Welcome to this February’s The Month Ahead at Books by Proxy: Bringing you blog related news and announcements!
| Announcement |
After a somewhat extended interval Books by Proxy is back! And I’m so looking forward to getting back into the swing of posting – believe me, I’ve missed it!
At some point in 2016, and again in 2017, my inability to strike a work / life / blog balance lead to a complete fall off the edge of the book-o-blogosphere – As many fellow bloggers can attest, sometimes we forget to just take it easy.
Life is considerably busier these days; 2017 saw me move into my new home with the other half, continue my foray into (not-at-all-wicked) step-motherhood, and commence the final step in my professional qualifications whilst assuming more responsibility at work. Something definitely had to give somewhere and, unfortunately, it was this blog.
Reading, however, remains my passion and, as I begin to organise my time more effectively and remember that this blog is for fun and my own peace of mind, it seemed like the perfect time to kick things off once again – both books and blogs are here to be enjoyed after all!
So here’s to catching up with reading, blogging and the wonderful online book community in 2018!
| Currently Reading |
Once again I am reading far too many books at one time – but why change the habit of a lifetime! This month I’m continuing my read of The Vagrant by Peter Newman and Half the World by Joe Abercrombie – two books which were started a considerably long time ago but got left behind when I moved house.
They are joined this February by the esteemed company of Lois the Witch by Elizabeth Gaskell, which I’m reading as part of The Gaskell Society lecture events in Manchester, The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, as part of my There and Back Again feature (see below). 
| Coming Up on Books by Proxy |
There and Back Again: A Journey Through Middle Earth, is an indefinite season of all things Tolkien here at Books by Proxy. Join me as I make my journey through the most defining literature of my childhood, and unravel the details behind one of the most spectacular fantasy worlds ever made.
Beginning with a re-read of The Hobbit – where week by week I explore the novel in Chapter and Verse – I aim to bring you a series of continuing posts which take us on a journey through the works of Tolkien.
This series will be ongoing and fluid with both regular, weekly posts and one-off explorations – Expect Middle Earth related content a-plenty!
It’s back! I couldn’t return to this blog without returning to one of my favourite memes of all time – Tough Travelling, now hosted by The Fantasy Hive. Join me once again as I explore the biggest tropes and clichés in fantasy fiction.
During my prolonged absence, my wonderful blogger friends have continued with The Friday Face-Off and kept it alive for well over a year – something which makes me immensely happy! I’ll be jumping back into the meme with the list compiled by the amazing Lynn over at Lynn’s Books, where you’ll be able to see all upcoming themes.
Here’s what’s coming up this February in The Friday Face-Off:
02nd February 2018 | Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
A psychedelic cover
09th February 2018 | My, What Big Teeth You Have
A cover featuring a cloaked figure
16th February 2018 | Groovy Baby
A cover that is retro
23rd February | There are too many steps in this castle, and it seems to me they add a few every night, just to vex me
A cover featuring a staircase
| February Goals |
To read four books
Status: 0 of 4 Complete
To write a review once a week
Status: 0 of 4 Complete
What are you reading at the moment? What are your goals for the month ahead?
Books by Proxy 
Welcome back! Looks like you have some great books planned for February:-) Especially The Hobbit!
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Thank you! I’m so looking forward to getting stuck back in 😀 and there’s nothing like a Hobbit re-read to kick things off!
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It’s great to have you back! 🙂 I think your Journey Through Middle Earth is going to be something I’ll love reading each week!
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Thank you! 😀 I’ve not looked forward to doing something so much in a long time! I can’t wait to get started!
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Welcome back! I wasn’t here when you left, but I’m here now. You have a lot planned… Good luck!
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Thanks! I’m looking forward to getting my read on – books and blogs! 😀
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Oh, welcome back, Proxyfish! You’ve been missed and I’m delighted to see you back. As ever, I’m intrigued by your reading list and I look forward to seeing what you make of these books – have a fabulous week!
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Thank you – I’m so glad to be back! I really have missed it. I cant wait to start catching up! 😀
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Glad to have you back:)
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Great to have you back Proxy and I am looking forward to your Journey Through Middle Earth 😀 I am currently reading historical crime fiction A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King, which is the second Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes mystery 🙂 Happy reading!
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I’m so looking forward to starting off the posts! 😀
Ooh I’ve read the first three in that series and really enjoyed them – I must continue! I think I was first drawn in by their gorgeous covers!!
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They do have gorgeous covers 😀
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I think it’s wonderful that you’re back. It is difficult trying to strike a work/life balance but you also had such a lot going on. It’s always good to get back to something you feel passionate about and books and blogging really hits the spot.
Lynn 😀
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Thank you! 😀 it’s so good to be back! And yes, organisation has neved been my strong point!
I hope you’re having lots of adventures across the world too! It clearly hasn’t slowed you down when it comes to reading and blogging! 😀
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I’m going to do a big series on Tolkien this year, probably starting in the spring.
I’ve been rereading The Hobbit. I’m reading it aloud to my unborn daughter as a bonding exercise. It has been an interesting experience. Tolkien uses surprisingly tough sentences that can be tough to read aloud. I always kind of skipped past the poems and songs, but they are pretty awesome read aloud (except that damn elf song). And Tolkien had a pretty incredible ability to whipsaw the mood just with his language–he uses subtle changes like a movie uses its score.
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What a great idea! Bringing a new little Tolkien fan into the world. 😉
I think it’s always interesting to read passages aloud as it really tests the language and intonation. Especially when it comes to songs and verse. And you’re right, Tolkien is very adept at setting the mood.
I always loved the poetry but the elvish song is very jarring – especially when it creates such a disparity with the elves in the rest of Tolkien lore!
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