My blogging has been a bit minimal of late, and that’s because I’ve been having ongoing issues with my eyes – including not really being able to read. Which, I’m sure you’ll understand, has been really difficult for me. After lots of back and forth to the optometrist, they think they’ve worked out what the issue is and I have treatment now – so I’m quietly hopeful that I’ll be able to spend some of the Christmas break reading. But I’ve been listening to lots of audiobooks, so thank goodness for them.
Anyway, in the midst of this my 23rd book arrived for Project 24 – the project where I’m only allowing myself to buy 24 books through the year. I shipped Sea State by Tabitha Lasley from America, because the US cover is so much nicer than the UK cover. To be honest, I ordered this in a ‘I really need to order a book’ mode, and I don’t know if it’s otherwise something I’d have raced towards – but it looks interesting nonetheless. I saw Dorian tweet about it and I’m always drawn to unusual memoirs. Here’s some of the publisher’s description: ‘In her mid-thirties and newly free from a terrible relationship, Tabitha Lasley quit her job at a London magazine, packed her bags, and poured her savings into a six-month lease on an apartment in Aberdeen, Scotland. She decided to make good on a long-deferred idea for a book about oil rigs and the men who work on them. Why oil rigs? She wanted to see what men were like with no women around.’
Only one book left to buy this year. To be honest, with my eyes as they are at the mo, the idea of buying a book seems a far cry. But here’s hoping.
I completely understand about the book buying mode and admire your discipline!
That cover IS fabulous — I, too, would go to some trouble to get it.
So sorry about the eye problems and hope that they’re soon better.
Oh, I do hope the eyes improve, Simon – sounds rotten… x
So sorry to hear you are finding reading difficult Simon, that’s so unjust. Hope all improves in the new year, thank goodness you enjoy listening too, the important thing is the story not how we process it. Sometimes I can’t actually remember looks back if I’ve physically read or listened. Wishing you a happy Christmas and a healthful new year. Gill xx
I hope your eyes improve Simon and you make your 24th purchase – and I was pleased to see that you bought an American edition because of it’s cover, I shop around for covers but I haven’t ever done that, you’ve opened a whole new window!
I can imagine how saddening the eye trouble has been; I’m glad things seem to be improving and that audio books have been some help in the meantime.
Keeping my fingers crossed that the treatment works Simon.
I’m really sorry to learn about the problems with your eyes; that must be so horrible and difficult – a reader’s utmost dread. I hope the treatment works swiftly and it will get resolved very soon.
Well… you know… your rules but… if it was me, and it was already the 2nd half of December, I would take that 24th book and move it to 2023 and let myself buy 25! But hey, again, your rules!
I am very sorry that your eyes are troubling you. You are very generous to blog while you are dealing with treatments. Have a happy Christmas!
The eye problem must be so frustrating. As you say, audio books can be a life saver in those circumstances. Hope all gets resolved for you with the treatment.
I do admire your discipline. You have me wondering whether I could do something similar next year……
I’m so sorry about the eye issue and hope the treatment does the trick. This sounds like a really interesting book and just my sort of thing, and I LOVE that cover! I hope you get to read it soon.
Sending good thoughts for a quick recovery.
Also, big thanks for a year of thoughtful, funny and smart podcasts.
A very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
Happy Christmas, Simon, and may crystal-clear vision be one of many blessings for you in the new year!
As a woman who worked offshore for many years I find the concept of this book very disappointing, naive, and narrow minded. There are plenty of quality women offshore, and I never worked with a better group of men…I am proud to call them friends, brothers, uncles, nephews, fathers, and even a few grandads! I’m afraid I won’t be able to go near this one even if she figures it out in the end…
My prayers for your improving eyesight.
Oh my, I hope your eyes get better soon! I’m glad you got some audiobooks. Happy Christmas to you!
We are all carrying hope & confidence that the twelve days of Christmas now underway will finish with a flourish of your sight restored … audio books have their place but I would fear that the voice would interfere with my mental visual of the characters … one can hear some good radio plays on Radio 4 Extra … until they axe it …