How do you deal with your Reading Block?

Up until this weekend, I had been dealing with the worst case of reading block I've every had. But it finally ended on Saturday after months of not being able to read my book. When my reading block hit, I was almost finished reading The Time Travelers by Linda Buckley-Archer. I had about forty pages left to read and then for some reason I just couldn't read anything. However, Saturday morning I was able to read my book and it felt so good being able to get back to my reading. I was nice and comfy reading on the sofa, fully immersed in the story. With nothing blocking me, I will have this book finished and my review up soon.

During all that time when I couldn't read my book, I found another way to deal with my reading block, watching TV. Since, I didn't want to force myself to read, I tried that before and it didn't work. I usually just have to let the block pass on it's own. Anyway, to deal with my reading block, I watched quite a bit of TV. Besides continuing with my Power Rangers Franchise Challenge, I watched a few episodes from old shows: Doctor Who (some of the really old seasons of the fourth Doctor which I was able to check out some of the collections from the library), The Flintstones, The Worst Witch, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?, Family Matters and Ben 10. I was also watching new or returning shows: Line of Fire (new), Eternally Yours (new), Elsbeth (returning), Abbott Elementary (returning), Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage (returning), 9-1-1 (returning), Best Medicine (returning), A Different World (new), Cupertino (new), S.W.A.T. Exiles (new) and NCIS: New York (new).

Watching TV is probably for me one the most effective ways to deal with my reading block. I know there are other methods and tips to help deal with it. And I've tried a few of them but what I found works for me is just not forcing myself to read. And to then find something else to do until I'm able to get back to reading. Again it feels good to get back to reading, I missed it.

On My List: A Different World (2026)

I watch a lot of retro shows and the classic series A Different World is one of the shows that I really enjoy watching. I'm probably one of the first to complain about all the reboots, prequels, sequels, etc. but I find myself actually interested in seeing how this reboot/sequel/revival of A Different World is. Although, the show premiered last month on Netflix (and it's already been renewed for a second season) but I was still on the fence on watching it. I always feel like why mess with the original especially if it was something that was beloved and was actually good. But I guess they still have more stories to tell for the students at Hillman. So, I figure I'll give this a watch and see if I like it as much as I do the original series. I know that this reboot/sequel/revival is a dramedy instead of a sitcom like the original series was. But I guess things change.

Anyway, I'm interested in watching this. I want to see how the new characters will stand out especially since the original characters will be there. And with reboots or revivals that bring back the original characters I tend to want to know more about them much more than the new characters. Such as with that last revival/reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer that was out last year. When the movie was announced, I was more interested in what was going to happen to Julie and Ray's characters than anything about the new characters. But I wanted to see the movie and give those new characters a chance as well. Which is what I'll do with this new A Different World, find out more about the old characters and give the new ones a chance.

Book of Interest: An Unexpected Life: A Memoir

When Gloria Steinem died it was hard to put into words about how iconic she was. Which included all that she had done in fighting for women's rights and helping to make a difference. I like that her fight for women's rights was very inclusive. I have been planning on getting her final book, An unexpected Life. And from the description, it looks like she goes over her life, from her childhood to the women's rights movement and beyond. She had such a legendary life and career.

Book: An Unexpected Life: A Memoir by Gloria Steinem

Description:

Before she became a feminist leader, Gloria Steinem was a curious child: going on road trips with her itinerant father, caring for her mother, and devouring every book she could find. In An Unexpected Life, Steinem reflects on the unlikely experiences and pivotal moments—from a childhood rat bite that opened her eyes to the dangers of poverty to the 1970 Women’s March honoring the right to vote—that shaped the visionary woman she would become.

She shares her years living in India, learning from the nonviolent movement there, and her travels around the world advocating for women’s rights. Along the way, she honors the people who influenced her most, including trailblazers, writers, and thinkers who expanded her understanding of power, community, justice, and solidarity.

Moving between past and present, Steinem examines the progress and setbacks of six decades of activism. As she reflects on the movements she helped build and the victories won for women’s and human rights, she also looks ahead, urging new generations to imagine bolder, more inclusive paths forward.

Intimate, funny, and rich with hard-earned wisdom, An Unexpected Life offers inspiration as we continue the work of building a better future for all.

Most Memorable Scene: Hen, Chimney, Eddie and the Cursed Bracelet

For some reason, I was thinking about this 9-1-1 scene from the episode Cursed (season 6 episode 7) with Henrietta "Hen" Wilson, Howard "Chimney" Han and Edmundo "Eddie" Diaz and that "cursed" bracelet. It's funny because Chimney was just so set on believing that bracelet was cursed. Throughout the episode Felisa Valdez, an actress (with a fading career) was constantly dealing with bad accidents from a chandelier falling on her to her face being encased in a mask at a spa. And being as superstitious as Chimney was, he thought the bracelet that the actress wore was cursed. It's a possibility, who knows. The bracelet was supposedly an ancient relic from Pompeii that the actress had bought. However, the truth about it was revealed later.

While Chimney might be superstitious (and Hen to some extent), Eddie is a total skeptic. He certainly didn't believe that the bracelet was cursed. But strange things did seem to happen around it. Where did that gasoline leak come from? Did one of the fire trucks have a leak that no one noticed? And how was it no one smelled it, especially since it was a puddle on the floor. Which unfortunately that fire fighter slipped on. Whether curses are real or not, that bracelet seemed to invoke some sort of bad luck.

Book of Interest: Nest of Tongues

Happy Wednesday!

I found another interesting book that I want to read, Nest of Tongues by Randy Ribay. From the description, vampires are being hunted. However, these vampires don't seem to be hurting or attacking anyone. Yet they are still being targeted. And when Lily's brother Caleb is the next target, they are going to have to figure out what to do to survive. This is interesting because usually vampires are portrayed as "monsters" but it feels like the hunters might be the "monsters" in this one. That's a really interesting take.

Book: Nest of Tongues by Randy Ribay

Description:

A lyrical, evocative horror about vampires from the Philippines . . . and a hunter on their tail. A brother and sister fight to protect their secrets, their community, and most of all, each other, in this evocative novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Patron Saints of Nothing.

As Filipino vampires known as manananggal, Lily and her brother Caleb understand the value of a secret. After all, to hide is to survive. To lie is to live. They'd never harm another person-but people only believe their worst fears around creatures of myth. So the siblings stay quiet. They follow their community's rules.

Until a monster hunter turns up and kills a fellow manananggal, anyway.

Until Caleb is marked as the hunter's next prey.

Suddenly, he and Lily realize there's always been more at stake than the lives of their people. Because when doing everything "right" is still a death sentence, what can they take as truth? As the hunter nears, the siblings must decide if they'll be driven from the only home they've ever known . . . or fight to protect a community that may already be lost.

Book of Interest: Ghost in the Night

Happy Fall and Happy Wednesday!

After reading the description for Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson, it immediately had me wanting to read this book. Is the mystery Harmony is trying to solve supernatural or not? Is someone using the ghost tours as a way to commit or cover up their crimes? It all just seems really interesting.

Book: Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson

Description:

Savannah, Georgia, with its mossy trees and ornate old homes, is a place rich in history...and ghosts. Ghosts are what pique Harmony Roundtree's interest. Still reeling from her losses back home, Harmony wants to believe in ghost stories...but isn't sure what's real. When she goes on one of the many ghost tours around town, she takes a photo of what might be a ghost. Or is it a hoax?

With two new friends, Harmony sets out to investigate... and stumbles upon clues leading to an unsolved murder. The deeper she digs, the more Harmony realizes that what she saw on the ghost tour might be connected to a shocking crime. But making connections can be dangerous--even more dangerous than ghosts.

New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another action-packed mystery full of surprises and secrets that will give readers goosebumps.

Trailer: Line of Fire

For the past few weeks, I've been dealing with reader's block but today I was finally able to get back to reading. I have less than 50 pages left to read, so I should have a review up soon. Anyway, there's a new show I'm interested in watching, Line of Fire which premieres tonight at 10:00 PM EST on NBC. It follows a family of federal agents trying to figure out who is targeting federal agents. I wonder if there is going to a big twist during the mid-season or during the season finale? I wouldn't be surprised if who ever is targeting them is someone from within one of the organizations. Perhaps someone is trying to keep some information from getting out. I'm really interested to see how this first episode will be.

Trailer: Best Medicine season 2

Happy Sunday!

Tonight is the early premiere of the second season of Best Medicine, this is another show that I really enjoyed watching. The first season was really good. As for this second season, I really hope Eden's Martin ex-girlfriend/possible current girlfriend isn't there for long. Yeah, it's probably too soon for Martin and Louisa to get together which is why Eden is there to put a bit of divide between them. And have Martin question why he's even in Port Wenn. I doubt he will leave but I would be surprised if at some point he leaves but returns.

Anyway, the early premiere airs tonight at 8:00 PM EST on FOX. However, if you miss it, the episode will re-air on the actual day the show airs on Tuesday, September 22nd at the same time.

Trailer: Abbott Elementary's Sixth Season Teaser Trailer

Okay, how am I just now seeing this Abbott Elementary sixth season animated teaser trailer. This is so cute and funny. I love this show and can't for it to return which will be on Wednesday, October 7th at 8:30 PM EST on ABC. I have no idea what will happen for these characters but two thing I hope will happen are:

1) That there are no more break up between Janine Teagues and Gregory Eddie. Just let their relationship develop more in the sixth season plus there are other ways to add a bit of tension to relationships without having them break up.

2) I hope that they find some funding for Abbott Elementary. Although this is a comedy, it's so disappointing that real public schools continue to be underfunded.

With that said, if you haven't seen this trailer, please watch it. It is so cute.

Trailer: R.J. Decker season 2

The new season of R.J. Decker premieres tonight at 10:00 PM EST on ABC. I can't wait to see it. This show really surprised me, I didn't think it would be as interesting as it was. At times, it's funny, wacky and weird, dramatic and dangerous but always very interesting. Emilia "Emi" Ochoa's father being murdered was something I definitely wasn't expecting. I thought he would continue to be this enigmatic figure but I guess the writers have other plans.

My thoughts on Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue

Yesterday, I finished the last two episodes of Power Rangers Lost Galaxy (which was a very good ending to the season) and then watched the first four episodes of the next season Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue. And one thing for sure, Lightspeed Rescue was not one of my favorite seasons, I liked it even less than Turbo. At least after re-watching Turbo my feelings changed I rather enjoyed watching it this time around. However, I don't see that happening with Lightspeed Rescue. For one they are government selected Power Rangers and use man made created morphers, weapons and zords. Nothing man made would be able to stop those monsters. Also, the Rangers have no secret identities and they wear these ridiculous jackets when they leave headquarters to go out on missions. This season lost the spark that made Power Rangers interesting. They turned being a Ranger into being nothing more than a job. It's just way too militarized and governmental. At least with all the previous seasons, there was still this fun and mysterious element to the show. This just feels like characters working a job. They even wear id badges at headquarters. So, it truly feels like this is nothing more than a job.

Lightspeed Rescue just feels so overly structured with Captain Mitchell along with Ms. Fairweather, who is a scientist both telling the Rangers what to do and not to mention yelling at them. I didn't like how Ms. Fairweather yelled at Joel Rawlings (Green Ranger) through the communicator when he had an idea that was different from the one they wanted him to follow. As Rangers they need to be able to think for themselves. How else are they supposed to figure things out. And certainly not by being yelled at. Although, they picked them to be Rangers, they don't let them be independent from the organization. With the previous Rangers they got to think for themselves even if some had additional help from Zordon, Alpha, etc. These Lightspeed Rangers are nothing more than stooges that are being told what to do. And the way the characters are written feel like they should have been high school students because despite being adults they seem very immature.

Since this is just my initial reaction to rewatching the first four episodes, maybe my feelings might change after I finish this season. I'll try to keep an open mind but I just don't like this season.

Characters Reading: Athena Grant (9-1-1)

In the 9-1-1 episode Mixed Feelings (season 6 episode 13) Athena Grant was sitting in her living room enjoying a quiet morning reading. That is until her husband Robert "Bobby" Nash got back from a morning run. The book she was reading was Bloodshed in Beverly Hills, I'm not sure if this is a fiction or non-fiction book. But since it's most likely a prop book (I did a search and found nothing), you can take your guess either way. At this point in the show, Athena Grant is a Police Sergeant who tends to find herself solving various mysteries which is no surprise that at the end of the ninth season she became a Police Detective.

(9-1-1 season 6 episode 13: Mixed Feelings)

Anyway, if this book is fiction then it's probably an exciting thriller or mystery with some detective trying to solve a baffling case centered on murders in Beverly Hills. And if it's non-fiction then it's probably detailing some horrific real life murder that happened in Beverly Hills with a focus on the victims and a suspect if one was caught. Athena strikes me as someone who enjoys reading fictional mysteries and true-crime stories in her spare time. Those might be her main book genre but I wouldn't be surprised if he also enjoys reading a romance novel or literature as well.

Side note, it's funny that in the picture below she used her book as a shield to block Bobby from kissing her. That is until he could go shower because he was all sweaty and smelly.

(9-1-1 season 6 episode 13: Mixed Feelings)

Happy Labor Day!

I want to wish everyone a fun and safe Labor Day! How are you going to enjoy the holiday? I'm not doing much except for relaxing and then going to spend time with my family and friends. Maybe I'll get a little reading in, I took several days off but I'm nearly finished with The Time Travelers by Linda Buckley-Archer. I should be finished with it soon. I also have to watch my daily six episodes of my Power Rangers Franchise Re-Watch, I'm on the Lost Galaxy season.

With that said, Happy Monday and Labor Day!