I sometimes get annoyed at folks who feel they need to offer explanations. But it's 2025 and social media and everything else are virtual shitshows. So what do I want to do here?
I want to talk about books and other things that I enjoy and that provide me distraction in difficult times.
Books (and movies and food) are escapism for me. And I binge read. To the point that I can fully disconnect from "reality" as much as possible.
But books tackle reality in so many ways! Genre fiction is political and timely and focuses on important topics even when it's hidden under layers of zombies and werewolves and radioactive bugs and everything else.
There's no avoiding it.
And even if you're reading the most ridiculous fluffy read of all time, I guarantee something will draw to mind the shitty reality facing us all.
So yeah, I read for escapism. I read to disassociate. But I recognize that most authors, especially the ones I am drawn to, are using their platforms for social commentary, whether it be subtle or not.
So what do I want to do? I just want to share books I enjoy. It's been this way since I was a bookseller. Though I realized too that not everyone wanted the books I was drawn to.
It's a special skill: being able to recommend appropriate books to readers who may not share your particular taste. And there's common ground, almost every time.
But this is my blog. And I'm not interested in shit talking books that don't work for me. I'm interested in connecting readers to books they will enjoy. I'm interested in sharing things I'm excited about. I'm interested in helping people like me find the books that will get them through whatever they're going through.
(As an agent, I do represent some of the authors whose books I'll showcase. I will note at the top of the review if the author is a client.)
So as this rocky road of life goes on, I am looking to revitalize the blog and get back to posting semi-regularly (in addition to tour posts). And if you've been hanging around, thanks for sticking with me. If you're new, welcome!
1 comment:
Becky, I hear what you are saying. And I've read your blog for many years. I hope you will stick around and share whatever books work for you. I agree that it's difficult to read books that don't refer to stuff in the present situations, even if the author's aim wasn't that directly. I remember when authors first started including the pandemic years and events, I wasn't sure I was ready to read that. Some I could tolerate and some not. I say each of us gets to read what works for us. Whatever works for us. And I am very much trying not to criticize whatever that is for whoever. I've found that one of the book groups I attend (though more sporadically these days) does tend to focus much more on things that seem to divide people and also many seem to have judgment about genre fiction (not 'important' enough or literary enough). I try to be kind and just share that we should all get to read what makes us happy. OK, I went on and on. Always liked this blog. Take care!
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