Rainy Day Ramblings

Tell Me Something Tuesday #191: How Do You Keep Blogging?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. If participating feel free to leave your link in the comments.

 

This week’s blogging topic:

How do you keep going when sometimes blogging feels like too much?

I have been blogging since Fall of 2011. During the last eight years, I have seen many bloggers come and go. Even many the biggest bloggers on scene back in the day are now gone. Blogging is a huge commitment, it takes time and lots of effort, and you aren’t getting paid for blogging. Free books does not compensate for all the that goes into blogging. To be a long time blogger, you have to love what you do.

In the time I have been blogging, there have been plenty of times when I have considered quitting, especially when many of my long time blogger friends stopped blogging. However, I manage to keep plugging along. 

Here are some strategies that help me:

Blog Ahead: Life gets crazy sometimes, and the last thing you need is to be slammed with life and have blogging commitments hanging over your head. I try and blog ahead whenever possible. I write up posts for memes weeks in advance if I can, it helps when you host your own memes. I also write book reviews and stash away some for when I fall behind. Library books and personal choice reads work great for rainy day reviews. That way when I am pressed for a review to fill a slot, I can post when from my stash. Doing as much as you can ahead of time really helps especially when there are times when blogging takes a backseat. 

Blog Breaks: Schedule breaks from blogging. You need vacations, and it is so nice to put everything on the back burner and unplug. I used to keep my blog up and running during vacation times, but then I quit because I don’t think it’s fair to run posts and not be able to respond to comments and such. I always take a break at the end of the year during the holidays, everything is slow during the time period. 

Change Things Up: If you feel like you are stuck in a rut, try adding a new meme. Also try to shake up your review style. You can also try reading books in a different genre or reading something outside your usual genres. Doing something different can help.

Reach Out: We have all been there in life, whether you are experiencing stressful from work, school, life in general illness or loss of loved ones, posting and interacting with your readers and fellow bloggers can help pull you through a hard time. I know how much love I received from all of you as I dealt with the loss of my beautiful mother in 2016. The kindness and loved I received helped me get back to blogging. 

Cut Back: I think most of us when we started out were posting six or seven days a week, which gets to be too much. If you are finding that you can’t keep up, cut back and only post three or four times a week. Do what works for you. 

Have Fun: Remember blogging is a hobby, something you do for fun because you love it. If you get to the point where you are dreading blogging or you don’t want to do it, take a step back and evaluate what is making you unhappy and try and fix it. Is it the books you are reading? The pressure of meeting deadlines? Writing the reviews? See if you can change what isn’t working.

These are some of the things that I have done to help me through the rough times. Blogging is a journey that continues to evolve for me. In all honesty, this past winter was really rough for me, and the blog took a backseat for much of the winter. I did what I could and didn’t sweat the rest, and you all kept coming back to read my blog and support me even when I couldn’t keep up. Much love to all of you for that! 

 

Here is what is coming up next Tuesday:

Summer vacation reading: What are some books you would recommend for vacation reading?

Review: Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1) by Kevin Kwan

 

When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, 

Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry. 

Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider's look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazily rich. 
Kindle Edition, 546 pages
Published June 11th 2013 by Doubleday
Source: Library

 

Three stars: A captivating book that takes you into the lives of the rich and elite of Singapore society, but the story lacks cohesion due to the multiple view points.

Rachel Chu is happy in her relationship with Nick Young. They have been dating for two years, but she knows hardly anything about his family or his background. When Nick asks her to accompany him home to Singapore to attend his best friend’s wedding, Rachel agrees, not knowing she is about to immerse herself into a shark tank. Nick failed to mention to Rachel that he comes from one of the wealthiest families in Asia. Rachel quickly finds herself in a world of extreme luxury, but the cut throat women make her want to rush home. Will Rachel survive the summer amongst the crazy, rich Asians?

What I Liked:

• After seeing the movie version of Crazy Rich Asians, I had to read the book. Sadly, the book didn’t quite live up to the movie, but there was still a lot to like. It was certainly an eye opening experience to see how the Singapore rich and elite live! Never a dull moment in this one. 
• This book encompasses many view points, too many in my opinion, but luckily I found myself drawn to Nick, Rachel and Astrid. These three characters were the glue of the book, and the ones that kept me reading. I loved that Rachel was down to earth. Even when she is thrown into the world of the rich and the elite, she doesn’t let the luxurious lifestyle go to her head. She never lets wealth overtake her sensibility. I loved that about her, and I liked that she didn’t let the catty behavior of the other girls get to her. Astrid was my second favorite character. She has spent her entire life in the lap of luxury, but she isn’t snotty or stuck up. She is kind, and she proves to be a good friend to Rachel. Then there is Nick. I didn’t like that he wasn’t straightforward with Rachel, but I approved of the way he handled himself. Like Astrid, he doesn’t flaunt his wealth or act snobby. He is down to earth, kind and he truly cares for Rachel. 
• I knew nothing about Singapore before reading this. I was absolutely fascinated to learn about the amount of wealth in Singapore. It was eye opening to learn about the families and their pedigrees and their fortunes. Not to mention how they lived and ate. It was an adventure. 
• This one reads a bit like a soap opera. There are many characters and view points, and lots of drama. Prepare for lots of scuffles, melt downs, and lots of intrigue. I enjoyed being immersed into this world. 

And The Not So Much

• The ending is a bit abrupt and open. It concludes in a good spot but it felt like the book chopped off. There are two more books in the series, so there is more to read. 
• As I mentioned, the book incorporates many view points. It was hard to keep track of everyone, and I didn’t like that the narration moved around. Many of the characters I could care less about. Too much going on. This book would have been better if it had just focused on Nick, Rachel and Astrid and done away with the cousins, friends etc. 
• If you see the movie and read the book, prepare for a different experience. The movies captures many of the highlights of the book, but it is very different. In fact, I don’t often say this, but the movie was better than the book because it streamlined the story line. 
• I am not going to lie, even though I was fascinated by the people in the story, many of them are downright awful. Some are spoiled and completely materialistic. Ugh. 

Crazy Rich Asians was a book I picked up after seeing the movie. While the book had some highlights, this is one case where I will admit that the movie was the far better than the book. The story line lacked cohesion and it suffered from too many characters and view points. If you want to read this one, I suggest borrowing it from the library. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Continue the series:

Friday Forecast June 23rd-29th

June is sliding to a finish. Where has the month gone? A busy one indeed as we marked the last week of summer and prepared for vacation and all the fun that summer and warm weather brings. I hope you find time to read and relax. If you need a suggestion for a great summer read, I have a huge forecast filled with summery romances, some thrillers and other books that might tickle your toes. See what is heading to a bookstore near you and grab a book or two for vacation. Here are the highlights from the new releases this coming week. (Click on covers for details).

Forecast June 23rd-29th

 

Review: In Honor by Jessi Kirby

 

A devastating loss leads to an unexpected road trip in what Sarah Ockler calls a “beautiful, engaging journey with heart, humor, and just a pinch of Texas sass.”

Three days after learning of her brother Finn’s death, Honor receives his last letter from Iraq. Devastated, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously sets off to California to fulfill it. At the last minute, she’s joined by Rusty, Finn’s former best friend.

Rusty is the last person Honor wants to be with—he’s cocky and obnoxious, just like Honor remembers, and she hasn’t forgiven him for turning his back on Finn when he enlisted. But as they cover the dusty miles together in Finn’s beloved 1967 Chevy Impala, long-held resentments begin to fade, and Honor and Rusty struggle to come to terms with the loss they share.

As their memories of Finn merge to create a new portrait, Honor’s eyes are opened to a side of her brother she never knew—a side that shows her the true meaning of love and sacrifice. 
Kindle Edition, 288 pages
Published May 8th 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Source: Library

 

Four stars: A road trip that is all about tackling grief and new beginnings. 

Honor is crippled with grief after her older brother, Finn, is killed in Iraq. In a few days, she is supposed to be starting college, but her plans go out the window when one last letter arrives from Finn. The letter contains two tickets to the final Kyra Kelley concert. Without overthinking it, Honor throws some stuff into Finn’s vintage 1967 Impala and prepares to drive from Texas to California. Just as she is leaving, Finn’s best friend, Rusty, shows up drunk with plenty of rude comments. Rusty insists on joining her and then promptly passes out in the passenger seat, leaving Honor no choice but to take him. What follows is a road trip filled with new experiences as two former friends come to terms with loss. Nothing will ever be the same. Will the road trip be a chance to heal and find new beginnings?

What I Liked:

• I remember seeing all the hype when this book came out way back in 2012, but I wasn’t interested in reading it. I picked it up on a whim wanting a good road trip book, and I was surprised at how well I related to the story considering I lost my mother in 2016. I thought the author handled the grief portion beautifully. I loved that this book was about grief, forgiveness, healing and hope. 
• Honor is a character that was easy to relate to. Her whole world comes crumbling down when she loses her brother, the final member of her family. She is set to start college, but completely lost. I got her because I know what it is like to be overwhelmed by crippling grief, and wondering if I would ever laugh and feel joy again. I loved seeing her grow and mature, and I loved her personal journey of self discovery and healing. 
• Rusty is a complicated character. I didn’t like him at all in the beginning as he was arrogant and drunk. However, as the story progressed, his layers peeled away, and I saw the devastated young man underneath. He might appear tough and rough on the outside, but underneath he does have a big heart. It comes through in the way he looks after Honor. 
• The road trip was spectacular. I loved the stops along the way, and how each stop was a chance for Honor to experience something wonderful and unique. From cave diving at sunrise, a monsoon storm in Arizona, a sunrise at the Vortexes of Sedona and an unexpected Japanese ceremony on the California beach. The author does a wonderful job of depicting the scenery. Some of her metaphors and descriptions of the scenery are breathtaking, I felt like I was there. I especially enjoyed that Honor was able to work through her grief along the way. 
• This isn’t a book about a road trip or a romance, instead it is a beautiful and moving story about coping with grief and loss. I think many readers will miss the deeper moments in the story as they are looking for romance and fun. I thought the author nailed the tough stuff, and some of her quotes on grief were profound. I was moved by the story. 
• I went into this one fully expecting a romance to blossom. I was pleased that this wasn’t really that. Instead this was a book about two friends coming to terms with loss. There are some lovely moments of forgiveness and friendship in this one. It was more  about friendship than romance. 
• The ending is open. Even though I was a tiny disappointed in the way it ended and the spot it ended, I still thought it was solid as it was true to life. I also appreciated that the ending was hopeful. 

And The Not So Much:

• Even though I loved the intervention of fate numerous times along the way, I am not sure all of them were completely believable, especially the final scene in the book, it was a little over the top. 
• I was not a fan of drunk Rusty, nor did I like that he took Honor out drinking. I could have done without that portion. It wasn’t clear when the book ended whether he would put his drinking days behind him. I hope so. 
• The book is short, and the brevity of the story leaves a lot of detail out of the story. There were certain portions I would like to see expanded upon. 

In Honor isn’t the perfect book, but if you have experienced grief and loss in your life, this is a lovely book to read. I thought the author did an amazing job depicting the emotions one experiences after a profound loss. I also loved that this book was more than a road trip, it was a journey of a young girl who learns to cope with her grief along the way. She opens herself up to new experiences and finds that life can and will go on. The road trip itself is wonderful. The scenery is amazing. All in all, I enjoyed this gem of a story. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Audiobook Review: The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient #2) by Helen Hoang

 

 

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny but not important emotions, like love. His family knows better that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she cant turn it down. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go as planned. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who is convinced he can never return her affection. 
Audiobook
Published: June 7th 2019 by Dreamscape Media 
Source: Library

Five Stars: A brilliant and unconventional love story with two unique and unforgettable  characters. 

Esme Tran spends her days tidying the bathrooms at a local hotel. It is hard work, but she is grateful to have the job to support her young daughter. Then one day, fate walks in while Esme is cleaning. Several girls rush into the bathroom in tears, followed by an older woman. The woman is drawn to Esme, especially her green eyes. The woman asks her if she wants to go to America and marry her son. Esme refuses, but later when the woman tracks her down and calls her at home, Esme gives in at the insistence of her mother. Soon Esme finds herself in California face to face with Khai Diep, a young Vietnamese man with autism. Khai does not want Esme in his home touching his things and ruining his routine, but then something happens, a friendship forms. Can these two opposites find love?

What I Liked:

• After reading Ms. Hoang’s debut book last year: The Kiss Quotient, I knew I had to get my hands on the Bride Test. This book did not disappoint, in fact, I think it was even better. I love Ms. Hoang’s characters, the emotion and passion and most of all that she brings us characters with autism. A fantastic book!
• I adored both Kwan and Esme. Esme is a young woman born out of wedlock in the slums of Ho Chi Min. She works hard and is determined to prove herself. I loved her strong work ethic, her devotion to her family, and her strong moral compass. She is a go getter, and I adored that about her. I also liked that she wasn’t all about a free ride or taking the easy way out. Then there is Khai. He is fascinating. I loved getting inside his head and understanding how an autistic man processes information and how he controls his emotions. He is a nerd who is set in his ways, but he is also sweet and smart.  Khai has the biggest heart, even though he is afraid to tap into his emotions and experience them. I loved his quirks! 
• The romance is all kinds of adorable. It is hard to explain, it is one you have to experience. It is difficult because the two are thrown together under non conventional circumstances, basically it is kind of a mail order bride. There is awkwardness, bristling and then friendship, and then something more. Things are never straight forward with this romance, and it has plenty of stumbles. It was sweet, satisfying and so darn cute. 
• I loved so much about this book. I adored the characters, the romance and more. I loved how the author tapped into emotions and feelings. She especially does an excellent job with the guys’ points of view. One of my favorite parts in the book was when Khai sought sexual advice from his older brother, Quan, and his cousin, Michael from The Kiss Quotient. This scene was absolutely hilarious as the three try to figure out Esme’s reactions to Khai after their first intimate encounter. I won’t spoil it for you, read it. 
• The supporting cast was terrific. I especially enjoyed Quan, Khai’s older brother. I loved how supportive Quan was to Khai. I hope the author considers writing a book featuring Quan. 
• Even though I struggled at first with Esme’s reason for coming to America, it became so much more. Esme wasn’t about trapping Khai into a marriage, she wanted to make something of herself and prove her worth. She doubts herself time and time again, but she doesn’t give up, and in the end, her efforts pay off. This is a story about immigration, self worth, working hard and making the most of the American Dream.
• The book ends with a sweet, satisfying epilogue down the road. I loved the way it all worked out. A lovely ending. 
• This is a companion novel. You can jump in and reading this without having read the first book as it involves a new set of characters. 
• I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Woo Zeller. I have listened to several audiobooks narrated by Ms. Zeller. I think she does a fantastic job with the voices, both male and female. 

And The Not So Much:

• I was disappointed that there wasn’t more scenes with Khais’ mother, Cô Nga. She travels to Vietnam to find a bride for Khai so I expected her to play a big role in the novel, but surprisingly after the first few chapters she fades into the background. She makes appearances here and there, but I expected her to be more involved. I wanted to understand her better. 
• The ending was sweet and satisfying, but I didn’t like that the story took a nice slow pace, and then the ending is rapid fire, and then the epilogue jumps ahead a few years into the future. I wanted to experience more of the parts in between. I thought too much was glossed over. 
• I didn’t quite buy into the sudden appearance of Esme’s father. It comes out of nowhere and I wanted to see how the dots were connected. It felt too happily ever after. 
• I was a tiny disappointed that there wasn’t more from Michael and Stella from the first book. There are only a couple of mentions. 

The Bride Test was an absolute joy. I loved this delightful book. The romance, the characters, the emotions and the story were all outstanding. I especially love that Ms. Hoang continues to develop characters with autism to help us all understand the disorder better. I am overly impressed with Ms. Hoang, and at this point, I will continue to read everything she publishes. Don’t miss this one!

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

Don't miss the delightful companion novel: