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.
What did I read last week?
I ended up loving I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. My review is here.
Not so much with Perdita by Hilary Scharper. I tried to stick it out, but by the 25% mark, I realize that it just wasn’t happening for me. Sadly, this book is my first DNF of the year.
I had a great time doing some graphic novel catch-up. I adored The Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks. Read about it here.
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll was perfectly dark and disturbing and twisted. Perfect for when you want a creepy story or two before bedtime, so you can lie awake all night and listen to the wind.
Finally (!!!), my kiddo and I finished Talking to Dragons, the conclusion of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede. Boy, was this series a mixed bag. I posted a series wrap-up here.
Fresh Catch:
My only NEW new book this week was Through the Woods — but I did come home with a big armful of books from the library, including a few novels…
… and a couple of graphic novels (by my super-favorite, Brian K. Vaughan):
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
I’ve started Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay. I’m reading just a few essays at a time, so this one will be on my nightstand (and in my Monday Check-In posts!) for the next few weeks.
And just for fun, I’m reading The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg. I’ve read a couple of her more recent YA books, and always enjoy her smart, strong, and funny characters.
Now playing via audiobook:
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein: I’ve read the book, but I’m finding new shades and depths as I listen to the audiobook. I’m about halfway through, and I’m pretty blown away by the excellence of the narrator of part 1.
Reading with my kiddo:
The Expeditioners and the Secret of King Triton’s Lair by S. S. Taylor: We’re so excited to start this one! The first Expeditioners book was great fun, and I was lucky enough to win a signed copy of #2 from Goodreads (thank you, Goodreads!).
Book club reading:
Classic read: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. (One chapter per week)
A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week, from now through the end of 2015!
OBC Book of the Month: Henna House by Nomi Eve (discussion starts January 21st).
Fields & Fantasies Book Club pick for January: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Want to join any of the group reads? Let me know and I’ll provide the links!
So many book, so little time…
I read Station Eleven sometime around New Years and really liked it! Just for some reason didn’t feel inspired to review it. Hope you enjoy all of the above as well – looks like a great plan 🙂
I’m glad to know you enjoyed Station Eleven! I was maybe going to start it today — but I’m still feeling more in the mood to stick with light and breezy, so I may just continue on with the YA books I brought home from the library first before pushing on with something heavier. Thanks!
Good call! It is definitely a little heavier — perhaps closer to literary fiction than the SF it seems to be categorized as.
You have some awesome reads lined up! I loved the Scarlet Pimpernel! bad Feminist and the Swamp Thing graphic novel sound great. Two more books to add to my TBR pile. 😀
The Scarlet Pimpernel is such fun! We’re only reading one chapter per week, and I’m trying to avoid the temptation of reading ahead to see how it all works out, especially now that we’re down to the last 10 chapters. I’m really excited about Swamp Thing — I was browsing the graphic novel shelves of our local used book store, and a woman who was also browsing ended up recommending a whole bunch of books that sound amazing!
Nice! I love getting random recommendations from strangers in a bookstore! And I’m betting the temptation of reading ahead will get harder to resist the closer you get to the very end!
Your review makes I’ll Give You the Sun sound like a great read.
Have a great week!
Thanks, Shelley! I hope you have a great reading week too!
I love Jojo Moyes! I have read several of her books, but not Silver Bay. I can’t wait to hear what you think. I read Bad Feminist last year and enjoyed it. I thought it got a little preachy at times, but overall still a good read. Roxane Gay is a great writer.
I’m really enjoying Bad Feminist so far — I’ve read about 7 or 8 essays at this point, and I’m trying to stick with it but in small doses so I don’t get tired of it. (I have a hard time staying focused when I read short stories, essays, etc.). I love Jojo Moyes too! I think I read four books by her in the past year. 🙂