Apparently, the “no pressure” approach to blogging plans worked for July: I participated in Orange July; I wrote two posts for Paris in July; I also wrote two posts for Rosamond Lehmann Reading Week; and participated in Spanish Lit Month. Unfortunately, I did not manage to finish – or even start – Miéville’s novel for the Summer in the City and the City read along, nor did I get to participate in Jodie’s small press forthnight.
For August, I have very little definite plans, except participating in the North & South Read Along hosted by Andi and Heather. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell is a great favourite of mine, as is the mini series. I can’t wait to read it again and finally blog about it.
The rest of August will be spent trying to make a dent in my library pile, as well as in reading some of the books I’d love to read this year but which I’m not sure I’ll get to once my PhD starts in September. There are so many that I considered including a picture, but really, that would only make my inevitable failure more visible..
Which reminds me that I’d also like to get some post scheduled. I have an infinite number of reviews waiting to be written [make that over 30]. Unfortunately, I fell off my bike last week (which turned out to be a sprained ankle) and haven’t been able to sit upright for longer than an hour at a time, which means my computer time – and thus my blogging time – is limited. I see a personal bloggiesta coming up in the next few weeks..
Are you planning to read, or blog about, anything in particular during August?
OH! Hope your ankle gets better soon. I’ve got quite a bit on the read-soon list and I’m plunging back into my audio listening having bit the bullet on joining audible.com (sigh, monthly moneys but will be OK over time.)
I really wish I could have joined the North&South readalong – I’m sure I would enjoy it but Outlander is my current chunkster and no way I could do it this month.
Every once in a while I contemplate joining audible, but for now I’ve decided to make do with the audiobooks from the library. Then again, the only time I listen to audio is while running or heavy cleaning, and I think I’ll have to wait a month to do both with my injured leg :/
Ourlander is a chunkster as well! I’ve never tried reading it, but I’ve seen lots of great comments so I’m sure it makes a good read!
aw sorry about your accident!
When are we going to read Cloud Atlas??
Ooh, right, I wasn’t sure if those plans were definite yet. I’d be happy to read during August, or any time you like, really!
Unlike you I am feeling some pressure. Started seriously reading in french and dare not stop because I feel I MUST keep building my vocabulary. My English reading has plundered to 1%. Still looking for a balance but not successful. Keep off the ankle and enjoy the “pre-PhD” summer weeks!
I’m planning to read and to blog.
But I went vegan a few weeks ago and all I’m reading is cookbooks! Not that you can’t blog about them. I’m just enjoying cooking and berry picking and summer with my dogs so much that I’m finding it really hard to read novels and blog… But that’s OK! Gaskell is on my to do list, glad to hear more about her from you, Ruby
Hope you get all your books read in August. I have about four book tours this month and trying to squeeze in a few more book reviews! Busy summer!
Happy reading
You’ve been really productive! And you’ve read so much, I still can’t believe you have already passed the 100 mark. Again: well done! North and South is one of those must-read-in-the-future books, but it’s reassuring to hear you say you like it a lot. I’m participating in Adam’s Austen in August and unexpectedly quite enjoying myself. I guess the time has come for me to start appreciating Jane Austen. (Also, I’m checking your GR ratings on Austen-related books before deciding on them).
Do you have to prep reading and such beforehand?
It must be an exciting prospect to start with your Phd in September
Sounds like pressure free July worked for you! I’m also trying to finish off my library pile before returning to school again in just over a week.
I hope your ankle begins to heal quickly, Iris! I had my wisdom teeth removed two days ago and sitting up while reading isn’t really working out for me right now. The medication I’m on keeps putting me to sleep, too.
Being totally no pressure doesn’t seem to work for me, I end up only reading YA… I think I should do one of these planning lists for August myself.
Hope your ankle heals soon!
Oh no! Hope your ankle gets better soon.
My plans for August centre on Edinburgh Literary Festival. We’ll be going for a couple of days while on holiday so taking some favourite reads and hoping to get them signed. Assuming there’s nothing more tempting in the holiday cottage, I’ll be re-reading them as well.
Hope the idea of a joint Twitter viewing of the N&S adaptation is still on. Looking forward to it!
I have a ton of reviews to write, too. Ugh. I wrote, like, five reviews yesterday but I’ve still got SO MANY to get through and just. Ugh.
Sorry about your accident! I hope your ankle feels better soon.
Wow, you had quite a busy month! I hope your ankle feels better soon and that you make a good dent on your reviews in August