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A New Way of Living | Weekly Snapshot

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I don't know about you guys but this has been one of the longest weeks ever. With schools closed and work moved to home, this has been a new way of living. When the changes and shutdowns came just before last weekend, there was no time to really process the information. Within days, life had changed. And then on Monday, I reported to work, from my home, with kids also at home. It was when Friday finally rolled along that I felt the gravity of the situation, how we'll be rarely getting out for weeks, if not for months. How schools were likely going to be closed for months. How work still had to be done remotely or worse, there was no work to do anymore due to layoffs or a shutdown. How there was not going to be any dining in restaurants for months.


That was a very sobering thought. I didn't sleep until 1.30am that night.

How are you all doing? What are some of your tips to keep your sanity on while we get through this very difficult time? Some of you are in places that are …
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Yet another Monday! (August 22, 2011)

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It's Monday! What are you reading this week?

Sheila @ One Persons Journey through a world of Books wants to know what we're reading. I'm only too happy to oblige!

I had to do a double-take at the date when drafting up this post. August 22, seriously?

Books finished since the last update
-  Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (Check out this book, guys!)

News from over my blog

Reviews up!

Other posts

Books on my nightstand
Lately, my nightstand seems to be having one-night stands with books. No wonder, it's a nightstand, eh? So rather than listing what I may or may not read (because my mood dictates that most of the time), I'll share a photo of who all my nightstand is dating at the moment.

Nightstand (At the very bottom) Lost and Found by Shaun Tan: Ever since Shaun Tan went and made us bibliophiles proud by winning that Oscar, I've been meaning to read this book. I absolutely loved his The Arrival, and I know that a lot of my favorite bloggers loved this one, so I'm pretty excited to read this!

Skim by Mariko Tamaki: I know a few bloggers have raved about this title, and one thing that caught my eye was the plethora of adolescent issues that this book addresses. I hope it's not too many, but I'm excited all the same.

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach: By now, the hype surrounding this book has quietened quite a bit making it an ideal time for me to pick it without worrying about expectations. I'm sure the buzz is going to crawl up soon though. Baseball seems to be big element of this book, and it will be interesting to see how that works for a non-fan like me.

Emiko Superstar by Mariko Tamaki: I only picked this one because I saw it sitting next to the other Tamaki that I picked from my library. Honestly, I'm not sure about this at all. All that pink on the cover is repulsing me a bit, so I may read this only if I really enjoy Skim, unless some of you have read it and really liked it?

And at the top, in Hobbes' collection (that's my nook) Pigeon English by Stephen Kalman: I know I had this book on, couple of weeks ago as well, but I'm only now getting the time to think about getting to it. This one too has mixed reviews all over the place, but I hope I will enjoy it enough to talk something about it.


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Comments

Bluestockingbb said…
How was Naked?

Here is mine
August 21, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Lydia/The Lost Entwife said…
Love the approach (my nightstand has been having a lot of one night stands lately as well!)
August 21, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Booklineandsinker said…
it's always reassuring to see that other readers go through reading cycles, too. i always feel guilty when i can't stay with a book and pick up a new one each night.  you have finished some books, though. i'm still slogging through my re-read of hp and the deathly hallows and a few others that i will be reviewing shortly. how did you like naked? david sedaris writes some funny stuff but i head his newest one is a bit mean-spirited and fussy.
August 21, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Rachel said…
I'm liking your blog. You've got yourself a new follower here! I love how the Monday meme introduces me to great blogs. 
August 21, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Chocolateandcroissants said…
We just recently moved into a new house and I am trying to keep my night stand limited to one book-which is annoying when you are in bed and finish one.
August 21, 2011 at 11:13 PM
Helen Murdoch said…
I read American Born Chinese last year and found it quite interesting. It's not my favorite graphic novel, but by far not my least favorite. Have a great week!
August 21, 2011 at 11:26 PM
Mystica said…
I like the books on your nightstand!
August 21, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Jennifer said…
I have been wanting to read Pigeon English.  Have a wonderful week and enjoy your books.
My Monday: http://www.rundpinne.com/2011/08/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-53.html
August 22, 2011 at 1:05 AM
JoV said…
That's an interesting nightstand with a slot for nook! Congrats on the nomination!
August 22, 2011 at 3:43 AM
Angelica Joy said…
OMG you've got a Nook! I'm deciding between buying the 1st edition Nook, the one that you have pictured above because it's got music and web browsing + the battery life of an e-ink device whereas the Nook Color doesn't really have good battery life and it's got an LCD screen. Can you email me with your thoughts as a user on this 1st ed Nook?

Here's my  "It's Monday! What are you reading?" post.
August 22, 2011 at 6:31 AM
Karen Sime said…
I read Curious Incident back when it was first released and I absolutely loved it. I think I got just about everyone I know to read it. It was also my first foray into reading kids books as an adult.
August 22, 2011 at 7:28 AM
zibilee said…
Loved the Tan book, and hope you do too! I am also wondering how I will feel about The Art of Fielding, and I know there is a lot of buzz right now about it. Need to make time for it soon. I think I am also just about sold on buying Ready Player One for my whole family, who are all, or have been gamers at one point. Also, very nice Nook!
August 22, 2011 at 7:30 AM
Sheila (Book Journey) said…
I know right?  Where did August go?  And for that matter - June and July too?  I am interested in Ready Player One - I hope it was good!
August 22, 2011 at 7:46 AM
debnance said…
Found and Lost?  A new Shaun Tan?  Do I have this on my wishlist?  And, if I don't, why not?!

Here's my post for this week: It's Monday! What Are You Reading? And don't forget to sign up for the Readerbuzz August Giveaway!It's Monday! What Are You Reading? And don't forget to sign up for the Readerbuzz August Giveaway!
August 22, 2011 at 8:02 AM
Juju at Tales of Whimsy... said…
One night stands with books? Love that. Made me smile.
August 22, 2011 at 9:23 AM
bermudaonion (Kathy) said…
I hope you love whatever you decide to read this week.
August 22, 2011 at 9:31 AM
Samantha 1020 said…
I'm a mood reader as well which is usually the reason that I check so many books out from the library.  Then they can go back unread until I'm in the mood to read them again :)  Hope you have a great Monday!
August 22, 2011 at 9:34 AM
Kim @ Sophisticated Dorkiness said…
I'm looking forward to The Art of Fielding. I think I'm saving it for over the Labor Day holiday, since I hope I'll have a lot of time to read.
August 22, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Laurel-Rain Snow said…
I'll be rereading (from my nighstand) The Handmaid's Tale.  It's a read-along, so I've decided to just do nighttime reading on this one.  Maybe that's going to give me some nightmares, though?  Hmm.

Enjoy your books.

Here's mine:

http://curlupandread.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/mailbox-monday-what-are-you-reading-august-22/
August 22, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Laurel-Rain Snow said…
I put mine in here...and it disappeared.  So if it appears twice, that's why!  Enjoy your reading...

Mine is here:


http://curlupandread.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/mailbox-monday-what-are-you-reading-august-22/ 
August 22, 2011 at 10:16 AM
mariana pereira bezerra said…
I'm a little envy, rsrs, you have a nook, I so want one.
Your books sound great, haven't read any of this.
Good reading.
Mine is here: http://readingandall.blogspot.com/2011/08/e-segunda-o-que-voce-esta-lendo-5.html
August 22, 2011 at 2:03 PM
Lindsey said…
Pigeon English is on my TBR list as well... fingers crossed! Happy Reading!
literarylindsey.blogspot.com
August 22, 2011 at 3:03 PM
Judith said…
I don't know any of these books or writers, Aths. I'll look out for your reviews to see what they're like.

Have a great week!
August 22, 2011 at 3:17 PM
Wallace said…
I'm the same way right now... Lots of bookish one night stands. Hopefully something will stick for you soon!
August 22, 2011 at 4:19 PM
Emily LaVigne said…
Wow - you seem to feel the same way about your nightstand as I do mine!  Here's what I'm reading:  http://www.southernfiberreads.com/2011/08/its-monday-what-are-you-reading.html
August 22, 2011 at 4:42 PM
Pussreboots said…
Great selection of books you're reading. The best book I read last week was Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder. Please come see what I finished and what's up next.
August 22, 2011 at 5:50 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Naked was hilarious! Enjoyed it!
August 23, 2011 at 9:06 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks! I'm hoping for more long-lasting relationships to develop on my nightstand. :)
August 23, 2011 at 9:06 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I saw your HP marathon reading post some time back and was thinking I need to do it too. It's wonderful that you are already on the seventh book!

I liked Naked! It was hilarious! Sedaris makes a wonderful narrator!
August 23, 2011 at 9:07 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks so much for visiting! :)
August 23, 2011 at 9:07 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Oh yeah, those are the hardest. Then you go tossing around in the bed for a while wondering if it makes sense to go and grab another or if you should just go to sleep.
August 23, 2011 at 9:08 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I wasn't too fascinated with American Born Chinese either. It felt more like a fable to me - I guess that's what the author wanted to do, but I may have enjoyed it better as non-fable. Still, it was a good read, maybe 3 stars.
August 23, 2011 at 9:12 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Pigeon English is a good read!
August 23, 2011 at 9:13 AM
Nina Happyendings said…
Looking forward to your reviews. Hopefully you will adore the books on your nightstand, because I need some awesome adult books to read. ;)
August 23, 2011 at 9:14 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Angelica Joy  I'll email you as soon as possible - just to say, I love my nook. I wasn't too fascinated with the Nook Color either.
August 23, 2011 at 9:14 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I agree - Curious Incident is a really fabulous read. I'm shocked I waited too long!
August 23, 2011 at 9:15 AM
Veens said…
Wow! the Nook... Great :)
I hope you enjoy all your reads. 
August 23, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I can't wait to start Lost and Found! And yay to hear that you are considering Ready Player One. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on that.
August 23, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Seriously, time just flew. I have no idea either where they went.
August 23, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Athira / Aths said…
You should check out Lost and Found!
August 23, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I'm counting on that too!
August 23, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I agree - that's the best thing about the library, no worries on unread books.
August 23, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I'm hoping the book will turn out to be as good as the hype suggests.
August 23, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I really want to read Handmaid's Tale! Been hearing so much about it!
August 23, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Oh, for some reason your previous comment went into my spam. Stupid spam.
August 23, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks for visiting! Hope you have a good reading week!
August 23, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I'm hoping it turns out good too!
August 23, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks! I hope you have a good week!
August 23, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Athira / Aths said…
LOL! I bet there are so many of us going through reading slumps.
August 23, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks! I hope you have a good week!
August 23, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Hehe, I'm hoping they will turn out well too!
August 23, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks! I hope they turn out to be good too!
August 23, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Lenasledgeblog.com said…
Nice selection. I'm sure there are some great reviews ahead in the future. Happy reading!
August 23, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Aarti said…
I really enjoyed both Lost and Found and Skim- I am looking forward to seeing your thoughts on them, too.  Yay graphic novels!
August 24, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I'm so thrilled to hear that! I can't wait to try either book!
August 27, 2011 at 12:47 PM
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