As much as I enjoyed organising, reading, and writing for Dutch Lit Month, I have to admit I am also relieved that it is over. No more planned reading and writing for a while.. *heaves a big sigh*
Now that’s not entirely true. There are lots of amazing events happening in the book blogosphere in the upcoming month. There’s Jodie’s Small Press Forthnight; Care’s Summer in the City and the City Read Along; Bookbath and Thyme for Tea’s Paris in July; Miss Darcy’s Rosamond Lehmann Reading Week; Mrstreme’s Orange July; and I’m sure there are more which I didn’t think of. I kind of want to participate in all of them, but I don’t have any definite plans yet. Simply because I’m in a mood for “Yay, no definite plans”-reading.
There are also quite a few books I have read but haven’t talked about yet that I have to catch up on. As well as a number of review copies. If only I could get the posts written.. There are also one or two personal reading projects that I’m planning to talk about later. Hah, so much for “no more plans for a while”, right? But let’s just establish that sometimes half the fun in reading is thinking of what you’re going to read next..
You know what I missed most in June? Just talking about books with all of you. I know this might seem weird, as I posted reviews and everything.. But containing my bookish thoughts to just Dutch lit (while I was also “secretly” reading regular books) and trying to fit in all the Dutch books I had read before the end of the month. I don’t know, some of the natural flow blogging usually has for me was taken away. I usually just pick a book to write about at any given moment. Also, it’s much harder to simply discuss Dutch books as most of the titles are more marginal. I don’t know, I’m just so happy to be able to post “Hey, I’m reading this, what are you reading this week?” posts again, with a little (or a lot) of rambling on the side.
Paul Hugues – Women in the Park*
In light of my reading, I have been contemplating how it’s possible that I’m up to 90 books this year so far. I know that for a lot of you, reading 200 books a year is the most natural thing in the world. However, my usual average is much lower; I generally manage to read one hundred books a year, and only just. I can think of a few explanations. First, I’m unemployed. Second, I have not been obliged to read as much academic literature. While I was writing my Master thesis last year a whole day of reading and writing left me less eager to pick up a work of fiction at home. Right now, I have little professional reading to “distract” me [although, I wish I would]. And yet, I’m still a little surprised at how much I’m reading this year. I find it hard to keep up review wise [Did I mention the 24 books yet to be reviewed?]. My reading is bringing me joy though; it is surprising, and lovely, and it takes away from some of the pain of being unemployed. You won’t hear me complaining. It has me puzzled, that’s all, because it’s such an absurd rise in numbers.
Less rambly posts coming up in the near future, promise 
For now, I hope you have a lovely weekend!
* Picture found via Alex’ Fellow Readers Pinterest. I have to admit, I keep thinking of Ana’s post on The Woman Reader when I browse these pictures. Luckily, it hasn’t taken away from my enjoyment of them.
“Luckily, it hasn’t taken away from my enjoyment of them.”
I’m glad to hear it, because that was the last thing I intended! I think Alex’s Pinboard is amazing and I don’t think we should feel guilty for enjoying it. They have a complicated history and knowing about it is interesting and useful, but that’s the case for so many things in life.
Hooray about reading more this year (though I know the reasons are less than ideal :\). I feel like I should be reading more too with all this time in my hands, but at this rate this is going to be my worst reading year in a very long time. My head’s all over the place and I just can’t focus.
My head’s all over the place and I just can’t focus.
Yeah. I think that’s been my issue as well. When there are so many other things going on, it’s hard to enjoy reading in the same way.
I’m sorry for both of you. I couldn’t imagine not being able to read what with everything else going on in my life at the moment. *hugs*
I know that’s not what you intended at all. But it was interesting to look at her Pinterest having just read the passage you quoted.
Yes, the reading more is -sadly- one of the few (only?) accomplishments to celebrate thus far this year.
I hope your difficulty reading will pass soon. I know it must be frustrating at times.
If I participate in some kind of themed event, I always end up getting twitchy halfway through. Still they are fun, and you all have done a great job! I have no idea how many books I’ll read this year. So much going on, and my mind is scattered. As long as you are having fun, that is all that matters!
I agree, having fun with your reading is all that matters. And I could be having fun reading “just” 40 books a year (which would be a low amount for me, but not necessarily for others). It’s just that this year, it’s been a lot more.
And yes, I did get a little twitchy at certain points during the month. Oh well, I am happy looking back, and did enjoy most of it. And now I’m enjoying some time to myself as in posting and reading what I like
I know how you feel. I loved Geman Literature Month but it’s quite stressful hsoting something like that, even when there are two people.
You did so well. Thanks a lot for hosting it.
No problem. Thanks for joining in!
Yes, it does get stressful, but it’s also fun. I don’t mean to complain really, about something I organised myself, but I couldn’t help celebrate a little at the beginning of July either.
I do like challenges and events, but I know what you mean. At some point you just want to read… well, whatever you feel like.
You did a great job with the Dutch Literature month and I do feel bad that I haven’t participated. I just don’t read a lot of Dutch books that are translated into English (and not that many Dutch books in their original language either) so I didn’t feel I could join in.
90 books is a lot. I’m at just over 100 for this year. When I stopped my part-time job (3.5 days per week) I kept reading the same number of books as the year before. I think this year I have speeded up a bit – I feel less guilty about reading during day time when I should be… erm. Well, doing something else, I guess!
I hope you’ll find a job soon and don’t worry about all the reviews. I sometimes don’t bother with them if it’s too long since I read them and it feels like a proper chore.
Yes, reading whatever you like. That’s probably my general blogging motto. I do often get tempted by all the challenges and events, and I’d love to participate in them all, but I often end up failing miserably.
I understand about finding translated Dutch lit. The choices really are quite limited if you have a whole library of Dutch books at your disposal. Sometimes the books you imagine would have been translated and readily available end up being untranslated, or only available in German. It’s a shame, really.
You did such a great job, Iris! I wish I could have participated but like…IDK I feel like I can’t commit to anything nowadays, I’ll just flake out.
I hope you don’t feel bad about that Amy. I’m not great with commitment on blogging projects either at the moment (Ask Ana and Jodie, I should have been writing my part of co-written posts for months now). I’m just happy to have you as a blogging friend really
I m just starting spanish lit month and feeling a bit pressured although got loads read but I am a lazy blogger lol ,look forward to seeing what else you read last month Iris ,all the best stu
I had quite a few books read before Dutch Lit Month, but it was mostly the having to write about them -and only them- that made it stressful for me at times. Plus, Dutch books tend to invite less of an audience, so I felt a little lonly at times
Good luck with Spanish Lit Month Stu. And I realise I didn’t list it in my post (there are so many events going on, I couldn’t keep everything sorted), but I do hope to read *something* originally written in Spanish this month.
I know how you feel Iris, this is why i avoid reading challenges altogether… I find it exhausting to read one type of book for a long period of time, and particularly frustrating to to be able to choose my own books.
loved your blog! you’re doing a lovely job! following you now, to get a taste of your non-rambling posts.
Please do visit my book blog, and if you like it, please follow!
I love the idea of reading challenges: exploring other worlds, looking past your usual reading habits. But then, perhaps I like the idea more than the actual reading. I don’t do well on books I feel I HAVE to read and enjoy them more when I feel I’m simply picking them up as I go along. But then challenges do help me to put new books on my radar. I hope that makes sense.
Thanks for the compliment. I will be looking at your blog
I’m taking part in the Small Press Fortnight, and looking forward much more to reading everyone’s posts. It makes sense that you’re happy Dutch Lit month is over, there are a lot of subjects of books for any language, but it’s always the way that when you limit yourself you find yourself wanting a change all the more. Enjoy the extra time to read while you can!
I would have loved to have participated in Small Press Fortnight, but I couldn’t come up with a proper post idea before it had started. I might read a book by a small publisher and write about that, or something else entirely. I am looking forward to seeing all of your posts though!
I know what you mean too: I love the sense of community that hosting a week generates and I also like the idea of promoting our niche of world lit, (that’s why I’m hosting Indigenous Literature Week at ANZ LitLovers this week) but it feels like a responsibility while it’s on, rather than fun.
BTW I *love* that painting that you feature in your post.
PS I know DLM is over but I’ve added my review of The Twin to your database. I loved that book…
PPS Good karma coming your way all the way for Australia for the job hunt.
Lisa, I can’t believe I forgot to feature Indigenous Lit Week. I knew there were more events I was interested in. Sorry about that! I will be reading your posts at the very least.
Also, feel free to post any link to a Dutch book previously reviewed in the database. I hope it won’t be something contained to just Dutch Lit Month. I should really read The Twin. I had planned to do so this June, as I had last year. Next year, it should definitely happen.
And thank you!