Am I Fickle?
Maybe it's been my long days, but I've become increasingly disappointed with some of the fiction releasing lately. The covers are phenomenal, but the stories are so generic. Out of the seven books I've bought lately--both small and big press books, I only managed to finish one. The rest made me feel like I wasted my money. I usually don't have such bad luck with books because I research them pretty thoroughly before I buy.
This might have more to do with me than the book though. Whenever I find myself dissatisfied with things that should make me happy, it's usually because I'm looking for something I can't yet identify. So maybe I should switch genres for a while. Maybe I should read literary, or classics, or the ingredients label on a box of cake mix.
Have you ever found yourself tired of something you normally love? (Spouses don't count.) LOL
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Murray Report: I wish I had better news but Murray is still not well. Although the vet first suspected he was hacking up hookworms, he now seems to think it's kennel cough. (Like I said so in the first place.) That poor little puppy just can't catch a break. I'm starting to get a little rundown too. I feel like I'm coming down with something.
Because kennel cough is contagious, Greg has to keep Tank and Iko another week. We have not seen each other since the third week of December. I miss my boys, all of them.
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You still have a chance to win a copy of Smart Budgets for Busy People by leaving a comment at TBR. I will pick a winner tomorrow. And don't worry if you already bought the book. If you win, I will substitute that book with the next one coming up. Smart Grocery Shopping.
Someone wrote me and said she bought an extra copy of Smart Budgets for her son. That just made my day. First, because she bought a second copy. And secondly because more young people need to learn how to budget. It's a tough world out there. A lot of older people are having to work much longer than they expected, which is sad on many levels. People should enjoy their retirement, not scrounge to supplement their remaining years.
Someone wrote me and said she bought an extra copy of Smart Budgets for her son. That just made my day. First, because she bought a second copy. And secondly because more young people need to learn how to budget. It's a tough world out there. A lot of older people are having to work much longer than they expected, which is sad on many levels. People should enjoy their retirement, not scrounge to supplement their remaining years.
Comments
I bought several books over christmas too and only a couple of them were worth finishing. Chris Rothe, a Canadian author surprised me with Dirk Danger Loves Life, and I picked up Bite Me by Christopher Moore. Moore's writing isn't so shit-hot but I love the voice and I love the humor, so I continue reading.
I wish publishers would realize (and authors) the importance of working on voice and style. A great voice can get me to read even the most overdone story.
I'm sorry about Murray. Thinking positive thoughts. Poor guy and poor you guys. :(
I feel like those agents who tell you they're looking for something new, but they can't tell you what that is.
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I'm so sorry to hear that Murray is still sick. The poor, poor puppy. I just want to hug the little guy. You did a great thing by giving this baby a fighting chance. I doubt he would have gotten that at the shelter.
And yeah, i also have that problem sometimes with stuff i normally like. Usually, in those cases, i'll read some nonfiction, or switch from fantasy to some hard sci-fi
For me, it's my cue to try something new. Or, go back to a favourite. Right now, I've been diving into comic books again and reading non-fiction. It's a chance to let my interest in fiction come back. Because, right now, I'm rather sick of it.
As far as becoming dissatisfied, well that happens a lot to me! ;) I don't believe I'm fickle; but maybe I am! I do the "switch your genre" thing, and I've found some wonderful books that way!
Good luck to you finding your next good read!
Sarah: The vet warned me that since Murray's immune system is compromised it might take a little longer to recover. For now I'm keeping him warm and using a humidifier.
Krista: I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one. I was feeling rather guilty about disliking so many books in a row.
Heather: Thanks, Heather. He's suffered so much. I just want him to get better soon.
p.s. paw puppy dawg!
KarenG: That's exactly what I was thinking! Sometimes I'll eat and feel so dissatisfied because it wasn't what I wanted.
Poor, poor fur baby! Continuing to send positive thoughts for the little guy. And {hugs} Maria. You must be exhausted trying to keep on top of it all. I imagine you'll have to do a major disinfect clean before the other dogs can come home too. I wish I was close enough to give you a respite. Wishing for a speedy recovery so your family can come home!
I'm happy and sad for you about Murray. Happy that he's not on death's door, sad that he now has kennel cough. I know that cough, oh yes.
Poor Murray. Good thoughts winging your way?
Ref Murray, if the poor tyke pulls through you'll have a bond that will last a life time
I actually bought a disinfectant especially made for parvo and kennel cough. I've been spraying religiously and will redouble my efforts before the boys come back.
Barbara: Did you have to deal with kennel cough? It's so heart wrenching to see them cough out their little lungs.
Shelley/Mike: I've decided to take a break from fiction all together. I'm sure the publishing economy won't crumble if I take a buying hiatus for a few weeks. If it does, you can blame me. ;)
Murray is due a break but you are past due Maria, being 24/7 caregiver no matter to what is too much for one person. It will be so nice when the little one's immune system gets stronger and the longer he hangs in there the sooner that will hopefully take place so you both get much needed rest!
Take care and like all the others pulling for Murray my thoughts and prayers are with you both daily.
Perhaps what you need to read is something different...OR do like Brooke Johnson and write what you really want to read :-)
Heck, I'd read it too.
POOR Murray! When Dakota had kennel cough it broke my heart. I can only imagine how awful it must be for a puppy. Hang in there...
When I'm dissatisfied with everything, I know I'm tired. Probably not easy with Murray, but try to catch some extra sleep.
Sending good vibes your way. Take care of yourself as well as the little fighter :)
Angela: When I read your comment something clicked. I know why nothing has fulfilled me lately. It's because I knew what would happen next. There were no surprises. I might as well have written them myself. Question is...how do I stop being such a mind reader? :)
Jenny: It's a very unhappy house. Today Murray has barely taken interest in anything. He eat and drinks, but he has no joy. Poor baby.
As to your reading dilemma, you are not alone. I feel the same way about a lot of books.
Still praying for some relief for both of you.
And, yes, if I'm unhappy with me or something in my life, I'm less likely to enjoy things I normally like.
Or maybe it's the books.
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Clarissa: I am surprised to discover I'm not alone about my book slump. It's never hit me this hard.
BTW, you WON the drawing for Smart Budgets for Busy People.
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Linda: That's a very smart question. I wanted to know too. All I could discover was one site said yes. Another said no. And the third said, maybe. So your guess is as good as mine.
I'm not sure if it's me, but I go through phases when I hate every book I pick up. At the moment (I hardly dare say this), I'm loving every book I pick up.
Hugs and prayers that poor Murray will finally get better. Hang in there.
Dee: I'm not much of a game player but maybe movies are a better alternative to books right now.
Barbara: This is our 14th rescue so far and we have never had a case of Parvo or kennel cough. How can one puppy be so unlucky? Poor kid. I don't want to over-react but I don't want to under-react either--not with him still recovering from his near death experience.
I'm in a reading rut now too. Maybe I need to dig deeper on my to-read list!
Rosie: LOL. That would be a bit of a shock to the system.
Positive thoughts your way for Murray. I hope you and all of your boys can be together soon!