Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Changing Priorities and Retirement
This has been my favorite coffee mug-given to me by my co-workers in my last 'real job' before I retired seven years ago. Well today is my birthday, and my first Social Security check comes tomorrow, so you'd think it might be time to retire this old mug, but I've got some stuff brewing (not just coffee) that may keep this old cup in heavy use. More on this in the coming weeks....
If you are a regular visitor here at Tutu's place, you know that I love to read, and I love to talk about what I'm reading. I started this blog for that reason--to chat about all the wonderful adventures I get to experience through the magic of books.
Lately however, I'm finding some of this spirit of adventure and wonder is being dulled by the need to do reviews. There's a big difference between just blabbing about a book you read and liked and having to review it more formally so others can decide if they want to read it or not. It's sorta like the feeling you had in high school when the teacher passed out a list of books to read, and you got all excited because there were some interesting titles that were jumping off the page yelling "read me, read me!" Then the bomb dropped and teacher said "You will be required to write a 250 word review due by XXX date." ....and all the fun disappeared. Reading became just another chore.
This feeling of dread has been building again, as I look at the pile of books sitting here waiting to be read and reviewed. Don't misunderstand me, I'm responsible for that pile. I asked for most of those books. Publishers send out review copies of the books with an expectation that I will at least consider their book and review it if at all possible.
What is happening is that I'm getting some wonderful books to review. I have about 20 right now that I really want to read, and can't wait to get to. But those 20 are pushing about 2000 others I've accumulated over the years further and further back in the queue on my TBR list and I'm finding that very frustrating. There is no way I'm going to read more than about 150 a year.
The bottom line on all of this is that while I'm still going to be blogging--and I'm going to try to run at least one giveaway a month on the blog--for at least the next 6-8 months, I'm not going to be reaching out for as many new books as in the past. I want to let my reading meander a bit into older books that I never got to, books I've inherited, books on some lists of 'must read before you die' etc., etc., You'll be hearing plenty from me, but my blathering won't necessarily be what's on today's Best Seller list. Our personal library contains over 4000 books, and my town library has another 6000, so I could read until that old mug disintegrates without ever needing to get another new book. I know that's not happening---I'm way too curious and greedy to give up looking at what's new-- but now that I'm getting older, I appreciate age and wisdom more, so I'm going to be picking up some of those senior tomes in my collection to give them a chance to shine again.
I hope you all continue to visit. I enjoy your comments and perspectives. After all, that's what makes reading such a great hobby and valuable life experience. There's something out there for everyone. I hope you'll keep sharing your insights here with Tutu.
7 comments:
Welcome, thanks for stopping by. Now that you've heard our two cents, perhaps you have a few pennies to throw into the discussion. Due to a bunch more anonymous spam getting through, I've had to disallow anonymous comments. I try to respond to all comments posing a question, but may not always get to you right away.
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This year I decided to concentrate on reading the books that I already had. at this point 41 books into the year, 25 have come from my own shelves. It's rewarding to know that they are not just gathering dust, but were part of my enjoyable journey this year.
ReplyDeleteRead what makes you happy, that's my rule!
Happy Birthday!
I think you are striking a good balance between your reading and blogging b/c reading should be fun not a chore.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
I enjoyed your post on my first visit here via Bookblogs. I'd say it's up to you to make your reviews as formal or informal as you want.
ReplyDeleteI applaud you on deciding to read for yourself. I find it hard to write a review rather than telling someone about the book and why I liked it. Good luck and I'll still drop by and visit.
ReplyDeleteReading should never be a chore so I'm glad you're changing your focus as your interests change. I'm not inundated with ARCs yet so I'm still enjoying that part of blogging, but I can see that it could become a burden and a block to reading what you want to. Best of luck. I look forward to your blogs about the change.
ReplyDeleteI'll always be a loyal follower no matter what you write about as I find your blog informative, interesting and fun. I haven't visited too much in the last month as we were away over 2 weeks and it is almost impossible to catch up after coming home.
ReplyDeleteI think most bloggers get to the point where reviewing takes some of the joy and spontaneity out of reading. This year I've only accepted for review books I am reasonably sure I will like. Do what's right for you, Tina and enjoy your reading!
I always enjoy stopping by, whether or not you have giveaways or are reading the newest title! I just enjoy that we all have that love of reading and finding info on that one title, new or old, that turns out to be a fave!
ReplyDelete