Intentions and determination should count for something, right? The April edition of the Off The Grid Readathon was simultaneously a success and a failure. Success – Finishing two books this weekend! Failure – basically everything else lol. I was a terrible host and wasn’t available at all. And I definitely didn’t get near my goal I set with my TBR. I haven’t been able to sleep over the last week and I can’t seem to figure out why! I sleep for 2-4 hours a night and then I’m wide awake. It caught up with me Sunday night and I was no longer able to function and felt sick. I still only slept 2-3 hours at a time but had a nap which gave me a couple more hours. Whatever is happening to my sleep schedule it can screw right off!! This is getting awful! Like I said though – I finished two books this weekend and I am so happy with that! I have plans for this week which I will talk about at the end of this post.
BOOKS I FINISHED THIS WEEK:
The first book that I finished was THE BROMANCE BOOK CLUB by Lyssa Kay Adams…. ugh. I’m sorry but I didn’t really like this one at all. The writing was good! And the characters weren’t bad. BUT there were a lot of things that I was expecting that never happened AND there were thing that the characters did that irked the living shit out of me! They contradicted themselves, tried to be someone else to make the other one like them more, and a few other things. I really liked the writing style though and related to the female character more than I care to admit. Review to come soon.
The next book I finished is one that I’ve had on my TBR shelf for years. I picked up the hardcover the week it was released because I NEEDED to read it IMMEDIATELY….. yeah, that’s called denial bitch and you just needed retail therapy….. but I finally read THE NIGHTINGALE by Kristin Hannah and I LOVED it! I flew through this book in about 2 days and cried more than once (ok, more than twice). I’ve heard nothing but great things about this author and now I can’t wait to read more!
BOOKS I’M CURRENTLY READING:
As I mentioned in my Off The Grid Readathon TBR, I actually want to continue on with staying off the grid and reading for a little while longer. I plan on reading the newest Emily St. John Mandel, THE GLASS HOTEL and then I also want to do a full series marathon of a reread of SAGA by Brian K Vaughn and Fiona Staples! I need this series as a distraction right now!!!
OTHER BOOKISH NEWS:
I’M GOING ON A HIATUS:
Guys – I need a break. This whole Off The Grid Readathon made me realize just how “off the grid” I need to be. I need to rest my body and soul….. BADLY. As a person who already struggled with anxiety, the situation of the world has weighed on me heavily. On top of all of that we now have serious financial worries, I’m swamped with work from home, I miss my friends and family AND I’m home schooling the kids. My daughter is pretty self sufficient but my son is only in grade 4 and needs guidance and assistance. I’m draining myself trying to do it all.
Some people have taken this whole thing and turned it into “productivity central.” They’re cleaning and organizing their houses from top to bottom, doing elaborate activities, and so much more. I’ve gone backwards and lost my motivation and a whole lot of sleep. It’s time for some self care. It’s time for me to not have to worry about deadlines, pushing myself to read, and worrying about posting every day. I wanted to use this self isolation time to really step up my blogging game and I’ve accepted the fact that it’s not going to happen. I plan on taking the next 2 weeks to spend time with my family, play animal crossing, watch movies, play card games, cook, and read….. and only when I feel like it! Great concept, huh? lol. If I don’t feel like reading, i’m not going to push it. If I want to zone out and watch a movie, I will. It’s time I just relax! My planned date back will be Sunday May 3rd.
TOP 5 TUESDAY:
So, does this hiatus mean that Top 5 Tuesday is taking a break?? NO! I’ll still be keeping up with that! This week coming up we have the top 5 popular books I haven’t read yet and then, on April 28th we have top 5 series I want to start. The topics for May will be released on Monday April 27th.
For right now, I guess this is “see ya later!” I hope you all stay healthy and safe in your homes with your families. And I hope that this all comes to an end sooner rather than later! I normally regret taking a hiatus from the blog but I can’t wait to be a guilt free couch potato and rest my body and soul! Stay safe all and see you soon!
Until next time, happy reading!
Bionic Book Worm 
Self care should always come first. Relax. Breathe. We’ll still be here when you’re ready to come back. [hugs] 😊💜
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You deserve your hiatus. I epically failed this off the grid-a-thon. Instead of reading, I did everything I wasn’t suppose to. Oh well.
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self-care should of course be a priority, i hope you have a refreshing hiatus💜
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Hope you enjoy your break and some family time. Look forward to having you back soon ☺️
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Take care of yourself!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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Take care!
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Enjoy your time off and take care of yourself.
The thing with this whole lock-down is that no one’s circumstances are the exact same as any one else’s and even if they have similar social and economic situations no one will have the same physical and mental health patterns. I am a wee bit jealous of the uber free and uber productive while trying to remember that I might be in a situation people are envious of (but then I’m envious of them – argh! Grass is greener)! Ultimately there’s no heckin’ way I’m going to be as productive as some people seem to be and I don’t want to break myself trying.
Take care of yourself and your family, that’s the most important thing! 🙂
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Feel better, Shanah! Hopefully the break treats you well. With everything going on, you deserve a break 😘
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Totally understand, take care, and we’ll welcome you back on the 3rd.
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It’s a tough, stressful time right now, so definitely do what you need to take care of yourself. I do hope your sleep schedule gets better too so that you get much needed rest. Hope you’ll feel better. 🙂
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Take care, Shanah!
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Take a break, forget the top 5 Tuesdays. We can stay without them but your health is more important than anything to us all. We will be here for you Shanah. I hope you get better. Stay safe and take all the time you need, sister. We all love you❤✌😊
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