Doesn't fit? Book related? Then put it here!

[Diana]

Just looking for some advice. For quite awhile now I’ve been thinking of getting built in bookshelves in my sewing room. I have one long wall that would fit floor to ceiling shelves. While I do weed my TBR pile from time to time, I have many books I’d like a good home for. At the moment books are on a medium sized shelf in my hall and are piled up around my unit. I’ve heard built ins are quite expensive but I’m still keen so please tell me about your bookshelves, personal libraries etc. Thanks.

[Em__Jay]

Diana wrote: "Just looking for some advice. For quite awhile now I’ve been thinking of getting built in bookshelves in my sewing room. I have one long wall that would fit floor to ceiling shelves. While I do wee..."

I was planning to build one about 5 years ago, but ended up selling the property. It's back on the wish list. :-)
My wall was about 3.5m wide and a typical ceiling height of 2.4m (I think).
The average quote was around $5K. My request was something similar to the main image on the webpage I've linked. Disregard the TV in this picture and upper glass cabinets - I wanted shelves all the way to the ceiling. The bottom section was drawers/cupboards that jutted out a short distance. I wanted the cupboards to store stationery and my printer - I did have a power point on that wall.

https://pfitzner.com.au/furniture/cus...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

There's a thread where we've chatted about bookshelves in the past, you might be interested in - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Diana]

Em__Jay wrote: "Diana wrote: "Just looking for some advice. For quite awhile now I’ve been thinking of getting built in bookshelves in my sewing room. I have one long wall that would fit floor to ceiling shelves. ..."

https://pfitzner.com.au/furniture/cus...

That is exactly the kind of thing I am looking at; all bookshelves and lower cupboards.

[Diana]

Brenda wrote: "There's a thread where we've chatted about bookshelves in the past, you might be interested in - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/......"

Thanks Brenda! That thread is a good read.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Diana wrote: "Brenda wrote: "There's a thread where we've chatted about bookshelves in the past, you might be interested in - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/......"

You're welcome Diana :)

[Em__Jay]

Diana wrote: "Em__Jay wrote: "Diana wrote: "Just looking for some advice. For quite awhile now I’ve been thinking of getting built in bookshelves in my sewing room. I have one long wall that would fit floor to c..."

Go for it! :-)

[Niamh]

I've hit quite a reading slump this year. Work has been busy and stressful, so by the time I get home, I just want to relax in front of the TV, so not reading anywhere near as much as I have in the past. I've got a couple weeks off work, starting today, and most of it is going to be spent on a road trip, so hopefully I can break the slump while I'm in the car (not driving for any of the trip, never hauled a trailer before and don't want to start now).
If this trip doesn't help break the slump, does anyone have any tips on what else to do? Part of it might be that I need to change up the books I'm reading. Been finding myself getting annoyed at the main characters in some books recently, so just not wanting to read because it makes me angry.

[Andrea]

Niamh wrote: "I've hit quite a reading slump this year. Work has been busy and stressful, so by the time I get home, I just want to relax in front of the TV, so not reading anywhere near as much as I have in the..."

I went through something similar last year and had some good advice from reading buddies. One strategy that might help to kick things of is this: pick a tie-in book of something that you’ve really enjoyed on TV. You already know you will enjoy it, and it will give you an even richer, more detailed experience than watching on screen. Hopefully that will give you the spark you need.

Another thing that really worked for me was to create a DNF shelf and start using it!! It goes against my nature, but I’m coming around and my reading life is the better for it.

[Niamh]

Andrea wrote: "Niamh wrote: "I've hit quite a reading slump this year. Work has been busy and stressful, so by the time I get home, I just want to relax in front of the TV, so not reading anywhere near as much as..."

Thank you for the tips Andrea! I'm the same with the DNF shelf. It's there, but I rarely use it. I debated back and forth about putting a book on there earlier this year. I eventually did, and moved on to read something I much preferred. Looks like I might need to start using it more liberally.

As for the tie-in books, I'll need to do some research as to what exists out there for the shows I watch. One show I really enjoy announced a tie-in book a couple months ago, scheduled for release later this year, so I'm very keen for that, and I think they're planning more books (possibly depending on this one success).

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Niamh wrote: "I've hit quite a reading slump this year. Work has been busy and stressful, so by the time I get home, I just want to relax in front of the TV, so not reading anywhere near as much as I have in the..."

Good luck with your slump Niamh - but enjoy your road trip! I hope you're staying safe (away from covid hot-spots) and you can relax. Your mojo may well come back after a break of the sort you're having. x

[Niamh]

Brenda wrote: "Niamh wrote: "I've hit quite a reading slump this year. Work has been busy and stressful, so by the time I get home, I just want to relax in front of the TV, so not reading anywhere near as much as..."

That's what I'm hoping too, Brenda. We'll be staying away from covid areas, it'll be nice to get out of the cold and wet and get somewhere away from the city where the sun is shining the entire time.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Yes and the ultimate dream is 'no more covid'!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Citra wrote: "Hi Everyone!
Mods if this isn't allowed pls feel free to delete it!
I've created a discord bookclub server for Aussies who enjoy reading YA/NA/Adult books! If you would like to join, please do, b..."

Citra, I will delete it, but you can create your own thread here - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group... - top right hand corner, 'new topic', and put the post there :) Thanks.

[Citra]

Brenda wrote: "Citra wrote: "Hi Everyone!
Mods if this isn't allowed pls feel free to delete it!
I've created a discord bookclub server for Aussies who enjoy reading YA/NA/Adult books! If you would like to join..."

Thank you Brenda!

[Deb]

Niamh wrote: "I've hit quite a reading slump this year. Work has been busy and stressful, so by the time I get home, I just want to relax in front of the TV, so not reading anywhere near as much as I have in the..."

I hear you, that has happened to me in the past. Andrea's suggestion sounds good - and I was going to say that if you have seen and enjoyed the Teeve sereis for it, by Katherine Kovacic was a lot of fun. What I would call an easy read.

[Sharon]

Just wondering if I can add this book to my AWW challenge as it’s female & male authors. I’m guessing not, but just thought I’d ask :)

The Drop-Off by Fiona Harris & Mike McLeish

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Let me find out some detail Sharon...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Okay Sharon, the authors were incorrectly added. If you link it again, it'll only come up with Fiona's name and yes, you can add it to your AWW challenge :)

[Sharon]

Thanks Brenda. Yes I did see that there was an edition with just Fiona as the author that’s why I asked. Thanks again 😊

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're welcome 😊

[Sarah]

Anyone up for an additional Christmassy challenge? This came up on my twitter feed today and I thought it sounded like a fun way to wind up the year's reading and add some Yuletide content! It's not a reading challenge per se (participants post a photo daily to fulfil the prompt), but certainly book-related. Here's the original link: https://twitter.com/BoldwoodBooks/sta...

[Krystal]

Sarah wrote: "Anyone up for an additional Christmassy challenge? This came up on my twitter feed today and I thought it sounded like a fun way to wind up the year's reading and add some Yuletide content! It's no..."

I love the idea of doing this on instagram but I'm definitely too lazy lol

[Sarah]

Krystal wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Anyone up for an additional Christmassy challenge? This came up on my twitter feed today and I thought it sounded like a fun way to wind up the year's reading and add some Yuletide co..."

Oh... I hear you! I need to read between 15 and 20 books to complete all my annual challenges, but I'm mucking around with this! I'm thinking I might use it as a way to get a Bookstagram set up, as I've heard that publishers are increasingly requiring them on NetGalley.

[Kylie H]

Not sure if anyone else is a data geek like me, but I had a 'moment' where I thought, what if the Goodreads site was to cease or something like that :( how would I know what books I had read or want to read? Panic attack!
I found that you can export all of your books in a csv file and back it up in a. safe place where you will never lose it! At this point I am thinking I may be on my own.
But if anyone is interested here is how you do it
https://help.goodreads.com/s/article/...

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Kylie H wrote: "Not sure if anyone else is a data geek like me, but I had a 'moment' where I thought, what if the Goodreads site was to cease or something like that :( how would I know what books I had read or wan..."

Already doing it Kylie. You can never count on websites to continue forever. But lets hope this one does:)

[Krystal]

Kylie H wrote: "Not sure if anyone else is a data geek like me, but I had a 'moment' where I thought, what if the Goodreads site was to cease or something like that :( how would I know what books I had read or wan..."

I'm definitely terrified of the prospect, but also technology does my head in a bit these days so if GR goes I will just have to go back to accidentally buying books I already own XD

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kylie H wrote: "Not sure if anyone else is a data geek like me, but I had a 'moment' where I thought, what if the Goodreads site was to cease or something like that :( how would I know what books I had read or wan..."

Thanks Kylie - I did that back up years ago, but need to do it again!

[Diana]

Wondering if anyone has done the University of Melbourne’s 10 Great Books Masterclass? I am really interested and would love to hear from anyone about the experience.

https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/engage/co...

[Diana]

Cozy lovers, thought you might enjoy this link
https://www.mysterytribune.com/45-bes...

[Kerri_M]

My brain wanders in strange directions sometimes. I was thinking about how we classify books. "Contemporary" books are set in current times. Should books written in the past, but set in their current day be "contemporary"? Or do eventually all books become "historic"....

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Historical fiction is, as far as I'm aware Kerri, anything set 50 + years ago. I understand what you're saying - perhaps those would be Classic...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Diana wrote: "Cozy lovers, thought you might enjoy this link
https://www.mysterytribune.com/45-bes..."

Thanks Diana :) That's a great resource. I'm going to keep that link!

[Icewineanne]

Diana wrote: "Cozy lovers, thought you might enjoy this link
https://www.mysterytribune.com/45-bes..."

Thanks for the fun link Diana!

[Suz]

I've just started a spreadsheet on my 'owned' books. It's great! Has raised lots of things for me to check, and remove kids books etc. A very suitable task for me! I saved my list of owned books from GR onto word doc (a simple drag copy and paste) then add them into the spreadsheet, as they are live links. Probably an easier way but it's quite easy. Wish me luck!

[Alex]

What's so bl**dy annoying about Goodreads is that, when I read a book from early in my TBR list but a later edition, it takes the date of the later one instead of transferring the date I first lodged it - ending up with two versions. I have tried in vain to correct this. Any suggestions?

[Andrea]

Alex wrote: "What's so bl**dy annoying about Goodreads is that, when I read a book from early in my TBR list but a later edition, it takes the date of the later one instead of transferring the date I first lodg..."

I admit I’m a bit particular about this. I always use the ‘editions’ feature to specify which one I read, and which one I’m reviewing. And I regularly look at the duplicates to make sure I haven’t tripped up somewhere.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I use the ISBN always and don't seem to have any trouble...

[Alex]

Thank you both. I selected the edition (cover with appropriate ISBN) of the one I was reading, but ended up with 2 (little wonder my TBR list hardly moves.) Methinks, select the earlier one as "started reading" first and then change the edition, to capture the history? Can't undo it now. Will just have to delete the earlier one.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Do you know how to check for multiple editions Alex?

[Alex]

Brenda wrote: "Do you know how to check for multiple editions Alex?"

No, enlighten me

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Go to 'My Books' - top of page. Under 'Bookshelves', scroll right down to 'Tools'. Click on 'Find Duplicates' and go from there :)

[Alex]

Brenda wrote: "Go to 'My Books' - top of page. Under 'Bookshelves', scroll right down to 'Tools'. Click on 'Find Duplicates' and go from there :)"

Thanks for that. Saves me searching by individual title, which probably won't pick up the same book published under different titles. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're welcome Alex. It always amazes me how many duplicates we accumulate!

[Krystal]

Alex wrote: "Thank you both. I selected the edition (cover with appropriate ISBN) of the one I was reading, but ended up with 2 (little wonder my TBR list hardly moves.) Methinks, select the earlier one as "sta..."

This is how I do it, as I often add stuff I'm interested in but then end up buying a different edition.

I had no idea there was a way to check for duplicates! Very helpful!

[Diana]

Looking for second hand bookshop recommendations- preferably with online catalogue.
I’m looking for a book that has had very mixed reviews.
The Missing Sister
It’s on EBay but I really don’t want to fork out $37 for it. No library in my state has it. I’ve looked at Brotherhood Books with no luck.
I’m looking for this book for a group read in another group.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You don't read ebooks Diana? Because on Amazon US it's only #4.99. Did you search using booko.com.au? That's often successful for me. Good luck.

[Diana]

Brenda wrote: "You don't read ebooks Diana? Because on Amazon US it's only #4.99. Did you search using booko.com.au? That's often successful for me. Good luck."

Thanks Brenda. I didn’t think of an ebook as I mostly don’t read them but I do occasionally buy them. I think I will in this case.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's a good plan. Hopefully you'll also enjoy it.

[Alex]

I blame AA Alan Carter. I have read several of the Philip (Cato) Kwong series featuring the WA detective who likes the cryptic crossword. Stuck last week waiting for an appointment and for once without a book, I decided to have a go. Managed a few of the clues and the next day looked at the solutions to gain an insight into the mind of the cruciverbalist. Last two days I have solved all but one of the clues. They reckon it's incurable.