Clock Rewinders on a Book Binge is where Tara @ 25 Hour Books and I shamelessly plug each other, share the fantastic posts, giveaways, or whatever else we’ve found and loved by other awesome bloggers (or authors!) during the week, and talk about the books we plan on reading in the coming week.
Announcements
Clock Rewinders is almost one! I went back and found my very first CR post. That was on June 5th, 2011, and while the format of posts have changed over the past year, the reason for this feature has never changed. It is about building and celebrating this book blogging community. With this in mind, and the plagiarism drama that won’t die, I have made a decision not to link or discuss this kind of drama on my blog. The unfortunate truth is that rehashing and bringing attention to these kinds of situations means that the drama continues and refuses to go away. Giving drama more fuel to burn does not build community; it tears the community down. While there have been some shitty things done and said, and I will never condone them, I don’t want drama on this blog. Unless I’ve created it. Please know that not linking these situations does not mean I am not aware, or that I do not have an opinion regarding the matter. I am, and I do. But if it’s not my drama (i.e., if I have not been directly affected by it), it does not have a place on this blog.
As of 5/13, Clock Rewinders has no linky.
A list of blogs who usually participate is on my Features page.
On a Book Bender Recap
- Joint Review with Kelly: Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews – Keeps you on the seat’s edge. (and woe! WOE! this is the last Kate book that’s been published. Kelly and I need more ASAP!)
- Top Off Tuesday — Stray Hearts… or Pants?
- Review: Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly – Ironically, the angels saved this book.
- Joint Review with Smash: Stolen by Lucy Christopher – This book has warped my mind.
Meanwhile, in Amanda’s World
- I went back to work this week. It wouldn’t have been so terrible, except my allergies are pretty bad (and probably worse since I don’t have a/c in my car and have to drive with the windows down, and yes, I’m back to my two hours/day commute) and so I’ve spent a lot of time not interacting online. So, if I’m quiet or not responding to comments or giving short replies, that’s why. Life has been pretty shitastic lately.
- Rachel taught me the phrase, “Chuckin a sickie.” It’s an Australian phrase for calling in sick. Though I didn’t call in sick, I did love learning something new! And thanks to Rachel for keeping me company at 4am in the morning on Tuesday when I couldn’t sleep. >.<
- On Tuesday, I stayed up for 20 hours (not on purpose) and learned that Rockstar makes an energy drink with extra caffeine. It certainly kept me going, though 10 hours for the caffeine high to wear off was a little extreme.
- I think I’m experiencing a bit of a blogging down swing. It’s not that I’m burnt out (yet), just that I have a little less motivation for blogging and everything that comes with that.
On 25 Hour Books
- *is still waiting for Tara’s vlog*
Around the Book Blogging Community
Bloggers
- Ellie from Curiosity Killed the Bookworm posted about email etiquette and using the BCC field. If you host events or anything that involves emailing a lot of people, you need to read this post.
- Alissa of The Grammarian’s reviews makes my list twice, first by posting about Nutella popsicles (um, YUM) and then by posting a great message to bloggers that you need to read if you have ever felt lost, or under-appreciated or burnt out. Or if you’re a blogger. Yes, it’s that good.
- Angelya at the Oaken Bookcase talked about five things she learned as a newbie blogger.
- Kelly of Reading the Paranormal talks about what to do with genre burn out and wants to know what you do.
- River of the Book Brats had an amazing post about the appearance (or lack of appearance) of people of color in YA books and the entertainment industry in general. River has a very important message here, and it’s one that needs to be said and spread.
- Thanks to my local-ish indie bookstore, I was able to see this post, by Tiana Smith, about how beauty is portrayed in books. I know I’ve said this a lot already in this round up of posts, but you should read this. It echos every thought I’ve had about the traditional American beauty seen as blonde haired and blue eyed while the “plain Jane” is brown haired and brown eyed.
Authors
- Our very own Christi (of Smitten with Reading) announced on Tuesday that she is publishing her own books, and is need of book bloggers for review. Congrats to you, Christi!
- Kiersten White wrote about profanity in YA books, which I think was partly in response to Gayle Forman’s post in response to an article about giving ratings to YA books. I already liked Gayle Forman, but I like her even more now, for saying everything I already think about the problems of rating books like you would movies.
- Ilona Andrews gives us a snippet of Kate 6! And considering Kelly and I are bemoaning the lack of more Kate books, this was rather nice.
Miscellaneous
- The cover of the sequel to Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Days of Blood and Starlight) was released. Thanks to Kelly for pointing me at this.
- Michelle Hodkin tweeted this, and I nearly died. Seriously, there are half-naked Disney princes.
Search Terms
1 m štiky — This is apparently Czech. štiky means pike. Beyond that? *shrugs*
tuesday sexy time — Yup. Got that. We call it Top Off Tuesdays, though.
fallen book series spoiler — *smacks you*
grammatical errors in published books — I’ve found them.
short heer dog — Hmm. Short hair dog?
Goodreads Stats
Read in 2012 (48)
- Monkeewrench by PJ Tracy (7)
- A mystery set in Minnesota (Minneapolis, specifically) that was an interesting read. I will likely continue with the series.
- Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (8)
- I was so sad after finishing this book! Mostly because I just didn’t want it to end.
- My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent
- I didn’t rate or review this one, since I wasn’t really sure how it connected with the series. It was good, though.
- Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
- Yes, this is STILL ON MY LIST. I’ve been lazy about listening to it. But not because it’s terrible. Far from it. If you need any convincing about how awesome this audiobook is, you just have to read Mandi Kaye’s review of it this week.
- My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
- I actually have this one, the prequel, and the next story in a “volume 1″ book, but I think it makes more sense to separate them. Plus, it means more books to add to my Goodreads challenge.
Own-Must-Read (111)*
*This week I realized that this number is out of whack because whenever I use my phone to scan and update my list, it adds both versions to my list (e.g., if I add a book I want to read to my to-read list, and it defaults to the hardcover version, and later I buy the paperback version, it will show that I have both the hardcover and paperback on my own-must-read list). This is a big part of the reason why I add a book I want to read to my Amazon wishlist rather than a Goodreads shelf.
- Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
- After reading On the Edge, I had to get both books out in this series. Yes, I liked it that much.
- Fate’s Edge by Ilona Andrews
- Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
- You all know I rated Anna and the French Kiss a 10, right? After that, I couldn’t not get Lola, too.
Amazon Wishlist
- I’ve still not added anything to my list. The cause of this may be that whenever I find a book I like, I’m generally more inclined to just buy it rather than add to my wishlist. There haven’t been a lot of books catching my attention lately, either, which is likely part of it as well. So, question: what books made your wishlist this week?
Mary @ Book Swarm May 27, 2012 at 7:21 am
I completely agree about drama and adding fuel to the fire. This is supposed to be fun! I mean, come on, right?
Sorry about the allergies. I take about 5 different things plus shots and it still doesn’t always work. Exhausting. But at least there’s good stuff to read! :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 10:03 am
Yes, fun! FUN! Not keeping drama alive and making people afraid to speak out, lest they want stones thrown at them.
Ugh, yuck. I tried a new kind of allergy medicine this week that I think works, but may have side effects I don’t want to live with. It’s kind of a no win situation.
Christi Snow May 27, 2012 at 8:08 am
Thank you Amanda for the shout-out!!
And thank you also for your Announcement. No more drama!!! Love the building-up part much better.
I hope your allergies get better REALLY SOON!! smiles….
Christi Snow May 27, 2012 at 8:09 am
oops, I forgot to answer the question…I don’t think I added any books to my wish list this week (although I think I added about 8 more review books)…it’s been a quiet week and my TBR is completely overflowing and taking over the house. smiles!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 10:05 am
I caught myself looking at bookshelves yesterday because I am fast running out of space. It is terrible! (but I like it at the same time, lol)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 10:04 am
Thanks, Christi! I hope my allergies get better soon, too. They are no fun.
And you know I am here to help you in WHATEVER way I can to get the word out about your books. :)
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal May 27, 2012 at 9:42 am
Let’s plan something totally off the wall to get you out of your blogging downswing. Like…. a week of nothing but giraffe-related posts. IMAGINE THE FUN!!!!
Or, you know, we can figure something else out. Your call.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 10:06 am
Bwahaha. Maybe giraffe related posts would be good for my birthday celebration! I may just need to find my footing after being kind of out of it during the spring semester.
Alissa May 27, 2012 at 9:50 am
Aw, I’ve been linked again. Thank you. <3 :)
Also, how are you liking Beauty Queens? I know you've said it's good, but is it seriously supermegaawesomefantastic? It's one I've been considering reading for a while…but am still on the fence, haha.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 10:07 am
Thank YOU for the post. It’s worth being linked!
I really really really really like Beauty Queens, I’m just lazy about getting my mp3 player charged and in my backpack. I would also say that it’s better experienced in audiobook format. I tried reading it, and it didn’t do it for me. Audiobook is sooooooo much better.
Alissa May 27, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Hm. I’ve never tried an audiobook before. I’ll look into it.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 4:37 pm
o.O Never? It’s definitely something you should try at least once. :)
Jen D. May 27, 2012 at 10:34 am
THANK YOU! *huggle* Thank you for not rehashing all the craziness going around the internets and keeping the blog drama free. I was starting to want to pull my own hair out every time I was subjected to all that stupidity.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 10:42 am
You’re welcome. I’m quite sick of hearing about it, and I wonder if people realize that the reason drama won’t die is because everyone keeps talking about it. What really saddens me is how many people are reacting to all this, and how it makes me feel like I can’t voice my opinion about anything without fear of having people severely judge and sentence me.
Jen D. May 27, 2012 at 10:56 am
I think they know and don’t really care. I feel you on the being judged and sentenced part. I’m not up for dealing with it either. Not to mention all the damn hypocrisy that’s going down. Human nature is a dark, scary thing my friend. Let’s make a pact to avoid the dark side. Luke Skywalker would be happy we did. ;-)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 11:00 am
I’m hoping that if I do my part in not giving it fuel, keep my head down, and keep doing what I’ve always done it will eventually go away and get better. We’ll start an “Avoid the Dark Side” club!
Jen D. May 27, 2012 at 11:20 am
I think that’s a good plan with the exception of keeping your head down. I’d much rather you keep your head up. =) Dude I am so down. Let me know where to sign.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 11:25 am
How about head up, eyes averted from the situation so as to avoid drawing attention to myself? I do this with salespeople. Eye contact means a willingness to engage!
Jen D. May 27, 2012 at 11:52 am
LMAO! Works for me.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 11:53 am
Awesome. We now have a solid plan for dealing with these situations.
Amy @ bookgoonie May 27, 2012 at 11:01 am
Awesome around the blogosphere links. I figured you were a little wiped from BoB when I didn’t see you around twitter the few times I got on. Girl, remember it isn’t a JOB. I didn’t get anything up for Thurs or Friday & haven’t been able to make the rounds since maybe Wednesday. I am learning to let it go. This is my happy place and sometimes to keep it happy means to neglect it here and there.
In my absence I missed the drama AGAIN. I’m so happy I did. Ignorance is kind of blissful.
Can’t wait to finally settle down with Bitterblue in the next week it two. So glad you loved them all.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 11:07 am
BoB is a job, actually, it’s just one I don’t get paid for. Some of the problem there is of my own making, but part of it is just… other people. I have to learn how to deal with it. It’s kind of like a character growth/learning experience for me, and one that I need.
Bitterblue was awesome! I was so cranky when it was over.
Amy @ bookgoonie May 27, 2012 at 11:06 am
Not that it matters…but I’m a regular ;(
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 11:08 am
On my features page? I cobbled that list together based on people who responded to Tara’s email that they were going to continue participating and the couple of people who said the same to me on Twitter. I will add you now.
Amy @ bookgoonie May 27, 2012 at 11:22 am
It’s ok. I don’t really get ass hurt about too much. I have a problem with RSVPing in general. I read the email, thought I’ll get around to it later, buried, forgot. Tis my life cycle.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 11:25 am
lol. Well, you’re on the list now, so no worries.
Amy @ bookgoonie May 27, 2012 at 12:15 pm
You be pure sweetness ;)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 12:16 pm
No piss and vinegar?
Amy @ bookgoonie May 27, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Na. But I like you that way too.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 12:18 pm
I usually save the piss and vinegar for Twitter.
Amy @ bookgoonie May 27, 2012 at 12:20 pm
I like my giraffes to piss rainbows, but sometimes they just have to take a dump.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 12:21 pm
*snorts*
Natalie @ Mindful Musings May 27, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Ugh. Allergies. No matter what I do, it seems like they never go away, except for in the dead of winter! My biggest problem with them is the headaches. If I forget to take medicine…twenty or thirty minutes outside, and it feels like little men are jack-hammering around on the inside of my skull.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Headaches are a big part of my problem, too. I haven’t had many lately (*knocks on wood*) but they always tend to put me straight in bed. And unfortunately, all it takes is an open window for me.
Hannah May 27, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Oh! I really do need to catch up on my reader. Very curious to see what you thought about the Weatherley books, been interested in those AND they’re both in my local library. :)
‘Chuckin a sickie’ I kind of got because we say ‘pullin a sickie’. (or skiving, alternatively, which is more.. slacking off).
Umm.. one metre pike perhaps? ;)
And hooray for Soul Screamers! I need to get back to those, and I can push myself into it as If I Die is a review book…. I’m doing it again aren’t I? /sigh
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 5:09 pm
I love all those different phrases. I got asked if was chucking a sickie and I just went o.O O.O O.o what is that? lol.
I’m at least about half way through the first Soul Screamers book and I’m liking it so far! :)
Hannah May 27, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Ha. Cultural differences are brilliant. Caught an American guy chugging a bottle of squash in the shop the other night, I calmly explained that you need to dilute it. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squash_(drink) )
The first one was a fun read but book two was even better! :) I’m sure I’ve heard there’s a love triangle which I fear will spoil it but the two I’ve read we’re safe!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Oh my gosh! Yes. Also, thank you for the link, because I was all, “You make drinks out of the vegetable squash? Gross!”
Damn it! WHY MUST THERE ALWAYS BE A LOVE TRIANGLE?!
Hannah May 27, 2012 at 5:21 pm
The link was necessary – I have confused many an American talking about a craving for “squash” or “cordial”. I also delighted one once with “taking the piss”. /boggle.
I KNOW! This is why I’ve ventured away from YA at the moment. And also why I liked Immortal Rules so much – there wasn’t really too much of a romance! Yay!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 5:23 pm
I probably could have guessed what a cordial was.
It needs to STOP. Now. Also, I have the Immortal Rules.
Hannah May 27, 2012 at 5:27 pm
Ahhhh. Squash is the more common term for it, but it varies.
Yes. Ooh, it’s very good! Although.. I won’t book bully you into it until you get back to Morganville. *wags finger* where did you get upto?
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 9:46 pm
*looks around innocently* I’ve never made it past the first book of Morganville.
Hannah May 28, 2012 at 9:47 am
Wait.. you never met Myrnin? Fix this.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 28, 2012 at 9:47 am
Patience, my dear Hannah.
Hannah May 28, 2012 at 9:53 am
A book bully does not know patience!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 28, 2012 at 9:54 am
Okay, then don’t make me book bully you back for something.
Hannah May 28, 2012 at 9:59 am
You wouldn’t manage, I am exceedingly skint! :)
PS. This text is bugging me!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 28, 2012 at 10:01 am
lol. It does get all weird after so many threads. Probably because it’s on a justification alignment rather than left?
Hannah May 28, 2012 at 10:05 am
Nah, it’s related to the amount of threads you allow. :) Gonna.. finish the taunting in email I think, lol.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 28, 2012 at 10:05 am
I allow 10! That’s the highest it goes!
Kristin @myparahangover May 27, 2012 at 8:42 pm
I love allergies *insert scream here*… I have the awesome seasonal ones so I’ve been on all the drugs but I went for years thinking I had sinus headaches all the time. Turns out I was actually suffering migraines, caused by my allergies. Just something to keep in mind. It’s bloody hell to tell them apart, except I’ve figured it out finally :) It’s a great year, tho, I’ve already done a z-pack. I hope you feel better!!! I know what you mean about driving with the windows open!! I’m sooooo sorry!!!
You have/had drama over here?!?!?! Or was it just run-off from all the other crap? I admit I finally succumbed to one tweet comment this week but I was also sharing posts. I need to watch myself and not add to the trouble. It does feel like you can’t move without getting yelled at!!! I’m sorry you had to deal with any drama ~ last thing you needed while you’re feeling crappy!!
Awesome wrap-up, as usual… I’m done babbling… :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 27, 2012 at 9:51 pm
I had one headache that I think came close to a migraine, based on my limited experience of migraines. Right now I’m trying different allergy medicines and trying to find one that works.
No, no drama over here. I meant more that unless I cause the drama in question, I have no business addressing it or rehashing it. I haven’t caused drama lately, and I usually try to be on my best behavior. I do read a lot of the posts and things about the drama, I just choose not to talk about it or link it up on my blog, because I don’t think it does anything other than keep the drama alive. If you want the drama to end, stop talking about it. You know?
Kristin @myparahangover May 28, 2012 at 3:02 pm
I totally agree with not talking about it. But the girly-girly in me comes out and I have to get all catty sometimes… only once tho!
hang in there….
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 28, 2012 at 3:04 pm
lol! Oh, I know. I’ve talked about — but in emails and never on the blog. There’s a time and place for everything, I guess.
Stephanie May 28, 2012 at 10:22 am
Alissa’s post was great! I think we’ve all felt that at one point or another. Thanks for linking it!
I think I want to add the GoodReads section to my CR posts. They’re so interesting.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 28, 2012 at 10:28 am
I’m glad that I decided to copy Tara and use the GR section. I really like how it makes talking about books so much easier! And it gives everyone a good look at what I’m read/have read that week.
Angelya May 28, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Thanks for the shout out <3
My wishlist grew by a few but the stand outs were Stormdancer (after I saw the awesome new cover!) and also Days of Blood and Starlight. Cannot. Wait.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 28, 2012 at 9:51 pm
Ah, yes! Days of Blood and Starlight has been on my wishlist since I finished reading the first book last year. So excited for that one! I’ve not heard much about Stormdancer, though, so I’ll have to keep an eye out for that. :)
Alexa May 29, 2012 at 8:44 pm
Aw sounds like you have had a difficult week. I hope work gets better, it is always hard to go back after having a little break away from it.
I’m also feeling burned out with blogging. I was once so on top of every little thing and commenting every day…then I realized I just couldn’t put myself through that type of pressure anymore. The blog is what it is and the books I read and review are what I can manage each month. I hope you find yourself more into blogging if you take a little time away from it.
I hope this week is better for you :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 29, 2012 at 8:49 pm
*shrugs* I think life is just conspiring against me lately, and the best way to deal with that is to just roll with it and try not to let it get me down.
It’s kind of funny, because I’m more ahead with my posting than I have been since I started teaching in January. And yet… I’m burnt out. I just try to do the best I can with regards to commenting and hope for the best.
*huggles you*
Alexa May 29, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Lol I’ll switch you. You can jump on Page of Forbidden Love and get my postings ahead of schedule while I sit back and try to comment on blogs to get more people to On a Book Bender.
*huggles back*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 30, 2012 at 8:01 am
lol. It would be kind of like team work! :)
Sarah (saz101) May 30, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Awwww! “Chuckin a sickie.” I want to tell you it’s so cute you didn’t know that, but it sounds super condescending… I learned ‘calling OUT sick’ from a friend, which I thought was amusing, as we say ‘calling IN sick’.
OH! AND BEAUTY QUEENS! I have a friend who CRAZY loves this book–can’t wait for your thoughts :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 30, 2012 at 10:43 pm
I am the ignorant American, it’s okay! We call in sick, too. For whatever it’s worth.
I listened to Beauty Queens and it was AMAZING. I don’t know that I would have had the same reaction had I read it (versus listening) but it was goooooood.
Sarah (saz101) May 30, 2012 at 10:44 pm
I know she found it REALLY quotable. She has a quote for almost every occasion :D
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 30, 2012 at 10:48 pm
For all the topics that Libba Bray covers in that book, I feel like it should be required reading for teens. It could generate soooooo much discussion.
Sarah (saz101) May 30, 2012 at 10:52 pm
Hey, surely it’d be a lot more interesting and relevant than some of the stuff they’re forced to read as assigned reading.
Don’t get me wrong: I ADORE ‘classics’, but all the joy and magic is taken out of them when you’re forced to read something that doesn’t appeal to you where you’re at in life, and analyse every word and simily and metaphor and read meanings into meanings that, well… sometimes just aren’t there? My best friend’s year 12 english teacher tried to tell the class the baby horse/foal running in the background of one the scenes in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was ‘symbolic of Elizabeth’s deeply maternal nature.’
To this day, BFF can’t STAND to watch it :P
Amanda @ On a Book Bender May 31, 2012 at 6:38 am
lol. Yes. Any book loses some of its fun when you HAVE TO read it. I listened to Libba Bray talk a bit about her book and why she wrote it after the book was over, and she says that wanted to deconstruct gender and look at all the different parts of it. And that’s really what she does.