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
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures out there! You ROCK.
And a huge THANK YOU to everyone who filled out my survey about copy-editing services for bloggers. For the most part, your feedback was very helpful and I plan on going forward with some kind of affordable/low cost proofreading service. Now, one more short question for everyone to answer, so I can set a fair price:
On average, about how many words are your posts?
(I’m specifically looking for review and discussion post counts)
On a Book Bender Recap
- Review: On the Edge by Ilona Andrews (8) – Another winning series by Ilona Andrews.
- Top Off Tuesday — Such a Tease
- Kelly Reviews: Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace (5) — Not quite sure what to think.
- Who Am I Stalking [9] — Mandi Kaye @ Never Too Fond of Books
Meanwhile, in Amanda’s World
- Last weekend, I had a bit of a freak out over the amount of money I was spending on books. I just… wasn’t paying attention, and was a little shocked. Books apparently add up fast. So I’m initiating a self-imposing book buying ban-ish. I need to focus on reading the books I have already, so maybe this is good timing. Plus, it’s my birthday next month (which means presents!) so holding off may not be a bad thing. The plan: only buying books I’ve already pre-ordered or books for signings. And maybe participating in RAK.
- Tara made it possible for me to buy a giraffe ear set. I’ll be wearing it in my vlog. Also, I took a creepy giraffe shifter-esque picture of myself and then another not so creepy one.
- I made a new button for my business. It includes a good chunk of my business information. If you’d like to help me get the word out, feel free to save my button (in my side bar) and display it on your blog. You have my undying love and devotion if you do.
- Thanks to Mandi Kaye, I have a new plugin and I’m able to display progress bars for my All Series, All Summer challenge. I even added one below the button on my side bar so you can easily see how I’m progressing. Or rather, I have a constant reminder of how well (or terribly) I’m doing.
- Right now I’m trying to work on getting ahead with planning my teaching semester out so that I can devote more time to reading, blogging, and tweeting. Right now I’m only reading on the weekends and that’s just not enough. My blogging has been pretty pathetic, too, but all that means in Amanda’s Organized World is that I’m still working on scheduling posts for July. I still tweet a lot, but that’s mainly because in the evenings I’m too tired to do anything but cause shenanigans on Twitter.
- I must be talking about coffee more because Mandi Kaye tweeted me this and Alissa tweeted me this.
Around the Book Blogging Community
- Anne (Creativity’s Corner) makes a call for participants to discuss BOOKS (e.g., joint reviews)
- Angelya (Oaken Bookcase) started a very cool Google map of book bloggers. You can add yourself! And you don’t have to mark your exact location. I put myself at my local library.
- Alissa (The Grammarian’s Reviews) reminded us to love our ARCs.
- Mary (The Book Swarm) told us what she likes and doesn’t like to see in reviews. AND I COMPLETELY AGREE. In fact, it’s like she shook me up, smacked my head, and all my thoughts tumbled out of my ears and onto her page.
- Chelsea (Vampire Book Club) is doing a charity auction to raise money for brain cancer research. Go bid! GO!
- Kelly (Reading the Paranormal) talks about when book expectations get the better of you.
- Free audiobook downloads this summer! Audiobook SYNC has two free titles every week for download. The first ones are still available through Wednesday!
Search Terms
dogs destroying things, funny — You mean like this?
“rehvenge” and “barbed penis” — Kelly is the Rehv expert (but yes, Rehv has a barbed penis).
curran kate daniels vs simba lion king — Curran.
Goodreads Stats
Read in 2012 (56)
- Summer’s Crossing by Julie Kagawa (6)
- A fun little novella that made me like Puck more. See my GR review.
- Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews (8)
- KATE AND CURRAN! I really enjoyed this novella. See my GR review.
- Devil’s Gate by Thea Harrison (8)
- *dies of love for the Elder Races series*
- Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari
- This is what I plugged in after I set aside Immortal. So far I am loving it! I’ve just been too tired to pay attention to the audio on my way home. =/
Set Aside* (2)
*This is basically a DNF shelf. It is a recent creation, hence the low number.
- Immortal by Gillian Shield
- I had this one on audiobook, and the narrator went from being very soft spoken for the main character, and very loud for other characters, which either left me scrambling to turn the volume up or down, and because I listen while I drive, this wasn’t exactly a good thing. The voice given to the friend of the MC was downright annoying, and the story just wasn’t enough to hold me.
Own-Must-Read (112)
- Devil’s Gate by Thea Harrison
- Had to get this one, of course!
- Criminal Promises by Nikki Duncan
- Won this from Felicia’s giveaway. Thanks Felicia! :)
Free Ebooks (26 unread)
- Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace
- I’ll admit to being curious.
All Series, All Summer
Thanks to Tara for making the giraffe ears possible.
Alissa June 17, 2012 at 12:15 am
Your giraffe ears are priceless.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:29 am
Actually, they were less than $10! =P
Jac @ For Love and Books June 17, 2012 at 6:47 am
Love your giraffe ears!!
I am often shocked by what I spend on books. It is more than a little insane.
Thanks for the audio sync tip!
JaC @ For Love and Books
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:31 am
Thanks, and you’re welcome! :)
Smash Attack June 17, 2012 at 6:49 am
Oh, please share the progress bar plugin!! :D
Also, the giraffe ears are adorbs. You should wear them every day. :) And I’m so happy you love coffee as much as I do. *swoon*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:34 am
ProgPress (you should be able to search it from your plugin page). If you want a progress bar in your sidebar, there’s an option you need to check in the settings. And… the best instructions about how to use the plugin are on its WP plugin page.
Mary @ Book Swarm June 17, 2012 at 9:11 am
Crazy giraffe shifter! Those ears are so flippin’ cute.
Last year, I think I might have spent more on books than food…I didn’t really sit down and compare but my book expenses were ridiculous. Since then, I’ve really made an effort to cut back–just a couple of books a month rather than unlimited.
Thanks for the shout-out! Your comment totally made me laugh out loud (literally, not just the LOL kind of laugh.). Have a fab week!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:46 am
Books add up FAST. Wow. I really do need to pay more attention to the books I’m getting.
I’m glad you enjoyed my comment. It happened when I was in the middle of my first cup of coffee and still a little loopy from sleep. :)
Amy @ bookgoonie June 17, 2012 at 9:31 am
You rocked those giraffe ears. Now I want to see the Amanda giraffe-shifter out and about. Giraffe shifter sightings!
Bravo for working on your lesson planning. My middle-school summer school kids are sucking the life out of me. It is like herding cats. I’m getting no lessons planned, no books read, no reviews written. I’ve never not finished 1 book in a week in the past 2 years. It is driving me slowly mad.
Lola so counts because there is an Anna & St Clair cameo in Lola.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:49 am
Ha. After this past week, I’m feeling like my students are sucking the life out of me, too. I keep thinking that once my lessons are all planned out I can start enjoying my summer a little, but something else will likely come up. =/
Good to know about Lola!
Rain Maiden Jen June 17, 2012 at 11:30 am
Cute hat Amanda. I’m trying to watch my book spending too. I bet we are all. I have really neglected my ereader…so in July I plan to hit that hard.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 7:19 pm
I think it’s REALLY easy to forget about the books on your ereader. They hide better.
Ruby June 17, 2012 at 11:57 am
Book acquisition is a series sickness. While I was in New York, I had to physically restrain myself from going to the Strand. It never matters how many books I have (read or unread), I always see something else I’d like. It doesn’t help that you can buy books anywhere–the drugstore, the supermarket, Target. There’s even a bookshelf at my gym. This is life testing us, Amanda.
Did you finish Devil’s Gate? Let’s chat about it. I’ll email you.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 7:19 pm
I have finished Devil’s Gate!
Ellie June 17, 2012 at 12:01 pm
If I’m spending more on coffee than I am on books, I’m OK. I don’t need them but find it hard to place outright bans on myself! Basically the giant supermarket next door to work always has a good book selection and they’re cheap, so they sneak in with the food shopping.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Coffee is important. I don’t think that I could place an all out ban on myself for books, but I *think* I can curb my spending by just being aware of what I’m buying.
It’s a good thing my local Target has a terrible selection of books, otherwise I’m sure I’d end up with one every time I went shopping there.
Natalie @ Mindful Musings June 17, 2012 at 1:59 pm
LOL!!! I LOVED the giraffe ears. I think they should make random appearances in your vlogs from now on! :)
Also, I totally know what you mean about blowing too much money on books. Because I had to fork over money for the first month’s rent and deposit on our new place, along with paying June’s rent on our current apartment, I am BEYOND broke right now. Yet I still managed to buy The Golden Lily this week. AND I CHARGED IT. TO MY CREDIT CARD!!! How awful is THAT?!?!? I don’t think I’ve ever charged a book before, but I definitely had to sit myself down and re-evaluate things after that.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 7:22 pm
They probably will make random appearances. I can’t just wear them once! They must earn their keep. Or… whatever.
I think the toughest part is just being aware of how many books we’re buying. It’s easy to get caught up in the shiny book syndrome and forget how fast everything adds up. Awareness. It’s a good thing.
Hannah June 17, 2012 at 3:33 pm
I love the giraffe shifter ears! That even warranted a “what you laughing at?” from the man. :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Glad you enjoyed them. :)
Felicia June 17, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Giraffe Ears are Epic! I am thinking I need Ostrich Feathers :)
Yep on the spending–mine has gotten a LOT better since I started posting how much I spent. Something about seeing it in print made my heart stop for a second LOL
:)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 7:24 pm
YES TO OSTRICH FEATHERS!
There’s something about making yourself aware of the amount of money you’re spending that really makes you think twice about books.
Mandi Kaye June 17, 2012 at 7:10 pm
LOVE THE EARS. Plus they’re totally adorable on you. :)
I’m still totally going to bully you to read Insurgent. Just so you know.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 7:24 pm
You may find out just how stubborn I really am. *raises an eyebrow*
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal June 17, 2012 at 8:58 pm
I already told you this but… I LOVE YOUR EARS!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:06 pm
*huggles your face*
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal June 17, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Also… You are so right! I am TOTALLY the expert on Rehv! Rawr! to the barbed penis, baby!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:19 pm
I also feel like I risk being shanked by claiming anyone else is the Rehv barbed penis expert.
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal June 17, 2012 at 9:43 pm
*quickly puts away my sharpening tools and hides my homemade knife* What? Why would you think that?
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:44 pm
You’ve only threatened me about a million times before. *stares hard*
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal June 17, 2012 at 9:51 pm
*looks innocent*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:51 pm
*not buying it*
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal June 17, 2012 at 9:54 pm
*tries harder*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 17, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Are you making it harder?
Leeanna June 18, 2012 at 11:19 am
OMG I want giraffe ears! They are the Best. Thing. Ever.
I’m with you on being shocked by book buying. One thing I do is not buy any hardcover books. Paperbacks fit better on my shelves, and are easier on my wrists if it’s a super long book. This means I have to borrow from the library for new releases, but I can deal with that. (Or try to win copies, but my luck isn’t very good!)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 18, 2012 at 4:56 pm
My luck is never very good, either. I agree that hardcovers are often what cost the most, though sometimes when I see them marked down on Amazon to $10 to $12, it’s hard to resist. I just have to resist more.
Stephanie June 18, 2012 at 9:14 pm
I LOVED your giraffe ears. They needed no explanation at all. :) We must be on the same wavelength! Today marked the beginning of a one month (at least! Baby steps.) book buying BAN.
Book buying seems to be as addictive as alcohol or narcotics. lol Does anyone know if there’s a BBA?
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 18, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Actually, yes. Tara started one back in 2010. Obviously she’s not doing it now. I think Felicia may have picked it up briefly last year. But for now, nothing.
Kristin @myparahangover June 19, 2012 at 3:26 pm
I think I just go to your posts to read you and Kelly go back and forth ~ hysterical!
Thanks for the heads up on the bloggers world map!! I just added mine :) Oh, btw, I know you start your Clock Rewinders posts during the week but how long do you think it takes to do them, when all said and done?
Giraffe shifters rock!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 19, 2012 at 4:45 pm
I would say that it takes me a couple hours. It’s hard to gauge because I collect search terms and links to posts throughout the week, then sit down on Friday or Saturday and compile the links with my comments, all the book stuff that goes into the GR stats section, and my own posts. If I vlog, then it takes me longer as well.
Tara SG (25 Hour Books) June 22, 2012 at 6:40 pm
1) LOVE the ears! You must now wear them in every vlog.
2) I need to join this series reading challenge. And, you know, read stuff.
3) I really love the color of your room. I’m sure I’ve said that before, but it’s awesome.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender June 22, 2012 at 9:01 pm
If you don’t start reading stuff, I will send you vaguely menacing text messages at random hours of the day. True story.