As everyone knows by now, I have had an extended reading hiatus--not one that I planned for or one that I wanted. I have read several books over the past two months, but I don't feel fully engaged in the world of books. And I miss it. And I want to immerse myself in reading again, though it's been a struggle.
Sandy, our new golden retriever, is doing very well, but I must say that she has had a marked (negative) impact on my reading life, and it has been exactly the same for Ken. Our reading time took a hit--bigtime! She requires lots of attention as she continues to settle in, and lots of walks, and obedience training. She's so good-natured--we love playing and spending time with her.
I have had a lot of acute back pain recently, which is, yes, related to our new beloved, but today I made myself read something, and finally, finally, I turned to a book that allowed me to become totally re-engaged in one of my favorite series. I picked up P is for Peril by Sue Grafton, a Kinsey Milhone mystery. And I was so thankful. For the first time in three weeks a book reeled me in. Thank you to Sue Grafton, and a thank you to her spunky creation, Kinsey, who is unlike any other female private detective. The mysteries are serious, yes, but Kinsey is a hoot, and she's not trying to be funny. She just can't help herself. She is a very serious private investigator. But with a unique sensibility. And I felt so happy again.
Merry Christmas, 2024!
1 hour ago
It is good to hear that you have managed to reignite book interest. A change in lifestyle and level of busyness can lead to reading slumps.
ReplyDeleteI hope that your back feels better. Keep having fun with the dog!
Hi Brian,
DeleteThanks so much for the good wishes! I've got to get back in touch with what you're up to and reading these days. And we are having super happy times with Sandy. She is a fun-loaded dog, if you know what I mean!
I love Kinsey Milhone, with her peanut butter and pickle sandwiches and her persistence in searching out clues. I think I've read all the books, but I might have missed a few in the middle.
ReplyDeleteYes, I too have had an enforced reading hiatus, though I have been reading 'a little'. The reason for me is that I had news on the 9th. Sept. that my brother had passed away. It was not unexpected and yet it was, so we've had the funeral to cope with and we're executors of the will too. Plus we were down in Cornwall for a holiday for the past week too, although not so much of a holiday as you can imagine. Home again now and time to pick life up where I left off, get into the garden, which is in sore need of attention, and also find something good to read.
ReplyDeleteOh, Cath, I am sorry about your brother. Even when one is in some way or other "fore-warned," there is nothing like the aftershocks of a brother's death, no matter what the circumstances. Brothers are one's contemporaries in the life of our family growing up, and it is so hard to part with them. I will be thinking of you, and yes, you do need something very good to read.
DeleteI am glad to hear that you are enjoying Sandy so much, even with the added effort needed. And also that you are enjoying the Kinsey Milhone book. I read a few of that series back when they first came out, then stopped. I started again at G is for Gumshoe in 2015, partly because the town that the series is set in is based on Santa Barbara and Sue Grafton lived there. I do have the next 4 in the series, and I will get back to them some day.
ReplyDeleteTracy,
DeleteEver since I learned that you hale from the Santa Barbara area, I've kept that in mind as I read about Kinsey and her adventures. I'm more than halfway through P is for Peril and I think it is definitely one of the better books in the series. Two very compelling story lines going on simultaneously, and high stakes, of course!
So glad to hear you're reading again, Judith! I pulled out a book for the first time in ages over the weekend, too. Hope your back issues resolve soon.
ReplyDeleteHi JoAnn,
DeleteI must visit your blog and catch up with wherever you are these days, and, of course, with what you're reading. I'm so glad that you are finding time to read! My very best wishes to you on your life changes.