Over the past couple of months, I've read a few books that I didn't get a chance to review yet. These were all enjoyable in different ways and are recommended reads. A Will to Kill by R. V. Raman I've been looking for an Indian mystery for a while now. So when I came across A Will to Kill in Netgalley set in one of my favorite places in India (also close to my home town), I just had to request it. In so many ways, this is a typical Agatha Christie type mystery - there's a death (in an isolated mansion, no less) and the investigator/detective tries to solve the mystery. Harith Athreya is visiting the owner of the mansion, Bhaskar Fernandez, where a small gathering has been planned for the owner's relatives and friends. Bhaskar has written two wills - and how he dies will determine which will goes into effect. That night, there is a murder and Athreya spends the next few days trying to find the culprit. I generally enjoy the Agatha Christie class of murder mysteries.
I've been thinking for the past few days about reading lists. I belong to the group that obsessively makes reading lists prior to the start of each month. I like knowing what books I plan to read each month, how many more challenges are going to be nearing completion, plus it gives me a sense of order and predictability, which I value a lot. Besides, most books I want to read I pick from the library, and it definitely would annoy me if a specific book is not available currently, or if I have to wait a few days for it to arrive from another county.
On the down side, I can't always go by my inner desire to read a specific book, or feed my thirst for a book from some specific genre. Also, if I see someone praising a book highly, I do go through a moment of insane desire to read that book right away before I give in and add the book to my bloated TBR list. And the biggest disappointment is when I don't complete reading a month's list. I almost feel as if I let down a good friend, and usually that book doesn't go back to my next month's list, rather it goes back to my pile, for future contemplation. How many of you are like me? Do you just go by your impulse and pick the book you feel like reading at the moment, or do you plan in advance?
The reason I've been thinking of this is that I plan to not-plan my monthly reading lists anymore, other than those books I'm reviewing for a publisher or reading for a readalong. When I made this decision, I felt very relieved, especially thinking of all those books I've felt like reading on an impulse but could never since I already had my plans made for the month. I'm not sure how long I will be able to stick to this before my obsessive self kicks in, but it will be worth a try, to just pick a book on a whim or a recommendation, rather than wait ages before I get to some of them.
Read other Sunday Salon posts.
Comments
http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2010/02/10-things-that-make-me-happy-happy-101.html
Ash, I like it that way Ash. Make a list as a guide, not as a rule.
Marce, thanks for the award! :)
Helen, when I think about it, I realize I have deviated from my list too. But sadly very little. Usually I don't have the time to think of an impulsive read. Funny right, considering the amount of time I spend making a list!
Diane, good you managed to change things a bit. I've only now come to realize about it, so hopefully in a few months, I will get into a new impulsive routine. :)
Kathy, I agree. I am not jumping into any blog tour yet, since I am usually soo busy that if I had a review deadline to meet and couldn't, I'm going to be real upset!
Samantha, LOL, you are cracking me up, but I totally understand what you mean. Going with the mood is definitely better. Why would someone want to read romance, when they are in mood for some crime and murder?
Alyce, I think I will do that too. Keep a master list, and a list of review books, but make 60% of my reading impulsive!