Hi everyone,
It’s with a very heavy heart that I have to write this blog post…
Unfortunately, I’m going to have to take time away from my blog due to health reasons. More on that in a little bit.
I will still be honoring any blog tours that I, or Ellen, have committed to, but I will not be taking on any more books, content posts or blog tours for the foreseeable future.
I am gutted that this has to happen but I know that it needs to be done. I’ll still be on here, Facebook, and Twitter, so I’m not going anywhere. Any posts that are already scheduled will be going out as normal, and there are quite a few, but that’s about all that will be on here.
I’ve been having a hard time lately with anxiety and panic attacks and I’ve noticed that reading certain kinds of books exacerbate these things. ( I am NOT in any way blaming anyone for this. It’s the adrenaline overload that my body can’t handle, no matter how much I love the books/authors!) I’ve been having heart palpitations and I have seen a direct correlation from the tension between the pages and my body’s reaction to this. I can’t, in good conscience, continue to read for review when it is detrimental to my health.
Parallel to this I actually have a chronic illness, which I don’t usually discuss, because it’s not relevant to the book love. But I am in a lot more pain recently, and when you couple this with the effect it’s having on my mental health, then it just makes sense to take a break. Well, for me anyway.
I am so grateful to you all for reading, and for your support along the way with my little blog. But it’s time to put my health first, and to do that, something has to give. So I will be pulling back from reviews and blogging but there will be the odd review on here from time to time.
I will continue to read, but not as much, and certainly not the genres that I love so very much. Which sucks. But I know that I can’t continue the way I am going, and I need to read some lighter stuff when I do decide to pick up a book.
Suggestions welcome by the way, because I have no idea where to look as my dark heart isn’t used to shiny happy books.
I am sad writing this. Genuinely. My emotions are all over the place, and though I’m not saying goodbye forever, even goodbye for now hurts..
Sorry to hear this Kate but you need to put yourself and your health first. Sending lots of love and hugs xx
Thanks Sarah! I feel like I’m letting people down but I just can’t keep doing it at the moment xx
You arn’t letting anyone down. Youve always been a massive help and support to lots of publishers and authors. ive always appreciated all that youve done for us xx
Awh thanks lovely xx
Big hugs Kate. Your health, both physical and mental, is the most important thing so you need to do what’s best for you. Lots of love and don’t be a stranger xx
Thanks Claire! Xxx
If you want some shiny happy books, can I recommend Christie Barlow, Marcie Steele and Annie Lyons xx
Thanks lovely! I’ve read Marcie’s but I do have a book from Christie on my kindle xx
I know Sarah always recommends Sue Watson too x
I’ll check her books out, am on the library app looking now xx
I might have some more suggestions over the coming weeks if you want them…. x
Of course! Thank you xz
A pleasure! xx
Look after yourself. You have to do what’s right for you – and we’ll all be here (or at least I will) when you get back, whenever that may be. x
Thanks so much Verity x
I am sending you the biggest hugs ❤ You know I'm around if you want to chat, or vent, or anything at all, really. I am so sorry you are in a difficult situation and I support you a hundred per cent. Loads of love, darling xxx
Thanks so much Meggy, for everything xx
I wish I could help ❤ xxx
I know lovely, but you know how it is with this stuff xx
Oh yeah, I know. That’s why I’m here if needed! And sending fairy dust your way! xxxx
Much love xx
why not try this book? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25573977-the-readers-of-broken-wheel-recommend
My own books are probably not for you just now!
Hope you recover soon.
I actually have this one somewhere, I must dig it out! Thank you!
That’s a great book.
Sorry you’re having to do this Kate but your health and wellbeing is far more important. Big hugs 💕
Thanks so much Karen xx
O Kate this is so heart breaking to hear but you have to do what’s best for you always. Take care of yourself. You’re very important to all us bookbloggers. Sending you lots of rebel hugs. ❤ xx
Thanks Mairead xx
It seems wrong to ‘like’ your post Kate and I’m so sorry to hear you’re struggling at the moment. You’ll be missed, not least by all the bloggers and authors you’ve supported so brilliantly. If you ever need an ear you can always call on me. Take care of yourself and be happy and well xx
Thanks so much Linda xx
Sorry to read this and from personal experience can understand the need to step back. I also found (when I could read again) that I didn’t want dark stuff either. I’ve drifted towards what I define as quirky books and more feelgood reads – apparently called ‘uplit’! Some titles you might want to try – Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson and What Milo Saw by Virginia McGregor. A bit lighter and a series I loved – The French Guesthouse series by Helen Pollard. Moving away from the dark side was easier for me as I’ve always had a fairly eclectic reading list. Hope you find something you enjoy and don’t worry about the blog, it will be ready and waiting when the time is right. Take care, Jill x
Thanks so much Jill, and thank you for the suggestions! Xx
You’re welcome xx
Sorry to hear this, but you have to look after yourself. And we’ll all still be here with you when you want to chat xx
Thanks lovely xx
Sending lots of love and hugs xx
Thanks Kerry xx
So sorry to hear this, Kate. You do what you need to do. Your health comes first. Take good care of yourself. Much love and fierce hugs. xxx
Thank you lovely xx
So sorry to hear this. As a chronic illness sufferer I can empathise and I’m here if you need an ear. Thinking of you xxx
Thanks Kaisha xx
Gutted to be reading this, Kate because it is upsetting to hear you are having a rough time. We will miss you but your health has to come first. Sending much love and gentle hugs xxx
Thanks so much Abbie xx
Goodness me, so sorry to read this.Sending positive vibes and much gratitude for your work and enthusiasm. Get strong soon. xx
Thank you Jane x
Come back when you are well enough, we will miss you xx
I will! Thank you x
Keep well Kate, I understand about the anxiety and stress, I’m currently dealing with the same issues.
I am using my books to hide away from everything around me at present, its very hard for me to believe in myself or anyone else.
I hope you get all the support you need, don’t be alone, keep company may it be friends or family its a lot harder to do it alone, involve yourself with others and don’t be a stranger.
Much love
Diane Hogg
(SweetLittleBookBlog)
Thanks so much Diane! Hope you’re ok x
From everything you’ve said, it sounds like you are taking exactly the right action for you. I’ve never been a fan of or much of a reader of dark books – too much of a scaredy cat – but I can appreciate how the tension they create could exacerbate anxiety or leave unsettling pictures in your mind. How about trying some non-fiction books such as travel books, perhaps about places you’ve always wanted to visit?
I’m reading some non-fiction at the moment, which is definitely helping. I think when I can read, I just need to choose the lightest subject matter I can until I can get myself back to normal!
Well, that’s good to hear! I certainly find books can be a refuge in times of trial, transporting you to another place or time.
Couldn’t agree more!
So sorry Kate. Take care of yourself and try not to worry. Xxxx
Thank you xx
I’m so sorry to hear this, Kate! Wishing you strength and many good days to come. Hugs xx
Thanks Caroline x
Sending you lots of hugs and kisses! Don’t stress over not blogging because health is more important!
Thanks so much Nikola x
There’s nothing more important than your health. Sending you healing hugs x
Thanks Barbara xx
So sorry to read this Kate but you have to put yourself and your health first. Books and blogging will always be there if you feel you are up to coming back again. For something a little lighter here are a few suggestions: The Fairvale Ladies Book Club by Sophie Green – I’m not sure that’s the exact title. 19 letters by Jodi Perry if you fancy a really good love story and The Bookshop of New Beginnings by Jen Mouat. Have you read Three Things about Elsie by Joanna Cannon? That’s also excellent. Or for a giggle – Miss Blaine’s Prefect and the Golden Samovar by Olga Wotjas.
Thanks so much Joanne, and thank you so much for the recommendations! I’ll definitely look them up x
Ah Kate, this is sad news 😦
Know that you need to do what is right for you so be kind to yourself and we will see you and your fabulous nails back when your good and ready. Much love, Lena.
Thanks so much Lena x
I’m sorry to hear this news for you and because I like your blog. Yin and Yang. The only way to go from down is up, so things will get better.
David Liscio
On Wed, Jun 20, 2018 at 4:53 AM, Bibliophile Book Club wrote:
> bibliophilebookclub posted: “Hi everyone, It’s with a very heavy heart > that I have to write this blog post… Unfortunately, I’m going to have to > take time away from my blog due to health reasons. More on that in a little > bit. I will still be honoring any blog tours that I, or Ell” >
Thanks David, and you’re so right. Things will get better, but it will take me some time! But I will be back 🙂
So sorry to hear this Kate – I love your blog – but your health comes first. Be kind to yourself and know we’ll all still be here. Big hugs xx
Thanks so much Hemmie xx
So sorry to hear this you absolutely must put your health first so rest assured you have made the right decision. Have you considered Historical Fiction? I used to read it many years ago before I became addicted to Crime but I read one recently and surprised myself how much I loved it. I think being historical in your mind you know that it is unlikely to happen in today’s world so you get the suspense but not the adrenaline kick. I wish you well in your health and reading xx
That is such a good point! I don’t read Hist Fic, but maybe it’s one genre I shouldn’t discount! and thank you xx
Its the right move. Take as much time as you need.
🖤
I know we all joke about books being more important than food and water, etc. But seriously, there are things that come first — take care of yourself, the blogosphere will be dimmer with your diminished presence, but first things first.
Awh, that’s so kind of you to say, thank you so much!
Such a hard decision but you are right, your health must come first. I think that being a book blogger with mental health problems can be very difficult and books can be triggering. Hopefully with some light and fluffy reads you’ll be able to manage to odd darker one again. I really hope that you are feeling better soon. Becca xx
Thanks so much Becca x
Sorry you’re going through this Kate and big hugs to you. Health first though so you’re making a wise decision. It’ll all be here when you are ready to come back but take care of yourself first and foremost.
Thanks Jen x
Awww, it’s okay! Take the time you need, I’m sure everybody will understand 🙂
Thank you 🙂
I’m so sorry – you will be missed!! I had to take off 3-4 months earlier this year and it nearly killed me but my health, mentally and physically, needed to heal. I’m bi-polar and completely empathize with you regarding the panic attacks that books can cause. I’m so sorry. Please take care of YOU – we will be here when you get back!
Thank you so much ☺️
I’m so sorry. I hope things get better for you soon.
Thank you so much!
You’re welcome.
So sorry to hear this. Take a break and get well soon xx
Thanks so much x
So sorry to hear this. I do hope you feel calmer soon. the pressure book bloggers put themselves under (everyone puts themselves under) is unbelievable! Maybe try children’s books or travel books for a while, to be lighter? Do wish you well…
Thanks Jessica!
So sorry to hear this Kate but very proud of you for putting yourself first as it takes a lot of courage to do that!! Heart palpitations are scary aren’t they?? So please look after yourself xxx
Thanks so much for your kind words lovely. The palpitations are SO scary! Hard to believe they’re harmless when it starts! Xx
Your lovely family need you happy so I really hope they start to improve soon. Big hugs 🤗 cos I know how devastated you must be to step back for a bit xxx
Awh thank you! Yep, I cried when I pressed publish on this post this morning because then it became real 🙈 But I know I need to get better and that has to come first xx
I completely understand your need for a break. As a reader, I really enjoyed your blog but too many dark reads, coupled with the stress of world events can impact your health. Definitely will miss your reviews though.
In the past, I also eagerly read many of the new dark, gritty psych thrillers that came out. But after awhile they left me with an overall empty feeling; unsettled & depressed. And I didn’t read anywhere near the number of thrillers you’ve read! But even though I stopped reading thrillers that were just too dark for me, I still enjoyed reading your thoughts.
Hope you can find peace & enjoyment in ‘lighter’ reads. There’s much to explore, authors I enjoy are; Christopher Fowler (Bryant & May), Chris Brookmyre’s Parlabane series, Ann Cleeves, Tana French & Peter May.
In time, I hope that you will again, be able to blog about your reads, be they lighter fiction or non-fiction.
Sending you hugs & wishing you all the best in your recovery.
Thank you so much for your kind words! And that’s very similar to how some reads have made me feel so it’s nice to know it’s not just me!
Hugs. I avoid unhappy or harrowing books too, especially if they involve the death of a young person. It’s astonishing how a piece of fiction can make me miserable. You do what you need to for your own well-being. X
Thanks so much Sue x
So sorry to hear this Kate. Sending hugs your way. I am more than happy to suggest lighthearted travel books or similar that may or may not help.
Thanks so much Paul! X
Hope you feel better and brighter soon too
Me too! Thank you 🙂
You’ll be missed but you have to do what’s best for your health and state of mind. When my anxiety was at its worst I only read easy books that I knew would have a happy ending, anything else was too much. It did help me rediscover my love of non-fiction though so
I recommend trying that. I hope the time away helps you relax and begin to feel better. Please feel free to message if you ever need a chat. Big hugs xx
Thanks so much Hayley! Non-fiction is the way I’m going for now xx
Sorry to hear this. Health first always. Best of luck
Thanks so much Guy!
I’m devastated for you, Kate. But as everyone else has said, your health comes first. As a fellow reader of dark fiction I have no book suggestion to offer but I can totally sympathise. I wouldn’t know where to start either. Take it easy, lovely x
Thanks so much Emma x
I’ll miss reading your posts Kate, so sad that this is happening to you. Get better ❤
Thanks lovely 🖤