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Reading goals: Series to read in 2026

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Welcome to 2026!

Each January, I typically identify a few series that I want to prioritize in the coming year. When I started this tradition, my lists were long and ambitious… and I didn’t particularly succeed at sticking to my plans. Last year, I scaled bag and highlighted a much smaller selection of series — and while I didn’t get to all of them, I did finish one series and sampled a few others.

As always, there are a few series (completed or ongoing) that I’d like to at least start. If I like the first book, maybe I’ll decide to keep going… but in any case, I hope to sample a few series starters and then see how I feel.

My priority series to read in 2026 will be:

Haven’s Rock series by Kelley Armstrong: The Rockton series was a highlight for me in 2025, and I’m thrilled that there’s a spin-off series so I can keep spending time with these characters. I’ve been holding off since early December… and now that it’s 2026, I’m reading to dive in.

The fourth book, Sign of Danger, is the newest book, coming in February 2026. I do plan to read all four of these, not necessarily by February, but certainly within the next few months.

Other series to sample or binge in 2026:

The Mary books (Lady Janies series) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows: My one hold-over from 2025! I really did mean to get to at least one of these books, and I’m recommitting to it for 2026.

The Chronicles of St Mary’s series by Jodi Taylor: According to Goodreads, there are 14 primary works plus a whole bunch of short stories in this series — which sounds a bit daunting, and yet, I’ve been seeing so many rave reviews for these books that I feel like I’m really missing out if I don’t give them a try. I’m committing to reading the first in the series, Just One Damned Thing After Another… and we’ll see what happens after that.

The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman: I read the first book late in 2025 — and yes, it lives up to the hype. There are currently four more books in the series, and I plan to read at least one or two (if not more) this year.

Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney series by Claudia Gray: I read the first book in this series over a year ago, and I’ve been wanting to get back to it, at least for one more book. The 5th book in the series will be released in June 2026.

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky: I finally read the first book in this series this past year, after having it on my series-to-read list for several years in a row! I liked it a lot, but don’t necessarily feel a burning desire to dive back in right away. Still, I think I’d like to at least give the 2nd book a try, and then decide about the rest — so I’m only including book #2 on my list for now.

The “maybe” books:

And now, all my “maybe” choices — these are all series starters that I’m interested in. Maybe I’ll get to some of these in 2026, and then maybe I’ll want to read more from the same series… or maybe not. In any case, here are the other series starters that I’m considering this year, including several that are holdovers from 2025:

  • Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall
  • Pines by Blake Crouch
  • Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
  • Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
  • Virgin River by Robyn Carr
  • Wool (Silo, #1) by Hugh Howey
  • The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
  • Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Are you planning to start any new series this year? If you’ve read any of the series on my list for 2026, please let me know what you thought and if you have any recommendations!

A look back: Series reading in 2025

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At the start of each new year, I write a post about my intended series reading — which series I want to start, which I want to finish, and maybe even some that I want to devour all in one big reading binge.

Now that we’re at the end of December, it’s time to check back in and see if I actually accomplished any of my series reading goals for 2025.

So how did I do?

In 2025, my priority series to read were:

Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong:

Status: DONE! I read the first book in this outstanding series toward the end of 2024 — and made my way through the six remaining novels plus the follow-up novella in 2025. I loved every moment! Kelley Armstrong has become a must-read author for me over the last few years. Fortunately, she has a spin-off series related to Rockton that I can look forward to enjoying in 2026.

The Mary books (Lady Janies series) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows:

Status: NOPE! Not at all from lack of interest… but I just didn’t get around to these books in 2025. I’ll keep them in my reading plans for 2026.

Green Rider series by Kristen Britain: 

Status: ONE… AND MAYBE DONE. The Green Rider series consists of eight books (so far). I’d been wanting to give these books a try for a while now, and in 2025, finally read the first book. I really enjoyed it — and yet, I’m not exactly burning to keep going. Let’s consider this a maybe-someday series. I’m not saying never, just that it’s not a top priority at the moment.

A couple of duologies I’d considered reading:  

Status: NOPE. I thought I’d pick up either the Stolen Heir duology by Holly Black or the Gilded duology by Marissa Meyer (or both)… and just never found myself in the mood to do so. More maybe-someday books!

Maybes:

I mentioned a whole bunch of “maybe” series on my list for 2025… so how did I do?

Status: ONE OUT OF TEN! Despite good intentions, the only book here that I read is Children of Time — a book that’s been on my series-to-read lists for several years! I’m so glad I read it. This series will likely go back on my list for 2026.

Other than that, I’m not sure about the rest. I’m still interested — in some more than others — so you may be seeing at least a few pop up on my “maybe” list for 2026.

As always, I did end up reading other books from series in 2025. Meanwhile, I’m working on my reading plans for 2026. Let’s see if I can set some realistic series reading goals in the new year!

That’s it for my 2025 series reading. How about you?

Did you read any series in 2025? Any particular favorites?

Check back in January, when I’ll share my series reading goals for the new year.

Reading goals: Series to read in 2025

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Here we are, approaching the middle of January — and that means it’s time for me to think about my plans for reading series in the coming year.

Each January, I typically identify a few series that I want to prioritize in the coming year. At the moment, I only have one in mind that I know I want to read a lot of, or maybe even read all the way through to the end.

Meanwhile, there are a few series (completed or ongoing) that I’d like to at least start. If I like the first book, maybe I’ll decide to keep going… but in any case, I hope to sample a few series starters and then see how I feel.

My priority series to read in 2025 will be:

Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong: I read the first book late in 2024, and can’t wait to clear my reading obligation pile a bit so I can start bingeing more books in this series.

If I somehow manage to get through the remaining six books, I’ll likely want to start the follow-up series, Haven’s Rock… but that’s a big if, and I’m not going to plan on that right now.

Other series to sample or binge in 2025:

The Mary books (Lady Janies series) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows: I’ve now read the three Jane books, and would like to get to all three of the Mary books in 2025… but so long as I read at least one, I’ll feel pretty good.

Green Rider series by Kristen Britain: I’m planning to read the first book, and if all goes well, I hope to continue. I have high hopes — I’ve heard good things!

A pair of duologies round out my list for now — I’ve been wanting to get to these, and hope that 2025 will be the year when I make it happen.

The Stolen Heir duology by Holly Black: Technically, only one of these would be new to me. I read The Stolen Heir when it was first released, but I’d need to do a re-read before reading The Prisoner’s Throne.

Gilded duology by Marissa Meyer: I own hardcover editions of both books (don’t ask!), but have yet to pick them up. Maybe audio will be the way to go.

The “maybe” books:

And now, all my “maybe” choices — these are all series starters that I’m interested in. Maybe I’ll get to some of these in 2025, and then maybe I’ll want to read more from the same series… or maybe not. In any case, here are the other series starters that I’m considering this year, including several that are holdovers from 2024:

  • Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall
  • Pines by Blake Crouch
  • Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
  • Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
  • Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey (because I feel like I absolutely should have read the Valdemar books by now)
  • Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky (which, yes, has been on my series-to-read list for several years now, but I haven’t given up!)
  • Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews (one of my holdovers — so if it doesn’t happen in 2025, it’s probably never going to happen)
  • Never Fall for Your Fiancé (Merriwell Sisters, #1) by Virginia Heath
  • Virgin River by Robyn Carr (because I’ve watched every season of the Netflix show, and it’s probably time to check out the original story)
  • Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern, #1) by Anne McCaffrey (because how have I made it this far in my reading life without ever trying this series?)

Are you planning to start any new series this year? If you’ve read any of the series on my list for 2025, please let me know what you thought and if you have any recommendations!

A look back: Series reading in 2024

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At the start of each new year, I write a post about my intended series reading — which series I want to start, which I want to finish, and maybe even some that I want to devour all in one big reading binge.

Now that we’re at the end of December, it’s time to check back in and see if I actually accomplished any of my series reading goals for 2024.

So how did I do?

In 2024, my priority series to read were:

Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series by Mia P. Manansala:

Status: NOPE. Every time I pack for a trip, I throw my paperback copy of Arsenic and Adobo into my bag… and yet I still haven’t read it. That’s one well-traveled book! I do intend to read at least the first book eventually, but I seem to be missing the motivation to actually do it. I’ll keep book #1 on my TBR list… but can’t see myself making this a priority in 2025..

A Stitch in Time series by Kelley Armstrong:

Status: DONE! I’d read the first book a few years ago, but started again at the beginning, and read them all (plus the novellas that fit in between). Amazing series! I just wish there were more books still to read…

The Lady Janies series by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows:

Status: YES, I DID! I read the three books above, and had so much fun with them. There are still more to go — not officially “Janies”, as the next three each focus on a different Mary — but they’re part of the same overall Janie-verse (in a way), and I’m definitely going to continue.

Innkeeper Chronicles or Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews:

Status: NOPE. I never got around to starting either one, and despite having these books recommended to me quite a few times, I don’t see myself reading them anytime soon.

Eye of Isis by Dana Stabenow:

Status: TWO out of THREE. These books are so interesting… but two felt like enough for me in a single year. I look forward to coming back for book #3 at some point in the future (and there’s a 4th book set for publication in 2025, so there will be even more to look forward to!)

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper:

Status: TWO AND DONE. I liked the first book in the series, but found the second a bit boring. Maybe I’ve just read too many children’s quest books at this point in my reading life, but I couldn’t find any reason to keep going with the series.

Maybes:

I mentioned a whole bunch of “maybe” series on my list for 2024… and didn’t read a single one! I’ll have to give serious thought to whether any of those will still be maybe-reads for me in the coming year.

Besides all the books mentioned above, I read a few other books from series during the past year, including a book that starts a series that I’m super excited to continue in 2025. I’m going to try not to overplan or overcommit, but that makes at least one series for sure that will be on my next list!

That’s it for my 2024 series reading. How about you?

Did you read any series in 2024? Any particular favorites?

Check back in January, when I’ll set a new batch of series reading goals for the new year.

Reading goals: Series to read in 2024

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Somehow, it’s already the middle of January. How did that happen! This post is maybe a little later than originally intended, but still: Happy New Year! Here’s hoping 2024 brings joy and health for one and all!

As is my annual tradition, rather than setting a bunch of reading goals that I probably won’t achieve, I prefer to focus my bookish intentions on series reading. There are so many series out there that I want to get to!

Right now, though, I’m not feeling like committing to reading any particular series from start to finish. I don’t have any in mind that I absolutely, positively want to binge my way through. But… there are a bunch that I’ve considered starting, so for 2024, I’m switching up my focus.

Instead of full-series commitment, my 2024 priorities will focus on series I’d like to start. Who knows? Maybe some will hook me right from the start and I’ll want to keep going, but at the very least, I want to give a bunch of first-in-a-series books a try. We’ll see — if I like them… I may dive in and binge to the end!

Of course, it’s still early in the year, so I may completely change my mind about some or all of these, but as of now…

My priority series to sample/binge/finish in 2024 will be:

Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series by Mia P. Manansala: I own paperbacks of the first two books in the series, and the books as a whole come highly recommended, so I hope to at least get started!

A Stitch in Time series by Kelley Armstrong: I read the 1st book a few years ago and really liked it, but at this point, would need to start over at the beginning.

Innkeeper Chronicles or Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews: I feel like this author’s books are a gap in my fantasy reading! Both series have been recommended to me, so I may sample one or both, then see which (if either) grabs me enough to continue.

The Lady Janies series by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows: I read My Lady Jane in 2022, identified this as a series to continue in 2023, and then failed to make any progress. Hope springs eternal — maybe 2024 will be the year!

Eye of Isis by Dana Stabenow: I’m excited to read the first book in this series — Death of an Eye — with my book group next month. There are three books published so far, with a 4th in the works. If I like book 1 (and I’m confident that I will), I expect that I’ll want to keep going.

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper: This is a repeat from 2023. I just didn’t get around to these books last year, but I still really want to. I’m thinking audio might be the way to go…

And now, all my “maybe” choices — these are all series starters that I’m interested in. Maybe I’ll get to some of these in 2024, and then maybe I’ll want to read more from the same series… or maybe not. In any case, here are the other series starters that I’m considering this year:

  • Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall
  • Pines by Blake Crouch (first in a trilogy, and I’m pretty sure I’ll want to read them all once I start)
  • Kitty and the Midnight Hour (Kitty Norville series, #1) by Carrie Vaughn
  • Green Rider by Kristen Britain
  • Infinity Gate by M. R. Carey
  • Legenborn by Tracy Deonn
  • Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
  • Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey (because I feel like I absolutely should have read the Valdemar books by now)
  • Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky (which, yes, has been on my series-to-read list for a few years now, but I haven’t given up!)

Are you planning to start any new series this year? If you’ve read any of the series on my list for 2024, please let me know what you thought and if you have any recommendations!

A look back: Series reading in 2023

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At the start of each new year, I write a post about my intended series reading — which series I want to start, which I want to finish, and maybe even some that I want to devour all in one big reading binge.

Now that we’re at the end of December, it’s time to check back in and see if I actually accomplished any of my series reading goals for 2023.

So how did I do?

In 2023, my priority series to read were:

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky:

Status: NOPE. For the second year in a row, I listed this series as a priority read, and for the second year in a row, I utterly neglected to even start it. I do still want to read these books! I’ve enjoyed the short fiction I’ve read by this author, and I’ve heard great things about these books. Still, they do seem like a big commitment, and I suppose that’s why I haven’t gotten started. I’ll keep these books on my TBR list… but maybe leave them out of my series planning for 2024.

The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir:

Status: ONE AND DONE. I read Gideon the Ninth toward the end of 2022, and despite not loving it, I thought I’d want to continue and see where the series went. As it turns out, I was wrong. Every time I thought about picking up the next book, I realized how uninterested I was. At this point, I can safely say that I’m done.

Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers:

Status: DONE! I read the first two books in the series in late 2022, and finished the other two early in 2023. I absolutely loved these books! I just wish there were more. I have a feeling I’ll be going back for a re-read at some point.

The Lady Janies series by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows:

Status: NO PROGRESS… but not giving up. I meant to continue with this series (I read the first book in 2022)… and just didn’t get around to it. I still intend to! Maybe 2024 will be the year to make it happen.

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon:

Status: DONE! I listened to the audiobook editions of this romance trilogy, and really enjoyed all three books. (Recommended by my daughter, who has excellent taste.)

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper:

Status: NOPE. But not for lack of interest. I’d still like to get to this series, and have no particular reason why it hasn’t happened yet. I’ll probably carry this series over for my 2024 list.

Regency Faerie Tales by Olivia Atwater:

Status: DONE. I managed to read all three of these books, although I liked each one a little less than the one before, so stopping after the first book really might have made the most sense. Overall, a fun little fairy tale series, even though my enjoyment didn’t last all the way through.

Maybes: I included two “maybe” series on my list for 2023:

  • The Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn
  • Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny

Status: NOPE. I didn’t touch either one. Maybe someday…

I read a few other series/trilogies/duologies during the year, some of which will end up included in my Best of 2023 list (when I get around to putting it together…). My absolute favorite series of 2023 (and a top contender for my list of all-time favorites series) is… (drumroll, please)…

The Green Creek series by TJ Klune — absolutely spectacular!

That’s it for my 2023 series reading. How about you?

Did you read any series in 2023? Any particular favorites?

Check back in January, when I’ll set a new batch of series reading goals for the new year.

Reading goals: Series to read in 2023

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Happy New Year! Here’s hoping 2023 brings joy and health for one and all!

As is my annual tradition, rather than setting a bunch of reading goals that I probably won’t actually try to achieve, I prefer to limit my bookish goals to series reading. There are so many series out there that I want to get to!

I absolutely recognize that I may end up changing my mind on some or all of these, but as of now…

My priority series to read in 2023 will be:

A bunch of carry-overs from 2022:

Children of Time series by Adrian Tchaikovsky: I own two of these books, and the 3rd comes out in January. I meant to at least start these last year… hoping to do better this year!

The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir: Another carry-over. I’ve read the first book (Gideon the Ninth), and have books 2 & 3 on my shelves, ready to go!

Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers – I finished the first two in 2022, and definitely plan to read the remaining two ASAP.

The Lady Janies series by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows: I read My Lady Jane in 2022, and want to read the next two in 2023.

Plus, some new additions to the list — series to start (and maybe even finish!) in 2023:

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon: My daughter recommended these to me, and so far, I haven’t had any romance series on my annual series lists.

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper: This is an older fantasy series that I really should have read by this point in my life! I read the first book years ago with one of my kids, but I think it’s about time that I give the series a shot, just for me.

Regency Faerie Tales by Olivia Atwater: This series slipped past my radar, but then I started seeing a lot of positive reviews. I think I need to give these books a try.

And finally…

A couple of series that I’ve been meaning to get around to for a while now. Who knows? Maybe 2023 will finally be the year that I give them a try. My “maybe” series for this year are:

  • The Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn
  • Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny

Are you planning to start any new series this year? If you’ve read any of the series on my list for 2023, please let me know what you thought and if you have any recommendations!

A look back: Series reading in 2022

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At the start of each new year, I write a post about my intended series reading — which series I want to start, which I want to finish, and maybe even some that I want to devour all in one big reading binge.

Now that we’re at the end of December, it’s time to check back in and see if I actually accomplished any of my series reading goals for 2022.

So how did I do?

In 2022, my priority series to read were:

The Kingston Cycle trilogy by C. L. Polk:

Status: DONE! I read the trilogy straight through, and had mixed feelings about it as a whole. I liked a lot of the concepts and characters, but the continuity and worldbuilding didn’t especially work for me.

Children of Time and Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky:

Status: Nope. At the time when I wrote my post back in January, I thought this was a completed duology, but it turns out there’s a 3rd book coming out in early 2023. I really have no reason for not reading these books yet, other than juggling all the other books I wanted to read! These will go back on my series reading list for 2023.

The Expanse by James S. A. Corey:

Status: DONE! Wow. Just wow. I’d read books 1 – 5 prior to 2022, so this past year I read books 6 – 9 plus the collected stories. Fantastic series, start to finish, and I’m just sad that it’s done. Excellent storytelling with a powerful ending. A must-read series!

The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir:

Status: A little progress… I had just the first two books on my list at the start of 2022, but since then, a 3rd has been released. I finally read Gideon the Ninth about a month or so ago, didn’t love it… but remain interested enough to see what happens next. I intend to keep going in 2023.

Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers:

Status: Making progress! I’m currently on the 2nd book, and really enjoying it! I intend to keep going with the series, probably via audiobook.

Patternist series by Octavia Butler:

Status: Nope. As much as I’d love to read more Octavia Butler, I just never found myself motivated to start this series. I’d say that these books will remain on my maybe/someday shelf, but I don’t think I’m going to put them on my 2023 series list.

The Lady Janies series by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows:

Status: Baby steps. I read the first book in the series, and loved it! Just haven’t had time to continue yet, but I absolutely intend to.

The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski:

Status: One and done (for now). My goal had been to make lots of progress in this series — maybe even finish it? I read one more book, The Time of Contempt, and even though I still have four more left to read (and actually own copies of them all), I feel pretty done at this point. Maybe after the next season drops on Netflix, I’ll feel inspired to continue with the books… but as of now, I doubt it.

That’s it for my 2022 series reading. How about you?

Did you read any series in 2022? Any particular favorites?

Check back in January, when I’ll set a new batch of series reading goals for the new year.

The Monday Check-In ~ 2/28/2022

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cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Brrrrrr. Greetings from the land of ice and snow!

Okay, I exaggerate… but I’m on the East Coast this week to visit family, and it’s cold! Especially in comparison to the sunny temps in the 60s I left behind. But, I packed my gloves, scarves, and winter boots, so I’m ready! (And really, I’m basically going to be indoors except for the distance from the door to the car, so just ignore my drama queen complaints!)

What did I read during the last week?

Spelunking Through Hell by Seanan McGuire: A really fun addition to the ongoing InCryptids series. My review is here.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle: A magical element without explanation kept me from becoming fully engaged with this story of a mother-daughter relationship. My review is here.

Gwendy’s Final Task by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar: An awesome conclusion to a trilogy that centers around a remarkable, unforgettable character. The audiobook was a treat. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

As I write this post late Sunday, I’m getting ready to go watch the season finale of 1883, which I binged this past week, and fell in love with. I’m sooooo worried and preemptively heart-broken — from the way the 2nd to last episode ended, very bad things lie ahead.

On a lighter note, my son and I watched The King’s Man this past week. After reading the mostly negative reviews back when it was released, I was actually surprised by how much we enjoyed it. It’s a silly movie, but lots of fun. And it does manage to include a lot of unexpected historical facts about WWI in amongst the silliness and action sequences. Not a batch choice if you’re looking to stream something that doesn’t require much concentration.

Puzzle of the Week:

I made the mistake of starting this puzzle on Monday last week. It’s a 1500-piece puzzle, and I was determined to get it done before getting on a plane on Saturday. I made it… but only barely. Whew!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Persepolis Rising (The Expanse, #7) by James S. A. Corey: Call me crazy, but I really do want to finish up this series this year, so I decided to start this 600+ book on my flight. I haven’t gotten very far yet… but I’m eager to see where the story goes.

Now playing via audiobook:

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon: I started this love story set on the Oregon Trail earlier in the week, not fully thinking about the fact that I would be watching 1883, centered around similar events. It’s actually a good experience balancing the two different stories and getting slightly different takes on the historical era.

Ongoing reads:

Here we go! Outlander Book Club is starting our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week — starting tomorrow (March 1st) with the prologue. Considering how many chapters are in this book, this is going to take a loooooong time. (If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.)

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 2/21/2022

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cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Just another busy week! But thank heavens for long weekends — I can feel my energy levels resetting already.

My daughter sent me this picture, taken from a plane as her flight passed over San Francisco, and I thought it was too amazing not to share:

We don’t usually get to see our city from the air! I can see exactly where I was out walking when she was flying by.

What did I read during the last week?

An Impossible Impostor by Deanna Raybourn: The 7th book in the Veronica Speedwell series is just as much fun as I’d hoped (and expected). My review is here.

Beach Read by Emily Henry: My book group’s book for February, a re-read for me — and I enjoyed it all over again! My review from my first read is here.

Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Levy: The graphic novel that inspired M. Night Shyamalan’s movie Old. Short version of a review: Don’t bother. See the movie instead.

Pop culture & TV:

Like millions of others, I watched The Tinder Swindler this past week:

I’m not usually much of a true crime fan, but this movie was so hard to look away from — really like a slow-motion trainwreck. Fascinating and awful.

You may have seen me mention my Yellowstone obsession previously — well, now I’m watch its prequel show, 1883, and I’m loving it too! It’s very different, but really good, with a great cast and (so far) one cameo that totally took me by surprise.

Puzzle of the Week:

A fun puzzle showing a dream setting for me. Give me a cozy cabin, a fireplace, good books, and warm socks any day!

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to a copy of the final Expanse novel (even though I still have two books left in the series before I can start it).

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Spelunking Through Hell by Seanan McGuire: The 11th book in the Incryptid series. I love this series, and this installment is fun, but I’m not quite as invested as in other books, maybe because I don’t care as much about the central characters in this book versus the leads in some of the others. Still, all Incryptid books are great! [Late Sunday update: Just finished! Review to follow]

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle: This is what I’ll be starting Monday morning! I’m looking forward to it — I’ve really liked all three of the books I’ve read by this author. And it opens with a quote from Gilmore Girls, so that’s a very good sign!

Now playing via audiobook:

Gwendy’s Final Task by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar: The last book in the Gwendy trilogy. It’s good so far! The plot is pretty far-fetched, but I’m really liking the story anyway.

Ongoing reads:

None at the moment, but I have a big book group long-term read starting next week, so I’m taking deep breaths this week and getting myself ready!

So many books, so little time…

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