You know all those memes, during the early days of lockdown, about how introverts have been preparing their whole lives for quarantine? The last nine months have proved this false. I need times of silence and solitude, but I also need people. I’m grateful for technological advances that allow us to connect via social media and video calls, grateful that I can still see the faces of loved ones.
Social media has allowed me to keep up with friends and family across the globe and also to connect with fellow readers and bloggers. I love my blog; I love visiting your blogs. Movies and T.V. shows also have their place. During this pandemic, I am grateful that technology has allowed me to continue my graduate studies remotely.
I think there is a place for technology in my life. But I also got burned out on too much tech.
For mental health reasons, I stepped back from my blog and from social media at the beginning of November. During this time, I replaced screen scrolling with runs, long walks with my dog, (socially distanced) chats with friends, and screen-free time with family. I discovered new, tech-free activities that excite me, like picking up a Chinese book or reading aloud to my dog.
I looked at the different ways I use technology, and I asked myself: is it necessary? Can I substitute it or cut back on it?
I’m in a better place now. I’m still in the process of figuring out how technology fits into my life, but I’m ready to start blogging and doing social media again.
On Another Note
I came back to nearly 800 spam messages. Any suggestions to monitor spam on the blog?
My Favorite Reads (November – December)
The Round House by Louise Erdrich
Louise Erdrich is a gem. If I had to pick one favorite read from 2020, it’d be The Round House. From the synopsis, The Round House is “an exquisitely told story of a boy on the cusp of manhood who seeks justice and understanding in the wake of a terrible crime that upends and forever transforms his family.” I have yet to write a review because I’m still thinking about this story, because I don’t know how to do it justice, because I need to read it again. It’s the kind of story that you need to sit on, the kind of story that raises questions to which we don’t have answers—but we need answers. There’s a reason this book is part of what’s known as Erdrich’s Justice Trilogy.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
This is the coming-of-age fantasy story that I’ve been wanting to read. It’s about a young wizard who is far from perfect and who makes mistakes with real consequences. Who must change inwardly before he can make an outward change to restore the balance that he broke. Whose most important relationships in this book are the ones he has with his mentors and with his best friend. (Romance plays little to no role in his journey.) Ged is far from the brash, arrogant person he was when he started his journey. His world, and mine, is the better for it.
Challenges
I read 100 books toward my goal of 100 books in 2020.
Discussions: 18/20 (Creative Conversationalist)
I wrote 18 discussion posts in 2020. This fulfilled my goal of 11-20 discussion posts as a Creative Conversationalist.
Best Books I Read In 2019: Patterns & Aging Out
Starting a Book Club & Legacies Discussion Guide
How I Organize My E-Reader
10 Fantasy Books to Read This Spring
Can a Book Have Too Many Points of View?
12 Signs to Identify a Bibliophile
10 Series to Start This Spring
10 Book Titles That Would Make Cool Band Names
10 Reasons to Read Speculative Fiction
A Conversation with Mark Siegel: The Transformed World and the Transformed Individual
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey: Book-to-Film Comparison & Discussion Guide
Black Lives Matter: 12 Fantasy Books by Black Authors
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter: Discussion Guide
12 Science Fiction Books by Black Authors
Best I’ve Read in 2020 So Far
5 Books I Love . . . Here’s Why
American Born Chinese: Tour The World in 30 Books
10 Forthcoming Science Fiction & Fantasy Releases to Read in 2020
r/Fantasy Bingo 2020: 22/25 (This ends in April 2021, so I’m on track.)
Puppy Shenanigans
Let’s Chat
How was your December? Your 2020?
What were your favorite reads?
This post is linked to the Sunday Post, which is hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer, and to the Monthly Wrap-up, which is hosted by Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction and Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight.
Amanda says
I really enjoyed The Round House.
danielle hammelef says
Happy New Year! I’m so happy you were taking care of yourself and were able to enjoy more time with Skylar. My dog used to love snuggling under blankets too.
Joyousreads says
Welcome back, and Happy New Year!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thank you. Happy New Year!
Sam@wlabb says
Welcome back! Glad you were able to take care of yourself and find new diversions which were healthier. I definitely cut back a LOT on social media this year. It was too toxic for me. I would love to see your dog’s reactions as you read to him.
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Sam! Yes, there’s a lot of toxicity on social media. Plus, I have so much going on off-screen that it’s hard to keep up with the fast pace of social media. I’ll take a picture sometime (or get someone to take one for me). Skylar usually naps while I read (once, she fell asleep the minute after I started reading!), but I think that means she finds my voice relaxing?
Amber Elise @ Du Livre says
I realize that I need people too, I’ve missed seeing friends so much! One of my 2021 goals is to take a step away from twitter. It can be so exhausting.
Crystal (Kester) says
Same! I miss seeing my friends in person. Video calls have helped, but it can’t replace face-to-face interactions. Yes, social media can be so exhausting. I love chatting with fellow readers and bloggers, but it’s hard to keep up with everything.