This Mom's Confessions

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Forgive Me For I Have Sinned & Haven’t Read A Book In Months

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I have been asked how do I read and comment on so many blogs daily?  To be quite honest, a huge part is how much I love to read and the joy I get from it. 

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to read and excel at it.  Even when I was in first grade and struggling.  I was put into the lower reading group and refused to stay there.  I told my mom when this happened that I was going to be in the higher reading group before the year ended.  Well, with her help, I did in less then 2 months time.

And after that I was a reader and could not be stopped. I was 6 years old and now 30 years later, I lost count of how many books I read over the years.

But this past year blogging, I will admit I have read less and less books (now haven’t read one books in months) and more blogs.  Don’t get me wrong, I love reading blogs and sharing with all the wonderful writers I have met this way, but I would be lying to you if I said I don’t miss reading actual books now. So, forgive me for this sin that I am so very guilty and for not reading a real book in months now.

But to counteract this, I am toying with the notion of cutting back slightly on how many hours I read daily.  I promise, I am not stopping reading blogs, but I still want to be able to read physical books again.  And now that we are heading into fall and winter, I know I will be home again more on the weekends, too.  So, I would love to unwind reading a great book now and again.

And no joke, I have 4 books in my iBooks, 1 Full Book on my Kindle Account, and (the worst offense)10 Books in my Nook Account that I haven’t read and need to.  Truly not proud that I have all these books downloaded and haven’t read one of them yet.

iBooks–I need to read books again!

Here is the list of books that I have yet to read, but need to:

  1. Casual Vacancy, by JK Rowling
  2. Witch & Wizard, by James Patterson
  3. Deadlocked, by Charlaine Harris
  4. Summer Sisters,, by Judy Blume
  5. Something New, by Marlena Lott
  6. Pillow Talk, by Freya North
  7. Leaving Before It Is Over, by Jean Reynolds Page
  8. Now You See Her, James Patterson
  9. The Glass Case, by Kristin Hannah
  10. Walking on Broken Glass, by Christa Allan
  11. 13 Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson
  12. Dating Mr. December, by Phillip A. Ashley
  13. The Allegra Biscotti Collection, by Olivia Bennett
  14. The Divorce Club, by Jayde Scott
  15. A Christmas Wedding, by James Patterson

So, there you have it 15 books and I haven’t even gotten to a one of them, yet.  Truly feel guilty each week that goes by and these books sit in my account unread.  I think it is high time, I start to read again though. 

By the way, out of these 15 books, I would love to hear if anyone has read any of these and where I should start on this list

Would love others input here on any or all of these books, because I really do want to read them, but having trouble now deciding which should be my first to tackle.  So, please do share with me.

And am I the only one that has slacked on their book reading lately, too?

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. massholemommy says

    Oh man, well I have you beat. I haven't picked up a book in about a year. I read the three 50 shades books at the beach last summer, but haven't had the time to read in an entire year. Yikes.
    My recent post First Day of School

  2. lrconsiderer says

    My list of unread books is far longer, though I do have the luxury of more time to myself to plug away at them. But yes, since blogging, I definitely read less.

    With your list – start with whichever grabs your fancy 🙂
    My recent post TToT: Meet the Co-hosts 7

  3. Karen says

    I NEVER read books, listen to them on CD…this way I can still blog and do chores around the house, and crochet while I "read". I don't listen to music in the car…it's all books…such a geek, right?

    I haven't read any of those books…but I will have to check them and see if I would like them and see if I can get them on audio.

    My recent post LET’S GET ORGANIZED BLOG HOP #4

    • Janine Huldie says

      I never even thought to listen to audio books, but like how you can get other things done while listening. You just blew my multi-tasking brain!! Thanks for sharing and seriously might totally be an option!! 🙂

  4. Sara says

    Since blogging reading has taken a back burner. I had a goal to read 10 books this year and its slow going. I am at 7 books and just kind of sitting there.

    I did recently re-read The Great Gatsby and it reminded me how much I love reading. I never read any of the books on your list but can’t wait to hear about them.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Sara, your seven is definitely is better then my zero right now. So jealous you have gotten to read that many books even and must say this is the worst I have been at not wanting to read. And I do hope to tackle a few of those and will definitely share as I do!! 🙂

  5. LisaAndAshley says

    Lisa and I have this conversation from time to time, because we are both really big readers. And feel like we don't read books the way we used to…so I definitely related to what you said here!-Ashley
    My recent post Social Media Is Forever, Kids

    • Janine Huldie says

      Ashley, thank you for saying that, because I am so feeling I am being a huge slacker on this for sure. But it is so nice to know that others like both of you, too are similar in this, too!!

  6. Seana Turner says

    When I got busy, and tired with caring for my family, I found that my "reading time" got squished. Since then, I've found a lot of joy in "reading" audio books. I now spend a lot of time driving kids around, and I actually read about a book a week! Enjoyed your post. Stopping in from LOBS.
    My recent post How to Keep Memorabilia

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Seana for stopping by and I honestly never even thought of audio books, but you are now the second person to share this. And it definitely sounds like it could work!!

  7. jldunlap says

    Summer Sisters! I used to reread it every summer as a summer tradition but haven't in a couple of years…guess it's time to go find it!

    • Janine Huldie says

      Jessica, I had a feeling that Summer Sisters would be a good read, especially since it is Judy Blume who wrote it. I mean you can't go wrong with Judy Blume. Thanks!!! 🙂

  8. Lisa @ Golden Spoons says

    You are not the only one!! I have never ben a fast reader so it seems to take me forever to get through a book. Nowadays, I do most of my reading on blogs and rarely read books. However, I am getting ready to begin 2 studies through my church that are both based on different books, plus trying to read a parenting book that was recommended, and just found out about the Brilliant Book Club so now I want to read that book too!!! Don't know how in the world I'll find the time for all of it!
    My recent post Finding Our Rhythm

    • Janine Huldie says

      Glad it isn't just me Lisa. Sounds like you are going to be more then making up for it now and definitely let me know if you would recommend any of these books!! 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      I used to do a lot of reading right before bedtime. No I am finding I do more blog reading here as well as my morning blog reading, which is why I was thinking maybe I could condense those two readings into one and then do that in the evening, but I guess I will see what works for me. Thanks for sharing!! 🙂

  10. anothercleanslate says

    I just read Casual Vacancy and it was definitely a book I had a hard time putting down. Summer Sisters is one of my favorite that I'll read over and over. Sometimes I make a point to go to bed an hour early to read. Enjoy!!

    • Janine Huldie says

      Katie, I knew you would tell me the honest truth and honestly was waiting to see what you would say about my list. Thanks for sharing with me on this and I thank you for steering me in the right direction with where to begin!! 🙂

  11. dishofdailylife says

    I have been reading more blogs than books lately too. I tend to read more books when I am on vacation or traveling….which means not a lot of books lately!! I am reading one now that I read right before I fall asleep…it is slow going!
    My recent post Parenting in a Foreign Land

    • Janine Huldie says

      Seriously, so happy Michelle to know it really isn't just me and we didn't take much of a vacation this year, so I didn't even get time there to do any reading. I am thinking also to do before I go to bed at night again, too now, because this is what I used to do previously.

  12. yonca says

    Great blog! Louise L. Hay/ Life Reflections on Your Journey on my desk right now at work. Since2007, started blogging i am not a good book reader anyway.
    Just followed you via Bloglovin Blog Hop. Hope you follow back 🙂 Happy Thursday!

  13. Billybuc says

    I still read every night before bed….that has not slacked off for me. My online presence has slacked off, though. I just can't read as many hubs as I once did. I felt bad at first but seriously, how much is one person expected to do, especially when a lot of the Hubbers don't reciprocate?

    Anyway, I hope you find the time to start reading again and have a great day.

    • Janine Huldie says

      I know Bill and was just thinking the same thing of how much can be required. I try my best for all that do that in return for me and that won't change, but something has to give a bit here. Thanks and hope you too are having a great day!! 🙂

  14. tamaralikecamera says

    I have read the Kristin Hannah and Emily Giffin books. For me, it wasn't my favorite Giffin book but I did love True Colors more than other Hannah books.
    I read more blogs lately too. In fact, it takes me a lot longer to read books than it used to, because of my pressing social media obsessions. I just figure that reading blogs is reading like-minded peers and that does still help with my writing. They say reading helps writing, right?
    Unless it's "The Storyteller" by Jodi Picoult, which I read in hours, I'm slow lately.
    My recent post Baby Hold On: Truro, Part 1.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Yes, so true Tamara about reading helping writing and to be honest somedays I feel like maybe I am in a bit of a slump. I don't know, but I do miss reading a good book now and again. So this was my mini-vent,I suppose. But you are right I didn't love that Emily Giffin books as much as her others, but I know Kristin Hannah is a pretty good author and will totally keep that in mind about True Colors. Thanks and I am not only slow right now, but non-existent will my book reading!

  15. Rosey says

    ohh, you've got Bobby Flay in there!! I love him! His recipes are always good ( though I do have to search for ingredients sometimes).

    I like to read. I thought I would not want a Kindle because I love the real deal so much, but hubby got me one for a gift once, and it's great for portability (and travel!).

    Happy reading to you!

    • Janine Huldie says

      I know I love Bobby Flay, too Rosey. And way back when I thought I would never read anything, but real physical books. Now I am just the opposite and seriously love to read on my iPad. Just so much easier and more convenient. And thank you!! 🙂

  16. MelChi says

    There's a book called A Christmas Wedding by James Patterson????! Oh my word, where have I been? I HAVE to get that book! LOL. I also have quite a few that are sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. Almost done with a Sidney Sheldon one right now…I could read that man's books for the rest of my life, he's so good! Have a fab weekend 🙂
    My recent post Almond Meringues with Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange Zest

    • Janine Huldie says

      Yes, there totally is Melanie and I know I need to read it. Will let you know when I do what I think of it!! And thank you for sharing here today and you too have a great weekend!! 🙂

  17. @TaoOfPoop says

    So funny, Janine! I literally just ordered two books from Amazon and they both came today! Of course, I'm reading blogs right now, instead of them. But I'm excited to get to them later tonight!
    My recent post Act Your Age?

    • Janine Huldie says

      I know see whenever I have quiet time Rachel, I end up blog reading, writing or catching up. I tell you no matter how you slice and dice it, I just need more hours in the day now!!

    • Janine Huldie says

      Dani, I seriously don't know how I do the half of what I do. I wish I could tell you and trust me I am tired though right now. I thought I would get more of a break this past summer, but with it being long extended weekends and not just a normal vacation, it really kind of wasn't if that makes sense. So, this week I have been so feeling a mix of emotions. Probably doesn't help that it is that time of the month or that even my baby start pre-school next week, but still just feeling it this week. So this is some of my venting that I came up with two night ago when I should have been relaxing!! Go figure!!

  19. ourhomeonderanged says

    Oh girl! Right there with you. The last book I read was when my little one was still taking a bottle every three hours. I would go in our room to feed her and read on the Kindle while I could. If she fell asleep, I got an extra bonus hour, until my older one discovered me and that was the end of that. Now, I carry the Kindle around with me (though I miss holding a real book), and hope that I can read in between demands, lol. So, yeah, blog reading definitely gets all my attention these days!
    My recent post Take a walk on the boys side: safety proofing your home for an adventurous little one

    • Janine Huldie says

      Melissa, totally sounds like me and I used to read tons when putting my girls down for naps, too, especially Lily who would fall asleep in my arms and then be reading the Kindle until I could put her down. Now, same here blog reading wins, but still want to make some time for book reading, because I really do miss it!!

  20. Dana says

    I am a voracious reader, but I read books more slowly now that I read many blogs too. I haven't read any of the books on your list except the last Sookie Stackhouse novel. I do read when I walk the dog, so I get at least 20 minutes a day! I have tons of books on my GoodReads shelf if you want to friend me and check them out, or check out the site I read for – RedLetterReads.com. Hope you crack a book open soon, Janine!
    My recent post This mix tape proves I’m a dork

    • Janine Huldie says

      Dana, what is you name on Goodreads and will totally friend you? Also going to check out that site you mentioned. Thank you so much and hoping to make a little time now, because I really do miss reading books.

  21. Lanaya says

    I love reading books … and when I have time in a total bookworm. I must admit though, I only get to read books when I'm on vacation, on a plane, or not in the routine of my daily life.
    Thankfully I am a quick reader and can put away a novel in a weekend. So at least I have that going for me. Now, just to find the time…

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.com

    My recent post Why You Should Never Ignore Recalls

    • Janine Huldie says

      Not surprised we have this in common at all and yes I am a fast reader, too, but sadly no real vacations or plane rides, so no real time to read. Really need to change that and this is what this post was all about!! 🙂

  22. cgacad says

    i have a solution for you. like you, i stopped reading books and instead read blogs—there are so many to keep me occupied! but i've been in a book club for several years and it forces you to read books. we each take turns picking and meetup every 2 months or so. it's actually very fun and productive too!

  23. katbiggie says

    I love, love, love to read. I made a promise to myself years ago to try to always find time to read for 30 minutes before bed. Well,that actually only happens about 3-4 nights a week, usually more on the 3 side! But, I make it a priority. And you may have noticed, my blogging and blog reading has declined significantly lately, but I've been doing a lot of reading. (Of course, most of it has been research, but I enjoy that too!
    My recent post From Couch to 10K in one month!

    • Janine Huldie says

      I know Alexa and trust me as much as I try to cut back, I end up having trouble doing this. Teach me the way, please!! But seriously, I do need to read more and really do have to make this a priority now!!

  24. Leah says

    I was a sinner with you, but read a book last week when I was on vacation. That seems to be the only time I read books. There will come a time again in my life though when my kids won't need me as much and I will be back to reading. Until then, I will read what inspires me, read what I have time for, and not worry about not completing the 20 books that are on my list!

  25. katbiggie says

    A book club is a great way to be forced to read at least one book a month. But I seriously had to start setting a timer for myself. I would only allow myself x amount of time per day on blog reading, etc. Once that's done, I move on to the other things. It is very difficult to stick to, but I tell ya what, I am seeing big improvements elsewhere!
    My recent post From Couch to 10K in one month!

  26. gigigirl says

    I finally picked up a book to read and it's been slow going….the first I've read in years! I don't make time for reading, and going online really detracts from the reading process. I prefer watching movies actually…..but maybe I'll get back to reading again. Good luck with your undertaking to read those books …. you just have to get started. Enjoy! xxoo

    • Janine Huldie says

      Oh thanks Aunt Gloria and sad thing is I loved reading over watching movies and TV, but now it has kind of reversed, because of the time I spend daily on the computer, but I am going to try to do better now. And thank you again!! 🙂

  29. April (@100LBC) says

    Girl, I contemplate reading all the time but that’s as far as it gets. I think I’ll take your list!

  30. Kenya G. Johnson says

    Now You See Her sounds familiar but I don't remember if. I'll have to see it. I am printing your list because I HAVE started reading again and am on the lookup for stuff. Now for my fuss – I did the same thing and probably read two books in the first two years of my blog, maybe less maybe more. Whatever it was it was significant enough where I might as well say I stopped reading books. You have to fit it back in there even if it's a couple of pages before you fall asleep at night. You'll be surprised once you get on a roll with a book you'll find ways to have time to read it.
    My recent post A Rookie Mistake…

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thank you Kenya for letting me know I am not the only one who has done this since starting to blog. I feel so guilty for it, but even this weekend when I did have some time, I just decided to veg out and couldn't muster up the energy to crack open a book and read, because I had done so much over this past week. But I really am now trying to set limits for myself and hoping to stick to it, so that I can do just what you said and even read for 20 minutes before I go to bed at night. And do hope you print this list out and let me know if you read any of them, too!! 🙂

  31. outoneear says

    From this post, I found we have something in common. In first grade, my teacher put me in the bluebird group–and it was obvious that the Robin's were the highest readers. I worked so hard, I was promoted to Robin within 2 months, too. I read a lot. Until I had kids. Then it seemed reading when on a hiatus. I can't comment on the books you have in your bookshelf because I tend to read memoirs/non-fiction over fiction. Although my most recent books were fiction. So the truth is, I'm a contradictory person.

    Also just wanted to say thanks for stopping by my Share Your Story Sunday and leaving this link. I'm glad I had the chance to read another one of your posts. I think you're talented and am glad I've found you.
    My recent post Ten Things of Thankful: September 15, 2013

    • Janine Huldie says

      Linda, I love knowing we have this in common, because back then I refused to be labeled a slow reader and really did fight my way up to the higher reading group. And thank you also for letting me know I am not the only one to ever take a hiatus from reading. Also, can't thank you enough for doing the Share Your Story sunday and was so happy to be able to share with you!! 🙂

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