Yes, this post is a day late. I would like to thank my daughter who got sick all over my laptop a couple of days ago, and yup… That means I am currently writing this on a new shiny laptop while the fate of my old one is being decided.

I would also like to thank the guys at the Genius Bar who told me about Apple’s generous return policy. Please let’s hope I can send this new shiny laptop back.

But anyway, let’s get to reading.

Reading Social Media News

I think we sometimes need a gut check that we’re doing better than we think we are. And that’s why I’m recommending checking out these benchmarks published at Social Media Today. What’s shocking to me is how low travel and nonprofit engagement is. I would start wondering if these brands are taking the time to understand their customers. In travel, I’m guessing they just think everyone is their customer and behaving as such with aspirational content that probably doesn’t hit. And with nonprofit, they’re likely short-staffed and not even thinking about the customer at all, which means they’re just pushing out stuff with no care. I’m here if any of this sounds familiar.

I also really liked this post on Buffer’s blog. It’s all about creating opportunities instead of waiting for them to come along. I think a lot of us could use that reminder.

Reading Books, Books and More Books

Past

I was so disappointed by Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff. It felt like she never had a good sense of place or time. It had some potential, but it seems to never have gelled in her head and that is reflected on the page. I also found a lot of typos, which always takes me a little out of the story. I once helped proof a book for a local author, and I swear there were fewer typos in that yet to be published book than there were in this. Not completely her fault, since the publishing industry doesn’t seem to proof as much as they once did. But still. Score: D.

Present

I am about 70 pages into Maame by Jessica George, and I AM HERE FOR THIS. The voice is fully relatable, and it just feels like the right book for me right now. So it’s an excellent pick this month from the Fantastic Strangelings Book Club.

Future

Next up is the Barnes & Noble Book Club pick, The Snow Hare by Paul Lichtarowicz. I was very meh about it when I read the description, but I will give it a try. *Please be better than the description.*

So what are you reading? What books are you looking forward to?