I think there may be a bit of a theme this 2013 with many book bloggers deciding to stop accepting review copies, posting just a few times a week, reading more from their own shelves, and some are even completely closing shop. I have to admit that I have flirted with all of these issues at one time or another. But this past year has really helped me put into perspective what I want to do with my reading and with my blog. Like many of you, I accept a book because at the time it sounds so damn awesome that I couldn't imagine not reading it. Then it arrives along with ten more books and before you know it they're all mating like rabbits! I open the door to my book room only to find that I can't get in very far because of the stacks upon stacks of books! And then that terrible feeling descends on me and my sunshine attitude goes to crap and I am feeling anxious. The date for the review is looming near and I'm not even close to starting that book....and the anxiety goes up another level.
I've decided to step away from accepting review books for this year. I've been very good at saying no. It isn't easy but I've been doing it. I do have three author requests that I am honoring this year and I'm fine with that..most especially Beth Hoffman's new release...I love her, so I would read her book no matter what! I may even say yes to a few TLC books and once again ,because I truly love TLC and the ladies who run it. But I will be more selective and there will never be more than one every couple of months.
What can you expect when you visit Life in The Thumb?
- Mailbox Monday and It's Monday...What Are You Reading participation
- First Chapter First Paragraph participation
- Six Sentence Bookish Thoughts
- Six Sentence Movie Thoughts
- Saturday Snapshot participation
- Random posts....sometimes I surprise myself with a topic.
- Dewey RAT participation
Anxiety and reading should not go hand-in-hand. I want to enjoy the experience. I want to relish each and every book that I decide to read. I want to have fun again. I want to explore my library and actually read a few of the books that come home with me. I want to browse my own bookshelves and finally take one down that has been patiently waiting for me to discover the tale within the covers. I want to clear out some books that are languishing on my Kindle. I want to read for me.
Happy Reading Friends!
Staci
