2012 is now at an end and as I look back, I see how many wonderful books were out there. Some I read and many are still on my TBR list. Here's a few that earned the rare 5 * rating.
Rush Home Road by Lori Lansens (feb)
The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons (April)
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton (May)
Ocean Beach by Wendy Wax (June)
The Far Side of the Sky by Daniel Kalla ( July)
The Sister's Montclair by Cathy Holton (August)
Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson (August)
The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani (October)
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton (November)
Now for the hard part . . . . . . . . .
After much thought and consideration I've finally decided to shut down Pudgy Penguin Perusals. Reviewing has become difficult for me; it's starting to feel like an onerous chore. With feeling like this, I don't think I'm doing anyone a service by agreeing to review their books. It feels like I keep saying the same things over and over and am at a loss as to how to proceed from here. I've tried cutting back but the feeling persists but with guilt attached to it; the feeling that I should be doing more to contribute to this wonderful community of book bloggers.
I think too, with the loss of my only brother just a few months ago and another sister-in-law being diagnosed with Alzheimers that maybe I am feeling a sense of my own mortality or at least the feeling that time is too short. Of course, having both cataracts and glaucoma, I worry about staring at this screen so much. It feels like I spend waaaaaay too many hours in front of this computer and yet, even then, it still doesn't seem that I get to visit enough blogs.
Anyhow, I've so enjoyed all the blogs I did visit in the last 4+ years and hope that occasionally someone got some enjoyment from mine. The book blogging community is an amazing one; caring, insightful and so willing to share their love of books and also to encourage others at a time when someone needs it. I've truly appreciated being a small part and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life.
I feel a little sad that I have "given up" but I'm also looking forward to reading anything that strikes my fancy and knowing I can just close the book and move on to a new one.
I may still pop in here and there at random reading your blogs. I'll still leave my reading list up in case anyone wants to see what I'm reading, plan to read or have read and how I rated a book.
Who knows, maybe I'll find I miss blogging so much I may just resurrect the whole thing or just post a Saturday Snapshot, a meme I truly enjoy. But as for now I'm just unplugging. I wish you all a most happy, healthy and peaceful 2013!
Comments will still be enabled just in case you might feel like saying howdy.
Oh no Kaye:(, but I think I know how you are feeling, as I've felt the same way at times this past year. You need to do what is best for you.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can post an occasional "Saturday Snapshot" and update us as to how you are doing?
I'll miss your blog terribly and hope we can still keep in touch by email etc.
HUGS and Happy New Year
You can't shake me this easily, Diane! Lol, I know now that I most likely will post an occasional Saturday Snapshot.
DeleteI like the idea of you popping in from time to time. Maybe you could have a blog that's not about reviewing (says the woman who has eleven blogs! lol).
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed visiting here...and I hope you won't be off the radar completely.
Thanks for sharing your book list...and for all the wonderful comments you've left on my various blogs.
This is not good-bye...it's "see you later."
MY SUNDAY SALON POST
Kaye, you and your cozy reviews will be missed along with your enjoyable blog. I do hope you'll pop up from time to time - you'll remain in my reader :-) I also hope you'll continue to be on Goodreads. I consider you a great friend so take whatever time you need and know you'll have lots of folks watching for your posts. xo
ReplyDeleteYou know I'll still be on GR! Especially BP. ;-) Meeting you through blogging has been wonderful!
Deleteso sorry to hear this, but at least you're leaving the blog up!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading to you........
This is a great blog you run. I'm glad you're keeping it for our reference. And it would be great if you did pop in once in a while. I certainly understand your time constraints. Enjoy the free time you'll have and do what you REALLY want to do. Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this Kaye, you have a great blog but I understand when it starts feeling like a job.
ReplyDeleteI really want to try Kate Morton.
Life does take over, sorry for your loss and emotional sad news. I also lost a brother and mother in law this year and my dad has Alzheimers. I fought with readers block and a long slump.
I would recommend Still Alice by Lisa Genova if you haven't read it and Lovely Bones helped my grieving.
Definitely keep up the blog, you never know when the pull will come back to network.
Sorry to hear that you are leaving. I will really miss you!!! I can understand your decision though! I have had cataracts in both eyes out, glaucoma too, sarcoidosis, MGUS and a bunch of other auto-immune diseases and people keep asking me to start a blog! Wish you all the best and I hope that we can stay in touch through GoodReads.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely GR and FB, Carol! Hope you have a wonderful New Year.
DeleteHi Kaye! I've enjoyed your blog so much these past few years and look forward to whenever/whatever you decide to post in the future! Your reviews have been wonderful. You've introduced me to many new authors -some of whom have become favorites - and enlarged my bookshelfs with wins from your giveaways. I've enjoyed our emails.
ReplyDeleteRelax, enjoy life and remember that you'll be missed by all of us.
HUGS
Oh, Kaye... I'm so sorry you're leaving, but totally understand your decision. I hope you will decided to post now and then, just to stay in touch. I wish you a happy and healthy 2013.
ReplyDeleteSorry to have just found you today only to be saying goodbye. Hope all is well soon and that a good break from reviewing is all you (and your eyes) need!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to see you leave, but I completely understand. Sometimes the pressure of reviewing and blogging takes away the joy of reading. Take time for yourself. Enjoy your family. I wish you a happy and blessed 2013!
ReplyDeleteKaye, I'm sorry that you are leaving, but I add my best wishes to all the ones above. I totally understand your thoughts about blogging. I miss it, but I don't - if that makes sense. LOL
ReplyDeletePlease know that I'll think of you and I've certainly enjoyed getting glimpses of your life and your reading these past years. Big hugs to you!
Thanks for letting us enjoy your blog for so long, Kaye!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, Kaye, but I know what you mean about staring at a computer screen for long periods of time. Your blog was one of the first ones I started following several years ago. I really enjoyed it & it encouraged me to seek out other great blogs to follow.
ReplyDeleteI wish you luck & happiness in all that you endeavor to do! I'll keep an eye out for your posts on other blogs.
Happy New Year!
Oh Kaye...I hate to see your blog end. I love it. I do know how you feel though and I've nearly closed mine several times. Reviewing has become a second job and it's gotten out of hand. I'm going to try to get things in order myself, but who knows if I will succeed? I do hope I *see* you around in the future and you won't be totally gone. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou and your blog will be missed but you have to do what's best for you. I hope you'll miss us enough to pop in with a photo or an update from time to time. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHi Kaye- I am sorry to see you 'close' the blog. I have enjoyed your cheerful presence as part of the Book blogging community. I can understand though as sometimes I feel that I am starting to repeat myself on reviews. And it does take a chunk of time!
ReplyDeleteI will miss you. I do hope to see you pop in now and then. Sharing in Saturday meme would be great too.
Best wishes and Happy, relaxing, reading to you!
I do hope you pop in now and again! I understand needing to make some changes. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand … believe me, there have been many times I've thought about shutting down my blog. I think it runs its course after awhile and it can start to feel like a chore (it was why I gave up challenges and accepting books for review.) I'm sorry to see you go but I hope you'll pop in once in while just to say hi but I completely understand if you don't.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all your support over the years. You've been a big part of me thinking about actually trying to write a book of my own. Your encouragement has given me some confidence and one day, when things aren't so nuts, I will start on it.
Be well, my friend, and treat yourself kindly and happy reading! Hugs and best wishes for a healthy and happy new year!
It's easy to feel overwhelmed and, when you do so many reviews, like you have to read more than want to. Like others, I do hope you will continue your Saturday Snapshot and keep us updated. Wishing you a healthier new year... (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI for one am going to miss you and your blog, though I will not be deleting it from my blog roll, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you will be back.
ReplyDeleteI understand that feeling though, I've wresteled with it myself this year, almost on the verge of calling it quits a few times. For me, at this moment in time, the fun is still outweighing the work I guess.
I hope you take care of yourself and your family, and that you are able to enjoy reading for the sheer pleasure of reading.
Come by and say hi every once in while.
Your blog will definitely be missed. It was one of the few I followed religiously. But the enjoy of reading is the most important thing, so just pop in occasionally and let us know that you are okay.
ReplyDeleteChèli
Cheli's Shelves
Yes, I will miss your blog...and your penguins.
ReplyDeleteAnd I know imaginary kitty will too! You were her favorite blogger. Sadly she can't post comments...no fingers.
But I understand your reason. If it feels like a chore it is time to close up the shop.
But I do truly hope I will see you around in the comments.
Heaven knows I need more comments! Lol
...and I don't know where I will get my cozy news.
ReplyDeleteI agree with others that you could just post the occasional Saturday snapshot, tell us about the exciting happenings in Podunk, Fl.
There ARE no exciting happenings in Podunk!! Like I said this morning your MM post is one of my fave must reads so I'll wave to imaginary kitty when I visit.
DeleteI will miss you and your reviews, but I know how you feel. I closed down my Book Lust Journal and Shadows of my Mind blogs just a few minutes ago. I will only be keeping "Ann's Reading Corner" open, and that is mostly because I have some book tours coming up in the next couple of months. I have enjoyed the last two weeks. I took a break from blogging and really enjoyed it. Pop in once in awhile and let us know how you are and what you have been up to. Until then enjoy....
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed stopping by, Kaye and wish you all the best in 2013! Will definitely check in and see how your book list is going! Take care! Julia
ReplyDeleteI understand completely, it'll be nice to have the pressure off. We'll miss you Kaye (and all your penguins) but wish you a lovely 'retirement' from blogging. Thank you for visiting Fresh Ink Books.
ReplyDeleteI will miss you and your reviews. I have been MIA from blogging myself. I just can't seem to find the balance between family, work and blogging. I hope you will pop in once in awhile. I wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteHope to see you visiting sometimes and posting the titles of your current reads. Miss you already. Do feel free to come back anytime!!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely understand why you have decided to close shop. Life is too precious to be sucked away all the time at the computer and reviewing books. It's one thing to chat about books we've read and loved but to feel pressure starts to make it feel so much like a chore!!
ReplyDelete**Hugs to my bestie in Florida!!
Kaye, I'll miss you on the blogs as will everyone but I too understand. It's sad to think that you won't be blogging anymore but you have to do what's best for you. As you know I've become a bit off on my blogging too but I'm going to give it a good try here in the new year and see if I can get the spirit back.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're still going to pop in once in a while on your blog and as long as I get to 'see' you on BP I'll be ok. Love and hugs to you my friend!
While I hate to see your blog close (or maybe just slow down. Hint, hint) I really understand your feelings. I've been going through something similar with mine. You have done a terrific job here and I hope you feel like continuing at times. You have added so much to my blogging experience! This is a wonderful community of kind people.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for all you've gone through and know that it's important to make good use of the precious time we have. Be well, my dear friend, and don't go far! Enjoy yourself and may you blessed in all ways!
You have to do what's best for you, but I'm going to really miss you and your blog! ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteKaye, sorry to hear you hanging it up, but completely understandable given the circumstances. Besides, you haven't quit reading, and that's the important thing. I wish you much luck and joy in 2013...and I can totally relate to the time constraints and concerns about staring at a computer screen too much.
ReplyDeleteIt was great reading your blog over the years. I've had to drastically cut back on reading blogs with the little one taking up a lot of time, but I always enjoyed your blog.
Although I am sad that you won't be blogging, I do understand that there are seasons for everything in life and change can be a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that you might still participate in Saturday Snapshot now and then. I would love to see what kind of adventures you are having with the time you have freed up!
I am going to miss you and your fun blog. I'm glad you'll pop in once in a while. I like your honesty and your attitude about reading whatever you want. Good for you and good luck to you as well.
ReplyDelete