A new chapter. A fresh start. Turning over a new leaf. A makeover. Beginning ... again.
For the last few years, I have kept a reading diary. On paper (how 20th century). In my little black book, I write about the books I have read, the books I have given up on. I keep stats too - how many books read, how many by Australian writers, fiction vs non-fiction. For my personal edification only.
Reading is what I do. I read for work. I read for my own mental health. I read to my son to (hopefully) inspire his own love of reading. When I am faced with a crisis, I turn to books for answers, for escape, for rescue. So now, thanks to Maggie, I'm going to share some of that reading with you. I am so excited by the prospect, I can't wait to begin.
But first, some disclaimers.
Like Maggie, I do not review books. 52 Sundays is going to be a celebration of books and reading, of my reading in particular. If I didn't enjoy a book, I'm not going to write about it. Nor will I accept books for review (much as I might desire free books to supplement my book buying habit). Critical reviews play a very important, even if hotly debated, role in our literary culture. There are some great publications that publish reviews by accomplished reviewers. As my blog roll grows, you'll find links to some of them. But you won't find critical reviews here. What you will find (I hope) will be my personal responses to some great writing.
52 Sundays will not include everything I read but I hope it will provide an honest picture of what I read. I read widely. Literary fiction, non-fiction, drama, general fiction (including chick lit and not-so-gruesome crime), kid's books, magazines and the odd journal, newspapers and occasionally poetry. There's a place for all of these here.
I will not always write about reading. Sometimes, I will write about bookish things - prizes, writers, publishing, the bookish media. I might even choose to write about something completely non-bookish. But reading will be at the heart of 52 Sundays - at least until the next makeover.
And finally, the views I express here are entirely my own. They do not reflect those of my employer.
Now stand by for the first chapter of the new 52 Sundays.
A week ago, while browsing Twitter, I discovered Maggie Alderson's revitalised blog. 'Why don't I update my blog more often?' Maggie wrote back in January. Well, she's returned to blogging with a passion, inspired by Stephen King of all people. And her passion has inspired me in turn. Like Maggie, I am feeling energised - all because she has given me a new vision for 52 Sundays. I am going to follow in her footsteps and blog about books.
For the last few years, I have kept a reading diary. On paper (how 20th century). In my little black book, I write about the books I have read, the books I have given up on. I keep stats too - how many books read, how many by Australian writers, fiction vs non-fiction. For my personal edification only.
Reading is what I do. I read for work. I read for my own mental health. I read to my son to (hopefully) inspire his own love of reading. When I am faced with a crisis, I turn to books for answers, for escape, for rescue. So now, thanks to Maggie, I'm going to share some of that reading with you. I am so excited by the prospect, I can't wait to begin.
But first, some disclaimers.
Like Maggie, I do not review books. 52 Sundays is going to be a celebration of books and reading, of my reading in particular. If I didn't enjoy a book, I'm not going to write about it. Nor will I accept books for review (much as I might desire free books to supplement my book buying habit). Critical reviews play a very important, even if hotly debated, role in our literary culture. There are some great publications that publish reviews by accomplished reviewers. As my blog roll grows, you'll find links to some of them. But you won't find critical reviews here. What you will find (I hope) will be my personal responses to some great writing.
52 Sundays will not include everything I read but I hope it will provide an honest picture of what I read. I read widely. Literary fiction, non-fiction, drama, general fiction (including chick lit and not-so-gruesome crime), kid's books, magazines and the odd journal, newspapers and occasionally poetry. There's a place for all of these here.
I will not always write about reading. Sometimes, I will write about bookish things - prizes, writers, publishing, the bookish media. I might even choose to write about something completely non-bookish. But reading will be at the heart of 52 Sundays - at least until the next makeover.
And finally, the views I express here are entirely my own. They do not reflect those of my employer.
Now stand by for the first chapter of the new 52 Sundays.
