In February I read 6 books. Not a lot, but more than I expected since this has been an incredibly busy month. I have had my first “job” interview, and my first job interview failure, which has been a huge blow and very likely means I will not find a job next year (unless something else miraculously turns up, but with my interests and study-path, that does not seem very likely). I am trying to move on, but concentrating on reading has been a little hard. That is, it is hard to find a way to not drown myself in reading instead of doing the work I have left to do in graduate school.
Anyway, 6 books, 1348 pages, and once again all of them were written by women. I have yet to finish Mill’s essay. I am unsure if I will get to it soon. Instead, I might concentrate on the Feminist Classics selection for March instead, A Doll’s House, and finish Mill later this year.I do have some initial plans for March, I’d like to read more for my NYRB project, as well as one other Bloomsbury Group book, but I know that my plans never work out, so just imagine that I whispered that, instead of saying it out loud. Oh, and during this month, I will probably dream of all the Persephone’s I’d like to read in the future.
The books I read in February are:
- Agnes Grey – Anne Brontë
- The Brontës Went to Woolsworth – Rachel Ferguson
- The Moorland Cottage – Elizabeth Gaskell
- Janis Joplin – Rise Up Singing – Ann Angel
- Murder at Mansfield Park – Lynn Shepherd
- High Wages – Dorothy Whipple
What was not a great month personally, or well, professionally, was a great month for music. I got to see The National live (on a festival that also allowed me to see Efterklang with an orchestra and Owen Pallett). I am still as much in love with The National as I have been these past months. And 2 days later, I got to see Bright Eyes, for the third time. Not his best performance. Not the best crowd (where do all the 16-year-olds who only care about the “sexy” Conor Oberst suddenly come from? Never saw such a crazy teenage crowd at a concert. I’m getting old.) I also bought a pass that allows me to see whatever movie I want for 4 months, for 18 euros a month, last week. Since then, I have seen The King’s Speech and Black Swan. I am not big on thrillers or action movies, but I am still very excited about being able to go see any movie without paying (or well, not paying extra). Just imagine, I could go see the new Jane Eyre 15 times and no one could complain.. *dreams*
Anyway, I hope March will be more bookish for me. And for you too.
Sending you lots of good thoughts. The professional blows can take a toll, but keep your head up and something wonderful will likely surprise you down the road. Or such has been my experience.
Hugs!
Good luck on the job front, Iris! Hopefully it will all work out OK.
The concerts were a great distraction, I’m sure.
Six books it more than I managed. I know what it’s like when life gets in the way of your reading, Iris (tsk! how dare it??)
Good luck on the job front – someone will be lucky to have you when the right job comes around. Don’t give up hope and in the meantime enjoy the cinema!
I hate interviewing and applying for jobs. It sucks when you don’t get the job but, like The Book Whisperer said, someone will be lucky to have you!
So jealous of your cinema pass. It’s really hard to get to the cinema from my university so I rarely get to go. I did see “The King’s Speech” and loved it but haven’t seen “Black Swan” yet.
Ah, crap Iris, sorry about the job interview. Try not to let it get you down. What all this probably means is that you didn’t get this job because the perfect one is coming and you need to be unencumbered when it arrives. I swear I believe this stuff. I would consider your reading month (and music month) to be a success. I can’t wait to hear about Janis Joplin!
Sorry to hear about the job problem, Iris. Don’t let it keep you down, though! You’ll find something
Hey, at least you got to see some fun shows.
Thanks for your response at Jillian’s! I am staring a postcolonial week in my blog and I think you would like to come over and help me to spread our postcolonial love!
http://booksandreviews.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/postcolit-1/
Thanks.
Sorry to hear you didn’t get the job. Fingers crossed something comes up soon.
Six books is good!
Don’t let it get you down, Iris. Something good will turn up. You have to stay positive. (Easier said than done, I know.) But at least you got to read some good books and see some good shows. I loved MURDER IN MANSFIELD PARK when I read it last year. Good to see it on your list. I only read 8 books last month and I have no excuse. Just slowing down in my old age. ; )
I’m jealous you got to see Bright Eyes play. First Day Of My Life is one of my most favourite songs ever.
The new Jane Eyre movie is definitely something great to look forward to in March. I’ve had it in my calendar for a least a month now. Can’t wait to see it!
I’m sorry about the let-down about your job search. Interviewing is so hard! But, I am sure something better will come along for you.
I think we always feel that we could have read more than we did every month!
I’m sorry to hear about the job woes. That really sucks. 6 books in a month isn’t bad. I just snuck in 7 at the last minute. I think it’s just February — everything is slow.
I’m hearing you on the job front! I had my first ever interview about two months ago (I got my first job without an interview), and after thinking it went well, the job went to someone else. I’m trying to see this time as an opportunity to get other things done–hopefully more reading! I wish you well with your future job searching. Have fun watching all those movies! (I’m hoping to see Jane Eyre myself.)
Sorry about the job interview. Interviewing sucks but it’s necessary, unfortunately. Something good and well-suited to you will come along. You read more than me but that is not saying much
. Keep your chin up. I’m also hoping for a bookish March.
Sorry to hear about the interview, as I type I am awaiting news of an interview I had on Monday. I must read The Brontes went to Woolworths soon and I can’t wait for the new movie version of Jane Eyre. March will be better! Tx
Still a good read, better than what I did by 2 books and several pages. A lot of activity in the movies section. And you would come across another interesting job and this time the interview would be a success. All the best.
I’ve not had too good a time of it either recently, and have also just wanted to pick up a book and read. I suppose it might sound odd to non-readers, but I know that when I can get round to reading a book that I am likely to very much enjoy I will feel a lot less stressed.
Best of luck in finding a job!
Good luck with the job stuff! I’m sorry you had a disappointment, and I will keep my fingers very very crossed for you. *hug*
So sorry to hear that your month wasn’t great but I do hope that March is even better. All the best, thinking of you! Also the movie pass sounds super cool!