I am in a reading slump. Kind of like writer's block or that annoying state of craving a certain taste but not really being able to identify or find it until that glorious day when you finally bite into just the right thing. That's where I am right now. I eagerly headed to the library a few days ago. Loaded up my basket with things that looked good and spent the ride home anticipating the sweet taste of a good read only to find nothing was right. I am in between books for my on-line book club and I feel the need for a quick diversion. An absorbing, satisfying read. As I get older I have less and less patience for books that don't grab me right away. I admit that I judge a book by its cover and I love fonts...first impressions do make a difference to me when it comes to book. I wish I wasn't so superficial but I am. I used to feel obligated to finish books that I started. Now I don't. Kind of like an addiction, I crave that high that comes when words and images grab me, suck me in.
I am sure part of my slump is indicative of my emotional state. Feeling unsettled, out of whack, and agitated. These are the times I wish I could just curl up with a good read and escape. So instead of reading, music has recently given me some escape. I loaded up on cds at the library and those are a temporary fix while I keep searching for that read that will pull me out of my slump. I find myself listening to a mix of far flung sounds and those Cajun ones close to home and my heart. I am especially loving this and this. Both by Putumayo, both international, and quirky, soothing, and fun. We have several Putumayo cds and they are all wonderful. The kids are into the French music right now since they are learning French. I also keep replaying "Femme L'a Dit" by FeuFollet. They will be playing this weekend with some of my other favorite groups (Balfa Toujours, The Figs, The Pine Leaf Boys) at the Blackpot Festival.
So what's keeping your interest these days? Any suggestions for books or movies or music?
Dim Sum, Bagels, and Crawfish
Bits and pieces of daily life, nomadic rambles, pickled cravings, piles of books, and a furry dog. Cajun, Jewish, Taiwanese, American family on the move.
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Hmmm... I don't know if you follow Bethany's book blog, but I just read her review of The Shiniest Jewel: A Family Love Story by Marian Henley. It's a graphic novel about one family's journey through international adoption. I haven't read it yet, but she said she couldn't put it down, and that it made her laugh and cry. Maybe that would be a good fit for you right now?? Good luck!
I wish I could help you, but I think I am in the same position as you. I can't seem to find anything that is capturing my interests recently. :( I would love to find a great book to dive into...
Meeting Sophie was good (last month's book club) - loved that one! Also just read "Love the One You're With" (Emily Giffin)...I find her books engaging and funny but pretty real about human emotions and relationships.
We have book club tomorrow night (this month is Outsiders Within - seriously heavy read!)...and as always we will think of you. We have a blast, but it is not the same without you.
Hugs,
Laurie
Lucia, I just read a book called Sarah's Key which was really good. Also, Case Histories, which I also enjoyed. Good Luck! Colleen
Run by Ann Patchett (author of Bel Canto) really good
enjoy!!
I totally understand the slump. I always head to my crazy big TBR shelf, even though I should be reading SOMETHING for my other book groups, and I usually choose some YA book or other because they're easy to read. But it really depends on the mood. I guess it depends on if I'm feeling nostalgic, adventurous, determined, or fluffy. Tricky. I usually call my mom for backup.
I just read "An American Wife" by Curtis Sittenfeld (I liked her book "Prep" better) and "The Commoner" by John Burnaham Schwartz. Both are fictional depictions of real people, the former Laura Bush and the latter the current empress of Japan. Our book group just read "Infidel" an engrossing provocative memoir by Ayaan Hirsi Ali about her life growing up as a muslim in Africa and eventually fleeing to the Netherlands where she became a member of parliment. Right now I'm reading everything by Lisa See because it's Asian and it makes me feel connected to the culture. I have found exactly the same thing as I age, a book has to grab me right away! Good luck! I love the book list you have on the side of your blog. Great Halloween costumes! Sarah
Thanks for all of the good suggestions....I added them to my library list. Happy to report I got into a quick read over the weekend; a Fay Kellerman mystery.
Hello, would meeting another part Jewish, Chinese, American and half Turksish Family suffice?
I had to laugh at your title of your blog, it's not so unusual anymore to find yourself living in a mulit-cultural world.
I can empathize with your situation and slump! It's hard to get up and going, especially when the fall comes. But I recently bought a book by N. Sparks for a friend. It sounded good, oops can't recall the name, blue cover, good looking author on the back page!
It's been almost a year since we adopted our daughter from China and are trying to find the means to go back for a sister for her. I think I should be writing a book sometimes.
Well stop by and say hello. we always have bagels around!
Hugs,
Ivy
I can't wait to explore your musical finds. I love the Putamayo label and have many of their wonderful collections. Music has such transportative power. I so admire your creativity and diligence in keeping yourself going during this challenge. I'm thinking about you!
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