I was initially worried about what coronavirus meant for my ability to produce the podcast, but I’m more confident now that I’ll be able to get episodes out to you as planned (for now at least). Yes, my kids are at home, which means I don’t have as much uninterrupted “work time.” But, I’m also realizing how much time I spend carting them around to various sports / after school activities and I now have all that time back. Plus, all my own non-work related activities have been canceled, so I think I’ll actually have more time.
Podcast
Mini Episode 51, a full length episode featuring Steph Hockersmith (@pieladybooks) aired last week.
And, a mini episode featuring Sarah Verity Collica (@seize_the_page) will air this Wednesday.
New on the Blog
- Book Review: The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel…I had mixed feeling.
- 2020 Podcast Survey…the survey is still open, so I’d love to hear your feedback if you haven’t completed it yet.
- The 2020 Rock Your Reading Tracker launched…including new features and improvements to existing features! Available for $14.99.
- Get bonus podcast episodes…Get bonus podcast episodes and other goodies when you support the podcast on Patreon!
Hosted by The Book Date.
This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link
I finished reading…
The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (April 28, 2020)
Second 5 star book of the year and will definitely make my Best Books of 2020 list! You’ll hear more about it in the Spring 2020 Book Preview podcast episode (coming April 1).
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson (March 3, 2020)
A comforting murder mystery (is that weird to say?). Perfect for quarantine reading…short, propulsive, and doesn’t require much concentration.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
I’m currently reading…
Hour of the Assassin by Matthew Quirk (March 31, 2020)
This espionage thriller was my March BOTM pick and is definitely out of my wheelhouse, but it’s perfect for my current mental state! Super immersive and propulsive, totally plot driven, and really short chapters. I’ve got about 100 pages left and I’m on pace to have finished it in 3 days (which is lightening fast for me in corona life).
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Upcoming reading plans…
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley (February 4, 2020)
Another one that’s totally out of my wheelhouse, but this is the type of stuff that’s working for me right now. Plus, Ashley Spivey liked it. I’ll see how it goes…
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
How was your reading week?
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Sarah, I feel the EXACT same way. My life has turned upside down. Hang in there…do what you can do and listeners/readers will be here for it (not going anywhere). I am going to try and refocus on the workouts this week and see if that helps…rain here last week really derailed me. Take care!
Thank you so much and you hang in there too! I was venting to my daughter’s teacher last night and she said “no one knows how to do this,” which made sense and made me feel better.
Rainy here today, but I’m lucky and have a covered back porch that I’m doing video workouts on. Obe Fitness is offering a free month with code ATHOME if you need something for indoors!
It’s a tough time all around, isn’t it? My youngest son is home from college and he just mopes around the house. I get to work from home, which is great because it keeps me out of harm’s way, but my dog barks at nothing all day–if I’m on the phone with patients, it’s incredibly distracting, not to mention unprofessional. This is just unprecedented–I think it will be interesting to see what life is like after it’s all over! Hang in there. I bet we’ll have a lot of apocalyptic novels to read when it’s all done…
Such a great point…I wonder what we’ll all take from this and how it will impact life once it’s over. I’m guessing life will change in some ways we aren’t expecting…kind of a “new normal” just like after 9/11.
And that is frustrating! Working from home is great in some ways and problematic in others.
I enjoyed Eight Perfect Murders. And yes, being a single introvert, as I now am, is much easier than it was when my kids were home with me.
Stay safe!
I’m sorry it’s so tough. Sarah. I feel for all the parents trying to do their own jobs and figure out how to get their kids engaged in school work. We start distance learning today and on the teacher side I’m super nervous. We got absolutely NO training, instead just a list of a few resources and were told to basically figure it out. I think this first week will be a hot mess! Keep in mind that most districts (from what I hear) won’t be putting much stock in what kids do and don’t do. No one is expecting it to be the same as if kids were in the classroom.
Glad you found a couple books to work for you. I’m so looking forward to The Knockout Queen!
Yes – I think everyone is sort of flying by the seat of their pants. I hope distance learning goes ok for you on the teacher side. Are you actually teaching online classes or just sending assignments? We just got assignments sent home that we kind of have to figure out. Nothing actually interacting with the teachers.
And – I’m hearing that about our county too…basically none of this is going to count. Which is fine…I’m more about just not wanting my kids’ brains to turn into mush. I ordered some Brain Quest workbooks from Amazon – ha! – and they do have access to apps they use at school. Today has definitely been better than last week!
I hope you become used to all the new closeness with kids at home. Unfortunately, it looks like it could last a while. I’m looking for books that really grab me too. I’m also listening to old favorites on audio which helps. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Trying a new structure today to see if that works any better. So far, it’s definitely an improvement from last week! Hope you’re enjoying your reading.
Sarah I am one of those introverts who live alone but… I hear you. Take care. I hope you’ve sat them all down and asked them how they can all contribute in big or small ways to the situation in the house.
As a WFH mom of over 20 years, it isn’t easy but you will find your rhythm and your kids will be fine. My kids have had more screen time over the years than I would have ideally wanted if I was a SAHM, but all of my kids have learned some independence and patience (when my door is closed, open if urgent only). It was much harder on all of us when they were younger but again they adjusted. Try a structure that works, tweak it, and understand what has to give – lower overall expectations if that works or reduce your working time since you do have that flexibility – most WFH parents don’t. These are uncertain and uncomfortable times – give yourself some grace – us moms are hard on ourselves. We don’t have to do all the things perfectly.
Yes, yes, yes. I love my kids so much but I do need personal space. My reading life has gone down. I don’t have any cures, but from one Sarah to another, please know that you are definitely seen! Hang in there!
Ah thank you for saying everything I’ve been feeling! I work from home and now having a 7 and 3 year old home all day is so hard! I feel guilty for being exhausted, they’re my kids and I love them so much but I definitely need quiet time. I am so jealous of the “quarantine tbr” posts. This is tough. I need your podcast! Keep going!