(Non)-Sunday Salon: A Nomadreader Update

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Hello, faithful readers! I had the best of intentions of writing this post yesterday, but I simply didn't get around to it. That seems to be the theme around here, right? Both my reading and blogging have taken a hit lately. I generally enjoy what I'm reading, but I'm averaging closer to one book a week than my usually two to three. When I make the time to read, I enjoy myself. What I've been struggling with is making the time to read. I'm finding myself particularly stressed out with work this fall and unable to stop thinking about work when I'm not there. Despite my love for the fall weather and upcoming holidays, I'm almost wishing for summer, when my work-life balance was in great shape. I'm determined to find my way back to a good work-life balance. The upside is that I do love my job, but I miss having more time to do the things I love outside of work!

Read-a-thon
The read-a-thon was mostly a bust for me. I did enjoy reading posts and participated in a few mini-challenges (and even won one!), but I managed to read less than 200 pages all day.

Fall Break
Last week was Fall Break, and Mr. Nomadreader and I took four days to just get away. He planned the entire trip and didn't reveal our destination until the night before. I was thrilled with his choice of Portland, Oregon. We ate, drank and explored our way through the city. The highlight of our trip was dinner at Beast, Naomi Pomeroy's restaurant. It was one of the best meals of my life, and I will find a way to eat there again.

Book Awards
In bookish news, Hilary Mantel once again won the Booker Prize. My Booker reading fell apart this year too, but I do want to make time to finally read Wolf Hall and finish this year's short list. Time will tell. The finalists for the National Book Award were also announced. I haven't read any of the five, but it's an exciting list. All were already in my TBR. I'll be turning to Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk next.

Upcoming reviews
I hope to catch up on both book and film reviews in the coming weeks. I also have some thoughts on this fall's new television shows to share with you. I hope to get back into a routine that lets me achieve a work-life balance again soon. I miss my reading pace, and I miss our conversations about those books. My fingers are crossed for a reading and blogging breakthrough soon.

As an affiliate, I receive a small commission when you make a purchase through any of the above links. Thank you for helping to support my book habits that bring more content to this blog!

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 22, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    Ooooh, Portland. I hope you snuck in a visit to Powells!

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  2. JennyOctober 22, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    Ooh I look forward to hearing what shows you're watching. One of my favorite new shows is 666 Park Avenue... creepy!!

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  3. TiOctober 22, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    I almost always feel like reading but I don't always feel like writing. That has been my challenge lately. Plus, I just feel too scattered lately and find myself staring into space just to cope. Work has been a real B lately. I need some time off in a big way. I must wait until Thanksgiving week though.

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  4. ZibileeOctober 22, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    I know what you mean about never having the time to read or blog anymore. Things are pretty sparse around my blog, as I have some real life stuff going on that needs attention. It's all good though, because when I am reading, it's good stuff that I choose. So glad that Mantel just won again. Just finished her book, and it deserved to win!! Yay for her!

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  5. BooksnycOctober 22, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    Portland is high on my list on places I would like to visit - hope you had a great time!

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  6. JennersOctober 22, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    Oh a four-day trip to Portland Oregon would be a dream come true for me! Here's wishing you some life balance!

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  7. LindsayOctober 23, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    I hope you have a breakthrough soon. It sounds like you're getting on well with the Sebastian Faulks from reading your tweets. Look forward to your review on that one when you get the chance. I have had a bit of a reading and reviewing setback recently too. I'm getting going again now and it feels good.

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  8. AmusedOctober 25, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    I am sad I missed the readathon this fall but since I've missed pretty much everything blogger related this year I got over it. I miss all my blogger friends and hope to get back in the swing of things soon!

    ReplyDelete

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