Happy New Year, my bookish friends! I hope that this first week of 2021 has been kind to you and that you have been able to do a little reading in a quiet spot away from the craziness that is happening in our world.
This week, I completed my first novel of the year. I read The Hot One as an ebook because I wanted something portable and an easy read while returning to Texas after a long break at my parents’ home. This second book in Blakely’s series was also the perfect read on my iPad because I don’t really enjoy broadcasting to the world that I am reading a romance novel. I suppose I still struggle with that particular stigma that men should most definitely not be reading these books.
The Hot One was definitely a bit more graphic than its predecessor. Language was more colorful and the love scenes left little to the imagination. Truthfully, Blakely went a little too far for my personal taste on a few occasions. Still, I enjoyed the overall plot line of the story.
The novel follows Delaney and Tyler, who had been a serious couple while attending law school together. When Tyler’s advisor suggests that he needs to focus on his future law career, he ends the relationship. Delaney associates Tyler’s exit with the desertion she suffered earlier in life when her father left home without a word. After 14 years, Tyler and Delaney’s paths cross unexpectedly in Central Park and both of them are wondering what might have been. Tyler is now a high-power entertainment lawyer; Delaney is a successful masseuse and business owner. When they are together, there is obvious chemistry. The only question is if the sparks will rekindle or explode in their faces.
What’s on the Agenda?
I’ve changed my reading approach slightly this week and have enjoyed the results. While driving, I listened to an episode of the “What Should I Read Next” podcast. As the guest spoke about her reading life, I was intrigued with her plan to read in shorter segments throughout the day. It’s actually quite simple. She sets a timer for 20 minutes three times each day — morning, afternoon, and evening — and simply reads without interruption. When the timer ends, she has fulfilled her commitment to herself and can move on with her day. However, if she has time and the desire, she is free to continue reading.
I liked that idea a lot and also liked that she typically featured a different book in each reading segment. The morning session was for non-fiction typically that would get her day started on the right foot. Since her brain functioned best in the mid-afternoon, that was the time to read in her challenging fiction so she can end the day with a lighter read. Any reading that happens after the final session is open season and reader’s choice.
As I put this approach into practice this week, I found myself looking forward to my reading times and making more progress than I normally have when just reading a single book in one setting. My mind likes the variety. I also enjoy spreading the love of reading throughout the day, as it gives me multiple appointments with myself to simply take a breath and relax.
So this week, I’m reading three books. I anticipate finishing Jodi Picoult’s The Book of Two Ways. I am coupling this with the middle-grade novel, Seraphina. I started reading this fantasy last night and I am completely drawn in! In the mornings, I am going to explore Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. Classes resume on Monday, so this entire approach could really blow up in my face. But I’m hopeful that I might have found a positive approach to Reading for Me that just might change everything.
Reading for Me 