Yes, I'm incredibly lazy when it comes to writing reviews. I also blame my strenuous perfunctory job for interfering with my reading and writing schedule. After getting home from an exhausting day, I'm far too mentally drained to do much of anything other than pass out. Nonetheless, I do apologize for those very select few who might be wondering when the hell I am going to post anything new. Unfortunately, I have to work this whole weekend but I will try my best to get a new review up by Sunday evening. Here is sneak-peak at some upcoming reviews:
Mind = Blown.
Huh?????
You've redeemed yourself Joyce, for now.
I'm reading Woolf's Mrs Dalloway and The Waves right now.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time writing reviews too. I think lately I've hit a rhythm of what I want to say but I'm not quite there yet. Now that I am past-dating any spoilers, that gives me a certain freedom but I think that rather than try to write objectively about a book I need to allow myself to just be as subjective as I want to be. I mean, if a book I'm reading stirs up a bit of memory there's no reason I shouldn't share the memory in my review. Or at least that's what feels right to me for now.
This is exactly why I set myself this one a week commitment. More often, and it would probably interfere with the PhD. But there has to be a deadline, or I would put it off indefinitely. Reviews are difficult; often I am very clear about what I want to say, but nonetheless it is difficult to find the words that capture my meaning. But I find that writing a thesis is no different. Any writing is more difficult than it looks.
ReplyDeleteSatia: I anxiously await your review of those two Woolf novels. The former is brilliant and easy one of the best books I have ever read.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the most difficult part of writing a review is to actually sit down and do it. I'm all for subjective reflections but there are merits to the more formal approach as well, so my responses tend to include both styles. I just have not been in the right mindset lately to write reviews but I'll find my groove again soon enough.
Karyn: Giving myself a deadline, that's a great idea Karyn! Since you are working on a PHD, no one in their right mind should mind if you take longer to post a new review. :P
"Reviews are difficult; often I am very clear about what I want to say, but nonetheless it is difficult to find the words that capture my meaning." I couldn't agree more with this statement. The perturbation to effectively convey one's thoughts in an insightful review can be overwhelming. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the process of a critical analysis but it can be very taxing at times.