I read. I listen. I waffle.

So, I am working on my book stack, but for some strange reason, now that I've banned myself from purchasing any new books this year, I am going crazy finding books to borrow! It's like I can't help being rebellious, even to myself! Can you say sabotage?

I am going to have to be ruthless with my self-imposed book stack and weed out the ones I hoped I'd like, but are dropping further down the pile, because I'm losing interest?  Maybe I don't want to read them as badly as I thought I did.

Currently (from the book stack) I am reading Farewell Four Waters and it is riveting. It's a contemporary novel based on real experiences of a female aid worker living in Afghanistan. I'm only about 1/3 of the way, and the tension is constantly building. Have you ever experienced reading a book that feels like you're watching a movie? That's my experience here. Looking forward to the evening, so I can continue reading!

I really enjoy listening to podcasts, having quite a few on the go, and will almost always listen to them when I'm driving here and there, or when I'm making supper or sitting down for a length of time. Sometimes I even listen to them when I'm doing mindless work (the joys of working from home).

I used to listen to Moody's Midday Connection radio program faithfully, but that was cancelled this past Spring, after many years (at the time I was supremely bummed about it) but I've found other podcasts to replace it. Well, maybe replaced isn't the right word. I loved that program a lot. Not surprisingly, though, life goes on and I've found some gems to keep me going. Sometimes I listen for a while, then delete, find another one, and so on and so on..

A few of my current favorites: 

One of Midday's former hosts has her own podcast now called Faith Conversations. A great place to start if you're looking for honest, relevant interviews and topics. Focused more on - how shall I say this -- women in midlife? But not exclusively. There are so many podcasts for women and by women in their 20's and 30's (and I do love those, too!)  but it's nice to find one geared to a little older demographic.

Sorta Awesome - I've only been listening for a little while, but this podcast is just plain fun and uplifting, too! Each episode the hosts and guests share their 'awesome of the week', which is always interesting. Maybe it was a book, an experience, a recipe, a movie.. anything really.. It's like listening in on a fun, interesting conversation every time.

What Should I Read Next? with Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy)
Anne Bogel interviews guests about what they like to read and then suggests more they might like as well. A great way to find a good book! This is a brand spanking new podcast and I love it. I have already put a few recommended books on hold at the library.

Not that I'm ever going to read all the books on my 'want to read' list, but oh well.

Switched on Pop - I just happened to hear about this podcast via another one and had to check it out. It is fascinating, although I'm very selective about which episode I listen to. A musicologist and his co-host talk about musical artists and 'dissect' their popular songs to explain why they work and how the message of the song is conveyed through the music. I'm not a musician by any stretch (play a little piano and guitar), but I have always listened to  and enjoyed a variety of music genres and this just meets a need in me to know WHY something works as well as it does. So far my favorites have been on Adele and Taylor Swift.

Do you listen to podcasts? Which do you recommend?