Susan Sarah here -- a bit on the weary and bleary side, having just finished another manuscript and sent it in, with the last section written at top speed, day and night, which is unfortunately the best writing mode for me. I could attempt a more civilized pace, but eventually, every book, I have to kick the writing engines into overdrive. I'm hardwired to be a Hare, and make that wild and crazy dash for the finish line, after way too long ruminatin' under a tree... This time I really tried to be a Tortoise, organized and in control 'n stuff like that, but I plodded along in a clunky way, not very inspired. Once I let my Inner Rabbit free, that story popped and came together quite nicely. And very fast ... so I'm tired and ready for some rest.
Before I pick up where I left off on the other current work-in-progress (set aside so the bunny could make her mad dash to a tight deadline) ... I'm taking a reading holiday!
I have a real craving, a need-to-read, and I'm putting all else on hold -- housework (lots of that, I've just finished a book, gimme a break, have I done much clutter control? <scoff>), shopping, email, TV (OK maybe not Dancing With The Stars or American Idol, on which I'm *shamelessly* hooked)... Instead, I'm scanning the bookshelves upstairs and down and poring through my stacks of To-Be-Reads looking for just the right read. And if the books here in the house don't appeal at the moment, the craving will drive me out to the bookstores and libraries (even on cold and rainy nights, like tonight) to keep looking for that elusive, satisfying read ....
So there it is. I'm all set to plunge into a substantial reading frenzy, and I need your help. There's a zillion books in my house, and a pretty fair number of TBR's, and yet -- I'm not sure WHAT I want to read. I want something new. I want something unexpected. So I hope you'll help me out, and tell me --
What are you reading now that you love, love, love; what thrills you, surprises you, puts you in awe of story, characters, writing? Is there a book whose characters are still with you, camping out in your heart?
What are you reading that seems fresh and exciting to you? Maybe it's a genre you haven't tried before, or a new author, or a new twist in a familiar genre....
Or maybe it's an oldie but a goodie -- a favorite comfort read you always turn to when you're ready to sink in to a relaxing read, a book that still thrills you.
What book have you read lately that sucked you in and didn't let go until you finished it? And would you put that on your keeper shelf and recommend it to everyone who would listen?
I'm looking for recommendations!! Book lists! Tell me the title and author of that wonderful book -- I'm eager to learn about a new author or story from you all. And we'll ALL get some GREAT suggestions.
Susan Sarah