The end of the road…

On By MischenkoIn Reads

Well guys, it’s been a good three years, but this is the end of the road for ReadRantRock&Roll. Many of you already know it’s been a long time coming as we’ve discussed. In early July, this blog will close permanently.

There were many factors in my decision to leave, and after weighing the pros and cons it seems this is the best choice for me at this time.

When I started this blog I had so many ideas and felt very positive about interviewing authors and readers, writing book reviews, and sharing old books. Having a book blog felt rewarding. Unfortunately, the positive feelings have ceased. I can easily blame stats, difficulty in writing reviews, or even difficulties keeping up with content. I’m not going to get into all the reasons that brought me to this decision, but one of the main reasons is time. As I get older, and my kids continue to grow, I realize time is like gold. It takes too much time to keep up with everything—reading requests, writing reviews, reading reviews, Twitter—which in turn takes time away from my kids and other things I enjoy doing like reading books for pure enjoyment and spending time in nature. These things bring me more peace and less stress.

There’s definitely no telling what the future holds though. I’ve always had a passion for children’s literature and I’d like to do something with that. To me, children’s books are important, and they simply don’t get enough attention. A vision I have for the future is to have a site strictly for children’s book reviews, which would also include middle-grade and even YA. 

With that said, I’d like to say thank you to this wonderful blogging community. I’ve met some incredible people here—many who remain friends. Over the years I’ve shared some personal posts and so many came through with positive comments to support me. Also, to every person who’s ever liked or commented: I want you to know that every single like or comment you ever left me was very much appreciated. Everyone’s time is important, and you took that time from your day—reading my posts and supporting me—time and time again. It never went unnoticed! I apologize if I missed some posts and didn’t always return the same kindness in a timely manner. Your support, generosity, and inspiration will always be remembered.

I’ll see many of you on Goodreads. I’ll also keep my Twitter account open, but I’ll likely not visit there much. For anyone who’d like to keep in touch via email, just let me know and I’ll gladly forward you the address.

❤️ Mischenko

P.S. I’ll contact yesterday’s giveaway winner personally. Thank you all for entering. 

83 thoughts on “The end of the road…”

  1. You will be greatly missed but I will see you on Goodreads and you still owe me a visit! I completely understand about time and blogging and, most likely, I am right behind you. The demands from publishers is growing and with those demands, the joy of reading and reviewing has dwindled. Enjoy your kids and your gardens. Time passes far too quickly as you already know. Stay well!

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    1. You’re probably getting two comments. Sorry about that! Yes, I have to stay away from deadlines too. Many say it’s easy to balance, but it isn’t for me. I hope you can work it out to keep writing your beautiful reviews though! I‘m going to miss you too, but I know we are friends are GR and I’ll keep in touch. We do need to visit! ❤️💛❤️

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    2. I will miss you Jenn… I might have been infrequent in recent times. But I can understand the world crisis too has taught me that family is most important. We are nothing but our family.
      I am infrequent on Goodreads, but will try to catch up with you there.
      I will miss you. ❤️

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      1. Thank you, Shalini. I am friends with you on Goodreads and see your books quite often, so this isn’t goodbye. We will definitely keep in touch! Take care of yourself and thanks again. ❤️

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    2. I will miss you Jenn… I might have been infrequent in recent times. But I can understand the world crisis too has taught me that family is most important. We are nothing but our family.
      I am infrequent on Goodreads, but will try to catch up with you there.
      I will miss you. ❤️

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  4. David R. Dowdy

    Hi Jenn,

    I was going to write something sad. How could I? You have a lot to be happy about and honestly change is good.

    You inspired me after the interview when I self published The Pull And Kick Murder. The edition was full of typos and immature thinking, yet you still liked it! Since then I went back and made the corrections and I’ve self published three more in my Sparrow & Haynes Mysteries.

    Thank you for believing in me and putting me on your blog. My growth in writing has a lot to do with you. Know that you have inspired countless others.

    I wish you well and I hope you decide to write something of your own. I have secretly wished that for awhile. You can count on me to be a Beta reader. Whatever you do, whether you decide to write or blog again, I know it will be tops! God bless you and keep your family in good spirits and love!

    Dave

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    1. David, I enjoyed that book so much! I want you to know that I do still plan on reading your others too. Somewhere along the line I just got so backed up with lists of books to read and review. Hoping to find a better balance now.

      Thank you for all your support. I’m flattered by your comments. This isn’t goodbye, because we will keep in touch on Goodreads! ❤️😃

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  5. starjustin

    I know this has been coming for awhile Jen and I totally agree with your decision. Kids are only kids for so long and we have both seen that with the growth of yours.

    I often wondered how you were able to keep up with everything else you had to do and still enjoy the blog with the time it took to do it as well as you did.

    That being said, maybe it will be in your future again one day. Saying goodbye for now doesn’t mean it will be forever. 😉❤️👍🏻

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    1. Thank you so much. It’s been hard keeping up, but there were times when I genuinely enjoyed it. Sadly, it isn’t so anymore. You never know what the future holds. Thanks so much for your unwavering support over the years! ❤️ Hugs

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  6. So sorry to see you go, but I think you’re heart and priorities are in the right place. I go back and forth on when to end this crazy ride of blogging, but I am glad you have made a decision you are comfortable with and I’m sure it will reward you tenfold. Best of luck to you!

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  7. Time is definitely like gold,Jenn!

    In a blink of an eye, your children will be grown. So I totally get it. For me, I was always the one behind the camera…taking shots for others to experience the moment I snapped into eternity. What I realized was…that the lens was distancing me from living the moment. I was only documenting it. Not sure that makes sense, but I’m trying to say that in my own experiences, I get where you are coming from!!!

    Also, I just want you to know how much I’ve appreciated your love of books! You’ve introduced me to many and I’ve always enjoyed and trusted your reviews!!!

    So kiss your kids, touch those flowers, and listen to the tunes that bring you pleasure!!! You are AMAZING!!! I will miss you here, but I’ll enjoy seeing what you’re reading over on GRs!!!

    Love and hugs, Jenn!!!

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    1. Thank you for sharing that, Julia! You’ve always been super positive, kind, and supportive. I apologize for my tardiness in getting to your newest books. I do plan to read them! I’m just behind and hoping to get a better schedule now. I‘ll be keeping in touch on Goodreads and Twitter! Take care and chat soon. 💛💛💛

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  10. That’s sad but I understand. It gets too much sometimes and if one wants stats, time blog needs is more. You can always make it at your terms restricting requests by not giving a way to get contact you or blogging when you get time.. But of course, I respect your decision. I would like to read site dedicated to children’s/MG/YA books. Take care and stay safe. 🧡

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    1. Thank you! I appreciate all the support you’ve given me! My issue is that I can’t seem to find a healthy balance too. Everything just takes too much time for me. I hope we can stay in touch on other platforms! Take care ❤️💜

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  14. You are definitely one of the best at this- you have inspired me with your content and thoughtfulness and I will miss seeing you here. You had a few extra posts these last couple weeks, and I was hopeful, but of course I understand this. I have cut back in a big way myself. I’m grateful I’ll still see you on GR and I know we’ll continue to chat because you are stuck with me. ❤️ xoxoxo

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    1. Wow, Jen. Thank you so much for that! You’ve been a huge inspiration to me and one of the main reasons I tried to keep going this year. I’m glad that you’ve been able to find a balance that works for you. We will always stay connected! I’ll be in touch on GR. 🧡❤️🧡 xoxoxo

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  15. I’m going to miss you Jenn but I’m pretty sure we are friends on Goodreads. You will be missed big time Here in the blogging community but I totally understand! You have to do what makes you happy!! Be well!!💜💜

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  17. Noriko🌷

    You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my blogging life. The friendship with you is the best gift I have ever been given and I am so glad to have met you!
    Even after you quit blogging, you know where to fine me and so do I. You’ll be certainly missed in this blogging community but I truly appreciate and value your decision!

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  20. Dearest Mischenko, wishing you the very best and many happy and cheery moment with your loved ones. You are right, time spent with them is precious 🙂 But you will be missed. Your blog posts were lovely and unique, your reviews came from the heart.
    Do return to blogging when you feel it’s right.
    Enjoy the sun and the books and the cuddles and the giggles, the touch of little hands on your arms, of the wind on your cheek, that of a page under your fingers.
    Much love,
    Pat xx

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  21. So sorry to see you go. Your insightful reviews were always enlightening. I can certainly understand the pull on time. This gratis job takes a ton of time. I had to cut back as well. All I can do is wish you well. Enjoy the kiddoes why you can.

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    1. Thanks, Virginia. That’s such a nice thing for you to say. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you and discussing books. Blogging does take time, but there was a time where it felt right and seemed to work. Take care and hope we can stay in touch! ❤️

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  22. You will be missed, Mischenko. You and I haven’t interacted for long but I have enjoyed the few interactions we’ve had and I like how your blog was diversified in terms of content. Enjoy your time away. Best of luck ❤

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    1. Thank you, Diana! Are we friends on Goodreads? I was thinking we were. I’ve enjoyed our interactions and well and hope we can stay in touch. Keep writing your wonderful reviews and take care! ❤️

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  23. I’m so sorry to see you go, but I support your decision! As you say, time is precious, and you’ll never regret spending more time with your kids and doing the things you love. I’ve really enjoyed your blog over the years, and hope to keep up with you on Goodreads! Wishing you all the best.

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  26. Damn it, Jen! Just kidding. I completely understand. You are right that this is time you’ll never get back. I will miss you very much. Yours has always been one of my absolute favorite blogs in the world, and I got exposed to great music and books I’d never have considered, as well as having made a friend in the virtual blogging community. Please keep in touch via e-mail or on social media if you can and want to. Stay well and healthy, my friend, and hugs and Godspeed to you.

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    1. Vanessa, thank you for your kind comments and for always supporting me. You were one of the first and I always looked forward to our interactions. Since the beginning you’ve been such a positive influence, and I’ve come across some wonderful books and recipes because of you too. I’ll still be listening to your podcasts and visiting posts when I can, which I hope will come across my Twitter feed. We’ll definitely keep in touch. Take care and be well, friend. ❤️

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  27. And this exactly why I don’t do the whole “book blogger” thing with tours, interviews, and all that bullshit. I know it would kill my interest. I don’t do the social thing outside of the specific number of people I can handle on wordpress. So I completely understand (at least the stuff you’ve talked about).

    I hope this doesn’t destroy your love of reading/listening and I hope you don’t get mobbed on devilreads by self-righteous indies or rabid fans.

    And I would like to express my thanks for letting us know and not just disappearing. It might seem like a little thing, but for some of us it really means a lot, so thank you!

    Christ’s blessing on you and may you be as healthy as you can be 🙂

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    1. Surprisingly, I think I’ve done 3 blog tours the entire time I’ve been here. It’s something I wanted to stay away from. Interviews sort of stopped too. It’s just been hard to find a balance now for awhile.

      😂 Oh, how I wish you’d come to Goodreads! Your reviews would be such an asset.

      Always appreciate your kind comments. I’m going to be checking in from time to time to see how everyone’s doing, so this isn’t goodbye. Take care and God Bless. 🤗❤️

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      1. I am on devilreads, I just don’t write reviews, ratings only. A couple of years ago when I tried to use devilreads again, I put in a link to my booklikes account so people could click through to read the review. I was flagged within days for “not being on point” and my reviews were all hidden. Poor Mrs B had to listen to me for about a week storm and rant about censorship, hahahahaa. So hit me up on there if you want. At least that way you’ll know what books I’m reading and if one strikes your fancy, you can check it out on WP. I think this is the correct link:

        https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/108247285-book-stooge

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        1. That’s odd that you were flagged. So far I haven’t had that issue. I do remember you telling me about it though!

          This is great. I’ll go add you on there now. Thanks for the link! 😀

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  28. I totally get it Jenn, but it doesn’t mean I’m not sad to see you make this decision. I know when my family was growing and I was working and so busy, I was lucky to read, let alone blog. I know how important spending time with your family is and you are right time is precious. I wish you all the best and hopefully will still connect every now and then. You were one of the first blogs I followed, so you have been a big part of my blogging life, my friend. Hugs to you and enjoy all you have in your life. 🤗💕

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    1. We will definitely stay connected, Carla. We’re friends on GRs and I see your reviews there. I believe we’re friends on Twitter too.

      Thanks for all your support! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better over the years, and this isn’t goodbye! ❤️

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  30. I understand this! I’ve stopped reviewing books and honestly, I’ve been enjoying reading much more again. I’ve made more time for real world things and less internet stuff and it’s been rewarding. Take care of yourself! We’ll miss you. ❤

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    1. I noticed you cut back some time ago too. Happy you were able to find a balance that works for you! I know I’ll miss it, but this seems like the best decision for me right now. I think we’re connected on GR’s? I’ll keep in touch and thank you for supporting me. I’ll miss you too 🤍

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  33. Definitely going to miss you and your posts but I completely understand where you’re coming from and I’m happy for you to do what will make you happiest. 🙂 You’re so right, time is precious, and it should be spent in ways that bring happiness and help us grow. ❤

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  34. I’ll miss you, Jen! But I totally understand. Both my sons are adults now, and it seems like I just dropped them off at kindergarten. I’ll still see you on Goodreads and I hope you can drop by my blog occasionally. Enjoy this time with your family.

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