I've been on a bit of a reading binge lately. Some might say this is because I'm avoiding my WIP. Those people would be correct. I'm in that dreaded (but familiar)
my writing is crap phase. I hate that phase. But until it passes, I'm making a sizable dent in my TBR list. Here are some of the books I've enjoyed lately:
I got hooked on Matt de la Pena's books a few months back after reading
I Will Save You and
We Were Here. His characters just feel so real. I decided I better ration the remaining of his YA books, but then my daughter came home with
The Living, and of course I had to read it, probably too soon, because now I have to wait along with everyone else for the next book in the series. On the upside he has two other YA titles I can read in the meantime ;)
This was one I picked up at the library having never heard of it before, mostly because the cover and the book's small size caught my attention. This story was unlike anything I've read before, with a main character who cannot feel emotion, yet she sees them hovering around in human form as physical beings. I can't wait for the companion novel
Where Silence Gathers, coming out in July from Flux.
From page one you can't help but feel for the main character, Faith, growing up with a drug addicted, prostituting mother who has recently let herself get pregnant so she can sell the baby. When Faith sees the drug dealing couple who are going to buy the child, she decides she's going to run off with the child to save it from the life she's had to suffer through for sixteen years; but also, to get back at her mother, because depriving her of that paycheck seems like the best way to make her suffer.
I fell completely head over heels for this book and carried the characters in my heart for weeks after I'd finished. I loved the before and after way the story unfolds. You get to discover Reena and Sawyer's past relationship alongside their current when Sawyer appears back in town after an almost three year absence during which Reena has had his baby. Aside from the age of the main character, this book didn't feel particularly YA. (I think it's marketed as a crossover.) But it didn't matter. I'm sure I'll be reading this one again!
I won How to Love in a giveaway and have been hearing nothing but good stuff about it, I should start on it soon. The premise Leap of Faith sounds so intense! I hope she and the baby get out of that life and into a good one! Hugs on the 'crap phase', those are never fun.
ReplyDeleteFour books? You're on a seroud "Off your game" stint, aren't you? Never mind if your writing's crap - just get started again and keep going tll it comes right.
ReplyDeleteSerious - you see - everyone makes mistakes!
ReplyDeleteRuth, I'm just catching up on your blog after weeks and weeks of not visiting and see that you are a talented artist as well :) I think it's a great way to distract yourself from the revisions as well as your reading binge. I, too, have been on a reading binge, but it was Easter holidays so I didn't feel too guilty. Good luck with the revisions and happy reading. I need to pick me up some Matt de la Pena.
ReplyDeleteJust post a lot of pictures when you feel that your writing is crap. That's my strategy.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing what you have been reading! Sounds like you have been reading some great books. Reading is a great way to procrastinate. :) I want to read How to Love! It sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete~Jess
I know what you mean about avoiding WIPs! Reading is the best way to do it. These all sound good--but I especially loved the cover and premise of Some Quiet Place. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteReading helps us absorb all we want to put in our own writing. Give yourself the time you need to get back to yours.
ReplyDeleteYou're on a good bender, Ruth, and your readers benefit from such binges. Now get back on the wagon :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews. Now I'm curious about those books.
ReplyDeleteI love anything by Matt de la Pena, and that he's prolific is a great thing for voracious readers! I hope you get out of your writing slump soon; it can be so disheartening.
ReplyDeleteIf you can't be writing, then reading is the next best thing! How wonderful that you're working through your stack of books.
ReplyDeleteAll these books sound fabulous! I've never heard of anything like Some Quiet Place before. Very unique. I loved the plot idea behind Leap of Faith. I'm glad you're reading a lot, but I hope you get back to your WIP soon. :)
ReplyDeleteSome Quiet Place has a fascinating cover, from what I can see. I'm going to look it up. Yes, writer's block is a great excuse to plow through the TBR pile!
ReplyDeleteInteresting term: reading binge. Whenever I get some free time, I pick up a book. It's my go-to relaxation.
ReplyDeleteI've got How to Love on hold at the library. Looking forward to the read! Hope you're having a good week, Ruth!
ReplyDeleteWhen you binge read, you don't mess around, do you? Quite a line up you've handed us. Thanks so much and here's to more binging!
ReplyDeleteThat phase you mentioned is a familiar one to most of us, so don't worry, don't fret. It will pass. Binge-reading is like recuperation and stories like nourishment. I'm so envious of your reading speed, Ruth. (Also, the cover of 'Some Quiet Place' looks awesome!)
ReplyDeleteI've read one of de la Pena's books and hope to read more. I have How to Love and bought it after reading stellar reviews.
ReplyDeleteThese do sound good. So many books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete