Archives for January 25, 2012

Finding Time To Read

January 25, 2012 11 Comments

Very early this morning I finished my second book of the year After I finished it, I eagerly opened my next book to read for a blog tour I’m taking part in (CLP Blog Tours: Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx). I considered reading the first chapter, but at two in the morning, I was exhausted, and I wanted time to reflect on finishing “150 Pounds” by Kate Rockland. I closed my eyes and tried to think of a topic (or topics) for today’s blog post, and that’s when I began to think about the books that are still on my “shelf” to read for reviews and interviews.

Don’t we all wish we were somewhere peaceful reading? Perhaps at the beach?

Now, like many of you, you’re either an avid reader and reviewer like myself, so how do you finish books so fast? Is it because of technology? You can be standing in line at the grocery store and pull out your Kindle (for example), and begin reading. Are you a fast reader where you skim what you read? I’d like to think that I’m a fast reader, but by slowing down, it helps me enjoy the book more. The more and more I get requests for reviews, the more excited I get that I’m being asked to read this book (YAY!), but at the same time, I get a little stressed because finding the time to read and finish the book. If I do accept a book to be reviewed, I want the person who asks me to read the book to understand that if I say yes, their book will not be forgot about, no matter how much time passes by.

So, I’ve decided to start schedule reading time. “Schedule reading time?” you might ask. “Yes!” I will try to read at least a total amount of two hours a day. Whether it’s 30 minutes here, and 30 minutes there, it still counts, right?

As a reader and/or a reviewer, how do you find time to read books? Your comments, ideas, and thoughts are very much appreciated!

150 Pounds

January 25, 2012 1 Comment

Book review for “150 Pounds”

“150 Pounds,” by Kate Rockland

Weight is one of the most controversial topics to write about, which can be a turnoff to some readers. However, the storyline and intriguing cover piqued my interest, which is why I accepted the book for review. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop – from the first page to the last.

Meet Alexis Albright, who is a calorie counter addict, and blog owner of Skinny Chick! Her mission in life is to be skinny, and doesn’t understand why some fat people are content in their own skin.

Meet fun-loving blog owner of Fat and Fabulous, Shoshana Weiner, who is complete opposite. She’s a fat woman who eats whatever she wants, who’s confortable in her own skin, and encourages others to the same.

When these two women meet one another on Oprah, both sharing their viewpoints, both are disgusted with what the other has to say. While it’s clear that these two have very different ways of thinking about weight, it takes going through unexpected and powerful events that happen in each of their lives to finally understand where the other is coming from.

Kate Rockland has written what I think is the most real and heartwarming book about weight. It’s the first book I’ve read about weight where the reader doesn’t feel judged, no matter what her size is. Both Alexis and Shoshana’s characters made me laugh out loud! I loved how Alexis’ character transformed into another person by the end – though, I loved her personality throughout. Shoshana’s love for herself made me adore her! She is the true example of why every woman should love herself at any weight!

150 Pounds is definitely a “worth the weight” kind of book.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

**Click HERE to read my Guest Interview with Kate