Like singer Jimmy Buffett who “took off for a weekend last month, just to try and recall the whole year,” I spent some time this week reflecting on books and reading. I had decided this year not to get so wrapped up in Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) that I felt limited in my reading choices. To start this process I began requesting fewer ARCs thus limiting the self-imposed pressure of commitments to authors and publishers. Initially difficult to do, I can now visually see in my book lists that I have requested about half of the number of books I normally applied for in the past from ARC sources. The result is that I am enjoying my book club reads more, occasionally reading library books and books that have been waiting patiently on my physical bookshelves, and reprioritizing my non-reading time.
“To everything there is a season.” I enjoy reading as much as ever, but I am happy with the gradual rebalancing of my time as I make these subtle changes.
HAPPY READING TO ALL! 📚💜📚
education pathways 
Good for you! I appreciate your commitment to avoiding any feelings of pressure. Reading is to be pleasurable.
Happy weekend to you!
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Thank you, Nancy. Reading has always been special to me, and I wouldn’t want anything to take that pleasure away.
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💕
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Reading should always be a pleasure!
Jenna
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So true!
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I’ll admit, I have a hard time resisting FREE books 🙄
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I agree, but I have gotten pickier about the ones I request. Unfortunately, you can not always tell from the summary/teaser the level of language, violence, sex, or occult. But I try!
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Way to go, Linda. That sounds like it works for you well. I keep saying I’m going to do the same, but have very poor willpower. I do want to participate in less blog tours for the last few months of the year to read all my wonderful Holiday Releases.
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That would be a good way to balance out your reading during the next few months.
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