The other side of the pew. You can see from the carving, that it was attached to another pew at some point. I like both sides of the pew, one for its ornate carving, the other for this bold, almost sculptural cut-out. I added the antique doorstop I got at auction many years ago.
I’m running a bit late today. For the past three days, I’ve been having trouble falling asleep at night. Yesterday, I was sleep-deprived. Fortunately, even though it took me ages to get to sleep last night, I slept until nearly 9 am this morning, so I feel much better. But my schedule has been thrown off!
Thanks for all the comments on yesterday’s book review. For those of you who are newer to the blog, I have written literally (and I never use literally unless I mean ‘literally’) hundreds of book reviews over the course of this blog’s 11+ years of existence – so many, that I started a separate blog about books. And I reviewed books there, as well.
It all caught up with me a couple of years ago. I had so many books to read and review at any given moment that I was no longer reading for pleasure. I was suffering from burnout. One day, as I was sitting here in my blogging chair, I decided to delete the book blog. One click – gone. I felt enormous relief. And then, even though I was still getting book review offers, I backed away from them. I clearly needed a break. Recently, I found myself thinking about reviewing again, but at a much saner pace. Maybe a book a month? Maybe less?
I see so many book reviewers who seem to think a review is regurgitating the plot with one or two sentences addressing whether the reviewer liked it or not. That’s their review. That’s it. They are getting free books from the publisher in exchange for that review and I think they can do better. To be balanced in my thoughts about this subject, there are several book reviewers on Instagram who write detailed, informative reviews – who really put an enormous amount of effort into their response. They do very good work. While I’m far from the best reviewer out there, I do try to be fair and give solid reasons for my response, whether positive or not-so-positive. And I always try to find something good about a book, as well. Since you’re all aware of my thoughts on theater critics, especially the ones who let their personal bias inform the review, I’m sure you understand why I work very hard to be fair. Not everyone’s taste is my taste. And I always try to address that.
Anyway…
I escaped the house yesterday and went to the bookstore. Well, I went to Michael’s first, where I purchased some craft paint and brushes for the ongoing work on the dollhouse. Then to B & N, where I departed with three magazines and a book. Yes, there was a line at Michael’s, even though there was hardly anyone in the store. The book I purchased was by Ian Rankin, a very well known, longtime writer of mysteries. I’ve always known about him, but I’ve never read any of his books. A post from The Mysterious Bookshop about his most recent book (he was there for a signing) made me think I should stop and take notice. Have any of you read his books?
It’s still somewhat chilly out there, but it’s sunny. And Spring is a day away.
Happy Tuesday.
I got an Ian Rankin for Christmas from my son Linus several years back. I read it in one day and never left the bed (we were in France and it was freezing). I found the story a bit depressing, very bloody, brutal even, but although captivating. I hope you will have a good read!
Thank you, Regula!
Enjoy Ian Rankin’s “Rebus” series very much. I was thinking I picked up this author from your blog but apparently someone else’s. I did pick up Susan Hill’s “Serrallier” from you which I also enjoy very much. Since you like her and Lee Child (Reacher) I think you too will like Ian Rankin. Another along those lines is Donna Leon’s Guido Brunetti series. It is so much fun getting to know the main character in such series and going from one to next, looking forward to the next story line. And of course, let us not forget LP’s Three Pines and multiple characters we look forward to catching up with (including Henre who’s heart is full of goodness but his brain mostly full of kibble-or something along those lines).
I started a Donna Leon several years ago, but I think it was from the library and I never had time to finish it. I’ll have to remedy that!
Chris, I love the Leon Guido Brunetti series too! I look forward to each one. Not only does Leon humanize the protagonist by giving us more than glimpses of his personal life and his struggles to remain a non-corruptinle law enforcement officer, but she interweaves Venice into each story and one feels that one is walking alongside Brunetti or riding in the vaparetto on the canals.
I’m currently at novel #4 of the Three Pines series. I like the character of Gamache as much as I like that of Brunetti.
I’m now determined to start that series, Wendy!
Oh, how I agree with you about some people who claim to be book reviewers! One or two sentences….. how is that a review? And sometimes, if you go to Amazon to look at other reviews of the book, those sentences are from someone else who has written a review. That makes me crazy. Do the publishers not check the reviews on the books they send out? (Of course I heard this morning that less than 1% of Non-Profits are ever reviewed by the IRS. They are too busy. So I guess it is a big presumption on my part to think publishers check on book reviews.)
We have sunshine and we are heading towards the 50’s for the week. However, it is still windy out, so the breeze seems to cool what the sun tries to warm. But the birds are singing and that really makes me happy!!
Still breezy here, as well, but I’m working on my patience. Just happy that winter is winding down.
I really enjoy Ian Rankin’s Rebus series.
Good to know. Thank you, Kathy!
Ian Rankins books with Rebus as the main character tend to be dark and depressing. The Fox books are definitely worth your while though, highly recommend
them. His most recent story has Rebus and Fox as characters and it was lighter and an excellent story.
Most mysteries I read are dark and depressing, so that doesn’t bother me. But, we’ll see…
I’m not sure these ‘reviewers’ could do better, at least not until they learn what a book review is, and it is not, as you point out, a synopsis and a sentence declaring, ‘I liked it.’ Your reviews are true ones, fair, as you say, and well worth reading. I often remember the words of a film critic who addressed us in high school, ‘Just because you like something doesn’t mean it’s good, and the fact that you don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s bad.’
Good point! I love those words from the film critic! Perfect. I’m going to write them down. Thanks, Margaret.
I liked your review because when I read reviews, I read them because I would like to know if the book is a good book for me. You let me know what the book’s purpose was and how the author addressed that purpose. That’s exactly what I needed to know to make an informed decision about whether or not to read the book. Thank you! I look forward to reading other book reviews that you write!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jane!
I know that I am one of those one or two sentence review individual when I try to write something on Goodreads about a book I finished. I think it has to do with book reports in school. Never could figure out what the teacher wanted. I actually cheated once the only time I cheated) by copying the description on the book’s jacket and I got an “A”. I love your church pew. The pew would go nicely in my house–hint, hint. Well anyway each time I see it, I think of your pansy quilt that you made laying over a corner of the pew. We had a couple of birds trying to build a nest in our outdoor light at our front door. I think that the birds have given up. I hope they found a better place. On Saturday while at Barnes and Noble, saw Canada geese making the parking lot their nesting place. Not ever read Ian Rankin. Right now I am reading “The Lost Letter” by Jillian Cantor. There is another fiction book I want to read by Jillian Cantor called “Margot”. It is about Anne Frank’s sister. The book is on hold at the library.
Well, to be fair, aren’t Good Reads Reviews meant to be shortish? I don’t do Good Reads, so I can’t say that for sure, but that’s what I’ve seen when I’ve visited.
We have a lot of Canada Geese here year round. I just heard them honking as they flew over my house. I love them.
Thanks so much, Trina.
The Rebus mysteries are excellent, well-written and highly involving, but they are dark and often violent. I found Ian Rankin’s book, Rebus’s Scotland, offered a helpful look at the Glasgow in which Rankin grew up and which informs his writing.
Well, as I said in another comment, I’m used to dark and violent in the mysteries I read, so I don’t think that would be an issue. Thank you so much, Betty.
I have never read the Ian Rankin’s Rebus books. After reading the comments, I think I will. I don’t often read reviews…yours are the exception. After all, you got me started on Louise Penny….many thanks for that.
My neighbor across the street is running the gas out of his snowblower. You’d think there would be a better way (actually there is). The sound is forcing me to keep the sliding door closed….and I so want to keep it open a couple inches for the fresh air. Patience is hard! Tomorrow promises 50 degrees…I hope it doesn’t go down from there. Enjoy your day! ;)
Oh, how annoying! It’s going to be warmer here tomorrow, as well. And rain toward the end of the week.
Just to let you know, I love it when you review books. I am always interested in what others are reading, especially you! On another subject I love the floral basket door stop on the side of the pew. Great spot to show it off.
Thank you, Judy. I love that doorstop!
I feel I’m informed fairly when I read your book reviews, Claudia. I also am reassured that you actually read the book. I miss your reviews and look forward to the ones you will do in the future.
I’m looking forward to them, too! Thanks, Wendy.
I agree with other responders that the Rankin/Rebus books can be dark and sometimes depressing, but I often enjoy my crime/”adventure” series a tad dark so it doesn’t bother me. I like Rebus as a character, although he is far, far different than my beloved Gamache. What I particularly enjoy, and think you will as well, his Rankin’s descriptions of Edinburgh – I can picture the streets and closes and relive my lovely time in Scotland. Also, if you haven’t read them yet, I highly recommend Paul Adam’s books about a Cremona violin maker, Gianni Castiglione. There are only two books out so far, but they are fun reads!
Oh, wonderful Edinburgh! I can’t wait to ‘see’ it via Rankin. Thank you for the tip about Paul Adam. I’ll keep an eye out.
Glad you are considering Ian Rankin Claudia.I have read all his books in the Rebus series and it is really well written. I taught in a school in Cardenden, the village in Fife where he lived when he was young (he never lived in Glasgow ) and which features in the book sometime, I even taught two of his young relatives. The people and scenes of life he describes are very authentic and believable which I think is why he is so successful as well as writing exciting and interesting plots. I have heard him speaking a few times at the Edinburgh Book Festival and he is also a very entertaining speaker.
Pity you can’t start with the first book which is always better in a series. I follow Donna Leon and love the characters and how much you found out about Venice, Michael Connolly for his great plots and how much I learned about L.A. and have now found Barbara Nadel with great stories and so many details about Istanbul,and one of the real benefits is learning about places I will never get to. DID get to Venice and Istanbul recently ! and it was like I knew everywhere from the books. Edinburgh will be like that for people who can’t go there. I have read one Louise Penny and didn’t quite take to it but you and some of your readers have mentioned her books in such glowing terms I am determined to give it another try and to take my own advice and start with the first one in the series. Sorry for a too-long reply.
I’ll read this one and, if I’m hooked, I’ll start back at the beginning. I’ve done that with more than a few authors! We considered going to Venice on our trip, but ruled that out in favor of London. But I’d sure like to go.
Try Penny again. She’s worth it. That’s how I was about Donna Leon, and I think it was because I was rushed and had to get the book back to the library. I’ll definitely try her again – from the beginning.
I don’t read many mystery books, but have just taken up Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series.
The pew is beautiful and I like the doorstop positioned beside it.
Thank you, Polly!
I really hate when I have trouble sleeping, it throws my whole day off. I have been so busy but hope to get back into reading a bit more soon. Hugs!
Me too. It’s so frustrating!
I haven’t read Ian Rankin but I have a friend who swears by him. I think those are the Tom Thorne series?
I stopped freelance writing for the same reason when I was working. I wrote all day long. Then I’d go do an assignment that I may or may not have chosen for myself and I never got a break. It’s called picking your battles wisely and good for you! (Michael’s lines are not just in your area. I think it’s just part of the program no matter where you are!
I think Michael’s is the same everywhere! Maybe it’s their policy…
That cut out on the pew really makes it unique. And you have it in the perfect spot to show it off (love the doorstop there too). I heard a red-winged blackbird call today for the first time. They’re on the way and we should have a flock soon. There’s been bad flooding in this area with the Milwaukee River overflowing. The local fire dept. actually had to rescue some people the other day who live near the river.
When doing something you love becomes a chore, you’re smart to stop. Maybe one day you’ll want to do reviews more often again. I don’t read mysteries (a personal failing, I guess), but I did pick up Andrew McCabe’s book today when I was at Costco.
It’s an excellent book. I learned a lot.
I do read mystery but never have any of Ian Rankin’s. I tend to favor the softer mysteries. Enjoy your book and magazines. Our first two purple Crocus bloomed today in the back yard.
Marilyn
Wonderful!
I’m glad you aren’t reading the first book first in the Rebus series, my personal view is that he gets into his writing stride a few books in.
I’m sure I will at some point, especially if I go back and read them in order. We’ll see!