The Readers discussion

Hi Simon,

I enjoyed your ramble, though I must admit I missed Thomas on it as well. Felt kinda weird.

As far as your points go:

- I have on occasion read multiple books at a time however this is usually when it has to do with studies. So for instance, I was re-reading Wuthering Heights for my Victorian Literature course but I also had another book going on the side.

- I don't think you need to worry too much about rating your books on Goodreads. I read bad reviews as often as I read the good ones. More often than not, the bad reviews are reason enough for me to read a book as the good reviews are. As long as you are honest with your criticism it is a help to readers.

Anyway, these were just a few things you mentioned that I wanted to comment on.

I hope your 2018 will be filled with amazing books. My 2017 is ending on some amazing books at the moment so I'm hoping that follows through!

Oh, and I also wanted to say, PLEASE ignore those fools who demand episodes on a more regular basis. I can assure you most of us 100% appreciate the time you and Thomas put in to it.

Thank you guys, we adore you! :-)

I agree with Robin. Don't listen to the mean-spirited souls who complain about the lack of episodes. How rude! I'm happy to see a new ep in my podcatcher whenever it appears. Looking forward to hearing more about your 2018 reading plans & looking forward to Thomas returning when he's feeling better.
I also read more than one book at a time & always have an audio book on the go as well. Like you, I don't want to take a hardback to work as I go for a walk at lunchtime to a cafe for coffee & 20 mins reading time. Then, I might be reading a hardback at home & maybe also a volume of short stories or essays.

Agreed. What is this “no planning” you speak of? 😊

Since a Simon solo doesn't have my particular charming banter, I will ad lib some here:

"I'm one of those fools demanding more episodes."

"Do I *have* to listen to this episode?"

"Oh yay, we get to talk about Strangers on the Train again."

Tracy wrote: "Wait, did you guys actually talk about Strangers on a Train? Did I miss it somehow?"

We recorded it, but there was some glitch where only Simon's voice is audible. We are recording again this Sunday and I think we are going to discuss it again.

I enjoyed Simon’s post as I was driving and felt like he was talking only to me!🤓. I am always happy when I see a new episode in my feed, but I completely understand how hectic life can be. This needs to be a pleasure not a duty for you both (I would hate hosts who resent us the listeners). That said, I am dying to hear what you thought about “Strangers”. 😉

I loved your solo episode Simon and thought the one before with the two of you was absolutely fab-you two really seem to be in a very sweet podcasting spot and I really enjoyed the listen. I miss the podcast when there's a long gap but life happens; I'm always happy to see a new episode pop up on my feed whenever that may be.

Re the multiple books at a time thing...I do that. I like options and am such a mood reader, it helps to have more than one going at a time.

The good news is that we have 3 (yes 3) episodes in the can. Including a redo of the Strangers on a Train summer book read. That's right. Simon and I have discussed the book twice now. Thankfully you can actually hear me on the second one. And, IMHO, I think the second discussion was much better. But I guess you guys should be the judges of that after it goes live.

Glad to hear you were able to re-do the Strangers on a Train episode - was really looking forward to hearing that one! Love all that you guys do, and while I do miss you when we don't get an episode, I certainly understand - you guys are busy and have real lives, and this is a labor of love, not a job. Stuff happens. I think most of us are just grateful whenever we do get an episode :)
As far as reading more than one book at a time, I am terrible about doing that - right now I have like ten that I'm "reading." Like a couple of others have said, it's partly that I have different books I like to read in different moods, so it gives me flexibility to move between them as my mood changes or as I need to finish one for a particular reason (like book club.) And if I find I'm not picking a book back up, then it's a sign I need to DNF it. But my reading goal for the rest of the year is to finish up on all of the ones I've started and am currently "reading." No new books until then!

As far as reviews and ratings on Goodreads - I totally understand the dilemma. I have done a couple of reviews that were negative, and while I know rationally that I had solid reasons behind the negative reviews (and I included those reasons in the review), I still feel bad. But trying to let that go - not all books are for all people, and having honest feedback helps others. Nothing personal against the authors.

I keep old episodes on my iPod to listen to while I am waiting for new episodes. You two record the episodes for enjoyment, so I don’t understand people getting nasty about the lack of new episodes. I find each one is a gift - you don’t grumble about gifts!

While I enjoyed Simon’s solo episode, I certainly missed Thomas! Being a long-term listener, I also miss Gavin. But - mustn’t grumble!

I always read more than one book at a time: one or two paper books, a kindle book or two, and an audio book. They are usually different genres, so I can keep them all straight. I usually just give a star review on Goodreads, then post a short written review on Litsy. I have found Litsy to be my preferred reading platform the last few months. I read The Heart’s Invisible Furies because of the recommendations on Litsy, and I think it will be my favorite book of the year.

I know Simon and Thomas are very active on Twitter, and Simon has his Book Tube channel. I would love to hear a discussion from The Readers about various social media platforms for book reviews and discussions.

Looking forward to more episodes! Happy Christmas!