I realise it has been a bit quiet around here of late. As per my last post I am still reading The Amazons by Adrienne Mayor, which is taking me longer to read than I expected, and is the principle reason I haven't posted reviews since my late January round up.
It's funny when you're enjoying a book and yet it still takes a long time to read. The Amazons is a very dense book packed with a lot of information, a lot of detail, so I think that's why it's taking me a while to read. The start of 2018 for me was blighted by illness and I think I'm still recovering as I constantly seem to be tired, so there have been a lot of days when I have just not felt able to read, as much as I might want to. That's a horrible feeling.
At least I haven't lost my enthusiasm for reading. I had a bit of an online binge and bought ten of the new Penguin Modern series (a bit like the Little Black Classics), as well as a copy of The Histories by Herodotus, as it's referenced so much in The Amazons. I also bought a copy of Jenny Mollen's book Live Fast, Die Hot. I don't exactly love the title, but I'm keen to read this one - I follow Jenny on Instagram and find her funny and engaging, and I like her frankness about life. Similarly, I pre-ordered Busy Philipps' untitled book that I have heard her talking about on Instagram. She is definitely worth following - I love her.
It's easy to feel like there is sometimes just too much out there that's amazing and worth devoting time to, and it can feel impossible to commit to everything that you'd like to. This applies to books, but also to other media like TV and movies - but also to friends and social life, work, housekeeping, relationships... throw almost constant anxiety into the mix (hello!), and it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
Reading is my retreat, but I need the time and space to do it. Sometimes life overwhelms you to a point of paralysis. I am lucky that we have enough space in our house that if I want to, I can take myself off to another room away from the TV, my husband and the dog, and just read in peace for a while. I always feel restored when I am able to do this.
I'm now close to the end of The Amazons, so I will try and do a write-up as soon as I can once I have finished it. I absolutely love classical stuff, but I think I'll take a break and read some of the Penguin Moderns I bought next. What joy can be found in these small perfect books!
More soon.
