Pages

Monday, March 22, 2010

Nightstand - the Dilemma Continues!

What's On Your NightstandWell, I think I've done pretty good with fiction this past month. Hmm, then again, maybe I should continue to work on a blend of fiction and non. I confess I fall to the non-fiction much more easily. It just feels more profitable to me, mentally. But that's kinda stupid and I do realize that. It's nice to not only relax into a good fiction read, but really think through it as well. At any rate, despite all that I was able to read this past month, I feel like there's tons more "to do."

I confess, I don't really care for the "to do" feeling when it comes to reading. I prefer to the "I'm so relaxed" approached to reading which I seem to experience only a few times a year. I put too much on myself but I haven't figured out how to stop yet! The vicious cycle continues: Carrie relaxes into her reading, then takes on too much all at once and reading feels like a chore, then her TBR stack shrinks a bit and she feels more relaxed - no, wait! - she's piled on more books.

With all of that confusion it's a wonder I haven't paralyzed myself from being able to read anything at all!

This month I have more non-fiction than fiction on the Nightstand and it starts with two rather interesting titles that I'm quite sure I'll find interesting, annoying and hopefully insightful!




It's All Greek to Me: From Homer to the Hippocratic Oath, How Ancient Greece Has Shaped Our World

Bible Babel: Making Sense of the Most Talked About Book of All Time

These two probably rank as my top "morbidly curious" sort of reads and I can't imagine letting them collect dust for another month.

As for fiction reads that I'd really, honest and true, enjoy getting to in the next month:



If I keep saying that it will happen, it will happen, right? Isn't that how it works?

Here's hoping (and doing a little purposeful planning!)

17 comments:

Beth said...

I much prefer the "I'm so relaxed" approach, but then I would only read fiction!

I had to read Ben-Hur my senior year in high school and only had to read certain parts. I got so engrossed in the story that I read the whole book and it has remainded a favorite. I need to re-read it since a loooong time has passed since then!

Unknown said...

Great list. I struggle with the "to do" feeling all the time! I don't like feeling pressured to read but don't like if there is nothing there to look forward to...strange, I know! Happy Reading. :)

DanaB said...

I adopt a 'you'll get to them eventually if you want to' attitude...knowing the books will sit right there or be renewed or refetched when I'm good n ready.
My TBR list is there because I want it to be, ya know? No stress allowed lol.
~~

Barbara H. said...

That's one reason I don't do a lot of book reviews for anyone other than myself (though I love getting free books out of the deal!) -- I just don't like the pressure, especially if it's not a book I like.

I tend to gravitate more toward fiction -- it is more relaxing to me. I like non-fiction when I read it, but I often have to "make" myself read it, except for biographies and such.

I read Ben-Hur ages ago and would love to read it again some time.

Stephanie Kay said...

I've never read Ben-Hur. My stack of to-be-read is about to take over my shelves. If the rain will ever stop so my kids can stay outside, I might get some reading done. :)

bekahcubed said...

"Carrie relaxes into her reading, then takes on too much all at once and reading feels like a chore, then her TBR stack shrinks a bit and she feels more relaxed - no, wait! - she's piled on more books."

Yup. I can totally identify.

I'm excited to compare notes on Bible Babel!

Sky said...

I love ben-hur.

My TBR list has dwindled. I lack a bookstore and Amazon gets expensive!

Lisa notes... said...

Just saw Bible Babel on another list. Let us know what you think!
Oh, I absolutely loved Ben-Hur. Enjoy!

Unknown said...

Relax! Relax! Relax! Review titles aren't worth getting worked up about. You're a reading machine anyway.

morninglight mama said...

I hear you on the "Oh my, the review stack is getting TOO HIGH!!" feeling. I tend to accept a bunch of books, then they come in and my shelf is full and then I stop accepting any offers until I stop stressing out! :)

But that's because I'm surrounded by such prolific readers and reviewers like you and the other ladies! :)

Susan said...

The teacher in me just loves the lifelong learner in you! Seriously, people who always want to learn (through their reading or otherwise) are just so interesting to be around! Love your reads, and will be anxious to see your reviews.

Jenny said...

It's All Greek to Me looks absolutely fascinating. The historian in me wants to read it NOW! Can't wait to hear how you like it.

Nise' said...

Get rid of that pressure and relax into it! LOL Have a great reading month.

Lisa writes... said...

I join you in that "morbidly curious" category; can't wait to hear what you think of those!

Haven't read "Ben Hur" but want to.

Totally understand walking the tightrope between "I'm so relaxed" and "wait! she's piled on more books!" So there, my friend. I am so there.

Ronnica said...

All sound interesting...looking forward to your reviews of them to see if they should go on MY growing TBR pile.

I fall more into fiction than non, but right now I'm leaning more towards non-fiction. I haven't even completed half of the book I have to read for tomorrow's book club, but I've had to tell myself to enjoy it and not push through a good book just to have it done.

Veggiemomof2 said...

I am the same way. I force myself to read when my TBR pile gets too big, but once I sit down, I don't get back up until the book is finished. I LOVE to read, but because I become so engrossed in it, I feel guilty at times.

Amy said...

I've found it challenging since I started reviewing because I feel the pressure of the stack of books. But I have to remind myself that I'm in this for the fun and not to let other titles, some of which I'd never have selected on my own, take up my valuable time.

Right now I have books stashed in different places and for reading at different times.

Top  blogs