets up a black market that sneaks around it.

    Karen H. - Very true!

    Lesa - That would definitely be a bigger problem for me--not having enough to read.

    Shana - Yes, I am reading First Daughter. I hope to finish it today, in fact. :-) I'm glad you didn't mind my ramblings.

    Cheryl - It sounds like you could very well have a TBR room with all the books you have lying all over the house. Multiple TBR room, in fact. :-)

    Thank you so much for your suggestions on the author interviews! I admit to worrying that asking authors to write up their own post is the lazy way out--easier on me than it is on the author--but it sounds like it may be easier for everyone involved. And you do make a good point about an author having to repeatedly answer the same questions. You've definitely given me something to think about.

    I have a copy of Whale Song around here somewhere. I even think it's autographed, which came as a pleasant surprise since I bought it new through Amazon.

    Dar - I'm not sure how I'll get through all my books either, but I know we'll both have fun trying, won't we? Your dog too? My dog has been barking at nothing more than usual lately too.

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  15. I'm a brave soul! Lol. My unread books are around about 150 or so and those are not counting my library books that I pick up every week (I have 5 out right now).

    An answer that I always find interesting is what inspired that author to write whatever book you're talking about (or particular series). Did a certain place, song, circumstance, movie, other book, etc influence what they had written? Basically, trivia... I LOVE trivia!

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  16. Jen - That always interests me too--and evidently many others if that's one of the number one questions asked of authors. LOL

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  17. Yahoo! Thanks, Wendy, for this post. I'm going to show it to my hubby and say to him, "See, see, I'm perfectly normal! I'm not crazy. LOLOL"

    (He is starting to think that he married books instead of me)

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  18. Oooooh... and please say meow and woof for me to all your furkids. *GRIN*

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  19. I never know what I'm going to say when I post my Sunday Salon either but I didn't get around to posting today as I was sucked into Harry Potter's world and didn't want to come up for air. Happy reading!

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  20. I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by my TBR. In fact, I've been forcing myself to get rid of some unread! The first to go are the first in series that I'm kinda on the fence about, I just don't have TIME.

    I think you should post pictures of your room.

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  21. Alice - Haha! I hope your husband will be more understanding once he reads it. My furkids send their greetings to you too. :-)

    Samantha - It's good to know I'm not the only one who isn't always prepared. I am glad to hear you are enjoying the Harry Potter books. It's a great way to spend the weekend.

    Lisa - You too? I've been thinking I might have to do that too. :-S

    I keep thinking I should post photos of my room, but right now it's a mess. Maybe I can use it as an excuse to clean it up. My brother-in-law is coming to town this next weekend anyway and I guess I should make sure there's room in there for him.

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  22. I love your Sunday Salon post. I haven't participated in a while due to my mood I guess, anyway, yesterday I was going to write one and add book ideas and like everything in my life these days even the laptop decided to play games with me. I turned it on and no Wi-Fi signal. Of course my ISP provider is closed on Sunday, I tried everything....no internet until this afternoon. It's funny, I do not have to be on, but the thought that I can't access the internet puts me in a funk.
    I'll participate this sunday and bring my book ideas.
    Ha ha....I think my problem with my ex was, he could not stand seeing me read, became grouchy when I walked into a bookstore ( I am beign nice), the man just went crazy seeing my books pile up. I am happy to read that your hubby likes books...if mr. wonderful ever comes by (I am not holding my breath) he will have to enjoy READING!

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  23. I loved your post too :)

    I often find myself wishing I had 3 heads! Or 3 times more hours in the day.

    Recently I have begun to take the books I plan to read that month out of the shelf and putting them in a neat little pile. But I find that it makes me want to feel even more time-pressured, so I might have to scrap the idea.

    Of course, the pile still exists even if it's not there physically, but fooling ourselves sometimes works :P

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  24. Well, it's Monday, but I'm all over the place anyway, a day later! Kids home from college for the weekend, which was fun. Your post reminded me that I better get busy on my book club book! I don't even know what it is, as I've been engrossed with my latest find, "Recovering Charles," by Jason Wright. Fabulous book by an author who's written other fabulous books (including "The Wednesday Letters, from last year). It's about a man who finds his past coming to the present, when he receives a call asking him to come find his father in post-Katrina New Orleans. This book has hope, redemption and faith. I loved it. (And now I have to get to my book club book...)

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  25. I'm not sure I could handle 3 heads either. So I'm with Nymeth, 72-hour days would go a long way to helping me get things done!
    Sometimes my TBR overwhelms me but most of the time I live in denial.
    My husband is actually similar to yours. His TBR isn't very big, maybe only about 30 books. Usually he'll read the books that he buys right away so only a few have gotten left behind when he's onto his latest fascination. He tends to read only NF so it depends on what interests him at the time.

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  26. I enjoyed reading your bookish ramblings, Wendy!

    I've been catching up on my reading lately, besides spending time with my baby since I've 16 weeks of maternity leave!! :O

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  27. I just wish my eyeballs moved faster. I'm a slow reader. In fact, I just read that older people read slower but it's because they tend to savor books and their comprehension level is higher. Am I "older"? Not sure.

    I love your ramblings. Your husband would freak out in my house. We have soooo many books.

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  28. Good heavens! I tremble at the thought of managing three brains!

    And you are right, you must always leave room for the cat. They must have their spots from which to survey :o)

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  29. Sylvie - Thank you! You've had a lot on your mind, and so I understand you not posting as often. You have your own business to take care of--we'll be here whenever you can stop in. :-)

    I have an uncle who was never fond of his wife reading in front of him. I can't imagine what that must be like. Interest in writing and books are two of the things that drew me to my husband in the first place.

    Nymth - Thank you! More hours would certainly be nice--as long as I don't need extra sleep to make up for it. :-)

    Yes, sometimes I find having my immediate-immediate stack out right there can be a bit stress-inducing if I let it be.

    Liz - I am glad you had a nice weekend with your kids. The weekends do seem to go by way too fast sometimes. Jason Wright's book sounds good. I'll have to look out for it! Thanks for the recommendation.

    Nat - Yes, the extra time would probably me more practical. :-) I pretty much stay in denial about my TBR collection too. It's much easier that way.

    Melody - Thank you! I hope you are able to fit in a lot of reading while you are home. I do know though that the children will take up a lot of your time. I'm sure you don't mind though. :-)

    Nancy - My eyeballs can move pretty fast, but my brain can't always keep up and so I have to listen to my brain more often than not. I think the older we get the more we can appreciate slowing down for awhile. Smell the roses and all that. :-) That's what I'm telling myself anyway.

    Terri - It is a frightening prospect, isn't it? Parker needs his little throne. I wouldn't think of depriving him of his lookout spot. :-)

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  30. Darn - my bloglines wasn't picking up your posts Wendy. Don't know why but anyway I just came over to check and see that I need to catch up :)

    Did you get your desk organized? I've been doing some of that myself - ugh. The bookshelves are overflowing and I seem to be reading slower than ever! haha...

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  31. Iliana - No, I still haven't gotten my desk organized. I'm finding other things to do instead. :-) I need to dedicate more time to reading too. I hardly managed to fit in any today. :-(

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  32. How interesting! I just finished a mystery book where the lead investigator a GBI Agent is dyslexic!

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  33. Nicola - How interesting! What book was it?

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