It seems I skipped the annual anniversary post last year, but since I’m not writing the review I should be working on, I thought I’d stop and acknowledge this small achievement and thank everyone who has stopped by this literary space since I first recklessly launched it while I was unknowingly spiraling into a manic crisis that would ultimately end my career back in 2014. If nothing else, it has provided me a place to talk about books and writing, and make the acquaintance of many wonderful readers, writers, translators and publishers around the world. Roughghosts would be nothing without the company of others who also cherish literature.
In its early days, my blog was filled with much of my frustration about chronic mental illness and the stigma that has never been overcome. The subject still arises here on occasion but many of angriest posts have been made private. I try to stick to books, sometimes the subject of writing, and only when I am really down, do I open up a little more. (Of course, those are the posts that tend to get the strongest immediate response—always supportive—but I try not to complain about the world too often.)
The past year has been pretty smooth, if quiet. I have stayed close to home, tracing the same beloved trails and trying, with some difficulty, to regain the level of fitness I had prior to breaking my leg last year. I am, I suppose, at the age when it takes longer to get back to where I used to be. The weather—prolonged cold through the winter and unexpected heat early in May—has been one factor, but a new respect for caution has slowed me down a little. I rarely go out without my trekking poles and (wisely) take fewer risks than I once did. I’m also looking forward to travelling for the first time since 2019, hoping to return to India in September.
As I look back over the last twelve months, I’m pleased with the number and quality of the reviews I’ve published. I’m a slow reader and a slow writer and, aside from a post like this, I rarely ever compose online—every piece is typically written over several days on a Word document and uploaded to WordPress. For now this is still a satisfying activity for me; I have yet to feel a strong desire to pitch essays or reviews for publication elsewhere. To be honest, I do like being able to track the amount of attention my reviews get, at publication and over time. It’s a window into the varying interest certain books generate. And because this is my blog, I am not tied to reading only new releases. That is, I believe, the true beauty of the book blog, or when I’m being fancy, “literary site.” Over the past year, for example, my most popular post—over 4500 views since last September—is a review of Mahsweta Devi’s classic Mother of 1084. I can only assume it has been on the school curriculum in India (and wonder how many suspiciously similar reports teachers have received).
I have no special objectives for the next year of roughghosts. I read and write about books for myself first and foremost—that is, as an exercise in both reading and writing—and I am ever grateful for everyone who has stopped by (even those who, judging by their bizarre search terms, must have been sorely disappointed by what they found). Here’s to another year of great books and excellent company!
roughghosts 
Congratulations on nine years, and I loved this post, very relatable. I like having my own space, to use on my own timeline, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Laura! I’m glad this month is over, by the way. Just wish it had ended a little differently…
LikeLike
Happy anniversary. I get so used to certain favourite blogs over the years that it comes as a surprise to be reminded just how many years it’s been. You are right about the feeling of being in control of what you read and review. That’s why I stopped reviewing for Crime Fiction Lover after 6-7 years. I was drowning in new releases, not all of them what I wanted to read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marina. I know publishers need reviews of new releases (you would know that even better) but I love it when I write about a backlist title and notice a number of people ordering it. Publishers need that too.
LikeLike
Congratulations J. Keep writing. I have enjoyed reading your thoughts, musings, impressions, posts… All of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, S. 🙂 I feel the same about both of your blogs.
LikeLike
You’re being generous in comparing your fine stuff with my moonshine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on nine years! It’s always great to see one of your posts pop up. Like you, I read a lot of older books and I enjoy the freedom that not being tied to new releases brings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cathy! The diversity of books covered by the best book blogs (like yours) is what makes the form so valuable despite the regular predictions of its demise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy anniversary! May there be many more:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lisa!
LikeLike
Happy blogaversary Joe! I always love to read your posts even if I don’t always comment – look forward to continuing to follow your reading journey!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Joe, on all the contributions you have made in the past nine years. The manner in which you share your thoughts and feelings about books, about life, and about your own situation are not only welcomed by your readers but help your readers in their own lives, I am sure. My aging body is trying to set new limits on me every day and travel is something that is now mindful instead of being carefree. My stepson, who is 40 and lives with us, is on the spectrum and suffers from depression. One day can be the best day in his life and the next can be the darkest day and no one can determine what flips the switch. All we can do is to be there for him and for each other 24/7. But where do we go for strength? To places like your blog, where I take strength from your resiliency and endless curiosity about the world. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Terry. Writing about my life when I do it is remarkably therapeutic, but I am always mindful of boundaries (my own and my family’s). I wasn’t aware of your son’s situation but I understand and have a situation that is not dissimilar here in my home.
LikeLike
Congratulations on nine year my blog turns fourteen next month
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Stu. Amazing how the years pass. Congrats in advance!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is passage of time seems to just get quicker
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy 9 years! The book blogging world really is a nice place, isn’t it? So glad you’re part of it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks, Naomi. You’re right, it is a good place in which to read and share!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary, Joe. Your reviews are great, always so articulate and eloquent. They’re a pleasure to read! Like you, I’d rather not be tied into reviewing the latest releases. Older/backlist books (e.g. women writers from the mid-20th-century) tend to give me more pleasure than the super-hyped ‘buzz books’ of today. That said, there are some wonderful books in translation coming through right now, especially by women!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jacqui. I really enjoy your reviews as well, and the strength of your appreciation of mid-century women writers is valuable to me as someone who is not strong at all in that area but always open to something that sounds like it might be right up my alley.
LikeLike
Happy blogiversary 😁 I love reading your blog, such diversity of literature coupled with ever thoughtful reviews. Here’s to another 9+ years 🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person