And so the last of my friends visiting over the winter holidays packed up and left yesterday. It’s just me and the books once again. Or that is the intention. But we all know about good intentions, don’t we?
Recently finished
I haven’t listened to many audio books so far this year. I haven’t actually read as many physical books or e-books either. It’s just one of those years I guess…. But I really, really want to listen to more audio books. I love the classics and most of the readers on Librivox are very good narrators. This version of Sense and Sensibility was read by Karen Savage and I enjoyed listening to her.
But now I feel like a bit more contemporary or popular reads on audio books. I spend last Monday night browsing through audio libraries and downloaded two books that have been on my TBR list for ages. The first one that I started listening to ended up on my most dreaded shelf…… The Abandoned shelf.
I know, I hate that shelf. Of the over 900 books on my Goodreads profile, there are only 5 books that I just couldn’t finish for various reason. If you see what book I so dismally abandoned, you might just hate me too.
I’ve listened to just over an hour of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and I really, really, really just can’t get into it. Yes, I know it is a literary masterpiece and I see all the raving reviews from people who’s opinions I highly value, but no – this does not do anything for me. Yes, I can see that it is a landmark for feminist movements and I can also see the endless discussion points and literary analysis. And yes, I did read 1984 by George Orwell and thoroughly enjoyed it and I did partake in the endless discussions for that book. I can’t exactly pinpoint what it is that puts my off on The Handmaid’s Tale, I just feel that life is way to short to spend it on books you don’t want to read. I intended to read it for such a long time, so yes again, I am rather disappointed. But I believe it might just be me. It’s all me. Not the book.
Currently Reading
Yes, it is the same as last week. Almost. Please refer back to opening quote.
Cross my heart hope to read
I only aspire to finish my 2 currently reading books this week. And spending time with the following books as well:
While listening to the one, I will be querkling on the other one. Hours of anticipated fun. Not intended fun, but highly anticipated fun!
Mareli
Talk to me! – What was the last book you abandoned? And what are you reading this week?
Oh it stinks when you just can't do a book. I've had a few more than you but thankfully not too many. Hope you have a great reading week!
Okay confession – I couldn't get into Handmaid's Tail either though I really really tried. Same for 1984. Just not for me. I've finally made the same decision you have – just not for me. I love the idea of using a coloring book while listening to an audio! Sounds relaxing without having to sit still which I'm terrible at. I'm curious to see what you think of the Paula Hawkins book. I tried Girl on the Train but didn't make it very far but it was a mood thing not a problem with the book. Have a great week!
Nothing is wrong with you for abandoning a book – even a popular one….I'm ready to abandon my current read, but I want to learn the rest of the tips. So, I'm skimming it – which is one step away from abandonment.
Checked out some of your reads. Am ordering "Into the Water" from my library! Thank you for your suggestion!
I have to be in the right mood for Margaret Atwood's books. I either love them or can't finish them. Don't stress yourself out over the abandoned shelf.
Stage one of the move is complete. We're out of our house and now we're trying to get it ready to put on the market. Come see what I'm reading.
It could be a timing thing with Handmaid's Tale. I so preferred it to 1984, but if it's not working for you, you're so right – read something else.
You've got some lovely options there, enjoy.
Thanks Bev! Yes, I honestly also think it is a timing thing. The whole fertility thing is very much in my face this year……
I loved 1984, that is why I was so excited for The Handmaid's Tale. Did you watch the series? I might give that a go as well.
I'm really curious about Into the Water. Will I like it? I don't know, so I need reviews. 🙂 Can't wait to see what you are thinking on it.
I reviewed it, Greg. Here's the link – http://bevbouwer.blogspot.co.za/2017/07/into-water-by-paula-hawkins.html
I haven't read Bev's review – will also look at it now!! Because she is good you know! I enjoy it so far. Just over 50%. Hope to finish it today…..
Yes, I do believe you will.
I agree to just skip the books you don't enjoy. Just check out the books you enjoy! Great set of books this week!
Here’s my It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog
The older I get, the easier it becomes to just put a book aside! Thanks for visiting and I'll hop over to you now.
I don't abandon books very often, most likely few of us do, but occasionally it just has to be done! Too many books and life is limited!
Couldn't agree more!
Some books just don't click for me, either, although I did love that one.
I have had Eleanor & Park on my Kindle…since, well, ages ago…I need to read it. Why am I waiting?
Enjoy your week, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
I've started searching for audiobooks at the bottom of my TBR pile, that's why I'm listening to Eleanor & Park now.
I've basically only started, but it is a lovely read.
I have a number of books that I've started and then thrown back on TBR mountain. Sometimes it just isn't the book I'm in the mood for. I don't think I'll count them as abandoned until they leave TBR mountain for the "donated" bag. Come see my week here. Have a great week!
Hi Kathy! No there I am a horrible book person. If it doesn't work for me now, it most probably won't work in 5 years either.
Unless someone begs me to PLEASE give it another try…
Thanks for stopping by and have a super good week!
Ha ha – glad you have had as manic a July as I have had. That's what happens when you have a beach home! I hope you enjoyed your visitors when you had them. 🙂
Oh no! I'm sorry you had an abandoned read! 🙁 That's awful, no matter what book it is. You just feel how you feel!
I'm in the midst of a review copy now that might just be abandoned if it doesn't pick up by the 50% mark – I would hate to do that though so I'll probably persevere!
Hope you had a great weekend and have a good week ahead this week!
I did have a lovely time yes! No reading though, spend all the time chatting and eating and drinking way too much!
I hope your review copy picks up….
I LOVES Elenor and Park!! I have a hard time DNFing books. I really need to work on that!
So far I am enjoying Eleanor and Park, lovely story. I hate leaving a book and I hardly ever do…..
Life is way-y-y too short to read books you don't like. Set it aside and try again in five years. Maybe you will have a different feeling about it then.
I abandon a lot of books. I figure I only have about 2,000 more books in me (and that's if I don't get macular degeneration, like most of my elderly relatives). I want those 2,000 to be fabulous.
https://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2017/07/what-heck-down-to-last-few-weeks-of.html
LOL! I am sure you still have 2000 books in you. And a few more….