This is the worst nightmare for a person as addicted to reading as I am. I agonize over it; especially if it’s Christmas and I’ve gone a bit crazy with my holiday reading purchases. I usually have a series I’m reading, so next in the series gets priority for orders. I finished THE CALCULATING STARS by Mary Robinette Kowal which I loved, so now I have book 2 of the Lady Astronaut series on order. I am also eagerly awaiting the next Vera Stanhope book, but it won’t  be out until next Fall. 

Sometimes, I’ll choose a book based on mood. I loved reading the Song of Ice and Fire, but after that I was craving fantasy that was a bit lighter, ie. less rape and murder; more elves and fun. 

Which reminds me, book with sexy Elves always gets moved to the top. Haven’t found a good handsome elf hero in a while. Must remedy that. 

I balance out my mystery books. If I read a darker mystery/crime like Ian Rankin; I have to balance it out with a Stephanie Plum. If I read a dark romance, I balance it out with a romantic comedy. 

Sometimes, especially with non-fiction, I’ll read it immediately. Usually because I watched a movie or went to a museum or lecture or something that triggered and interest in a topic. I’ve done a lot of castle visits lately, so I’m slowly building up a library of castle and sword related books. (Those I can afford.)

16 responses

  1. Judy Thomas (@JudyT) Avatar

    You sound a lot more organized in your choices than I am. re: light and dark…. I find that I go through periods where all I want are the darker books…then one day, it’s like a switch was turned and I’m through it. My post is here

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Echo Ishii Avatar
      Echo Ishii

      I’ve heard some people who love darker books all the time.

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  2. Megan Slayer Avatar

    I hope you love Mary Robinette Kowal’s next in that series. I picked it up at the end and was sooo lost. I’ll have to try the first book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Echo Ishii Avatar
      Echo Ishii

      Yes! The first book really explains things and sets it all up.

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  3. lydiaschoch Avatar
    lydiaschoch

    I bounce around between subjects, genres, and dark vs. light, too! I like how organized you are.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Echo Ishii Avatar
      Echo Ishii

      I think I’m very disorganized but thanks.

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  4. Patrick Prescott Avatar
    Patrick Prescott

    May I recommend a sexy elf set of books for you? Tony Roberts Dark Blade series. His sixth book is just out and I’ve started reading it. Dark elves can enslave someone with sex. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Echo Ishii Avatar
      Echo Ishii

      Thanks for the suggestion!

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  5. Sydney Winward Avatar

    I have never read a sexy elf book lol! If you have any recommendations, let me know.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Echo Ishii Avatar
      Echo Ishii

      Wen Spencer!

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  6. Mary Morgan (@m_morganauthor) Avatar

    Great post, Echo! I’m always bouncing back and forth when it comes to my reading. As I’ve stated in my post, it all depends on my current mood and the season.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Echo Ishii Avatar
      Echo Ishii

      I think seasons influence reading too. I read longer epics and series in the autumn/winter.

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  7. Michael Mock Avatar
    Michael Mock

    I like the way you balance your choices; I’m that way when I’m putting musical playlists together. For books? Well, my answer is here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Echo Ishii Avatar
      Echo Ishii

      I definitely do that with musical playlists.

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  8. tenajean Avatar

    I didn’t realize it, but I do balance my reading kinda like you. If I read something dark, I’ll read a lighter book. But then that does go back to my mood reading. Thanks for sharing. Here’s mine. https://www.tenastetler.com/how-i-decide-what-to-read-next-lsrs-wednesday-blogging-challenge/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Echo Ishii Avatar
      Echo Ishii

      It’s nice to know I’m not the only mood reader.

      Like