Is it time to chat about my One Word? The word CONNECT always reminds me of how different my life is nowadays…and how, back in college, connecting was not something you really had to think about. There were so many new people to meet, and classes to attend with potential new connections.
In my career as a social worker, connecting with people was a daily routine, although my role in these interactions was quite different than it was in college. I was a listener, a guide, an advocate…and I came to relish the role. Not something that works for me now, though.
Of course, in today’s world, we have online opportunities, and I’m not negating the value of social media. Without it, I would be truly isolated. But I have to go outside my comfort zone to find real-life connections.
Last week I had a spontaneous conversation in a neighborhood restaurant and learned about a nearby book club that I want to explore. And, of course, I regularly go to restaurants and bookstores, where I can strike up conversations. Because I am “older,” nobody seems to take offense. LOL.
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Now that I’ve shared my explorations, I am truly excited about some new books approved by NetGalley lately, bringing my total unread ARCs to NINE. With so many books to read, how much time is there to connect? See what I did? My introversion is showing.
Today I got approval for The High Tide Club, by Mary Kay Andrews – (Release Date: 5/8/18)
Last week, I downloaded Paris Ever After, by K.S.R. Burns (Release Date – 5/1/18)
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Soon I will start reading my March books:
The Flight Attendant, by Chris Bohjalian (March 13)
Alternate Side, by Anna Quindlen (3/20/18)
Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser (3/27/18)
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I have three ARCs that will be released in April, and three in May, two of which were mentioned at the top of the post.
I love planning out my reading.
What books are you eagerly waiting to read?
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AN INTERIOR JOURNEY 
Is your collage made on Wordle or Tagxedo?
I hope the book club works out for you….sounds lovely.
I downloaded THE HIGH TIDE CLUB too. 🙂
GREAT word, and I hope you make many wonderful connections this year, Laurel.
Thanks for sharing. You always have the most interesting posts.
Elizabeth
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Thanks for visiting, Elizabeth; I use PicMonkey.
I was excited to get these books.
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You plan out your reading really well…I wish I did that. I am looking forward to Lisa Jewell’s newest book!
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Thanks for visiting, Patty; I don’t always stick to my plans, but I do come close. Enjoy your reading! I love Lisa Jewell’s books.
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I think connecting in the real world is so hard nowadays. When I was younger, I was braver but also we had less of a virtual world to contend with,
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I agree, Emma, and when we have connections in the virtual world at our fingertips, we sometimes decide to accept that it’s enough.
Thanks for stopping by.
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I do hope your book club exploration will work out for you. In the meantime you sure have some great reading to get into.
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Thanks, Kathryn, I do love the exploration….and who knows what I will find? Enjoy your week…
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Hope the book club is the right fit!
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Thanks, Nise…I haven’t tried it yet; I just have the info. I’m a little nervous about it.
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Funnily enough, I was thinking today about just how much communication and connection has changed since I was a young woman. Glad you had a good haul of books and well done for spacing out your reviews so intelligently – mine always seem to come in clumps!
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Thanks for visiting, Sarah, and it is astonishing how our lives and the ways we connect have changed. In some ways, I miss those simpler times, but since they are gone, it is nice to connect with other bloggers…and even on Facebook.
I keep my calendar of review books at the ready, to check for “holes” in the schedule. Sometimes I still have too many books in a month, but that’s because some books are so irresistible. Enjoy your reading!
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Yes… I, too, have a calender of arc reads all set with the relevant holes marked up – but I have noticed that publishers tend to all release books on particular days…
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Oh, yes, they do, Sarah…sigh.
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